The red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is a songbird with a prominent red head and crest. This species belongs in the family of the tanagers (Thraupidae). Notwithstanding its similar name, this bird is not closely related to the true cardinal family (Cardinalidae). It is found in northern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Pantanal and Rio Grande do Sul. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and heavily degraded former forest. Among other regions, it is found in southern part of the Pantanal.