Yellow-billed cardinal on a rock
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Something Red.’ (See more offerings here.) I had a few bird photos that fell into that category, but I chose these yellow-billed cardinal photos for their name.
When I’m out on walks, I’ve run into people who ask me about the name of the little bird with the red head. No one has ever asked me about the name of the little bird with the yellow bill, but that’s the feature that gives them their name. I guess it’s because other cardinals have red heads so calling this one a red-headed cardinal would lead to confusion.
I thought this one, seen on the beach at Pololu, looked particularly dapper.
Such a striking bird, and your explanation of the name makes sense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only the explanation is correct. Maybe, maybe not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My comment did not go through from my tablet…great shot of the bird, love that red eye! Happy holidays, Graham and thank you for your continued participation and support of Sunday Stills! Mele kilikimaka!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Terri. Enjoy your travels and have a great holiday. Looking forward to seeing photos from it.
LikeLike
And just to confuse things even more, if I recall correctly they’re not related to the Northern Cardinal. I’m not sure if they’re even in the same family of birds as the Northern Cardinal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t doubt that. I’m not well up on lineage. I’m just happy when I can identify a bird! Season’s greeting David.
LikeLike
A quick search shows they’re related to the North American Tanager species and that they’re native to South America and introduced to Hawaii.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This photo shows the beauty of this bird
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. They are pretty little birds.
LikeLike