Can you tell the difference between a male and female Cardinal? Adult males are the striking red you typically associate with this species, while the females are pale brown with red tinges. Juveniles look similar to females but they will have a gray to black bill instead of bright red. This male Northern Cardinal (23-5499) was found in Boca Raton unable to fly. While this patient was weak and quiet, he was able to hop around well. It is undetermined what initially prevented this patient from fly