13 Small Birds With Red Heads: A Colorful Guide
Welcome to my colorful guide to 13 small birds with striking red heads. If you’re a fan of birdwatching or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to these vibrant feathered friends and share some tips on where to spot them in the wild. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting, I guarantee that these stunning birds will capture your heart and imagination.
Main Points:
- Discover 13 small bird species with red heads that are sure to impress
- Learn to identify these birds and spot them in the wild with ease
- Explore the behavior, habitat, and fascinating details of each of these species
- Gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our feathered friends
- Make your next birdwatching excursion even more exciting with this guide in hand
1. House Finch
If you live in North America, chances are you’ve come across the house finch, a small bird species with a reddish head. These charming birds are known for their curious nature and melodic vocalizations. House finches can be easily identified by their distinctive red plumage on the head and upper breast, which is more pronounced in males.
House finches prefer open habitats such as gardens, parks, and suburban areas. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, but they also feed on insects during the breeding season.
If you’re interested in birdwatching, observing a house finch in the wild is a must. Keep an eye out for these delightful birds, and you’ll soon discover why they’re such a beloved species among bird enthusiasts.
2. Cassin’s Finch
The Cassin’s finch is a small bird with a reddish head and pinkish body, making it an eye-catching species to spot. These birds tend to be found in coniferous forests throughout western North America, with a range stretching from southern Alaska to northern Mexico.
While the Cassin’s finch may look similar to other finches, such as the purple finch, it can be distinguished by its rose-colored body and bright red head. They are also known for their distinctive song, which features a musical, rising and falling melody.
If you’re interested in identifying birds by color, the Cassin’s finch is a great starting point. Their unique coloring and habitat preferences make them a valuable addition to any birdwatching guide.
3. Purple Finch
The purple finch is a beautiful bird with a vibrant reddish head and rosy plumage. This small bird is found throughout North America and is a common sight at backyard bird feeders.
In terms of behavior, the purple finch is known for its melodious song and can be heard singing throughout the day. They are also very social birds and are often seen in flocks during the fall and winter months.
When it comes to habitat, purple finches prefer coniferous and mixed forests, but can also be found in suburban areas with mature trees. If you’re interested in spotting a purple finch in the wild, look for them perched in the treetops or hopping on the ground in search of food.
| Purple Finch Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haemorhous purpureus |
| Size | Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm), Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm) |
| Habitat | Coniferous and mixed forests, suburban areas with mature trees |
| Range | North America |
| Diet | Seeds, berries, insects |
| Status | Least Concern |
If you’re interested in birdwatching and small bird identification, make sure to add the purple finch to your list! Its vibrant color and beautiful song make it a memorable addition to any birding excursion.
4. Northern Cardinal
Looking outside my window, I often spot one of my favorite birds, the small northern cardinal birds with red heads. Its bright red feathers easily catch my eye and never fail to put a smile on my face. These birds are a popular sight throughout the eastern United States, but they can also be found west of the Rockies.
The northern cardinal is a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive crest on its head. The males are bright red, while the females have more muted brownish-red plumage. These birds are monogamous and fiercely territorial. During the breeding season, males can be observed singing and chasing off intruders, often reflecting off windows and mirrors.
These birds prefer habitats with dense shrubs and trees, such as backyards, gardens, and parks. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially if the food offered includes sunflower seeds or peanuts.
If you’re interested in observing northern cardinals, keep your ears peeled for their distinctive song, which sounds like “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “birdie, birdie, birdie.” Remember, patience is key in birdwatching. Northern cardinals are known to be shy and cautious, so it may take some time for them to approach you.
Breeding and Nesting Habits
During breeding season, northern cardinals build their nests in dense shrubs or vines, usually within a few feet of the ground. The nest is constructed by the female using twigs, grasses, and other materials and lined with soft feathers. She usually lays 3-4 eggs, which she incubates for around 12 days. The male helps to feed the chicks while they are still in the nest.
Interesting Facts
- The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Male northern cardinals are known for their bright coloration, which is thought to be an indicator of their health and fitness.
- Northern cardinals are known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard year-round, even in the winter.
Overall, the northern cardinal is a beautiful and fascinating bird species with a striking red head that is sure to capture any birdwatcher’s attention. Keep an eye and ear out for these colorful birds during your next outdoor adventure.
