Cardinalis

Cardinalis is a genus of birds in the family Cardinalidae. There are three species ranging across North America to northern South America.

Description

They are birds between 19 and 22 cm in length. Its most distinctive characteristics are the presence of a conspicuous crest and a thick and strong conical bill. There is sexual dimorphism; males have a greater amount of red in their plumage, and females have only some tints, with a predominance of gray. Its striking red plumage is likened to a Catholic senior priest's garments, and their genus is named after the Latin word for them, cardinalis. Immature individuals are similar to females.

Species

Phylogeny

Cladogram based on analysis by Tilston Smith and Klicka published in 2013.