A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Hobbies, Crafts and Creativity The Bird Lovers Forum Juvenile Northern Cardinal?

I have a male Northern Cardinal in my yard right now that has a LOT of grey/brown on his back. Is this a juvenile that is still getting his adult plumage? His head and breast are the typical bright red, and dark black around his bill. But his back and wings are very grey/brown.

Annette

That MIGHT be a juvenile. Juvenile cardinals of either sex tend to be a uniform grayish-brown all aver with a dark gray or black bill. Male Cardinals vary a LOT on the amount of red. Also, the time of year can have an influence on the amount of red. In late Summer, many Cardinals, male and female, go COMPLETELY bald with NO feathers on their head. They have plenty of feathers elsewhere on their bodies, just none on their head.


JUVENILE NORTHERN CARDINAL



BALD FEMALE NORTHERN CARDINAL

This fella had the typical bright red plumage everywhere except his back. Maybe he was just dirty?! LOL

Annette

wow cool photos for sure..

Juvenile or not .