5. Scarlet Tanager
If you’re looking for a small birds with a striking red heads, you can’t miss the scarlet tanager. This bird is known for its vibrant plumage, with the male sporting a bright red head and body during the breeding season. The female, on the other hand, has a yellow-green coloration with gray wings, making her harder to spot.
The scarlet tanager is a migratory species found in the eastern part of North America, nesting in deciduous and mixed forests. During the winter, they fly to South America, making it a great bird to spot during its seasonal migration.
When identifying the scarlet tanager, look for its bright red head and body, black wings, and tail. The bill is thick and pointed, with a silvery color. They have a distinctive harsh, short chirp, which you may hear before you see them.
If you’re birdwatching in North America, head to deciduous forests during spring and summer months to spot the scarlet tanager. Some hotspots for this species include the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, the Great Lakes region, and parts of Canada.
6. Western Tanager
If you’re looking to add a splash of vibrant color to your birdwatching experience, the western tanager is a must-see. This bird species with a red head and yellow body is a stunning sight, especially during its summer migration.
Identification and Range
The western tanager can be distinguished by its striking red head and bright yellow body. Females have a more subdued coloring, with an olive-yellow body and yellow-tinged gray head. They are typically found during the summer months in western North America, from Alaska to Mexico, particularly in mountainous regions.
Habitat Preferences
The western tanager prefers to nest in coniferous or mixed forests, especially in areas with dense shrubs or undergrowth. During migration, they may also be found in wooded parks and gardens.
Tips for Spotting
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a western tanager, keep your ears open for their distinctive call, which sounds like “chip-burr.” They are most active during the morning and late afternoon hours. Look for them high up in the trees, especially in the canopy.
Fun Fact
The western tanager is not closely related to other tanagers and is actually part of the cardinal family.
7. Red Crossbill
The Red Crossbill is a unique small bird species that’s easily identified by its crossed bill and striking red head. Their bills are specially adapted for feeding on coniferous tree cones, and they use their crossed mandibles to extract the seeds from the cones.
Red Crossbills can be found across North America, but their movements are largely dictated by their food sources, which can vary widely depending on the time of year. During the winter months, they are often found in large flocks, but they can be more solitary during the breeding season.
While they are known for their distinctive bills and red heads, identifying the different subspecies of Red Crossbills can be challenging, as the birds can vary greatly in their colors and markings. However, a good field guide and some careful observation can help you learn to distinguish between different types of Red Crossbills.
Feeding Habits
As mentioned earlier, the Red Crossbill’s unique bill is perfectly adapted for feeding on conifer seeds. They use their crossed mandibles to pry open the scales of a cone, and then extract the seed from the base of the scale with their tongues.
Throughout the year, Red Crossbills will switch between different types of conifer seeds depending on what is available. During poor cone years, they may switch to other food sources, such as maple or alder seeds.
Vocalizations
The vocalizations of Red Crossbills are also unique, with different subspecies having distinct call notes. These calls are often used by birdwatchers to distinguish between different types of Red Crossbills.
The calls of Red Crossbills are often described as being “trilled” or “warbling,” and are usually a series of short notes that vary in pitch and speed. Males and females both produce calls, and often do so in unison.
Where to Find Them
Red Crossbills can be found in a variety of coniferous forests across North America, including spruce, pines, and firs. During the winter months, they may also visit backyard bird feeders that offer a supply of seeds.
The best way to find Red Crossbills is to look for dense stands of conifers that are producing cones. If you’re lucky, you may hear their distinctive calls before you spot them.
8. Pine Grosbeak
The Pine Grosbeak is a beautiful bird species with a red head and gray body that can measure up to 9 inches long. They can be found in the northern parts of North America including Alaska, Canada, and the Rocky Mountains. They typically breed in moist coniferous forests and are a winter visitor in northern deciduous forests.
Bird identification by color can be tricky, but the Pine Grosbeak’s red head and soft gray body are unique and easily recognizable. Adult males feature a vibrant rose-red head, while females have a warmer-toned head and gray body.
These birds typically feed on berries, seeds, and insects, and may occasionally visit backyard feeders. Their preferred habitat makes them more likely to be found in places with pine forests, especially around spruce and firs.
Birding Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Denali National Park and Preserve | Rich in wildlife, including Pine Grosbeak. Make sure to
visit during the breeding season for the best chance of spotting them. |
| Kejimkujik National Park, Canada | Great location to spot the Pine Grosbeak.
