Northern Cardinal vs Summer Tanager
Cardinalis cardinalis compared with Piranga rubra
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Northern Cardinal | Summer Tanager |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cardinalis cardinalis | Piranga rubra |
| 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) | 18.4 cm (7.2 in) |
| Weight | 44.0 g (1.55 oz) | 28.759999999999998 g (1.01 oz) |
| Diet | Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 3-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Northern Cardinal
Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.
Song & Call Comparison
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'.
Summer Tanager
Geographic Range & Migration
Northern Cardinal
Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.
Summer Tanager
Conservation Status
Northern Cardinal
Summer Tanager
How to Tell Them Apart
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
Summer Tanager
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.