Red-cowled cardinal
The Red-cowled Cardinal (Paroaria dominicana) is a bird species belonging to the family Thraupidae, which is found in South America. Here are some key facts about this species:
- Appearance: The Red-cowled Cardinal is a medium-sized bird with a bright red head, neck, and upper chest, which contrasts with its black upper parts and white under parts. It has a distinctive black mask around its eyes and a short, conical bill. Females are similar in appearance but have a paler red coloration on their heads and less extensive black masks.
- Habitat: The Red-cowled Cardinal is found in open woodlands, savannas, and forest edges, mainly in Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. It is also found in urban parks and gardens and along roadsides and other disturbed habitats.
- Behavior: The Red-cowled Cardinal is a social bird that is often seen in small groups, foraging on the ground for seeds, fruits, and insects. It also feeds on nectar from flowers. This species is known for its sweet, whistled song, which is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Breeding: The breeding season for Red-cowled Cardinals is from September to February, and pairs typically raise 2-3 broods per season. The female builds a cup-shaped nest made of twigs, grasses, and other materials, usually in a shrub or small tree. She lays 2-4 eggs, which she incubates for about 12-13 days. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 12-14 days.
- Conservation status: The Red-cowled Cardinal is a common and widespread species, with a stable population. They are not considered a threatened species by any major conservation organizations.
Overall, the Red-cowled Cardinal is a colorful and sociable bird species that is popular among birdwatchers and appreciated for its attractive appearance and melodious song.
Scientific Name: Paroaria dominicana
Origin: Brazil
This lively, attractive songbird resembles the Red-Crested Cardinal, but is better tempered, smaller, and has no crest. It has a very melodious voice. It is not aggressive with similar-sized birds, but a pair is shy of breeding in a mixed collection.
Description:
Size: 18 cm (7 in)
COCK: Head and throat: bright red. Stomach: white, fading to grey. Back, wings, and tail: dark grey. Beak: cream. Legs: dark grey.
HEN:
Identical, so it is difficult to select a true pair.
Diet: (Seedeater)
Plain canary seed, mixed millets, and a little sunflower seed form the basic diet. If available, hemp seed is enjoyed. Some birds enjoy a little fruit. Green food and live food should be given to breeding pairs and an occasional maggot or meal worm is appreciated out of the breeding season. Grit and cuttlefish bone must always be available.
This bird needs a large aviary with plenty of covers. It is hardy but should be encouraged to use a shelter in cold weather as it has a habit of roosting outside. If not keen to use a shelter, try to provide some outside cover near the favorite perching and roosting spot.
Breeding:
The breeding season for Red-cowled Cardinals (Paroaria dominicana) is typically from September to February, which corresponds to the southern hemisphere’s spring and summer months. During this time, pairs engage in courtship displays that involve singing and feeding each other, among other behaviors.
The female Red-cowled Cardinal builds a cup-shaped nest made of twigs, grasses, and other materials, typically in a shrub or small tree. She lays 2-4 eggs, which she incubates for about 12-13 days. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks after they hatch.
The chicks are born naked and blind, and they are dependent on their parents for food and protection. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks with insects, seeds, and fruits. The chicks fledge after about 12-14 days and leave the nest, but they remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks until they can fly and fend for themselves.
Red-cowled Cardinals can raise 2-3 broods per season, with the male and female both taking care of the offspring. They are generally monogamous and may mate for life, with pairs staying together year-round.
Pope Cardinal Information
The Red-cowled Cardinal (Paroaria dominicana) is a bird species belonging to the family Thraupidae, which is found in South America. Here are some key facts about this species:
- Appearance: The Red-cowled Cardinal is a medium-sized bird with a bright red head, neck, and upper chest, which contrasts with its black upper parts and white underparts. It has a distinctive black mask around its eyes and a short, conical bill. Females are similar in appearance but have a paler red coloration on their heads and less extensive black masks.
- Habitat: The Red-cowled Cardinal is found in open woodlands, savannas, and forest edges, mainly in Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. It is also found in urban parks and gardens and along roadsides and other disturbed habitats.
- Behavior: The Red-cowled Cardinal is a social bird that is often seen in small groups, foraging on the ground for seeds, fruits, and insects. It also feeds on nectar from flowers. This species is known for its sweet, whistled song, which is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Breeding: The breeding season for Red-cowled Cardinals is from September to February, and pairs typically raise 2-3 broods per season. The female builds a cup-shaped nest made of twigs, grasses, and other materials, usually in a shrub or small tree. She lays 2-4 eggs, which she incubates for about 12-13 days. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 12-14 days.
- Conservation status: The Red-cowled Cardinal is a common and widespread species, with a stable population. They are not considered a threatened species by any major conservation organizations.
Overall, the Red-cowled Cardinal is a colorful and sociable bird species that is popular among birdwatchers and appreciated for its attractive appearance and melodious song.
See more: Purple Sugarbird