Red-Crested Cardinal vs Red-Cowled Cardinal

Red-Crested Cardinal

Paroaria coronata

Also known as: Brazilian Cardinal

How to recognise a red-crested cardinal?

General appearance

The red-crested cardinal, also known as the Brazilian cardinal, is a bird species characterized by a vivid red head and crest contrasted with a grey body, black wings, and white underparts. Adults have a powerful, conical-shaped beak that is often gray-blue or dusky. They reach an average length between 17.5-20 cm. The species doesn't undergo any pronounced seasonal variations in appearance.

Male vs female

Both sexes display similar coloration; the males and females are almost identical in their plumage with no significant differences in size or color. This is a sexually monomorphic bird species, thus making it challenging to differentiate between males and females.

Juvenile

Juvenile red-crested cardinals differ from mature adults in their coloration. They have a dull overall color with lesser redness on the head, a sign of maturation. The young also have a less prominent crest and brownish hues in their plumage that gradually turn to the characteristic scarlet red as they mature.

Size

7.1 - 7.9 in/1.1 - 1.4 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The red-crested cardinal is found mostly in South America, particularly in Brazil, where it occupies shrublands and forests. It prefers subtropical or tropical dry environments.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, this bird can also inhabit urban areas, parks, and gardens in its range. It has been introduced to and thrives in Hawaii.

Range Map

What do red-crested cardinals like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-crested cardinal primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects. Its diet includes a variety of grass seeds, berries from shrubs, and small invertebrates. This bird often forages on the ground or among low bushes, exploiting its habitat's resources.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the red-crested cardinal is commonly drawn to black oil sunflower seeds and millet. These birds may also enjoy cracked corn and fruit offerings, such as slices of apple or orange. Their striking plumage makes them a welcome sight for bird enthusiasts.

What does a red-crested cardinal sound like?

The red-crested cardinal emits complex, melodious warbling songs often including flute-like whistles and trills. It utters several calls including a sharp "tsip" and a high-pitched, long-drawn, rising "seeip". Other vocalizations often include mimicking sounds of other bird species. Its song is described as particularly sweet and pleasant, making it a favorite among bird-watchers and ornithologists.

Song

Audio by soundbytez

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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Red-Cowled Cardinal

Paroaria dominicana

How to recognise a red-cowled cardinal?

General appearance

The Red-cowled Cardinal is a medium-sized bird, primarily gray with a black throat and wings, a distinctive white bar on the wings and a vivid red crest or 'cowl' on the head. Its beak is grayish, the eyes are dark brown, and the legs are also gray in color. It is known for its varied songs and calls.

Male vs female

Male and female Red-cowled Cardinals are similar in appearance, but males tend to have slightly brighter red cowls. They also tend to be bigger in size, but otherwise, both genders share the same coloring and markings. Without the advantage of size comparison or close observation, it can be challenging to differentiate between them.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-cowled Cardinals are lighter in color compared to adults. Their feathers usually sport duller gray tones, and they lack the starkly contrasting white wing bars. The signature red cowl is replaced by a muted brown that gradually turns red as they mature. It takes almost a year for the juvenile to gain the adult plumage.

Size

6.9 - 7.3 in/1.1 - 1.2 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Red-cowled Cardinal primarily inhabits the Atlantic forest in south-eastern Brazil, preferring regions with tropical and subtropical climates.

Additional range

Outside its usual range, it can be found in urban parks and gardens, demonstrating adaptability to man-made environments.

Range Map

What do red-cowled cardinals like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-cowled cardinal primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects in its natural habitat. It forages on the ground or in shrubs and trees, often consuming a variety of seeds from grasses and plants, berries, and small invertebrates that provide protein and nutrients.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the red-cowled cardinal commonly consumes sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. It is attracted to feeders that offer a diverse mix of seeds, reflecting its natural preference for a wide range of food sources.

What does a red-cowled cardinal sound like?

The Red-cowled Cardinal exhibits a melodious and varied song, often loud and continuous, characterized by high-pitched whistles, trills, and throbbing or bubbling notes. Its basic call sounds like a sharp "wheep". Males usually sing to establish territories or during courtship. Their vocalization tends to increase at dawn and twilight. Chicks display soft begging calls.

