The yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a species of South America bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is the only member of its genus, Gubernatrix. It is very rare and can only be found on one continent.
The current global population of Gubernatrix cristata is between 1000 and 2000. Studies have shown that there are some genetic differences between different populations. Another study has shown that the yellow cardinal presents plasticity in song production, with small differences in song among four different populations.