11 Species of Red Headed Birds in the World

Have you recently spotted a bird with a red head birds in your neighborhood that you want to identify? Birds are found in many different species, sizes, and colors reflecting a unique blend of characteristics and nature’s diversity. Among these bird communities, the red-headed birds are considered one of the most striking and captivating species in the world. In this article, we’ll look into some of the best redhead birds in the world and explore their distinct features, habitats, and locations. Let’s start with the list.

1. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

The first redhead bird on the list is House Finch, commonly spotted across North America. The male House Finch has a red head, breast, and rump, while a female one has a brown-streaked coloring.

You can easily spot them in parks, residential areas, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders. These gorgeous birds are known for their adaptability and melodic songs, which they sing in groups in springtime.

2. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal is widely known as the symbol of love and elegance.

These redhead birds have a striking crimson red, rich brown, and black appearance around their faces. They’re more commonly found in eastern and southern states. In the white winter background, it’s eye-pleasing to watch these birds. You can add sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and Milo to your backyard feeders to attract Northern Cardinal to your homes.

3. Red Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

As its name suggests, the Red-Headed Woodpecker has a black and white body with red head and neck. They’re often spotted clinging to tree trunks while searching for insects.

Due to deforestation, these birds lost their habitats. Today, this beautiful bird is sighted in the East, open woodlots, farms, and streamside woods in the Great Plains.

4. Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

Look at this tiny bird; doesn’t it look so mesmerizing? 

This bird with readhead is known as the Downy Woodpecker, the smallest woodpecker in North America! Only male Downy Woodpecker has red patches on the back of their heads along with black wings speckled with white dots. These birds can be found in the United States, Canada, and Alaska.

5. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Meet the largest woodpecker in North America – Pileated Woodpecker! 

This redhead bird is almost the size of a crow and has a striking red crest atop its head and a black body with white stripes. Apart from its looks, it is also known for its distinctive “wooka-wooka” call in the forests of North America, southern Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.

6. Yellow Bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)

This is another medium-sized woodpecker bird with a red head. Yellow Bellied Sapsucker males sport red foreheads, and females have a white throat. These birds have strong beaks with which they drill holes in trees to find saps and insects. Yellow Bellied Sapsucker is commonly found in Canada and the North Eastern United States.

7. Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)

Scarlet Tanager is one of the popular red headed birds frequently found in woodlands and forests of the southeastern United States. These tropical birds have a bright body with black wings and tails. So, if you want to spot these birds, explore these regions in the spring and summer months.

8. Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)

The next redhead bird on the list is this pretty Summer Tanagers. The unique thing about this bird is that only males have a red appearance, and female Summer Tanagers have a dark yellow mustard color.

If you want to see this bird, explore pine-oak woods in the East or cottonwoods in the West. These birds also sing robin-like phrases and give a unique “ki-ti-tuk” call.

9. Red Crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata)

If you spot a redhead bird and want to confirm whether it is a Red Crested Cardinal, check for the gray body and white underparts. This bird has a bright red crest and throat, which is easily noticeable. With their melodious whistle and eye-catching appearance, these red headed birds are extremely famous among birdwatchers across the country.

10. Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Vermilion Flycatcher, or Pyrocephalus rubinus is a brilliant red bird with a fiery red appearance. This small, stocky flycatcher is found in Central America and much of South America. They love to eat insects and bugs and are often seen sitting on tree branches near water.

11. Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)

Most of the time, Western tanagers have been seen in a bright yellow and black combination but in the breeding season, the male ones have red spots on their feathers. Piranga ludoviciana have clicking calls “pit-er-ick.

These medium-sized red headed birds are found in western North America in winter and northern Canada to Mexico in summer. If you want to attract Western Tanager, add birdbaths and fountains in your backyard space.

FAQ

Final Thoughts 

A bird’s world is filled with various kinds of wonderful birds, including red-headed birds. With their striking appearance, melodic songs, and interesting habitats, they can make anyone fall in love with them. You can visit various places to catch a glimpse of a bird with redhead or add bird baths and feeders to attract them in your residential area. So, the next time you spot a redhead bird, you’ll surely know what kind of bird it is. Share this bird blog with your friends and family if you find it helpful and informative.

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