Ever stumbled upon the charismatic Red Cardinals? Or have seen them flying around gracefully, puffing out their most vibrant plumage?
If so, know that you are indeed a lucky person to witness them!
After all, you don’t always get to see them. But why are Cardinals red? Is it just a mere coincidence? Or is there any specific reason behind it?
So much confusion to solve, Right?
Well, in the following article, we will give you the answer to all your questions along with related topics to know.
Hence, fasten your seatbelt as we are about to take a deeper dive into the fascinating world of the most colorful and bright red Cardinals.
How Did the Cardinals Evolve to be Red?
The Red Cardinals that we know today were not always the same. In fact, their colors were more muted or less vibrant, ultimately making them easy targets for predators.
So, changing their colors was also a bit necessary for their survival. This is where nature took a great turn, and the Cardinals were up for the greatest makeover of all time.
Here comes the bigger question: how did this even happen?
Well, it goes without saying that, somehow, through sexual selection, the red gene got promoted. From then, there was no stopping, and with time, their numbers kept increasing. And this is how we got our beautiful red Cardinals.
One of the major reasons for this was that the female Cardinals always had an attraction for bright and flashy colors. Eventually, making the red Cardinals a strong and genetically fit partner.
Wait, there’s more as well.
These bold red-colored feathers have made them super hard to spot among the leaves and branches – saving them from the hands of extinction.
Quite a fascinating tale, indeed!
How Cardinal Birds Feathers Get Their Vivid Color?
Well, it’s all about the Carotenoid and Melanin pigments.
Carotenoid pigments are mainly responsible for those vivid red colors that we get to see. Unlike other birds that tend to get carotenoids from their diet, these unique species can synthesize their own.
From various fruits to seeds and insects – they can munch on a carotenoid-enriched diet all day long. And not to mention, their bodies work like total magic when it comes to converting the dietary carotenoids into the bold red color that we simply adore.
Moving on to the melanin pigments, they also play quite a role and are responsible for the black, brown, or gray shades that we often see in their feathers.
These shades, when combined with carotenoids, produce such a gleaming optical effect that you will have a hard time not to fall in love with them.
Why Are Female Cardinals Not Red?
Male Cardinals are quite popular for stealing the show with their stunning red colors. However, that doesn’t mean in any way that the female Cardinals are any less. They are equally charming in their unique ways.
They come with a donning shade of soft brown or pale green – making them appealing from every angle.
And as the avian world is more of survival and blending in with the surroundings, the males are busy attracting their potential mates and protecting their territory. The female Cardinals work super hard at building nests and taking care of their little babies.
Plus, the female Cardinals also have their very own roles to play when it comes to protecting their offspring from the hands of predators.
This is where their subtle hues come into play – ensuring their safety by hiding disguised amidst the leaves and branches.
So, even if they might not be the star in terms of appearance, they have really won hearts by taking the responsibility to keep their babies all safe and sound.
Why Are Cardinals So Red in Winter?
When the entire world decides to dress itself in complete white, the red Cardinals decide to be bolder than ever.
However, this red color isn’t just for the show. Because as the day gets short and the temperature drops drastically during the winter seasons, their bodies cannot help but produce a special kind of pigment known as “carotenoids.”
As a result, the Cardinals begin to look even redder in such chilling weather conditions. Much like a natural sunscreen that acts as an active shield to protect them no matter how harsh the weather gets.
Is There Any Way To Help Cardinals Keep Their Color? If so, How?
Cardinals are certainly one of the most magnificent creatures whose appearance is simply breathtaking. However, just like human beings, they also need to maintain a proper diet and a good environment to shine to their fullest and keep their glow intact.
First and foremost, providing them with a healthy and balanced diet is of utmost importance. They are naturally attracted to foods like sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and so on.
Plus, you can go for wild grapes, raspberries, dogwood trees, or even an apple tree. These are something that they really love to eat and are also good for their color retention as well.
