Cardinal scarlet (Cardinalis cardinalis) - a species of small bird in the family of cardinals (Cardinalidae). It occurs in the south of North America, from the southern tip of Canada to the southern areas of the United States (Texas), Mexico and the northern tip of Guatemala and Belize. Also found on the Big Island in Hawaii. It prefers wooded areas, gardens, thickets and swamps. A relatively small songbird, 21–23 cm long. Both the female and the male have a feather comb at the back of the head that can frighten. The male's mouth is black and the female's mouth is gray or brown. Sexual dimorphism is marked by the color of the birds. Males are vivid red, females are pale red, beige or brownish. Scarlet cardinal feeds mainly on seeds, less often on insects and fruit. Males are very territorial. The breeding takes place two to four times a year. The female lays three to four eggs at a time. The species was very popular as a pet, however in the United States it has been banned from captivity since 1918.