They can be easily seen in the park’s coniferous forests. |
| Rocky National Park, Colorado | The park’s spruce-fir forests provide habitat for the Pine.
Visitors can spot them along the trails, especially during the winter months. |
If you’re looking to add the Pine Grosbeak to your birdwatching list, keep in mind that they are more common in the northern parts of North America, especially during the winter season. Pack warm clothes and search for them in coniferous forests around the best birding locations.
9. Common Redpoll Birds with red heads
One of the smallest birds with a red heads is the charming common redpoll. These tiny finches feature a bright red cap on their head, with a brownish-grey body and streaked flanks. Their beak is short and pointed, perfect for cracking open seeds.
Their breeding range spans across the Arctic, from Alaska to northern Russia, and they can be found in parts of northern Europe and Asia. In the winter, flocks of common redpolls can be seen in many parts of the UK, including Scotland and northern England. Look for them in weedy fields, alder bushes, and birch trees.
10. Red-headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is a stunning bird with a bright red head and a distinctive black-and-white body. This species can be found in deciduous woodlands, orchards, and farmlands throughout much of the eastern United States.
Red-headed woodpeckers are omnivores, feeding on insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Interestingly, they have a unique habit of catching insects in mid-air. These birds are also known for their habit of storing food, particularly acorns, in tree bark crevices or fence posts.
If you are trying to identify this bird species, look for its unmistakable red head and bright white belly, as well as its sharp, chisel-like beak and undulating flight pattern.
Fun fact: The red-headed woodpecker is often referred to as the “flying checkerboard” due to its striking black-and-white plumage.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Habitat | Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red-headed | Melanerpes erythrocephalus | woodlands | Insects, fruits, nuts |
If you want to observe the red-headed woodpecker in the wild, head to areas with an abundance of mature trees and potential nesting spots, such as woodlands, parks, or farmlands with old fence posts. However, due to habitat loss and competition with other bird species, populations of the red-headed woodpecker have been in decline in some areas.
Now that you’re familiar with the red-headed woodpecker, let’s move on to the red-bellied woodpecker in the next section.
11. Red-bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a North American woodpecker species with a beautiful red head and dark brown body. Despite its name, its belly is typically a white or beige color, while its back and wings are patterned with black and white bars.
When it comes to bird identification by color, the red-bellied woodpecker is a standout species with its distinctive red cap. Males have a full red cap, while females have a red nape (the back of the neck) and white forehead.
Bird Behavior
Red-bellied woodpeckers are fascinating to observe, with unique behaviors and vocalizations. They use their long, chisel-like bills to excavate holes in dead wood, where they build their nests and store food.
In addition to drumming on wood with their bills, red-bellied woodpeckers have a distinctive call that sounds like a rolling “churr.” They are also known for their habit of storing food in tree crevices, using their sticky saliva to hold insects and nuts in place.
Where to Spot Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Red-bellied woodpeckers can be found throughout much of eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. Look for them in woodland edges, parks, and suburban areas with mature trees.
You can also attract red-bellied woodpeckers to your backyard bird feeder by offering suet or peanuts. They are a common visitor to bird feeders in many areas.
Other Small Birds With Red Heads
In addition to the 13 small birds mentioned earlier, there are other bird species with fascinating red heads. One such bird is the Red-naped sapsucker, a medium-sized woodpecker with a red crown and nape. Found in western North America, this species feeds on tree sap and insects.
The Anna’s hummingbird is a beautiful bird with a metallic green body and a bright red head. Found along the Pacific coast of North America, this species is known for its aerial acrobatics and buzzing vocalizations.
The red-faced warbler is a small songbird with a bright red head and throat. Found in the mountains of western North America, this species is known for its distinctive song and foraging behavior.
Another bird with a red head is the red-headed sparrow, a rare and elusive species found only in a few locations in Bolivia and Paraguay. This bird has a bright red cap on its head, contrasting with its brownish body.
If you’re looking for a large bird with a red head, the red-headed myzomela is a great example. Found in Australia and nearby islands, this species has a bright red head and throat, and a black body with white wing patches. It feeds on nectar and insects.
So whether you’re interested in small birds, woodpeckers, songbirds, or large birds, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to birds with red heads. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you might just spot one of these colorful species on your next birding adventure.
