The yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong with the tanagers. It is the only member of its genus, Gubernatrix. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.Its natural habitats are dry savanna, temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and temperate grassland.It is threatened by habitat loss and from pet trade trappers.