The cheerful songs and whistles of the Northern Cardinal are some of the first sounds of spring. A special structure in the throat produces the birds' sweeping notes, and both males and females sing. Join sound recordist Greg Budney and learn more in our Video of the Week. | Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)👇 The female cardinal rests quietly on an icy tree branch, her warm tan-brown feathers softly fluffed against the cold. Hints of red glow on her wings, crest, and tail, standing out gently against the pale winter landscape. She sits still, alert yet calm, her bright orange bill a small spark of color amid frost and snow. The cold air hangs silent as she conserves energy, waiting for the day to warm. Graceful, resilient, and quietly beautiful, the