Most Colorful Birds on the Planet (And Where to Find Them)

18. Northern Cardinal
Latin name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Unique colorful feature: Bright red plumage
Where they are found: Eastern and Central North America
Size: Length: 8 inches (20.32 cm); Weight: 1.6 ounces (45.35 g) Wingspan:11 inches (27.94 cm)
Diet: Seeds and insects
You may know cardinals from some very beautiful winter greeting cards. Native to eastern and central United States and Canada, these little lovelies can be spotted in woodlands as well as urban parks and gardens, foraging for seeds and insects.

Known for their bright red plumage, red crests, and black eye masks, these vivid songbirds love winter and are often seen in stark contrast to white snow.


Northern cardinals get their name from the Roman Catholic cardinals who wear red robes and caps.

This songbird species is monogamous and during the breeding season the male will husk seeds and feed them to his mate. A pair will usually raise two broods each season with an average of three eggs for each nest.