Greater Flamingo vs Northern Cardinal
Phoenicopterus roseus compared with Cardinalis cardinalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Greater Flamingo | Northern Cardinal |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phoenicopterus roseus | Cardinalis cardinalis |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae | Cardinalidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 130.0 cm (51.2 in) | 22.0 cm (8.7 in) |
| Wingspan | 160.0 cm (63.0 in) | 30.0 cm (11.8 in) |
| Weight | 3500.0 g (123.46 oz) | 44.0 g (1.55 oz) |
| Diet | Algae, diatoms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans filtered from shallow alkaline or saline water. Carotenoid … | Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly … |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Greater Flamingo
Shallow alkaline or saline lakes, coastal lagoons, mudflats, and salt pans. Requires large undisturbed areas for breeding colonies.
Northern Cardinal
Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.
Song & Call Comparison
Greater Flamingo
Loud, nasal goose-like honking 'ka-ha' calls, often in chorus at breeding colonies. Also gives softer gabbling and grunting sounds while feeding and preening.
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
Greater Flamingo
Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Irregular visitor to northern Europe.
Northern Cardinal
Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.
Conservation Status
Greater Flamingo
Northern Cardinal
How to Tell Them Apart
Greater Flamingo
Predominantly white-pink plumage with bright crimson-pink wing coverts revealed in flight. Long pink legs and a sinuous neck. Intensity of color depends on diet.
Large, downward-bent bill — pink with a black tip, adapted for filter feeding
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
Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the most widespread flamingo species and one of the most recognizable birds in the world. Their pink color comes entirely from carotenoid pigments in their crustacean and algal diet. Flamingos are social birds that breed in enormous colonies sometimes numbering tens of thousands.
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.