Yellow Cardinal
The Yellow Cardinal is a colorful and relatively rare bird species that is native to South America, primarily found in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Here are some interesting facts about the Yellow Cardinal:
- Appearance: The Yellow Cardinal is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 7-8 inches in length. As the name suggests, it is predominantly yellow in color, with a bright yellow body, wings, and tail. The male has a distinctive black mask around its eyes, while the female has a grayish-brown head.
- Behavior: Yellow Cardinals are social birds that are often found in pairs or small groups. They are active during the day and spend much of their time foraging on the ground or in low bushes. They have a variety of calls, including a loud, clear whistle.
- Diet: Yellow Cardinals feed primarily on seeds, but they also eat insects and fruits. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds and can often be attracted to backyard bird feeders with a supply of sunflower seeds.
- Breeding: The breeding season for Yellow Cardinals varies depending on the location, but it typically occurs between September and December. The female builds a cup-shaped nest out of twigs and other plant material, which is usually located in a low tree or shrub. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which she incubates for about 14-16 days. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 12-13 days.
- Habitat: Yellow Cardinals prefer forested areas with dense underbrush, but they can also be found in more open habitats such as savannas and grasslands. They are most commonly found in areas with a reliable source of water.
- Conservation Status: The Yellow Cardinal is classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and agriculture are threats to their populations in some areas.
The Yellow Cardinal is a beautiful and interesting bird species that is highly sought after by birdwatchers and enthusiasts. Its vibrant colors and lively behavior make it a fascinating addition to any backyard birding setup.
Scientific Name : Gubernatrix cristata
Origin: Brazil and Argentina
A single bird can be kept quite safely in a mixed collection. However, pairs need to be watched to make sure there is no fighting. Although less colorful than the Red-Crested and Pope Cardinal, the Green Cardinal is often more eager to breed.
Description :
Size: 20 cm (8 in)
COCK :
Body: olive green with black markings. Cheeks and throat: yellow. Crest and throat patch: black. Stomach: greenish-yellow. Beak: grey. Legs: dark grey.
HEN :
Body: grey-green and grayish-white. The cock and hen of this specie are quite dissimilar and may be easily sexed.
Diet: (Seedeater)
Plain canary seed, mixed millets, sunflower seed, and hemp form the basic diet. Some live food, fruit tree twigs, grit, and cuttlefish bone should be provided for this species.
This hardy species can tolerate low temperatures, but not damp conditions. It is easy to keep in a medium-sized aviary with a dry, damp-proof shelter for cold weather.
Breeding :
Pairs construct a nest in a fairly dense hush or shrub. An open-fronted nest box, a basket, or a cup-shaped receptacle should be provided to encourage breeding. Plenty of live food should be given including small, smooth caterpillars, woodlice, spiders, fresh ants’ eggs, wasp grubs, and a few mealworms and maggots.
Three to four eggs form a normal clutch although as many as six are sometimes laid. Chicks fledge after four weeks and are normally independent in a further two weeks. Sprouted seeds and seeding grass heads should be fed to the chicks. Remove the young from their parents as soon as they are seen to be eating well on their own.
The breeding season for Yellow Cardinals varies depending on their location, but it typically occurs between September and December. During the breeding season, male Yellow Cardinals will display to attract a mate by singing and performing courtship behaviors, such as spreading their wings and tail feathers.
Once a pair has formed, the female will construct a nest made of twigs, grasses, and other plant materials. The nest is typically located in a low tree or shrub, and both parents will assist in its construction. The female will lay 2-3 eggs, which she will incubate for about 14-16 days.
Both parents will share in the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. They will take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch. The chicks will fledge, or leave the nest, after about 12-13 days, but they will still depend on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Yellow Cardinals can breed in captivity, but it is important to provide them with a suitable nesting area and a nutritious diet to ensure that they are healthy enough to breed successfully. A varied diet of high-quality seed mixes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and live insects will provide the necessary nutrients for your birds.
It is important to note that breeding birds require a lot of care and attention, and it is essential to ensure that they are housed in a safe and clean environment to prevent the buildup of bacteria or disease. If you are interested in breeding Yellow Cardinals, it is recommended to seek advice and guidance from experienced bird breeders or avian veterinarians to ensure the best possible outcome for both the birds and their offspring.
Yellow Cardinal Information
- In the wild, the bird is found in open woodland areas and the Prosopis woodland and semi-arid regions. The birds also thrive well in savannas and shrubby steppe regions having grass lengths of not more than 70 centimeters.
- The breeding season starts during the austral spring and by the time of November, the birds form nests and lay eggs. The number of eggs generally does not exceed more than 3 eggs.
- In recent years, the bird has been facing severe threats of extinction. The habitat of the bird is being destroyed due to the extraction of timber from the forests. Rapid deforestation, especially the eucalyptus forests for firewood and raw materials of furniture has made the birds homeless. Huge areas of grasslands have also been converted into cattle pastures leading to the destruction of the habitat of this bird specie. Another reason responsible for the decreasing number of this bird is due to the incidence of the hybridism of the bird with the common Diuca-finch.
- The bird species are listed in CITES appendix two. Steps are now taken to conserve the bird’s breed from extinction. The bird has been provided space to live and breed in various national parks like the Sierra de las Quijadas, Lihue Calel, El Palmar, and Chancanн Provincial Reserve Forest. In the country Uruguay, a program has been conducted where the birds are captively bred. Another captive breeding program with the aid of bird breeds taken away from poachers is established in Southern Brazil.
A special attempt is now made to spread yellow cardinal conservation awareness and to sensitize people regarding the extinction of the bird due to the irresponsible felling of trees by the timber industry.
See more: White-Crested Laughing Thrush