The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis  is a member of the family Cardinalidae that inhabits most of the eastern US.  It is so popular that it is the state bird of seven states, the highest total of any.  By the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918, it is illegal to take, kill, or possess northern cardinals, and violation of the law is punishable by a fine of up to US$15,000 and imprisonment of up to six months.