Song

Audio by Jayrson Araujo De Oliveira

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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Red-Crested Cardinal

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Red-Cowled Cardinal

Red-Crested Cardinal

Paroaria coronata

Also known as: Brazilian Cardinal

General appearance

The red-crested cardinal, also known as the Brazilian cardinal, is a bird species characterized by a vivid red head and crest contrasted with a grey body, black wings, and white underparts. Adults have a powerful, conical-shaped beak that is often gray-blue or dusky. They reach an average length between 17.5-20 cm. The species doesn't undergo any pronounced seasonal variations in appearance.

Male vs female

Both sexes display similar coloration; the males and females are almost identical in their plumage with no significant differences in size or color. This is a sexually monomorphic bird species, thus making it challenging to differentiate between males and females.

Juvenile

Juvenile red-crested cardinals differ from mature adults in their coloration. They have a dull overall color with lesser redness on the head, a sign of maturation. The young also have a less prominent crest and brownish hues in their plumage that gradually turn to the characteristic scarlet red as they mature.

Size

7.1 - 7.9 in/1.1 - 1.4 oz

There's more to learn about Red-Crested Cardinal

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Red-Cowled Cardinal

Paroaria dominicana

General appearance

The Red-cowled Cardinal is a medium-sized bird, primarily gray with a black throat and wings, a distinctive white bar on the wings and a vivid red crest or 'cowl' on the head. Its beak is grayish, the eyes are dark brown, and the legs are also gray in color. It is known for its varied songs and calls.

Male vs female

Male and female Red-cowled Cardinals are similar in appearance, but males tend to have slightly brighter red cowls. They also tend to be bigger in size, but otherwise, both genders share the same coloring and markings. Without the advantage of size comparison or close observation, it can be challenging to differentiate between them.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-cowled Cardinals are lighter in color compared to adults. Their feathers usually sport duller gray tones, and they lack the starkly contrasting white wing bars. The signature red cowl is replaced by a muted brown that gradually turns red as they mature. It takes almost a year for the juvenile to gain the adult plumage.

Size

6.9 - 7.3 in/1.1 - 1.2 oz

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How to tell the Red-Crested Cardinal from the Red-Cowled Cardinal

Visual differences

The Red-Crested Cardinal is slightly larger at 7-8 inches than the Red-Cowled Cardinal's 6.9-7.3 inches. Both have vivid red crests, but the Red-Crested Cardinal features a red head with contrasting gray body and black wings, while the Red-Cowled Cardinal is primarily gray with a black throat, white wing bar, and red "cowl." The Red-Crested has a powerful, conical gray-blue beak, whereas Red-Cowled's beak is grayish. Both species show minimal sexual dimorphism, though Red-Cowled males might have slightly brighter red. Juveniles of both are duller and mature into adult plumage.

Key differences and behavior

The Red-Crested Cardinal (P. coronata) and Red-Cowled Cardinal (P. dominicana) show distinct behavior and habitat preferences. The Red-Crested is more adaptable, found in both dry and urban areas including Hawaii, while the Red-Cowled prefers the wetter Atlantic forests of Brazil yet adapts to urban parks. Both species form monogamous pairs with similar nesting habits, but the Red-Cowled Cardinal's courtship is more elaborate with song and acrobatics. Both consume seeds, fruits, and insects; however, both readily visit feeders for sunflower seeds. Red-Crested Cardinals raise their crests in excitement, whereas Red-Cowled are known for melodic singing and flocking in family groups. The Red-Crested Cardinal weighs 1.06-1.38 oz and is 7-7.9 inches long, slightly larger than the Red-Cowled's 1.06-1.20 oz and 6.9-7.3 inches, with size aiding in differentiation.

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Red-Crested Cardinal or Red-Cowled Cardinal?

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How to recognise a red-crested cardinal?

Habitat

What do red-crested cardinals like to eat?

What does a red-crested cardinal sound like?

Song

There's more to learn about Red-Crested Cardinal

Red-Cowled Cardinal

How to recognise a red-cowled cardinal?

Habitat

What do red-cowled cardinals like to eat?

What does a red-cowled cardinal sound like?

Song

There's more to learn about Red-Cowled Cardinal

Red-Crested Cardinal

There's more to learn about Red-Crested Cardinal

Red-Cowled Cardinal

There's more to learn about Red-Cowled Cardinal

How to tell the Red-Crested Cardinal from the Red-Cowled Cardinal

Visual differences

Key differences and behavior

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

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