Birds exhibit a diverse range of colors in their plumage, with some displaying relatively plain hues while others boast intensely vibrant feathers. Brightly colored feathers have often evolved for the purpose of attracting mates, and depending on the bird’s habitat, their coloration may also serve as camouflage against predators. Interestingly, the diet of many birds dictates the colors in their plumage. Among the colorful avian species, a unique group of red birds stands out due to their bold, fiery hues. These striking creatures can be found across the globe, predominantly belonging to the songbird family of smaller birds, although some species are parrots or wading birds as well.
In this article, we will explore 10 different red bird species. As you familiarize yourself with these eye-catching birds, you may have the opportunity to spot one of these crimson-feathered beauties in their natural environment in the future.
10: Crimson Sunbird
The Crimson Sunbird, belonging to the Nectariniidae family, is aptly named for its vibrant crimson breast and back in males. Their belly displays a light green hue, and their tail is a warm yellow shade. These small, 4-inch red birds are predominantly found across South and Southeast Asia, thriving in tropical forests.
Remarkably, Crimson Sunbirds construct suspended nests on tree branches to safely protect their eggs. These agile birds primarily feed on nectar collected from flowers, but they are also skilled at catching insects. Despite their resemblance in size and hovering abilities, they shouldn’t be confused with hummingbirds.
Occasionally referred to as “spiderhunters,” Crimson Sunbirds have a knack for hunting spiders as part of their diet. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Crimson Sunbird as a species of Least Concern due to its widespread distribution.
9: Scarlet Ibis
The Scarlet Ibis stands out among its relatives in the Threskiornithidae family due to its vibrant red shades covering its entire body. Its unique coloration varies from lighter to darker tones, adding more beauty to its appearance.
These visually striking birds have long, curved bills, perfect for foraging in muddy environments, and sometimes, they snatch food from other creatures. The key to their scarlet hue lies in their diet of crabs, shrimp, and red shellfish.
Residing in South America and the Caribbean, the Scarlet Ibis thrives in wetland and coastal regions. Even when it’s not breeding season, they form large social groups to draw strength in numbers.
Good news for bird enthusiasts, the IUCN classifies the Scarlet Ibis as a species of Least Concern, meaning these charming red birds aren’t at immediate risk of disappearing anytime soon.
8: Summer Tanager
The Summer Tanager is a vibrant songbird that belongs to the Cardinalidae family. They are well-known for their striking colors, with males sporting bright rose-red feathers and females displaying a yellowish-green hue. The color variations arise from their diverse diet of berries and insects, particularly bees.
These eye-catching birds can be found across the southern United States and Mexico during summer months, while they migrate to Central and South America during winter. They prefer wooded habitats, where they can build nests high in the trees. Summer Tanagers are relatively small birds, measuring approximately 6.7 inches and weighing around 1 ounce.
When encountered in the wild, their vocalizations are often compared to the familiar song of the American Robin. Currently, the IUCN classifies the Summer Tanager as a species of Least Concern, indicating that their population is stable overall.
#7: Red-Billed Firefinch
The Red-billed Firefinch, also recognized as the Senegal Firefinch, showcases males with a stunning red hue on their bodies, while their wings have a brownish shade. On the other hand, females exhibit a predominantly brown plumage, though they do have notable red features on their faces. Pink bills and yellow eye rings are shared traits between both genders.
These striking birds, members of the Estrildidae family, inhabit the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, frequently found in grasslands, cultivated areas, and even nearby human settlements. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, with occasional consumption of local grains.
Another fascinating aspect of the Red-billed Firefinch is their distinctive dome-shaped nests, skillfully woven from grasses to house their eggs. Due to their extensive habitat range combined with a healthy population, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as a species of Least Concern.
6: Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is a striking bird belonging to the Cardinalidae family, sharing this family with the Summer Tanager. Recognized for its eye-catching bright red plumage, male Scarlet Tanagers display this vibrant color during the summer months, accompanied by black wings and tail feathers. In contrast, female tanagers exhibit a year-round yellowish-green hue. Typically, Scarlet Tanagers range between 6.3 and 7.5 inches in length and weigh approximately 1 ounce.
