If you've mostly heard this bird called a Pyrrhuloxia, you might have done a double-take when we used Mexican cardinal—but that name has a long history.
Mexican cardinal is a traditional regional name tied to range and resemblance. This species is closely related to the Northern Cardinal and shares its crest and bold presence. Early naturalists used geography to tell them apart, noting that this bird is widespread throughout northern and central Mexico and more common farther south in Texas.
You may also hear desert cardinal, another older name that reflects its preference for dry, brushy landscapes rather than the wooded areas Northern Cardinals favor.
And that's what makes this sighting especially exciting: this is the first recorded sighting of this species in Phil Hardberger Park. San Antonio sits at a crossroads between Central Texas and more arid regions to the south, and as temperatures and conditions shift, some species are beginning to appear in new places. Occasional sightings like this offer a glimpse into how urban natural areas can support wildlife—and how the makeup of our local biodiversity may be changing over time.
Different names. Same bird. A first for the Park.