Perhaps love-crazed during mating season, a red-crested cardinal takes on a bright-red pickup truck last week in Wailea. The bird moved around the truck pecking at its reflection in the mirror ...

Another cardinal in Atlanta (named “Ripley,” I’d guess) lived as a house pet for 281/2 years, from 1933 to 1961. It is not unusual for birds in captivity to outlive their wild counterparts.

In Hawaii, a bird called the red-crested cardinal, a species introduced from South America, has a bright red head, white body and bluish-gray wings. Turtles also make the cut for patriotic coloration.

Santa Cardinal is Comin' to Town! A rare red and white cardinal in it's festive colors makes an appearance in Canada. It's unusual look is caused by gynandromorphy.