Card 3 RED

THE CARDINAL

Cardinal

1. Species and Family

Common Name: Northern Cardinal
Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Family: Cardinalidae (cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings)
Beloved for its bright coloration and melodic song.

2. Appearance

Size: About 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) in length, wingspan around 10–12 inches (25–31 cm).
Males: Brilliant red plumage with a black mask around the beak.
Females: Soft brown-tan with warm reddish accents on wings and tail.
Both sexes have a distinct crest on their head and a strong, cone-shaped orange beak.

3. Habitat and Range

Found in North America, especially the eastern and central U.S., parts of Mexico, and south into Central America.
Prefer woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and suburban areas.
Year-round residents — they don’t migrate.

4. Social Life and Behaviour

Cardinals are monogamous, with pairs often staying together year-round.
Males sing loudly to defend territory and attract mates.
Known for “mate feeding” — the male passes food beak-to-beak to the female during courtship.

5. Diet

Primarily seeds and fruits, but also insects in warmer months.
Favorites include sunflower seeds, berries, and beetles.
Their strong beak is perfect for cracking hard seeds.

6. Role in the Ecosystem

Help disperse seeds of fruiting plants.
Control insect populations by feeding on bugs during nesting season.

7. Relationship with Humans

Popular in birdwatching and backyard feeders due to their color and song.
State bird of seven U.S. states (including Virginia, Illinois, and Ohio).
Considered a symbol of cheer, hope, and loved ones watching over you in many cultures.

8. Fun Fact

Female cardinals sing too — one of the few female North American songbirds to do so, often in long, complex phrases.

plant(heart/diamond)

Red Cherry

Type: Deciduous tree (Prunus species, such as Prunus avium or Prunus cerasus).

Needles: None – has simple, oval, serrated leaves.

Lifespan: Typically 20–30 years for cultivated trees; some wild species live longer.

Habitat: Grows in temperate regions worldwide; prefers well-drained, fertile soils with full sunlight.

Uses: Fresh fruit, jams, pies, juices, wines, and ornamental planting for spring blossoms.

Adaptations: Blossoms early in spring to maximize fruit development in summer; deep roots help in nutrient and water uptake.

Ecological Role: Provides nectar for pollinators, fruit for birds and mammals, and habitat for insects.

Fun fact: Cherry trees can produce over 7,000 cherries in a single good season from one mature tree!

Wild Plum

Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree.

Needles: None – has simple, serrated, oval leaves.

Lifespan: Around 20–40 years.

Habitat: Found in open woodlands, prairies, and along streams across central and eastern North America.

Uses: Eaten fresh, or used for jams, jellies, wines, and sauces; historically used in Indigenous medicine.

Adaptations: Spreads by root suckers to form dense thickets; can tolerate drought and poor soils.

Ecological Role: Provides food for birds, deer, raccoons, and pollinators; thickets offer shelter for small animals.

Fun fact: A single wild plum thicket can produce hundreds of pounds of fruit in one summer!

hockey team (heart/diamond)

Calgary Flames

Team Name: Calgary Flames
Founded: The franchise was originally founded in 1972 as the Atlanta Flames.
City: Started in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, before relocating to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1980.

Biggest Achievement:

The Flames won their only Stanley Cup championship in 1989.
They have made several deep playoff runs, including reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004.

Activities in the City (Atlanta, Georgia, USA):

Visit the Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of marine species.
Explore the World of Coca-Cola – Discover the history of Coca-Cola, taste beverages from around the world, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Learn about the life and legacy of Dr. King, including his childhood home and church.
Walk through Piedmont Park & the Atlanta BeltLine – Enjoy scenic trails, green spaces, art installations, and outdoor events.

Belleville Senators

Team Name: Belleville Senators
Founded: The team began playing in 2017.
City: Based in Belleville, Ontario, Canada.

Background:

The Belleville Senators are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.
The team relocated from Binghamton, New York, where they were known as the Binghamton Senators before moving to Belleville.