Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Red-capped cardinal
Latin Name: Paroaria gularis

Class: Birds
Order:    Passeriformes

Description
The red-capped cardinal gets its name from its striking red head, which sits atop a white body with black wings and a black throat.

Range
This songbird species can be found throughout north and central South America.

Status
Common

Habitat
The red-capped cardinal favors mangrove swamps and other wet, open areas.

Niche
The red-capped cardinal feeds on insects, rice and fruit that it finds in its wetland habitat.

Life History
This bird builds a cup-shaped nest out of roots, twigs and leaves, in which the female lays two–three eggs.

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