Northern Cardinal vs Lazuli Bunting

Cardinalis cardinalis compared with Passerina amoena

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Northern Cardinal Lazuli Bunting
Scientific Name Cardinalis cardinalis Passerina amoena
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Cardinalidae Cardinalidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 22.0 cm (8.7 in)
Wingspan 30.0 cm (11.8 in) 14.1 cm (5.6 in)
Weight 44.0 g (1.55 oz) 15.549999999999999 g (0.55 oz)
Diet Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly … --
Clutch Size 1-5 1-6
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Northern Cardinal 22.0 cm
Lazuli Bunting
Wingspan
Northern Cardinal 30.0 cm
Lazuli Bunting 14.1 cm
Weight
Northern Cardinal 44.0 g
Lazuli Bunting 15.549999999999999 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Northern Cardinal only

None

Lazuli Bunting only

None

Northern Cardinal

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

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Song & Call Comparison

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'.

Lazuli Bunting

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Geographic Range & Migration

Northern Cardinal

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

Lazuli Bunting

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Northern Cardinal

Least Concern

Lazuli Bunting

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How to Tell Them Apart

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

Lazuli Bunting

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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.

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Related Comparisons

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