Cardinalidae (sometimes referred to as "cardinal-grosbeaks" or simply "cardinals") is a family of New World-endemic passerine birds that consists of cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings. It also includes several other genera such as the tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus. Membership of this family is not easily defined by a single or even a set of physical characteristics, but instead by molecular work. Among songbirds, they range from average-sized to relatively large and have stout features. Some species have large, heavy bills.
Members of this group are beloved for their brilliant red, yellow, or blue plumages seen in many of the breeding males in this family. Most species are monogamous breeders that nest in open-cup nests, with parents taking turns incubating the eggs and taking care of their young. Most are arboreal species, although the dickcissel (Spiza americana) is a ground-dwelling prairie bird.
In terms of conservation, most members of this family are considered least concern by the IUCN Red List. However, a few birds, such as the Carrizal seedeater (Amaurospiza carrizalensis), are considered endangered.
Field characteristics
The grosbeaks, seedeaters, and cardinals have large bills, while Granatellus and buntings have small bills. The cardinalid tanagers have stout, nearly pointed bills, with some species of Piranga having serrations along the edges of their upper bills. Bill shape is not always an indicator of species' relationships, however, as the various species of blue cardinalid species, like the blue grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) and Cyanoloxia grosbeaks, are related to the buntings. Similarly, the cardinalid tanagers are closer to the cardinals and masked grosbeaks (see more in the systematics section). The head is medium to large, with a medium neck length. Cardinalid species bodies range from small to medium, with lengths of 11 to 28 cm (4.5 to 11 in). Legs are also short to medium in length. The wings are medium and pointed. Cardinalids have...
