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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute	Red-crowned Ant-tanager	Northern Cardinal
Scientific Name	Habia rubica	Cardinalis cardinalis
Order	Passeriformes	Passeriformes
Family	Cardinalidae	Cardinalidae
Conservation Status	Least Concern	Least Concern
Length	—	22.0 cm (8.7 in)
Wingspan	18.5 cm (7.3 in)	30.0 cm (11.8 in)
Weight	32.525 g (1.15 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	2-3	1-5
Population Trend	—	—

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Size Comparison

Body Length

Red-crowned Ant-tanager —

Northern Cardinal 22.0 cm

Wingspan

Red-crowned Ant-tanager 18.5 cm

Northern Cardinal 30.0 cm

Weight

Red-crowned Ant-tanager 32.525 g

Northern Cardinal 44.0 g

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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

🌲 Forest

Red-crowned Ant-tanager only

None

Northern Cardinal only

None

Northern Cardinal

Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.

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Song & Call Comparison

Red-crowned Ant-tanager

Northern Cardinal

Song

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'.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Red-crowned Ant-tanager

Northern Cardinal

Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Red-crowned Ant-tanager

Least Concern

Northern Cardinal

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How to Tell Them Apart

Red-crowned Ant-tanager

Northern Cardinal

Plumage

Males are brilliant crimson red overall with a black face mask. Females are warm buffy brown with reddish tinges on wings, crest, and tail.

Bill

Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill

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About These Birds

Red-crowned Ant-tanager

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.

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Related Comparisons

Northern Cardinal vs Hawfinch

look-alike

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More Birds to Explore

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