About the Red-crested Cardinal
The red-crested cardinal is a passerine bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. Notwithstanding its similar name, this bird is not closely related to the true cardinal family Cardinalidae. It is sometimes known as the Brazilian cardinal.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The red-crested cardinal is a medium-sized species showing a red head, with a red bib and a short red crest that the bird raises when excited. Belly, breast, and undertail are white, with a gray back, wings, and tail. Wing coverts are gray, but the primaries, secondaries, and rectrices show a darker gray. Juveniles are similar to the adults, but they show a dull brownish orange head and bib. This species is very similar to a close relative, the red-cowled cardinal (P. dominicana). It is also similar to the yellow-billed cardinal (P.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Red-crested Cardinal sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Yellow-billed CardinalParoaria capitataThe yellow-billed cardinal is a bird species in the tanager family (Thraupidae).
Red-capped CardinalParoaria gularisThe adult red-capped cardinal is 16.5 cm (6.5 in) long and weighs about 22 g (0.78 oz).
Red-cowled CardinalParoaria dominicanaThe red-cowled cardinal is a bird species in the tanager family (Thraupidae).
Learn the Red-crested Cardinal for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.