Yellow cardinal | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Thraupidae |
Genus: | Gubernatrix Lesson, 1837 |
Species: | G. cristata |
Binomial name | |
Gubernatrix cristata (Vieillot, 1817) | |
The yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a species of South American bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of its genus, Gubernatrix. It is very rare and can only be found in South America.
The yellow cardinal was formally described in 1817 by the French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot under the binomial name Coccothraustes cristata. [3] [4] The specific epithet is from the Latin cristatus meaning "crested" or "plumed". [5] The species was moved to its own genus Gubernatrix by the French naturalist René Lesson in 1837. [6] The genus name is the Latin word for "governess". [7]
Although traditionally included in the family Emberizidae, a study published in 2011 found that the species was more closely related to the tanager family Thraupidae. [8] A comprehensive study of the tanagers published in 2014 found strong support for a sister relationship between the yellow cardinal and the diuca finch. [9] The two species are known to hybridize, however the yellow cardinal is monotypic and no subspecies are recognised. [10] [11]
It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and temperate grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss and from pet trade trappers for sale as exotic pets. [12] Males are trapped at a higher rate than females, and the yellow cardinal is considered endangered due to the constant entrapment. [13] There was a study conducted that looked at the vocalization of the Yellow Cardinal in its habitat. It was found that there was some variation with the diuca finch.[ clarification needed ] [14]
The current global population of Gubernatrix cristata is between 1000 and 2000. [15] Studies have shown that there are some genetic differences between different populations. [16] Another study has shown that the yellow cardinal presents plasticity in song production, with small differences in song among four different populations. [17]
The tanagers comprise the bird family Thraupidae, in the order Passeriformes. The family has a Neotropical distribution and is the second-largest family of birds. It represents about 4% of all avian species and 12% of the Neotropical birds.
Saltator is a genus of passerine birds in the tanager family Thraupidae that are found in Central and South America. They have thick bills, relatively long tails and strong legs and feet. Before the introduction of molecular genetic methods in the 21st century these species were placed in the cardinal family Cardinalidae.
Tachyphonus is a genus of birds in the tanager family Thraupidae.
The black-goggled tanager is a species of bird in the family, Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Trichothraupis. It is found at low levels in forest and woodland in a large part of eastern and southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and far north-eastern Argentina, with a disjunct population along the East Andean slope in Peru, Bolivia and far north-western Argentina. While generally common and widespread, and consequently considered to be of least concern by BirdLife International and IUCN, the population associated with the Andes is relatively local and uncommon.
Phrygilus is a genus of mainly Andean seed-eating tanagers commonly known as sierra finches. Phrygilos means finch in Ancient Greek. Traditionally classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown them to belong in the Thraupidae.
The slender-billed finch is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Xenospingus.
The Inca finches form the genus Incaspiza, of finch-like birds in the tanager family Thraupidae. They were traditionally placed in the family Emberizidae, but molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that they are closely related to the Thraupidae. Both their scientific and common name refer to the Incan civilization.
Camarhynchus is a genus of birds in the tanager family Thraupidae. All species of Camarhynchus are endemic to the Galápagos Islands, and together with related genera, they are collectively known as Darwin's finches. Formerly classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent molecular genetic studies have shown it to belong in the tanager family.
The grey-headed tanager is a widely distributed species of small Neotropical bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Eucometis.
Geospiza is a genus of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. All species in the genus are endemic to the Galápagos Islands. Together with related genera, they are collectively known as Darwin's finches. Although in the past, they were classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown they belong in the tanager family.
Loxigilla is a genus of passerine birds in the tanager family Thraupidae. The two species are both endemic to the Lesser Antilles.
The yellow-shouldered grassquit is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae that is endemic to Jamaica. It is the only member of the genus Loxipasser. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and heavily degraded former forest.
Melanospiza is a genus of Neotropical birds in the tanager family Thraupidae.
The flame-crested tanager is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Ten subspecies are currently recognized.
The blue-and-yellow tanager is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae.
The black-backed bush tanager, also known as the black-backed bush-finch, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is the only member in the genus Urothraupis. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Poospizopsis is a genus of warbler-like tanagers. They are found in highland forest in South America.
The warbler-finches are a genus Certhidea of birds in the tanager family Thraupidae that are endemic to the Galápagos Islands. Together with related genera, they are collectively known as Darwin's finches.
Asemospiza is a genus of South American birds in the tanager family Thraupidae.
Microspingus is a genus of warbler-like birds in the tanager family Thraupidae. They are found in highland forest in South America.