The Northern Cardinal is West Virginia's official State Bird. It was picked for several reasons:

• Color and Crest: The male has brilliant red feathers and a distinct crest.

• Song: They sing a beautiful, cheerful song throughout the spring and summer.

• Ubiquity: They are found all across the state and frequently visit backyard bird feeders.

Cardinals are excellent parents. They may raise up to four broods (families) each season. The female lays 2 to 5 eggs, and while she is sitting on new eggs, the male cares for the older young. Cardinals have a very diverse diet, eating many kinds of insects, wild fruits, and weed seeds.