Its name of pyrrhuloxia – once part of its scientific name – comes from Greek terms describing its coloration (πυρρος = pyrrhos = reddish or orange) and the shape of its bill (λοξος = loxos = oblique).

[3][4] The common name, desert cardinal, refers to it inhabiting the southwest, and often arid regions, of the North American continent.

The desert cardinal is a medium-sized song bird; the length for both sexes is about 8.3 in (21 cm), while the typical weight is 0.8–1.5 oz (24–43 g).

It occupies the southwestern half of Texas, roughly the southern third of New Mexico, and southeastern region of Arizona.

While foraging, the desert cardinal snatches insects from trees and picks seeds predominantly from the stalks of grasses and similar plants.

[8] This species of cardinal also visits bird feeders and in the winter forages in huge flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands.

The nest is small and forms a bowl or cup-like shape made up of grass, twigs, or bits of tree bark.

[10] The young bird can wait for up to a month before fully fledging, becoming independent and feeding in large flocks.