Blue-black Grosbeak vs Northern Cardinal
Cyanoloxia cyanoides compared with Cardinalis cardinalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Blue-black Grosbeak | Northern Cardinal |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cyanoloxia cyanoides | Cardinalis cardinalis |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae | Cardinalidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 22.0 cm (8.7 in) |
| Wingspan | 15.9 cm (6.3 in) | 30.0 cm (11.8 in) |
| Weight | 29.733333333333334 g (1.05 oz) | 44.0 g (1.55 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Northern Cardinal
Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.
Song & Call Comparison
Blue-black Grosbeak
Northern Cardinal
Loud, clear whistled phrases: 'cheer-cheer-cheer' and 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Both male and female sing; female song is softer. Alarm is a sharp metallic 'chink'.
Geographic Range & Migration
Blue-black Grosbeak
Northern Cardinal
Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.
Conservation Status
Blue-black Grosbeak
Northern Cardinal
How to Tell Them Apart
Blue-black Grosbeak
Northern Cardinal
Males are brilliant crimson red overall with a black face mask. Females are warm buffy brown with reddish tinges on wings, crest, and tail.
Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill
About These Birds
Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species. Unlike many songbirds, both males and females sing, often in duets. Cardinals do not migrate and their brilliant red plumage against winter snow makes them a favorite among backyard birdwatchers.