Read About Virginia State Bird

Virginia State Bird is a cardinal bird; a songbird of the Finch family. They are also known as red birds. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Virginia State Bird -- Facts

1. Breed:

   The Cardinal bird belongs to the family Cardinalidae which is of the order Passeriformes.

2. Size:

   Cardinals can reach heights of up to 16 inches and widths of 9 inches.

3. Life Span:

   Cardinals live between 11 to 30 years, depending on their habitat.

4. Varieties:

   Cardinals, saltators, buntings, finches and grosbeaks all belong to the family Cardinalidae. Though they may have different nomenclatures, they are all types of cardinals as a large family.

5. Origins:

   Physical Traits:

   The Cardinal Bird is noted for their stark red colors, especially in the males. Females are dully colored with patches of red on them. Cardinal Birds have a noticeable red crest, sharp wings and tail feathers and a black marks all around their yellow beak.

   Temperament:

   Cardinal birds desire solitude and do not like frantic activity. They are non-migratory birds. Some birds of the species can behave irrationally and unpredictably.

   Trainability:

   Cardinals can be trained by professionals to nose drive and fly up to desired posts. They are birds of average intelligence, but have natural talents to excel at several avian activities.

Virgina State Bird -- Care

1. Habitat:

   Cardinals live in various kinds of vegetative habitats like forests, hedgerows, bushy growths, etc. They are often found nestling in trees close to human habitats, especially in edges of woods.

2. Food: Cardinals are omnivorous birds, i.e. they can eat both vegetarian and flesh foods. Their main diet consists of fruits, but they also eat nuts and insects in abundance.

3. Compatibility: Cardinals are very compatible with other bird breeds and also with humans. In fact they scout for nesting places near human settlements in order to procure easy food from them.

Virgina State Bird -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Cardinals are brightly colored songbirds that require very little maintenance. They also enjoy human company. Hence they can be made into very good pet birds.

2. Liability:

   Cardinals are non-migratory birds and hence you will have to help them out in the winter, if they are visiting your feeders. Give them proper pine or spruce perches that would keep the cold from their feet.

3. Health Issues:

   Cardinals are relatively healthy and adaptable birds. They do not have much care needs if they are kept under hygienic conditions.

4. Specific Care Needs: Cardinals require very little care. They are hardy woodland birds that can adapt well. They will remain disease-free if kept in clean cages and hygienic conditions.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Cardinals will visit you at the feeder if you have one. Since they are voracious eaters, installing a feeder outside your home will give you a fair amount of cardinals to see.

Virgina State Bird -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   The first thing that strikes us while planning to buy a cardinal is its bright scarlet color in males. Look for an intact plumage and upright crest. There should be no parasite issues.

2. Supplies:

   The Cardinal Bird will need food supplies and a nesting place near your house. There are no special supplies required to keep cardinals.

3. Expense:

   Keeping cardinals as caged birds is prohibited by the law and hence they are not available for sale.