Bird
Red-crested Cardinal
Paroaria coronataAlso known as Brazilian Cardinal
Pairs spend much of their day foraging on the ground for fallen seeds and small insects, raising their brilliant crimson crest when alarmed or singing from conspicuous perches. Both parents cooperate to construct an open cup nest of twigs and plant stems hidden within dense shrubs or low tree canopies. Highly adaptable to altered environments, established non-native flocks now flourish across parks, lawns, and gardens in places like Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
SongbirdCrestedUrban Wildlife
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGrass seeds, Small beetles, Wild berries
Predators
- Feral cats
- Raptors
- Snakes
ThreatsIllegal cage-bird trapping and localized habitat clearance
HabitatsSemi-open scrub, dry woodlands, river borders, marshes, and suburban parks
Life span6–12 years
Classification
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyThraupidae
- GenusParoaria
- SpeciesParoaria coronata
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
- Spotting: Scan grassy clearings, golf courses, and park lawns near dense brush where pairs feed on the turf.
- Listening: Tune in for rich, whistled musical phrases delivered from high telephone wires or tree branches.
- Respecting: Maintain a respectful distance from low thickets to avoid disturbing nesting pairs during spring.
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set Pro
Backyard Birds
Red-crested Cardinal is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.




