Editor’s Note: The Northern Cardinal is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
The Northern Cardinal is a songbird native to North America, renowned for its striking red plumage and distinctive pointed beak. Male Cardinals are particularly notable for their bright red feathers, while females have a more brownish color with red hues. Cardinals are commonly found in woodlands, gardens, and shrubby areas across the eastern United States and parts of Mexico.
On August 5, a Northern Cardinal (24-3308) was brought in after it had been illegally kept in captivity on someone’s front porch. Upon arrival, our staff observed feather damage and beak overgrowth due to improper care. The patient had damage to primary, secondary, and tail feathers. The left-wing had moderate tattering, while the right wing’s flight feathers were broken. The tail feathers had broken tips. The patient also had a mild overgrowth of the beak tip, likely due to improper diet and inadequate environmental enrichment during captivity.
This Northern Cardinal has feather damage after being illegally kept in captivity on someone’s front porch.
Initial treatment involved providing a proper diet and monitoring the bird’s ability to fly and recover in our outdoor enclosure. The cardinal displayed good flight abilities and began to show improvements, though the feather damage remained a concern. Our team wanted to give the patient a chance to molt the old, tattered feathers to regrow new healthy ones. With the proper diet and care, the cardinal should show improvements and be prepared for a successful release back into the wild.
This case emphasizes the harmful effects of keeping wildlife as pets. Prior to admission, the Cardinal was being kept in a small metal cage, which led to the injuries and stress. Wildlife needs proper care and enrichment to thrive. Illegal captivity not only causes harm but also disrupts the animal’s natural behaviors and well-being. It is crucial to understand the importance of respecting wildlife and their natural habitats. Call CROW or your nearest wildlife center if you find injured or orphaned wildlife, and never attempt to care for wildlife on your own.
Leave a Comment