Crimson-fronted Cardinal (Paroaria baeri) [XC838045]
by Dante Buzzetti from Condom\u00ednio Mans\u00f5es do Araguaia - Nova Crix\u00e1s, Goi\u00e1s, Brazil (call, flight call)
Crimson-fronted Cardinal (Paroaria baeri) [XC799748]
by Dante Buzzetti from Rio do Coco, Caseara, Tocantins, Brazil (dawn song)
Subspecies
Recent molecular-genetic research indicates that genus belongs in the tanager family (Thraupidae), forming a clade with, among others, Cissopis and Schistochlamys. Curiously, members of latter two genera are similar in some plumage features and in bill shape to some members of present genus. May form a superspecies with Masked Cardinal (Paroaria nigrogenis), Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis) and Yellow-billed Cardinal (Paroaria capitata) and all have sometimes been placed in a separate genus, Coccopsis. Individual with plumage intermediate between this species and Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis) photographed in Barreira do Campo, in Pará, suggesting rare instance of naturally occurring hybridization. This putative hybrid resembles Masked Cardinal (Paroaria nigrogenis). Has been proposed that subspecies xinguensis merits elevation to full species rank, but available evidence thus far inconclusive. Further research is required.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
xinguensis Sick, 1950 - Upper R Xingu (southern Pará and northern Mato Grosso), in east-central Brazil.
baeri Hellmayr, 1907 - North-eastern Mato Grosso, western Tocantins and western Goiás, in east-central Brazil.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet