About Gubernatrix cristata (Vieillot, 1817)
The yellow cardinal, scientifically known as Gubernatrix cristata, is a South American bird species belonging to the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only species classified in the genus Gubernatrix. This species is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats include dry savanna, temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and temperate grassland. The yellow cardinal faces threats from habitat loss and trapping by pet trade trappers, who sell it as an exotic pet. Males are trapped at a higher rate than females, and ongoing trapping has led the species to be classified as endangered. Countering woody plant encroachment can help support the habitat restoration of this species. One study examined the vocalizations of yellow cardinals in their natural habitat, and found that their vocalizations show some variation compared to the diuca finch.
