Size: Medium-sized songbird, about 21-23 cm (8.3-9.1 inches) in length.
Weight: Approximately 42-48 grams (1.5-1.7 ounces).
Plumage: Males are vibrant red with a black mask around the beak. Females are pale brown with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest, and a less defined black mask.
Beak: Both sexes have a thick, conical, reddish beak.
Crest: Prominent crest on the head.
Eyes: Dark brown.
Legs and Feet: Dark, usually blackish.
Known Range:
Geographical Range: Eastern and Central North America, from southern Canada through the United States to northern Guatemala and Belize.
Habitats: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, wetlands, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubbery for nesting.
Diet:
Primary Diet: Seeds, grains, and fruits.
Secondary Diet: Insects and small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when protein is crucial for growing chicks.
Feeding Behavior: Forages on the ground and in low vegetation. Attracted to bird feeders with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn.
Breeding:
Breeding Season: Begins in late March and can extend through September, with peak activity in April to May.
Nesting: Nests are built by the female in dense shrubs or low trees, typically 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) above the ground. Made of twigs, bark strips, leaves, and grasses.
Eggs: Clutch size is usually 2-5 eggs. Eggs are pale green, white, or blueish with brown or gray speckles.
Incubation: 11-13 days, primarily by the female.
Fledging: Chicks fledge about 9-11 days after hatching. Both parents feed the chicks.
Lifecycle:
Lifespan: Typically 3-5 years in the wild, though some individuals may live up to 15 years.
Juvenile Stage: Juveniles resemble adult females but with a darker bill. Males acquire their red plumage by their first autumn.
Molting: Adults molt once a year, usually after the breeding season.
Behavior: Territorial, especially during the breeding season. Males are known for their loud, clear whistling songs, used to defend territory and attract mates.
