Photos of A.I.–generated birds like the “Santa cardinal” are all over the internet and social media. By Nicholas Lund. Dec 28, 2023 12:00 PM. Image via Facebook. Tweet Share Share Comment ...

In late November 2023, an image went viral on Facebook, allegedly showing a rare, red-and-white cardinal. "Santa Cardinal is Comin’ to Town," one user captioned it: ...

But a Cardinal isn't just another pretty little bird. They have been viewed as a sign of hope and a reminder that you can do hard things, because hard things do not last forever.

Why is NC’s Cardinal the bird of Christmas? (Spoiler: It’s not just because it’s red) By Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska. Updated December 14, 2023 12:15 PM.

The cardinal became the state bird in Ohio and Indiana in the same year — 1933. Kentucky, North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia followed suit in 1942, 1943, 1949 and 1950, respectively.