
Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is in the Tanagers and Allies family (Thraupidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 9,966 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Red-crested Cardinal: observations by month (U.S.)
About Red-crested Cardinal
The red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is a songbird, the species belonging to the family of the tanagers (Thraupidae). Notwithstanding its similar name, this bird is not closely related to the true cardinal family (Cardinalidae).From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Red-crested Cardinal by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 9,958 | June | May–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Tanagers and Allies)
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Red-crested Cardinal?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from May to April.
Where is Red-crested Cardinal most often seen?
The most observations come from Hawaii.

