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Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,894
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I've been seeing smaller Cardinals at my bird feeders. There are Cardinals of the normal size at the feeders as well. Other than their size and not quite as bright coloring, they seem healthy. 

Has anyone noticed smaller Cardinals at their feeders.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,752
Registered: ‎03-15-2014

They sound like juveniles.  Or a new mini variety.  Smiley Happy  

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,109
Registered: ‎04-14-2013

There's been a "wasting" disease of birds the size of cardinals, and larger.

 

They've just begun to come back to my area (the cardinals), and the once numerous blue jays are sparse.

 

I have not found any info that supports the reason.

Cogito ergo sum
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,809
Registered: ‎12-24-2010

NY State here - yes, did notice a small Cardinal yesterday; but thought it just a young one.  I'll keep watch now.

 

Blue Jays - feeder full of nuts but have seen only one Jay.

Birds here usually disappear this time of year for a spell - lots of red berries on bushes and evergreen trees.

 

When cold and snow hits - they immediately come flocking to the feeders.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,894
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

The juveniles here are the same size as the adults, just not as red. I've also noticed that some males aren't the deep red but sort of an orange red. I wonder if it's caused by pesticide.