Moving on, these fellow creatures tend to thrive well in areas surrounded by shrubs, bushes, and trees. After all, a safe place ensures their well-being along with offering complete protection against various predators and harsh weather conditions.
So, if they happen to come to your backyard then and again, make sure to provide them with ample essential nutrients, fresh water, and safe habitat.
Does the Brightness of the Male Cardinals Red Color Help It Get Food?
Yes, to a great extent!
So, if you think that flashy color is only for the show, you have got it all wrong. As various researchers have also pointed out that the brightness of the male Cardinals’ red color indeed plays a significant role when it comes to finding food. They go on a serious mission and come home with food to feed themselves, their partners, and their babies (if any).
Plus, the brighter the red color is, the healthier and stronger the male Cardinals are expected to be. No wonder the female Cardinals are so tempted and driven away by them.
Why Are Some Male Cardinals Not Very Red?
When we think of male Cardinals, the very first image that comes to our mind is the red ones. However, many times, we will also find some male Cardinals that are not very red.
Why does this happen? It’s often their genetics.
Some of us may not know that the red color in male Cardinals comes from Carotenoids pigments.
So, you find some male Cardinals not very red in color, understand they carry specific mutations – ultimately affecting the way their bodies are processing the carotenoids. They may end up having a more soft, less intense red color or just a tinge of yellow or orange shade.
However, that doesn’t make them less strong or attractive for the female ones. On the contrary, with their unique characteristics like going for powerful songs or super impressive nest-building strategies – it can be anything.
If not more, nor less. So, there is no need to feel bad for them at all.
Do Cardinals Lose Their Color as They Age?
The Cardinals are more like those fine wines that age gracefully in terms of colorful appearance. And the more carotenoid-rich foods they eat, the brighter their plumage color will become.
However, as they mature, their stunning red color may undergo some subtle transformations. That is, they can either become a bit more muted or might take on a moderately orange or rusty tint as they age. Well, it’s just a normal phase of life that you cannot help but accept it.
Wrapping Up
We hope we could give your answer to ‘Why are Cardinals red?’.
Without any doubt, the red Cardinals are a true beauty of nature, second to none. However, these red feathers also have several roles to play as well.
From attracting their potential mates to driving away mighty enemies – the list just goes on. So, the next time you get a glimpse of these marvelous creatures, make sure to take a moment to cherish the great beauty that mother nature has bestowed upon us all.
FAQs
Why Do Male Cardinals Have Bright Red Coloring?
Male Cardinals have bright red color mainly to impress their potential mates, much like showing their masculinity and charm. The female Cardinals also have a certain kind of fascination towards the bright red male Cardinals.
Do Cardinals Have To Be Red?
Though the red ones are known to steal the spotlight, this doesn’t mean that they have to be only red.
Instead, they come in a variety of colors, ranging from brown to gray, olive green, etc. For instance, female Cardinals are found in pale brown shades with warm reddish tinges in their wings, tails, and crests region.
Do Female Cardinals Turn Red?
Not really. However, they have got their very own charm and tempting nature to behold. They are more on the warm brown shades than the redder version. And tends to stay like these for the rest of their lives as well.
Why Are Some Cardinals Not Fully Red?
These might happen due to several reasons. But the main cause behind not getting the fully red color is mostly due to the lack of melanin pigments in their feathers.
Owing to this, they can get a white or light-colored feather. And in case there is no melanin, the feathers are expected to be albino or leucistic.
Are Red Cardinals Lucky?
While it may seem like a wonderful thought, but the luckiness of the red Cardinals is mostly a myth. However, in various cultures, they are believed to be the symbol of good luck, loyalty, or maybe a spiritual message.
For example, Native American lore says that if a person sees a cardinal, s/he will have a shower of good luck for the next twelve days. Whether they are lucky or not, getting a glimpse of these birds is certainly a fortunate sight that is bound to bring a smile to your face.
