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Red-cowled cardinal
The red‑cowled cardinal is a vibrant songbird native to northeastern Brazil, where it lives in dry scrub habitats such as caatinga, as well as open woodland, forest edges, and even urban gardens. Its striking appearance features bright red on the head, contrasting with a black hood and back, and clean white underparts, making it one of the most recognisable birds in its range.
You can find our red-cowled cardinal free-flying in the Tropical House.
Class:
Aves
Order:
Passeriformes
Family:
Cardinalidae
About the red-cowled cardinal
This species is primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds from grasses and shrubs, though it also takes insects and other small invertebrates. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in both natural and human-influenced landscapes, foraging confidently on the ground or low vegetation.
Red‑cowled cardinals are typically seen in pairs or small flocks. Their melodic calls and bold behaviour make them popular with birdwatchers, although this same appeal has led to trapping pressure for the cage‑bird trade in parts of Brazil.
Conservation
The red‑cowled cardinal is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Its restricted range in northeastern Brazil faces significant pressure from habitat loss and trapping, particularly within caatinga and dry scrub regions that are rapidly being converted for agriculture and urban expansion. Conservation measures include captive breeding and the protection of remaining natural habitats to help stabilise wild populations.