Many birds have red feathers, but some stand out with bright red heads. These birds with red head markings are easy to spot in the wild. From parks to forests, you can see them across North and South America. Some are bold and noisy, while others are shy and quiet.
You might spot little birds with red heads at your feeder or flying through trees. Maybe you’ve seen a small bird with red stripe on head, or a small bird with red spot on head. Even a small brown bird with red stripe on head can surprise you with its beauty. These birds with a red head come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. In this article, we’ll explore 15 amazing species. Each has its own look, song, and behavior. Let’s learn about the most colorful and fascinating birds with red head you might find near your home.
15 Small Birds With Red Head
Birds with red head are some of the most eye-catching in the bird world. These tiny, colorful birds can be seen in backyards, forests, and parks. Whether bold or shy, birds with red head always draw attention with their bright plumage.
From finches to flycatchers, many species show off striking red on their heads. These birds with red head often use their color to attract mates or mark territory. Watching them flit through trees adds charm to any birdwatching day. Their beauty and behavior make them unforgettable.
Bird 1: Northern Cardinal
- Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Wingspan: 10–12 inches (25 to 31cm)
- Native to: North America
- Size: 8 to 9inch
- Food or Diet: Seeds, insects, fruits, snails etc
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most recognized birds in North America. Males are bright red, while females are soft brown with red touches. Their crest and strong beak make them easy to spot in any season.
These birds often live in woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas. You’ll find them in the Eastern United States, Mexico, and parts of Southeastern Canada. They also stay year-round, even during snowy winters, bringing color to the cold.
Northern Cardinals are cavity-nesting birds that build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or trees. They prefer hidden spots like tree forks or dense bushes to protect their young from predators and harsh weather.
During the breeding season, cardinals may raise 2 to 3 broods each year. On average, a pair lays 3 to 4 eggs per clutch. That means they can have up to 8 to 12 chicks each season.
They feed their babies through beak-to-beak feeding. Insects, caterpillars, and seeds are common parts of their bird diet, helping the young grow strong and healthy in the early days of life.
Cardinals also show strong pair bonding and sing to each other. Their rich chur-chur sound is often heard during mating and courtship rituals, making them one of the most charming backyard birds to watch.
Read More: Top 17 Black and White Birds with Redheads
Bird 2: Red-Headed Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Lifespan: 9 years
- Wingspan: 16 inches
- Native to: North America
- Size: 19 to 23cm
- Food or Diet: Insects, fruits, nuts, berries, etc
The Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a striking bird with a bright red head, white belly, and black wings. It belongs to the woodpecker family and is known for its bold look and noisy calls in open woodlands.
These birds live mainly in North America, especially in the Eastern United States, parts of Southern Canada, and as far south as Florida and Texas. They prefer open woodlands, farms, orchards, and even suburban areas with large trees.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers nest in tree cavities, often choosing dead trees or old fence posts. They are cavity-nesting birds and may reuse old holes or make new ones each season. They often defend their nest sites with loud calls.
They usually lay about 4 to 7 eggs in each breeding season. Both parents share the job of incubation, and they take turns feeding and protecting the young until they fledge from the nest.
These birds are known for their clever habits. They show food storing behavior, hiding seeds and insects in tree bark for later. Their diet includes insects, fruits, nuts, and even tree sap. They are both insectivorous and fruit-eating birds.
You’ll often spot them in woodlands, open forests, and rural fields. Their strong pecking, sharp calls, and stunning red heads make them easy to recognize. They are truly a special sight among birds with red head.
Bird 3: House Finch
- Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Wingspan: 10 inches
- Native to: North America
- Size: 13 to 14cm
- Food or Diet: Seeds, fruits, buds, plants, etc
House Finch is a small songbird known for its red head and chest, especially in males. It has a brown-streaked body and a short, notched tail. These birds are common across the United States in both urban and rural areas.
House Finches are native to the western parts of North America. Today, they are found in many areas like California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and even as far north as Southern Canada. They adapt well to cities and suburbs.
These birds usually build their nests in trees, on buildings, or inside hanging planters. They are known as cavity-nesting birds, using small spaces for safety. They also nest in parks, backyards, and balconies.
