Northern Cardinal Overview
The northern cardinal is common on all main Hawaiian Islands. It was introduced to Hawaii from the eastern United States in 1929 and is also called the Kentucky cardinal or red cardinal.
Adult males are bright red with a black patch around a red bill. Females are brown with red on the wings, tail and crest, giving them a softer look while still keeping the cardinal shape easy to recognize.
Habitat, Food and Nesting
Northern cardinals live in or near dense underbrush and forests. Their color makes males stand out when they move through green leaves, while females blend more easily into branches and cover.
They feed on insects, fruits and seeds. Nests are usually built low in shrubs or trees. For other familiar introduced birds in Hawaii, compare the red-crested cardinal, common myna and zebra dove.
