The first coin in a new 5-coin series entitled Colourful Songbirds of Canada, which captures the beauty of some of Canada’s most distinctive bird species.

With its brilliant red plumage and a distinctive crest atop its head, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) easily draws attention to itself wherever it is found. From southern Manitoba east to the Atlantic provinces, the beloved cardinal is one of many colourful songbird species that are testament to the inspiring beauty of nature in Canada.

The reverse design by Canadian artist Derek C. Wicks features a beautiful rendition of a northern cardinal in a tranquil setting. Finely detailed engraving showcases this songbird’s distinctive features – from the pointed crest atop its head to its thick, short bill, as well as the soft feathers that lead to its tail. The use of selective colouring recreates the northern cardinal’s brilliant red plumage viewed in three-quarter profile, as the bird sits nestled amidst engraved leaves and flower blossoms.