House Finches lay about 2 to 6 eggs per clutch. They may raise up to three broods in one breeding season. The female incubates the eggs, while the male helps feed the chicks once they hatch.
Their diet includes seeds, berries, and grains. As seed-eating birds, they are regular visitors at bird feeders. They sometimes eat small insects during the breeding season to feed their young.
House Finches are social and often seen in groups. They have a cheerful song and make a sharp cheep sound. These birds with red head bring color and music to gardens and outdoor spaces.
Bird 4: Summer Tanager
- Scientific name: Piranga rubra
- Lifespan: 5 years
- Wingspan: 26 to 30cm
- Native to: Americas
- Size: 7inch (17cm)
- Food or Diet: Insectivorous diet, prime food insects, beetles, etc
Summer Tanager is a medium-sized songbird known for its bright red color. Males are fully red, while females are yellowish. They are often seen alone or in pairs and are part of the cardinal family.
These birds with red head are found mainly in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern parts of South America. They love open woodlands, especially those with oak and pine trees.
Summer Tanagers are insectivorous birds. They mostly eat bees, wasps, and other flying insects. Sometimes, they also enjoy fruits and berries during certain seasons.
They usually build their bird nests in high tree branches. The nests are cup-shaped and made from twigs, grass, and leaves. These birds prefer quiet, forested spots for nesting.
During the breeding season, Summer Tanagers lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch. The incubation period lasts about 11 to 12 days. Both parents care for the young chicks.
You can often spot them in parks, gardens, and forest edges. Their sweet, whistled song and flash of red make them easy to notice during bird migration months.
Bird 5: Scarlet Tanager
- Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Wingspan: 9 to11 inches
- Native to: North America
- Size: 6.3 to 6.7inch (16 to 17cm)
- Food or Diet: Insects, berries,wasps, bees, etc
Scarlet Tanager is a bright red songbird with black wings and tail. Males are known for their vivid color, while females are olive-yellow. These birds belong to the avian species Piranga olivacea and are admired for their beauty and song.
They live mostly in deciduous forests across the Eastern United States during summer. You’ll also find them in parts of Southern Canada. During winter, they migrate to South America, especially in the Andes Mountains and Amazon Basin.
Scarlet Tanagers prefer quiet, shaded woodlands far from humans. They are forest birds that stay high in the tree canopy. Sometimes, they visit suburban birds areas, but mostly during migration.
These birds with red head build small cup-shaped bird nests high on tree branches. The female lays three to five eggs and handles most of the incubation duties during the breeding season.
They feed on insects, berries, and fruit. As insectivorous birds, they love beetles, ants, wasps, and caterpillars. You might spot one snatching bugs mid-air or hopping through leaves.
Known for their vocal calls, Scarlet Tanagers sing a raspy tune, often compared to a robin with a sore throat. These small beauties brighten any woodland with color and song.
Bird 6: Red-Headed Tanager
- Scientific name: Piranga erythrocephala
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Wingspan: 8 inches
- Native to: Mexico
- Size: 5.9inches (15cm)
- Food or Diet: Insects, fruits
Red-Headed Tanager is a small songbird known for its stunning red head and vibrant green body. It belongs to the cardinal family. These birds are mostly found in forested regions and enjoy warm climates with plenty of tree cover.
This bird species is native to Mexico, especially in areas like Jalisco, Sonora, and Oaxaca. You’ll often spot them in montane forests, open woodlands, and sometimes in suburban areas near tree lines or forest edges.
Red-Headed Tanager builds its nest in tree forks or dense shrubs. The female usually lays 2 to 3 eggs during each breeding season. They care for their young in quiet, hidden spots high off the ground.
These forest birds are mostly found in highland areas, living in mixed forests and oak trees. They stay close to water and food sources like berries, insects, and small fruits, depending on the season.
They are known for their peaceful bird behavior and soft chirping sounds. Their courtship rituals include light hopping, display dance, and gentle vocal calls to attract mates during the breeding season.
As insectivorous birds, they feed on caterpillars, spiders, and flies, but also enjoy fruit-eating when berries are available. Their colorful look, quiet nature, and unique habits make them special among avian species in the region.
