If there is a Pennsylvania critter that represents Christmas, it must surely be the cardinal. Photographs or paintings of this colorful bird, often proudly perched on a snow-covered evergreen bough, grace many holiday greeting cards.
The bright red plumage of the male against a white and green background presents a striking image. The cardinal is a favorite at other times of the year, too. Seven states have selected the cardinal as their official state bird, including our neighbors in Ohio and West Virginia.
Home » Home Page News » Get to know the cardinal, the Christmas bird
Get to know the cardinal, the Christmas bird
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
- Tags: Nature, Pennsylvania, Wildlife
Hand-Picked For You
Smallmouth bass caught from Green Bay breaks Wisconsin’s 76-year old state record
Kevin Naze
November 2, 2026
How to track a deer after the shot: A blood-trailing refresher for gun season
Ryan Rothstein
November 5, 2026
Outdoor Insights: The forward-facing sonar study anglers have been waiting for is finally here
Rob Drieslein
November 4, 2026
The top modern ammo innovations every big-game hunter should know
Ron Spomer
November 4, 2026
Great Lakes Aquarium-raised sturgeon released into St. Louis River in Duluth
Justin Runberg
November 4, 2026
Fish and Wildlife advisory committee invites ideas
DNR Report
November 4, 2026
Related Articles

How to track a deer after the shot: A blood-trailing refresher for gun season
Ryan Rothstein
November 5, 2026
Every season, deer are lost that could have been found. Here’s a refresher on reading a deer’s reaction at the

MN Daily Update: It takes more than trail cams to be a successful deer hunter
Outdoor News
November 5, 2026
Tim Lesmeister explains why you have to be using more than trail cameras if you want to be a consistently

Deer stand dilemmas require careful consideration
Wade Robertson
November 5, 2026
Serious deer hunters know stand placement is critically important, especially on public lands in Pennsylvania where the average hunter has