Description The Red-Crested Cardinal is also known as the Brazilian Cardinal. It is pale gray above and white below with a darker tail. It has a distinguishing red face, throat and erect crest. Male and female look alike while the juveniles are brown headed. Flocks can consist of up to 20 birds.

Lifecycle The Red Crested Cardinal begins breeding before it reaches a year old and is monogamous. Male and female maintain contact through vocalization. Females will usually clack their beaks when a male is making an advance. The male solely constructs a nest of sticks, pine needles and twigs and is cup-shaped and the female lays 2-4 white eggs that may be speckled, mottle and streaked with grayish or brownish-olive. The female incubates for about 10 days but both parents will feed the chicks until they fledge after which feeding and guarding is solely by the male.

Habitat Red Crested Cardinals were introduced to Hawaii in the 1920s. They prefer semi open spaces with spread out trees and near water. In Hawaii, they are most likely to be found in lawns, parks, and thickets.

Diet Red Crested Cardinals forage for seeds, fruits, berries and insects. They prefer insects during the breeding season.

Communication The Red Crested Cardinal voice is a series of hesitant whispers. The whispers change from up to down. Their call a soft, but squeaky note.