© 2006 Kelly Singleton ...Science Art-Birds

Title: Cardinal In Hemlock
Species: Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Artist: Kelly Singleton (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size: 6.5 " x 10 "
Media: watercolor
Date: 2007
Private collection


The artist notes: "Cardinals begin establishing nesting territory in the late winter. There may have been a large flock of cardinals in backyards throughout the winter, but IT will be reduced to a SINGLE pair BY spring. Male cardinals aggressively defend their territory from intruders. When a male sees its reflection in glass surfaces, it frequently will spend hours fighting the imaginary intruder. This painting in fact depicts a scene out my dining room window, which THAT WINDOW, IN FACT, has taken many a beating from male cardinals "attacking" their own reflections. Occasionally, females will be just as aggressive with other female cardinals or her THEIR reflection. The male will beginS courting the female after establishing his territory. He will sing softly to her and keep in constant contact with her through calls. Some PEOPLE with feeders SOMETIME SEE may have seen the male cardinal crack sunflower seeds and feed it THEM to the female he is courting."

Studies show that males with plumage of a brighter shade of red hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and produce more offspring.  Studies also show that and males with simpler, shorter songs hold better-quality territories. This may be a matter of energetic priority:   Presumably because they don't invest as much effort into singing, they have more energy and time to invest additional effort into territorial defense and caring for their young.