Puzzling Birds – Cardinals

Cardinal Wood Puzzle

Having been born in Indiana, I have seen many Cardinals. It is also Indiana’s State Bird. When I saw this puzzle, it was not a hard choice to make.

I am currently working on a puzzle that has all the State Birds and Flowers. (It may take months to put that one together.) I was not aware that the Cardinal has been chosen for the State Bird in seven states according to web search.

From Copilot Search:

“The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is celebrated for its vibrant red plumage, melodious song, and year-round presence, making it a beloved symbol across the eastern and midwestern United States. Its striking appearance and cheerful song have inspired communities to adopt it as a state emblem, reflecting qualities such as resilience, vitality, and regional pride.”

States That Have Adopted the Cardinal

1. Kentucky – First to adopt the cardinal in 1926, highlighting its prevalence in the state’s rolling hills and woodlands.
   

   Northern Cardinal M-F ©BackyardBirdLover

2. Illinois – Adopted in 1929 through a statewide vote involving schoolchildren, emphasizing the bird’s year-round visibility and charm.
   

   Northern Cardinal Pair ©

   Indiana – Named the state bird in 1933, symbolizing resilience and vitality in both urban and rural habitats.

3. 

   Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) – ©WikiC

   Ohio – Adopted in 1933, reflecting the cardinal’s popularity and cultural significance among residents.

4. 

   Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Female ©WikiC

5. North Carolina – Designated in 1943, celebrating the bird’s presence across diverse landscapes from mountains to coastal plains.
   

   Cardinals in the Snow

6. West Virginia – Adopted in 1949, representing the rugged beauty of the Appalachian region and local folklore.
   

   Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Male and Female ©WikiC

Virginia – Named the state bird in 1950, recognizing its year-round presence and role in local conservation and cultural traditions.

Female Cardinal photographed at Circle B by Dan

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. (Isa_1:18)

Here are some more interesting facts about these beautiful Cardinals:

Additional Facts

• Cardinals are non-migratory, so they are visible year-round in their habitats .
• They thrive in a variety of environments, including deciduous forests, urban parks, and backyard gardens .
• The species’ scientific name is Cardinalis cardinalis, and it belongs to the family Cardinalidae .
• The cardinal’s popularity as a state bird surpasses all others, with the Western Meadowlark and Northern Mockingbird following in second and third place, respectively .
  The Northern Cardinal’s combination of beauty, song, and cultural resonance has made it a natural choice for multiple states, creating a strong regional identity and a shared symbol of nature’s vibrancy.

While looking for previous “Cardinal” articles that we have posted before, I was amazed at how many articles there are. You can use the search link in the right column to find more. Here are just some of those:

State Birds of America – Information

Northern Cardinal – Video

Cardinalidae – Grosbeaks, Saltators & Allies

Why Red?

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardius

Friday Friends – Dorothy (Dottie) Malcolm

A Cardinal Sits With Me

From Sunday Inspiration Menu:

• Cardinalidae Family of Cardinals Plus ~ “Written in Red” – Orchestra & Choir
• Cardinalidae Wrap-up ~ “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” ~ Choir and Orchestra

Wordless Birds