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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute	Northern Cardinal	Varied Bunting
Scientific Name	Cardinalis cardinalis	Passerina versicolor
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)	13.5 cm (5.3 in)
Weight	44.0 g (1.55 oz)	12.575 g (0.44 oz)
Diet	Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly …	--
Clutch Size	1-5	2-5
Population Trend	—	—

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Size Comparison

Body Length

Northern Cardinal 22.0 cm

Varied Bunting —

Wingspan

Northern Cardinal 30.0 cm

Varied Bunting 13.5 cm

Weight

Northern Cardinal 44.0 g

Varied Bunting 12.575 g

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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Northern Cardinal only

🌲 Forest

Varied 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'.

Varied 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.

Varied Bunting

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Northern Cardinal

Least Concern

Varied 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

Varied 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.

Varied Bunting

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Related Comparisons

Northern Cardinal vs Hawfinch

look-alike

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