0 cardinals , in the family cardinalidae , are passerine birds found in north and south america .
1  they are also known as cardinal-grosbeaks and cardinal-buntings .
2  the south american cardinals in the genus paroaria are placed in another family , the thraupidae (previously placed in emberizidae) .
3 they are robust , seed-eating birds with strong bills .
4  the family ranges in size from the 12-cm (4.7-in), 11.5-g (0.40-oz) and up orange-breasted bunting to the 25-cm (9.8-in), 85-g (2.99-oz) black-headed saltator .
5  they are typically associated with open woodland .
6  the sexes usually have distinctive appearances .
7  the northern cardinal type species was named by colonists for the male's red crest , reminiscent of a catholic cardinal's biretta .
8 the "north american buntings" are known as such to distinguish them from buntings .
9  the name "cardinal-grosbeak" can also apply to this family as a whole .
