Species · GBIF taxon 2490405
Pyrrhuloxia
Cardinalis sinuatusAlso known as Desert Cardinal, Grey Cardinal, Texas Cardinal
Pyrrhuloxias are resilient desert songbirds that thrive in the arid scrublands of the American Southwest and Mexico, using their heavy, parrot-like yellow bills to crack tough seeds. They defend territories with sweet, clear whistling songs and raise their crests high when agitated or communicating with mates. During the winter, these birds often abandon their strict territoriality to form large, nomadic foraging flocks.
DesertSongbirdCrested
Licensed reference(c) Diana Fuentes, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mesquite Seeds
- Cactus Fruits
- Insects
Predators
- Cooper's Hawk
- Feral Cats
- Gopher Snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss due to urbanization and brush clearing
HabitatsArid scrublands, desert riparian woodlands, and mesquite grasslands
Life spanUp to 8 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- SpeciesCardinalis sinuatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Listen for a sharp, metallic 'chink' call note or a clear, whistled song similar to a Northern Cardinal.
- Provide Water: Attract them to desert gardens by offering a dripping water feature or birdbath.
- Look in Mesquite: Scan the tops of mesquite trees and thorny brush where they prefer to perch and sing.
Desert Companion Habitat Companion 
Close Relative Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Félix Uribe from Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
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