The name cardinal remained unchallenged for hundreds of years. Well, it was a win for a little while anyway. Not only did it describe the bird’s color, and thus avoid the pending lawsuit with the tanager, but it also further elevated the bird’s stature. Then a guy (probably Jebediah somebody) suggested they switch the name to “cardinal” because of the similar bright red outfits worn by officials in the Catholic Church. Oops! Suddenly red bird didn’t work as well. Well, until they spotted a Scarlet Tanager. After the long journey they were too jet lagged and full of scurvy to think of anything clever, so they simply called this new species the “red bird.” While the name lacked originality, it seemed to fit the bird just fine. And what did they call this new, flashy bird? Unfortunately, the settlers didn’t have much in the way of imagination. ![]() These birds were way flashier than any of those drab birds the settlers saw in England. When the early pioneers arrived in North America they were shocked when they first laid their eyes on cardinals. Just about everyone wants to know the answer to that, especially the birds. (BTW: The Rotary Club breakfast is at 7:00 AM…again.) But ask a question about birds being Catholic and you’ll have people on the edge of their seats. Without odd questions this column would be as interesting as the section of the newspaper that contains the Weekly Business Calendar. ![]() Does it have anything to do with Catholic cardinals or is there a more birdie explanation?ĭon’t ever feel bad about asking me a strange question. I would like to know how it got its name. ![]() One of my favorite birds is the cardinal. I hope you don’t mind but I have a rather strange question.
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