![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_2e3a511c66c14aceab3d5bcdbdbccef8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_2e3a511c66c14aceab3d5bcdbdbccef8~mv2.jpg)
Northern Cardinals are known for their red plumage, but some of these birds have yellow feathers instead.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_69d7967c84ff4d3993c340cf08b88c15~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_194,h_258,al_c,q_80,blur_3,enc_auto/2d1f59_69d7967c84ff4d3993c340cf08b88c15~mv2.jpg)
The theory is that these unique yellow feathers are caused by a genetic mutation that results in the bird missing the enzyme that converts yellow pigments in their food to red, leading to yellow feathers.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_947bb8906c7440eda28073a6650e59a6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_69,h_46,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_947bb8906c7440eda28073a6650e59a6~mv2.jpg)
This mutation only affects an estimated 1 in 1 million birds, so seeing a Yellow Northern Cardinal (not to be confused with a Yellow Cardinal) is truly a rare event!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_199e7dde98414dc2b6576269f12afa12~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_62,h_51,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_199e7dde98414dc2b6576269f12afa12~mv2.jpg)