Red-Crested Cardinal
ExploreBirds
Red-Crested Cardinal
paroaria coronata
The Red-Crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is a striking, charismatic songbird known for its fiery red head and crisp white underparts. Native to the semi-open areas, shrublands, and river thickets of southern South America—including Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay—this bird has also become a deeply familiar sight in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, where it was introduced in the early 20th century. With its prominent crest and melodic, whistling song, it brings a vibrant splash of color and sound to both wild thickets and urban parks. Interestingly, despite its striking resemblance to North American cardinals and its shared common name, the Red-Crested Cardinal is not actually a cardinal at all. Modern genetic research places it firmly within the tanager family (Thraupidae). They are highly social and adaptable birds, often seen foraging enthusiastically on lawns or the ground in pairs or small family groups. Their vivid appearance and confiding nature make them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts across their native and introduced ranges.
Habitat: Found in semi-open shrublands and woodland edges, often foraging on the ground near water sources.
Appearance
The Red-Crested Cardinal is easily identified by its brilliant red head, face, throat, and prominent, pointed crest, which contrasts sharply with its crisp white breast, belly, and collar. The upperparts, including the back, wings, and tail, are a sleek, solid grey. It possesses a stout, pale silvery-grey, conical bill perfectly shaped for cracking tough seeds. Males and females share this striking plumage, making them visually identical in the field, but juveniles can be easily distinguished by having a muted, rusty-brown or dull orange head and crest instead of the adult's vivid red.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyThraupidaeGenusParoaria
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite its common name and crest, the Red-Crested Cardinal is not a true cardinal; it belongs to the tanager family (Thraupidae).
Introduced to Oahu in 1928, the bird thrived and has become one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous birds across the Hawaiian Islands.
They are notoriously fierce defenders of their territory and have been known to aggressively attack their own reflections in windows and car mirrors.
Unlike many true cardinals where only the male boasts bright colors, male and female Red-Crested Cardinals have identical, vibrant plumage.
Special abilities
Ability
Seed-Cracking Beak
Possesses a specialized, stout, and conical beak designed to exert high pressure for husking and cracking tough seeds.
Ability
Melodic Whistling
Produces a clear, sweet, and highly varied whistling song used primarily by males to establish and defend territory.
Ability
Crest Communication
Uses its prominent red crest to signal mood, raising it fully when alarmed, excited, or displaying aggression.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 17-19 cm
- Wingspan
- 25-28 cm
- Weight
- 0.03-0.04 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-4
- Incubation
- 12-14 days
Diet & Feeding
The Red-Crested Cardinal relies heavily on seeds and plant matter, but actively supplements its diet with insects and small fruits.
Age differences: Nestlings are fed an almost exclusively insect-based diet for high protein during growth, shifting toward seeds as they mature.
Primary Foods
- Grass seeds
- Insects
- Small berries
- Arthropods
- Spiders
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
Desert Hackberry
Celtis ehrenbergiana
A native tree species that provides both nesting habitat and a source of fruits and insects.
parasite
Shiny Cowbird
Molothrus bonariensis
A brood parasite that occasionally lays its eggs in the nests of Red-Crested Cardinals.
competitor
Saffron Finch
Sicalis flaveola
A ground-foraging bird that frequently competes for similar seed resources in open grassy areas.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Red-Crested Cardinal?
The easiest way to identify Red-Crested Cardinal is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Red-Crested Cardinal?
17-19 cm
What is Red-Crested Cardinal's wingspan?
25-28 cm
How much does Red-Crested Cardinal weigh?
0.03-0.04 kg
How long does Red-Crested Cardinal live?
5-10 years
How fast can Red-Crested Cardinal move?
40 km/h
What does Red-Crested Cardinal eat?
The Red-Crested Cardinal relies heavily on seeds and plant matter, but actively supplements its diet with insects and small fruits.
Where is Red-Crested Cardinal usually found?
Found in semi-open shrublands and woodland edges, often foraging on the ground near water sources.
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Park3 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve
You might spot ʻōhiʻa Lehua, Red Junglefowl, and Red-Crested Cardinal.
View guide →
Park22 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Allerton Garden
You might spot Brown Anole, Gold Dust Day Gecko, and Red-Crested Cardinal.
View guide →
Park12 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Chinatown
You might spot Red-Crested Cardinal and Zebra Dove.
View guide →
Park20 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula
You might spot 'āhinahina, Jackson's Chameleon, and Sea Turtle.
View guide →
Park13 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Foster Botanical Garden
You might spot Red-Crested Cardinal and Zebra Dove.
View guide →
Park16 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Hawaii Capital Historic District
You might spot Red-Crested Cardinal and Zebra Dove.
View guide →
