CLASSIFICATION
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genus: Paroaria
Species: P. gularis

RANGE
South America. Lowlands of the Guianas, Venezuela, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern and eastern Bolivia and the Amazon basin in Brazil.

HABITAT
Prefers swamps, mangrove, várzea and other semi-open areas near water.

SIZE
Length: Apx. 6 inches.

LIFE EXPECTANCY
3 – 6 years in the wild. Up to 13 ½ years in captivity.

REPRODUCTION

• Breeding is usually from June to September, but can occur as early as March.
• They build a shallow open cup nest, around 3.5–3.9 inches wide, in a tree or some other secure spot.
• Lay 2 – 3 eggs, whitish and dull olive and have dense dark brown flecks and blotches.

DIET
Wild: Insects, fruit and seeds.

BEHAVIOR
Usually found in pairs or family groups, these birds are often found in mangrove swamp areas but have also been spotted in woodland areas of South America.

POINTS OF INTEREST

• Commonly known as Brazilian cardinals in some areas of South America.
• Often trapped and kept as pets due to their melodic song.

STATUS
Common