Bird 7: Western Tanager
- Scientific name: Piranga ludoviciana
- Lifespan: 8 years
- Wingspan: 11 inches
- Native to: North America
- Size: 6.3-7.5inch (16 to 19cm)
- Food or Diet: Insects, fruits, berries
Western Tanager is a colorful songbird known for its bright yellow body and striking red-orange head. Males are more vivid, while females have duller shades. These birds belong to the cardinal family and are loved by birdwatchers across North America.
They usually lay 3 to 5 eggs during the breeding season. The female builds the nest and handles incubation, which lasts about 13 days. After hatching, both parents feed the young until fledging. Their nests are often placed on tree forks in high branches.
You can find Western Tanagers in coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and montane forests. They prefer forest birds habitats with tall trees and nearby water sources. In summer, they breed in parts of Western United States and Southern Canada.
During bird migration, they travel long distances. They winter in Central America, especially in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Some even reach El Salvador and Oaxaca regions.
Their bird diet includes insects, beetles, wasps, spiders, and grasshoppers. They also eat fruits and berries when insects are less available. This mix makes them both insectivorous birds and fruit-eating birds.
Western Tanagers show unique bird behavior, especially during courtship rituals. Males sing and perform display dances. They also defend their territory through songs and calls. Their bright plumage and habits make them stand out among birds with red head.
Bird 8: Purple Finch
- Scientific name: Haemorhous purpureus
- Lifespan: 6 years
- Wingspan: 22–26 cm
- Native to: North America
- Size: 4.7 to 6.3inch (12 to 16cm)
- Food or Diet: Seeds, berries, fruits, etc
The Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) is a small songbird known for its rich raspberry-red plumage. Males are bright red, while females have brown streaks. These birds are often confused with House Finches but are chunkier with a short, notched tail.
They are mostly found in coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and suburban areas. Their range stretches across eastern United States, southern Canada, and along the Pacific Coast. During winter, they may migrate south to Texas and Florida.
Purple Finches build cup-shaped nests in tree branches, often near the trunk. Nests are made with twigs, grasses, and hair. Females lay around 3 to 6 eggs per clutch. Eggs are pale blue with black spots.
These finches eat a wide variety of foods. Their bird diet includes seeds, berries, buds, and insects. They’re known as seed-eating birds, but they also enjoy fruit-eating and sometimes small insects like ants and caterpillars.
Purple Finches show strong pair bonding during the breeding season. Males may perform display dances or bring food to females during courtship rituals. Their incubation period usually lasts 12–14 days.
You’ll often hear their sweet, warbling vocal calls in forested areas. They are common forest birds and also adapt well as urban birds and suburban birds during winter feeding. Their population remains stable across most regions.
In short, the Purple Finch is a colorful and charming member of the avian species. Their presence adds beauty and music to North American woodlands. They’re active, social, and easily attracted to backyard feeders with sunflower seeds.
Bird 9: Red Faced Warbler
- Scientific name: Cardellina rubrifrons
- Lifespan: 5 years
- Wingspan: 7 inches
- Native to: Mexico, Arizona
- Size: 5inch (14cm)
- Food or Diet: Insectivorous bird, flies, aphids, etc
The Red-Faced Warbler is a small, striking songbird known for its bright red face and gray body. This colorful bird belongs to the avian species that prefer cool mountain forests and shady woodlands for nesting and feeding.
These birds are mainly found in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Mexico like Oaxaca and Sonora. They live in montane forests, especially with tall pine and oak trees. These woodland birds enjoy cooler climates at higher elevations.
Red-Faced Warblers are cavity-nesting birds that build their nests on the forest floor, usually hidden under leaves or near tree roots. They are often spotted in forest birds’ habitats during spring and summer.
During the breeding season, a female lays 3 to 5 eggs in each clutch. Both parents help with incubation and feeding the chicks until they fledge. Their nest-building is simple but well-hidden for safety.
They mostly feed on insects like beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. These insectivorous birds also eat small bugs found in leaves and branches. Their feeding behavior is quick and active as they hop through trees.
