Red-cowled Cardinal ( Paroaria dominicana )

18cm
Unlike the Red-crested Cardinal ( Paroaria coronata ) the Red-cowled Cardinal
does not have a crest and the absence of black patches on the head and throat distinguishes this from the other Brazilian cardinals.
This bird is endemic to the Brazilian Northeastern semi-arid region called ``Caatinga´´ where it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful songbirds. Its beaty often costs its freedom as thousands of these birds are captured in the wild to be kept as cage birds. There is large illegal traffic of these birds throughout Brazil and even to other countries.
Several specimens, and even established breeding populations have been reported considerably far from its original distribution, mainly around southeastern large cities. These populations have their origins in birds which have succeeded in escaping from captivity.
The red-cowled cardinal feeds mainly on seeds and small insects. It may learn to eat in artificial feeders and come very close to people.
Very little is known about its ecology and behavior in the wild.
When while birds are captured and kept in cages their health becomes very fragile and the mortality rates are very high.