Beautiful Introduced Birds In Kauai | Red-Crested Cardinals
Red-crested cardinals are beautiful birds, and they are cleverly identifiable for their red crest atop the head, grey wings, and peach outstretched breast. These birds are a cute sort from North America to these islands, and they have really settled in here.
In this blog, I will explore known details about the red-crested cardinal: where it lives, how it behaves, and how it fits into Kauai’s avian circle.

Key Takeaways
- Resilient Beauty: This migratory bird is a beautiful addition to Kauai’s wildlife, and it is easy to spot this beautiful and active bird.
- A Symbol of Adaptation: This is a non-native species that has adapted to this tropical environment, surviving in a balance between nature and species.
Red-Crested Cardinal
Paroaria coronata
The Brazilian cardinal is a charming bird and is now a common sight in Kauai. Although not a native to Hawaii, this bird has become part of the avifauna of Hawaii. The bright plumage and colorful beaks aid in its beauty.
This cheerful bird usually forages on the ground and perches in trees. It is a good fit for this island and thrives in its warm, tropical climate.
This cardinal thrive on the whole Kauai island, and it appears in both wild and urban environments.
Physical appearance
This 7.5-inch bird is medium-sized, with a slightly round body and a short but strong beak. In the wild, the male and female are indistinguishable in color and offer a pretty sight.
It is mostly easy to identify with its bright red head, grayish-white body, with grayish-white wings.
Where did the Brazilian Cardinal come from in Kauai?
Native to South American bird was brought to Hawaii in the early 1900s as a decorative bird. It is ideal for owners who want beautiful birds in their yards.
Although it is an introduced bird, spreading rapidly across these islands and disrupting their ecosystems, the bird seems to tolerate the native flora and fauna of Kauai.

This bird was able to assemble a stable population on Kauai because there was abundant food and no predators.
Impact on Kauai’s Ecosystem
The Brazilian cardinal is a new and colorful addition to the island’s avian population, but the effects are subtle to the island’s ecosystem.
The cardinal is a ground foraging species that competes with some native species for food sources; the cardinal competes with seeds and small insects.
Taxonomy
The Brazilian cardinal, or Paroaria coronata[1] belongs to the order Passeriformes of perching birds, which also includes the songbirds and the families of bright feathered birds to which it belongs, the Thraupidae.
Identification and Behavior
Because of the fancy red crest on his head and the contrasting greyish-white body, this cardinal is fairly easy to identify.
The behavior is lively, active and inquisitive. It hops on the ground in search of food or sings its melodious songs in a tree.
Pairs or small groups of red-crested birds can be found. Their main forage is seeds, fruits and insects.
Distribution and Habitat
According to the Kauai Audubon Society, these cardinals reside from the coast in gardens or open fields on Kauai. This is a particularly lowland species of open habitats, with specialized perching requirements and food requirements.
You’ll see them in public gardens, botanical parks and even on hiking trails. They have proven so successful in Kauai because their behavior is so adaptable.
Statistics
This red bird is 7.5 to 8 inches (19 to 20 centimeters) long, has a wingspan of 10 to 11 inches and weighs 30 to 35 grams.

St Helena waxbill Hotspots
In addition to the above, Brazilian cardinals are hotspots at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Waimea Canyon State Park.
In these hotspots, they may be foraging on the ground or in the branches, which is a great opportunity for photography and observation.
Birdwatchers can often see it in many popular parks and gardens thanks to its bright plumage that will keep it upright.
Things to know
Behavior
They are very active during the day and are very social birds. They occur in pairs or small flocks, rooting about on the ground for seeds, fruits and insects.
When singing, they’re easy to spot; they perch high, singing joyful songs and are usually very aggressive.
Their social features and bright colors make them a preferential bird for bird watchers and photo-taking on Kauai.
Symbolism
In Hawaiian culture, the bird symbolizes something, and the bright red bird, in particular, symbolizes beauty, the energy of life, and, most of all, the power of endurance.
Range
Originally found in South America, this small bird has migrated to Kauai and associated islands and has since been found here. It was introduced into the islands during the 1930s and now thrives in gardens, parks and open spaces.
If food resources and a suitable nesting place are present, the bird can nest from sea level up to an altitude of 800 m. Although this bird is an introduced species, it has adapted well to this environment and appears not to threaten any of the area’s native species.
The Lifespan of Red-Crested Cardinal
In the wild, the bird lives up to 4 – 6 years; however, due to better care and freedom from diseases and predators, it can reach up to 13 years of age in captivity.
They have long life cycles and are suitable for natural and artificial habitats. They are relatively resistant and unpretentious, but their life span depends on those exterior factors.
The Mate, Chasing, and Copulation
When these birds are in courtship displays, they are charming and interesting to watch. To attract a mate, males fly and dive, showing off their bright body colors.
Some of these displays include short, enthusiastic flies paired with song in an attempt to attract a male of the opposite sex.
During courtship, the male gives food to the female. Courtship is important for determining the success of the mating period in a specific species.
After being matched, the birds live together, work together to build their nests and even hatch eggs for their kind in Kauai.

Nesting behavior
They make nests, usually in the thickets or small trees where they have cover from potential predators.
Males and females build small cup-like nests to hold eggs. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs per clutch, and both sit on them for hatching in about two weeks.
Even when they have hatched, they still look at the nest for their young. The nesting period is important because we know this is where the next generation of cardinals on the island will come from.
Chick Development
After hatching, chicks depend on their parents for food and protection against other birds or animals. Like most bird species, the male and female both play an important role in feeding their young on insects, seeds and small fruits.
The young chicks are growing faster. In one to two weeks, they will have the usual feathers. These are important years for preparing for the lifestyles of the wild and becoming independent.
Fledging and Flight
The fledging period is enhanced an average of two to three weeks after the bird hatches. Either the nest is abandoned, or the bird becomes readily capable of self-defense.
The fly attempts to wobble at low mileage, but after some time, it develops stamina and balance. Young ones grow gradually and fly to the nearby trees, learning to fly and forage on their own.
This is an important stage at this point of their life because this is the beginning of learning how to move about in the environment. When they can fly, they relocate and build their own families.

Food and Feeding
The redheaded bird can eat almost anything, mainly terrestrial foraging birds feeding on seeds, fruits and other insects.
They are a pretty healthy population because, in tropical conditions, they always have food. They specialize in hunting in gardens or open areas.
The red-headed bird also has cyclic and resource-structured feeding behavior. Even during the breeding season, its diet is richer in proteins, so chicks can get the nutritional inputs they need.
FAQ
Conclusion
The red-crested cardinal is also a very pretty bird. It symbolizes humility and place, and those who are lucky enough to see it delight in its attractive red crest.
It is a native of South America but an introduction to the Hawaiian region. This endangered bird is found everywhere around Kauai.
They are small birds, but they have built a very nice-looking atmosphere for this island.
References
- Red-crested cardinal taxonomy