Northern Cardinal vs Red-crowned Crane
Cardinalis cardinalis compared with Grus japonensis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Northern Cardinal | Red-crowned Crane |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cardinalis cardinalis | Grus japonensis |
| Order | Passeriformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae | Gruidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Length | 22.0 cm (8.7 in) | 150.0 cm (59.1 in) |
| Wingspan | 30.0 cm (11.8 in) | 250.0 cm (98.4 in) |
| Weight | 44.0 g (1.55 oz) | 8900.0 g (313.94 oz) |
| Diet | Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly … | Omnivorous — fish, amphibians, insects, grasses, and waste grain. Forages in wetlands and agricultural fields. |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Northern Cardinal
Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.
Red-crowned Crane
Freshwater marshes, bogs, and wet grasslands for breeding. Winters in coastal mudflats, estuaries, and rice paddies.
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'.
Red-crowned Crane
Spectacular unison 'bugling' call: a clear, resonant, far-carrying trumpet 'kru-ru-ru' given by paired birds simultaneously. Among the most majestic bird calls in Asia.
Geographic Range & Migration
Northern Cardinal
Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.
Red-crowned Crane
Eastern Asia — breeds in northeastern China, southeastern Russia, and Hokkaido, Japan. Winters in Korea and eastern China.
Conservation Status
Northern Cardinal
Red-crowned Crane
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
Red-crowned Crane
White body plumage with black secondary flight feathers and throat. Bare red crown patch. Black face and neck. One of the most elegant crane species.
Long, straight, olive-green bill
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.
Red-crowned Crane
The red-crowned crane is one of the rarest crane species and a potent symbol of longevity and fidelity in East Asian culture. Their elaborate unison call and dancing displays have inspired art and folklore for millennia. The resident population on Hokkaido, Japan, recovered from about 33 birds in 1952 to over 1,800 today.