The Red-cowled Cardinal is a Brazilian endemic found in semi-open scrub and caatinga woodland in north east Brazil.

Apart from its conspicuous red head and white underparts, note the mottled black and white on the back and the conspicuous white edging to the flight feathers. The lower mandible is white.

It is a popular species for the caged bird trade.

There are recordings on xeno-canto, a distribution map from NatureServe and additional information available via Avibase. Sick, Plate 42.