Here are some of the regions where different cardinal species originate:
1. North America:
- Northern Cardinal: This species is native to eastern North America. It is commonly found in Canada, the eastern United States, and parts of Mexico.
- Pyrrhuloxia: Another North American cardinal, the Pyrrhuloxia, is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
- Scarlet Cardinal: This cardinal species is native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America.
2. South America:
- Yellow-billed Cardinal: As its name suggests, this cardinal has a bright yellow bill. It is found in parts of South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Argentina.
- Red-crested Cardinal: This species of cardinal is native to southeastern Brazil and has a distinctive red crest on its head.
- Black-faced Cardinal: This cardinal species is found in southern South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
3. Central America and the Caribbean:
- Red-capped Cardinal: This species of cardinal is found in Central America and parts of the Caribbean.
- Summer Tanager: Although classified as a tanager, the Summer Tanager is closely related to cardinals. It is found in the eastern United States and parts of Central America during the breeding season.
4. Galapagos Islands:
- Darwin's Finch: Some subspecies of Darwin's Finch, such as the Vampire Ground Finch and the Cactus Ground Finch, are known as "cardinals" in the Galapagos Islands.
It's important to note that the term "cardinal" is commonly used to refer to red-colored birds related to the Cardinalidae family. However, there are also variations in color among cardinal species, including yellow, black, and gray.