Red-Crested Cardinal

Paroaria coronata
Origin: South America

In Hawaii this bird is often called the Brazilian cardinal, though most references seem to prefer the name "red-crested"–perhaps because its native range extends beyond Brazil into Uruguay, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia and northern Argentina. The species was introduced on O`ahu in 1928 and has since spread to the other main islands.

Male and female red-crested cardinals have similar coloring. Birds with rusty brown heads–as opposed to the usual brilliant scarlet–are juveniles that have not yet come into their adult coloration.

Despite its common name, the red-crested cardinal is placed in the tanager family [Thraupidae], rather than with cardinals proper [Cardinalidae].