Northern Cardinal look-alikes
Cardinalis cardinalis
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Northern Cardinal. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra
Key differences
Male Summer Tanagers are entirely red with no crest and a paler, yellowish bill. Female Summer Tanagers are yellowish-orange and lack the cardinal's crest and thick bill.
Vermilion Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubinus
Key differences
Male Vermilion Flycatchers are bright red but are much smaller, have a black mask and back, and lack a crest. They also have a thinner, black bill and a different foraging style (flycatching).
Pyrrhuloxia
Cardinalis sinuatus
Key differences
Found in the southwestern US and Mexico. Pyrrhuloxias have a similar crest and shape but are primarily gray with red accents and a distinctive parrot-like, yellowish bill.
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