One of the most beautiful and most threatened birds in Argentina. The male has bright yellow plumage on the belly, face and supercilium; the crown, crest and breast are black; the back is gray with black streaks. The crest is long and pointed. The female has more subdued plumage with yellow on the belly and supercilium. It measures 18 to 20 cm. Classified as Endangered in Argentina due to illegal trapping for the songbird trade, which drastically reduced wild populations.
Behaviour
It inhabits the dry Chaco woodland and the arid espinal. It eats seeds, fruit and insects. The male sings a complex, varied melody from high perches. The Iberá is one of the last refuges of the species in northeastern Argentina. Seeing a yellow cardinal in the woodland is a memorable experience.
How and when to see it
Year-round in the dry Chaco woodland. Portal San Nicolás and Mburucuyá are the best sites. The species is uncommon: every sighting is a privilege.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where yellow cardinal has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where yellow cardinal lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Hiking, cycling, photo safari, wildlife watching, long day outings and kayak journeys…★ 5.0 - Excursiones Yetapá (Eduardo Alegre)
Excursions in the Iberá based in San Miguel, run by licensed guide Eduardo (Gualo)…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameYellow Cardinal
- Scientific nameGubernatrix cristata
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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