Males and females are alike. This attractive species is endemic to the lower tropical zone of central South America but commonly kept in captivity. It was introduced in Hawaii starting in 1928 where it is well established on most of the main islands, except for Hawaii Island where no established wild populations are confirmed. Formerly known as the Brazilian Cardinal, this bird is not actually a Cardinal (Cardinalidae) but recently transferred from the Sparrows (Emberizidae) to the Tanagers (Thraupidae) along with five other "Cardinals" in the genus Paroaria (SACC Proposal 276). Despite similarities it is not closely related to the familiar Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) which is a member of the Cardinal/Grosbeak family (Cardinalidae).