Female Northern Cardinals are so similar to male Pyrrhuloxia that it is sometimes hard to tell which is which. The most obvious sign is the color and shape of the beak which is bright yellow and has an angular look in pyrrhuloxia while Northern Cardinal females have a bright orange beak.
This female Northern Cardinal came to the water feature at one of the blinds at Santa Clara Ranch in South Texas to drink and bathe. Her bright orange beak is the telltale feature that distinguishes her from the male Pyrrhuloxia.
Nikon D5, Nikkor 500mm PF.
