Red-capped Cardinal

Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis) perched near the Mahaica River. (Photograph by Kester Clarke / www.kesterclarke.net)

The Red-capped Cardinal gets its name from its crimson head. Immature birds have a brown head.  They are mainly seedeaters, but will take fruits and insects.  They are usually found near water in swamps, riversides and mangroves, often 1n pairs or large family groups.

Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis) perched near the Mahaica River. (Photograph by Kester Clarke / www.kesterclarke.net)