Male cardinal with no crest

I just noticed this cardinal has no crest on his head. I wonder if this is a variation of the northern cardinal.

[Brian Buccigrossi]

Nice capture :)

[Mary]

He is absolutely beautiful. The expression is priceless! FAV

[Jussi Virta]

Great shot! Very bright red bird.

[CHARLES MALLIA]

wow you have many different types of birds.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Excellent capture. Cardinals are so pretty. I love their color.

[Danny Davies]

A great capture Beth, but unfortunate, to much noise or grain. lost the sharpness. Only because of a very high ISO.

[Devrin Wimberley]

Nothing like getting caught with birdseed in your beak...great catch!

[Shirley Chetwynd]

haha caught in the act, you have some amazing birds in your area Beth.

[Taephy]

fav......i thot it usually has a punky hairdo.

[Peggy Scroggins]

Beautiful color and shot. FAV

[Kerri]

Beautiful bird

[Margaret Tryon]

Terrific capture Beth....is he just not putting up his crest?

[Harry J Benson]

excellent composition and capture

[Seth Tan]

Awesome capture

[Carolyn White]

He's beautiful Beth!!! Awesome capture!

[Livia]

He has gorgeous coloring. Cool shot!

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Congrats on the PP, Beth.

[georgia delli-benedetti ツ]

amazing shot! congrats on the pop page :)

[Carolyn White]

Congrats on the PP!!! :0)

[Anne ❀]

great shot! lovely colours and pose

[Ellen E]

so pretty! I think maybe his crest is just down?

[Mary Lou]

beautiful cardinal!

[Cissy B.]

Lovely shot! I think he must be very relaxed and feels safe - their crest pops up when they're alarmed or feel threatened - so take that flat head as a compliment that he likes where he is!