The northern cardinal is one of the most recognizable and beloved backyard birds in North America. With its bright red plumage, melodious songs, and enthusiastic feeding behavior, it’s easy to see why cardinals capture our attention and imagination. But once in a while, you may spot a cardinal that looks different than the typical red ones – an orange cardinal. So what causes some cardinals to have orange feathers instead of red? Let’s take a closer look at these unique birds.
What Causes Orange Coloration in Cardinals?
While most cardinals have bright red feathers, a small percentage of the population exhibits orange coloring instead. This orange hue is the result of a rare genetic mutation that causes the birds to have altered carotenoid pigments. Carotenoids are responsible for producing the red, orange, and yellow colors in the feathers, skin, and beaks of many bird species.
In normal cardinals, the red coloration comes from carotenoids called astaxanthins and canthaxanthins. But in orange cardinals, a mutation causes a change in one of the enzymes that breaks down these pigments. This leads to a buildup of a specific carotenoid called lutein, which produces yellow and orange hues. When the red pigments combine with this excess lutein, it shifts the overall color from red to orange.
How Rare are Orange Cardinals?
Orange cardinals are quite rare, occurring in only 1 in every 1,000 birds according to some estimates. The mutation that causes the orange color is recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene for it to be expressed in the offspring. Since most cardinals do not carry this recessive gene, the chances of two orange gene carriers mating and producing an orange-feathered baby are very low.
That’s why when orange cardinals do appear, they tend to be limited to specific isolated populations where inbreeding has allowed the recessive gene to proliferate. For example, there are several reports of higher than normal orange cardinal concentrations in Florida, where geographical factors may favor the mutation’s spread. But even in these hotspots, orange individuals make up less than 5% of the total cardinal population.
Differences Between Males and Females
Like normal red cardinals, orange cardinals exhibit sexual dimorphism in their coloring. This means that males and females have distinct plumage.
Male orange cardinals are a vibrant orange overall with black face masks, orange beaks, and dark brown eyes. Their wings and tails are a darker orange than the body feathers.
Females, on the other hand, are much duller. They have pale brown bodies with some orange wash, especially on the crest, wings, and tail. Their beaks are orange and their face masks grayish rather than black like the males’ masks. Immature orange cardinals of both sexes resemble the adult females until their first molt.
Behaviors Compared to Red Cardinals
Aside from their distinctive plumage, orange cardinals behave much like their scarlet-colored counterparts.
Orange males are equally as territorial and aggressive, defending their breeding and feeding territories from intrusions by other males. Their songs and call notes are identical to normal cardinals, used to attract mates and communicate alarm.
Females build nests, incubate eggs, and care for young just as red females do. And both orange males and females form monogamous pair bonds and raise multiple broods per breeding season.
In terms of feeding, orange cardinals have adapted well to backyard bird feeders, eagerly visiting for sunflower seeds, suet, corn, and other treats. They blend into mixed flocks with red cardinals, not venturing far from cover due to their brightly contrasting plumage.
Overall, aside from color, orange cardinals exhibit similar biology, ecology, and behavior as typical red northern cardinals.
Range and Habitat
The northern cardinal as a species ranges across eastern North America from southern Canada down through the United States into Mexico. Cardinals can thrive in varied habitats wherever there are shrubs, small trees, and sources of food and cover.
Orange cardinals, specifically, have been spotted throughout the cardinal’s overall range since they arise randomly by mutation. But again, they seem to occur more frequently in dense populations in southern states like Florida and Texas. These localized concentrations likely indicate a food-rich, relatively small habitat where inbreeding allows the orange gene to persist.
Some potential hotspots reported by birders include Orange County, Florida near Orlando and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. But even in these orange cardinal capitals, sightings are still considered extremely rare and noteworthy. That’s what makes observing one of these unique birds so exciting for avid birdwatchers.
Spotting an Orange Cardinal in Your Yard
While orange cardinals are unusual, with a little luck and the right habitat you just may have a chance to spot one visiting your yard or neighborhood. Here are some tips to increase your odds:
– Provide good cover such as dense shrubs and brush piles where cardinals can safely feed and nest hidden from predators. Orange cardinals are shy and need protection.
– Offer a variety of seeds, fruits, and suet at feeders. Cardinals are omnivorous and will come readily to feeders with their favored foods.
– Use bird baths and fountains. Cardinals love to bathe and drink, so a water source can be a draw.
– Have patience and watch carefully. Against the red males, an orange cardinal can be easy to miss at first glance. Scan flocks repeatedly.
– Focus during winter and migration seasons when northern cardinals congregate in flocks. An orange may turn up with traveling red flocks.
– Check eBird and birding groups for sightings in your area. An orange cardinal report can indicate current presence.
With sharp eyes and some luck, you just may catch a glimpse of one of these stunning orange beauties mingling with its scarlet kin in your yard. It will surely be a rewarding and memorable backyard birding experience.
Summary
To recap, orange cardinals occur due to a rare genetic mutation that alters their carotenoid pigments, causing them to express more yellowish-orange hues. They are quite uncommon, making up less than 1% of the total cardinal population. Males are bright orange overall with black masks while females are paler orange-brown. Aside from their unique color, orange cardinals behave like typical red cardinals. They can be found throughout the cardinal’s range, especially in localized hotspots. While observing one is unlikely, birders should still be alert to the possibility of spotting this unusual variant in their yards or neighborhoods. With preparation and vigilance during winter flocking times, you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of one of these rare orange beauties.
| Cardinal Trait | Red Cardinal | Orange Cardinal |
|---|---|---|
| Coloration | Bright red | Orange-yellow |
| Commonness | Very common | Rare |
| Range | Across eastern North America | Throughout cardinal range but concentrated in southern states |
| Behavior | Territorial, monogamous, frequent feeders | Same typical cardinal behaviors |
| Sexual dimorphism | Males bright red, females tan | Males orange, females pale orange-brown |
