From Opus

Photo by Bobsofpa

Cardinalis sinuatus

[edit] Identification

The male is 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 inches long and is grey overall, with red on the face, crest, wings, tail and underparts. The female shows little or no red; the bill is a dull yellow.The Pyrrhuloxia's name comes from Greek terms describing its coloration (πυ��ος = pyrrhos = reddish or orange) and the shape of its bill (λοξος = loxos = oblique, hence crossbill).

[edit] Similar Species

Similar to the female and juvenile Northern Cardinal, the Pyrrhuloxia's thick, strongly curved, parrot-like orange-yellow bill helps identify it.

[edit] Distribution

Photo of female by Larry D Smith

It is primarily a resident of Mexico, but can be found in the southern parts of the U.S. states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

[edit] Taxonomy

The Pyrrhuloxia is in the same genus as the Northern Cardinal and the Vermilion Cardinal. Three subspecies are recognized, fulvescens, sinuatus, and peninsulae.

[edit] Habitat

This bird is fairly common in thorny brush and mesquite thickets of dry streambeds, desert, woodland edges and ranchlands.

[edit] Behaviour

Form huge flocks in the winter.

When approached, a pair will fly up to a high watch post, erect their crests, and sound a loud alarm.

[edit] Breeding

A clutch of 3-4 white eggs are laid in a loosely built cup made up of grass, twigs and bark. It is hidden in a dense thorny bush.

[edit] Diet

The diet consists of seeds and insects and fruits, fond of cotton worms and weevils These birds feed on seeds and insects and benefit cotton fields by destroying great numbers of cotton worms and weevils.

[edit] Vocalisation

Song a series of whistled "what-cheer, what-cheer" notes thinner and shorter than the song of the Northern Cardinal. The call is a sharp metallic "quink" or chip.

[edit] References

1. aviary.owls.com
2. Cornell

[edit] External Links