A cardinal can refer to two different things: a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church or a type of bird).

• Catholic Church: A cardinal is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church, appointed by the pope and typically holding the title for life. Collectively, they constitute the College of Cardinals). Most cardinals are bishops and archbishops leading dioceses and archdioceses around the world, while others are current or former officials within the Roman Curia). The term "cardinal" comes from the Latin word "cardo," meaning a hinge or door, which refers to the address of the titular church from which the cardinal derives his membership of the Roman clergy).

• Bird: The Northern Cardinal is a crested finch found in the eastern United States, adjacent Canada, the southwestern United States, and Mexico to Belize. The male is known for its bright red plumage, while the female is brown with red accents.

In summary, a cardinal can refer to a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church or a type of bird.