The Cardinal Grossbeak, with his bright black and red plumage, and fine pointed crest, is really a splendid bird. His fame for beauty and song hath reached across the Atlantic, and in Europe he is much prized, and named the Virginia Nightingale, from the resemblance his notes bear to the notes of that bird, and which is said by judges, to be but little inferior. He is a sprightly and active bird, has a fine figure, and a clear voice, and a good deal of variety in his note. They are clean in the cage, feeding principally upon seeds, which makes them, altogether, very desirable cage birds, and great favorites with those who possess them. The female of this bird sings also a low but sweet note.

They are a hardy and easily kept bird, and will live a long time in a cage. There was a preserved specimen in Peale's Museum some years ago, which, it was said, lived twenty-one years in the cage.

Food

I have kept them in good health and song, upon Canary, two-thirds, and hempseed one-third, and a bit of beef, say twice a week, scraped as for the Mocking Bird. I have had them in full song in the middle of winter. They require plenty of gravel, and water to wash with, which should never be omitted for any bird.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male is of a fine red, brighter towards the head; under the bill and sides of the head black, a fine large pointed crest, which it can lower or erect at pleasure. On the female the crest is smaller, and not so often raised; where the male is black she is of a chestnut brown. The body is of a drab color, except the wings and the tail, which are nearly as red as the male.

Location

Found throughout the Southern and Western States. To the south of Maryland - Resident.