Found in the eastern regions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, these birds migrate to South America during the winter. Unlike other cardinal species, Scarlet Tanagers possess a slender bill, which influences their diet. They primarily focus on:
- Hunting insects
- Catching insects mid-flight or picking them off the ground
- Preying upon a variety of insects, such as bees, wasps, and spiders
As of now, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Scarlet Tanager as a species of Least Concern, meaning they are not facing any immediate threats.
5: Red Crossbill
The Red Crossbill, belonging to the finch family (Fringillidae), showcases a variety of vibrant hues. Males display bright red or orange feathers, while females lean towards yellow or green shades. These birds can exhibit a mix of colors in their plumage, with darker brown wings providing contrast to their colorful bodies.
The “crossbill” aspect of their name reflects the unique, overlapping design of their beak. This distinct feature enables them to thrive on a diet consisting mostly of tough conifer seeds and various fruits.
Red Crossbills inhabit coniferous forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. Due to their widespread distribution and ample population, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies this species as being of Least Concern.
4: Vermilion Flycatcher
The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small, striking red bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. Males have distinct vermillion-red feathers on their breast, belly, and crest, along with brown tail and wing feathers. These birds typically measure between 5.1 to 5.5 inches in length and weigh less than 0.5 ounces.
This eye-catching bird can be found across the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America. Renowned for their ability to catch flies midair, the Vermilion Flycatcher also enjoys a varied diet consisting of different grains and insects.
With a population in the millions, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Vermilion Flycatcher as a species of Least Concern, meaning that, for now, the bird’s future looks bright and colorful, much like their vibrant plumage.
3: Red-and-Green Macaw
The Red-and-Green Macaw, also referred to as the green-winged macaw, is a vibrant and eye-catching large parrot belonging to the Psittaciformes family. This macaw earns its name from its striking red plumage on its chest, head, shoulders, and some tail feathers, while showcasing green and blue feathers on its wings. These magnificent birds have a length between 35 to 37 inches and typically weigh 2.3 to 3.7 pounds.
Their stunning appearance makes them one of the most easily identifiable red birds. The Red-and-Green Macaw can be found in the wild across Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Paraguay. Unfortunately, their wild population is dwindling due to habitat loss and illegal trafficking.
Despite facing these challenges, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) still classifies the Red-and-Green Macaw as a species of Least Concern.
2: Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, also known as redbird or common cardinal, is a well-recognized member of the Cardinalidae family. Male cardinals exhibit a striking red plumage, prominent crest, and a contrasting black face mask, while females display a more muted coloration with hints of red on their tail, breast, and crest.
These beautiful birds can be found in various regions across North America, primarily in the eastern United States, Mexico, and a portion of southeastern Canada. Their preferred habitats encompass woodlands, wetlands, scrublands, and even urban areas.
In terms of diet, Northern Cardinals mainly consume grains, but they also enjoy some berries and insects. Although once at risk due to the pet trade industry, the Northern Cardinal is now protected under conservation laws. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as a species of Least Concern.
1: ‘I’iwi
The ‘I’iwi, sometimes called the scarlet honeycreeper, is a fascinating red bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. Showcasing vibrant scarlet feathers on its head, breast, and undersides, this eye-catching bird has a contrasting dark tail and wings. The ‘I’iwi has a uniquely long, pink bill that it uses to sip nectar from flowers, one of its primary food sources. Besides nectar, it also consumes various arthropods.
Native to the Hawaiian Islands, the ‘I’iwi is the third most abundant native bird species in the region. These birds construct cup-shaped nests using twigs, flower petals, and feathers, found in tree branches.
However, the ‘I’iwi faces challenges due to habitat loss resulting from agricultural activities and deforestation that destroy their homes and food sources. Consequently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the ‘I’iwi as a Vulnerable species.