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To the Beauty of Birds

The Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata is even more striking than the Northern Cardinal. It belongs to the genus Paroaria consisting of red-headed cardinals or tanagers. Its prominent red head, red crest and red bib set against a white breast and grey wings and tail result in a remarkably beautiful bird. It is present on all islands except the Big Island and is often seen in parks and on golf courses. In fact, all of the photos shown here were taken on the Dunes Golf Club in Maui where it allowed us to get so close I had to back up the get them in focus. The Red-crested Cardinal was imported from South American in the 1930s thus its alternative name, the Brazilian Cardinal. It is usually seen in pairs leading some to suggest it mates for life.

Red-crested Cardinal