The beautiful Yellow Cardinal is the only member of its genus, Gubernatrix (governess), a name based on the Latin word gubernare, which means to command or direct. This title is a nod to the Yellow Cardinal’s striking crest, which reminded taxonomists of the feathered and plumed hats worn by military commanders of that day.
Both sexes of Yellow Cardinal have a pointed black crest and black throat patch. The male is the more vivid of the pair, bright yellow below and streaky yellow-olive above, with a yellow eyebrow and throat stripe. The female is more subdued, grayish-olive above with only touches of yellow, grayish cheeks and breast, and a white throat stripe.
Although the Yellow Cardinal may resemble an oddly-colored Northern Cardinal, it’s not closely related to that species. To what group of birds does the Yellow Cardinal belong?
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