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Red-cowled Cardinal (Paroaria dominicana)

Red-cowled Cardinal

Paroaria dominicana

Least Concern

Overview

The red-cowled cardinal (Paroaria dominicana) is a bird species in the tanager family, Thraupidae. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is not closely related to the true cardinals of the family Cardinalidae.

Habitat

Endemic to Brazil, this species inhabits a wide range of dry to semi-humid open to semi-open habitats, particularly in the Caatinga region of north-eastern Brazil. It has also been introduced to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where it is locally common even in urban areas.

Did you know?

The species' specific epithet, dominicana, alludes to the black and white habits of members of the Dominican Order.

Sources