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Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: CARDINALIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A distinctive songbird of arid scrublands, the Pyrrhuloxia lives in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. A thick-billed, reddish bird with a crest, it superficially resembles its close relative, the Northern Cardinal.

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Appearance

Sparrowlike
Sparrowlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized songbird.
  • Long, pointed red crest.
  • Short, rounded, very stout pale bill.
  • Brown or gray body with red wings and tail.

Immature Description

Similar to adult female, bill dark gray.

Range Map Help

Pyrrhuloxia Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Male
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    Pyrrhuloxia

    Male
    • © Mary Tremaine / CLO
  • Female
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    Pyrrhuloxia

    Female
    • © Kevin T. Karlson

Similar Species

  • Female Northern Cardinal's body plumage is more brownish than gray, its face is black, and its bill is reddish-orange and somewhat sharp, not yellow or dusky and highly rounded.