Yellow Cardinal
Gubernatrix cristata
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyThraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
- GenusGubernatrix
- SpeciesGubernatrix cristata (Yellow Cardinal)
About the Yellow Cardinal
The yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a species of South American bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of its genus, Gubernatrix. The yellow cardinal was formally described in 1817 by the French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot under the binomial name Coccothraustes cristata. The specific epithet is from the Latin cristatus meaning "crested" or "plumed". The species was moved to its own genus Gubernatrix by the French naturalist René Lesson in 1837. The genus name is the Latin word for "governess".
Although traditionally included in the family Emberizidae, a study published in 2011 found that the species was more closely related to the tanager family Thraupidae. A comprehensive study of the tanagers published in 2014 found strong support for a sister relationship between the yellow cardinal and the diuca finch. The two species are known to hybridize. The yellow cardinal is monotypic and no subspecies are recognised.
It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and temperate grassland. It is threatened... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Yellow Cardinal in Iberá National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Iberá National Park
Brazilian Cardinal
Paroaria coronata
Great Pampa-Finch
Embernagra platensis
Sayaca Tanager
Thraupis sayaca
Blue-gray Saltator
Saltator coerulescens
Saffron Finch
Sicalis flaveola
Rusty-collared Seedeater
Sporophila collaris
Grassland Yellow-Finch
Sicalis luteola
Lesser Grass-Finch
Emberizoides ypiranganus
Green-winged Saltator
Saltator similis
Golden-billed Saltator
Saltator aurantiirostris
Long-tailed Reed Finch
Donacospiza albifrons
Double-collared Seedeater
Sporophila caerulescens
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iberá National Park | 🇦🇷 Argentina |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Yellow Cardinal in Iberá National Park?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a Yellow Cardinal sighting in Iberá National Park, based on 46 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Yellow Cardinal in Iberá National Park?
September has the highest sighting rate for Yellow Cardinal in Iberá National Park in our monthly data.