The Red-Faced Warbler migrates between Central America and the southwestern United States. Their bright color, small size, and active nature make them one of the most admired birds with red head in the wild.
Bird 10: Vermilion Flycatcher
- Scientific name: Pyrocephalus obscurus
- Lifespan: 5 years
- Wingspan: 9 inches
- Native to: South Americas
- Size: 5.1 to 5.5inch (13 to 14cm)
- Food or Diet: Insects,grasshoppers, spiders, etc
Vermilion Flycatcher is a small songbird known for its bright red body and dark brown wings. Males are more colorful, while females have duller shades. These birds are easy to spot due to their striking colors and active flight behavior.
This bird species belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family. It loves open areas like farms, grasslands, and desert edges. Vermilion Flycatchers are commonly found sitting on fences, shrubs, or tree branches while hunting flying insects mid-air.
They are native to Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. You can often spot them in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and even as far south as Argentina. They prefer warmer climates and wide-open spaces.
During the breeding season, the male performs display dances to attract a mate. Their courtship rituals include singing and fluttering. Once paired, they build small nests in tree forks or low shrubs.
The female lays about 2 to 4 eggs per clutch. These eggs are white with brown markings. She incubates them for around two weeks while the male helps by guarding the area and catching insects for food.
After hatching, both parents feed the chicks. The baby birds fledge in about two weeks. Vermilion Flycatchers may raise two broods per year, depending on food supply and weather conditions.
Bird 11: Pyrrhuloxia
- Scientific name: Cardinalis sinuatus
- Lifespan: 8 years
- Wingspan: 12 inches
- Native to: North America
- Size: 8inch (19 to 22cm)
- Food or Diet: Seeds, insects, fruits etc
Pyrrhuloxia is a desert-loving bird known for its red face and crest. It looks like a Northern Cardinal but has a shorter, yellowish beak. These birds often live in hot, dry areas and perch low in bushes or trees.
They are mostly found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, especially in desert scrub and thorny brush. You can also spot them in parts of Mexico, like Sonora and Oaxaca. They prefer quiet, open areas with scattered trees and shrubs.
The Pyrrhuloxia is a small bird with red stripe on head and red on the chest. Males are more colorful, while females are grayer. These birds are part of the birds with red head group and are easy to spot in the wild.
They build nests in trees or thick shrubs. The female usually lays 2 to 4 eggs per clutch. Both parents take care of the chicks after hatching.
During the breeding season, males sing to attract mates. Their courtship rituals include fluttering flights and soft chirps. Once paired, they show pair bonding by feeding each other and sharing nest duties.
Their diet includes seeds, fruits, and insects, making them insectivorous birds and seed-eating birds. Pyrrhuloxias forage on the ground and in low branches. They help control insect numbers in their native habitats.
Bird 13: Red-Bellied Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
- Lifespan: 12 years
- Wingspan: 13–17 inches
- Native to: Eastern United States
- Size: 9 to 10.5inch
- Food or Diet: Insects, fruits, beetles, spiders
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a medium-sized woodpecker with a pale belly and a bright red cap. Despite its name, its red head stands out more than its belly. It’s common in North America, especially the eastern U.S.
These birds are often seen clinging to tree trunks in forests, parks, and even suburban yards. They’re part of the cavity-nesting birds, making their homes in dead trees or old wood. Their loud calls and drumming sounds are easy to recognize.
Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are mostly found in woodlands, open woodlands, and deciduous forests. They also live in urban birds and suburban birds areas, adapting well to backyard feeders, especially where there are oak trees or tree cavities.
Their bird diet includes insects, fruits, tree sap, berries, and seeds. They sometimes store food in tree bark for later use, showing smart food storing behavior.
These birds with red head lay 4 to 5 white eggs per nesting season. Both parents take turns during incubation, and young birds leave the nest about 24 days after hatching.
You’ll find Red-Bellied Woodpeckers mostly in the Eastern United States, from Florida to Texas and up to Southern Canada. They’re non-migratory, so they stay in their range year-round, especially in wooded regions.
Bird 14: Pine Grosbeak
- Scientific name: Pinicola enucleator
- Lifespan: 9 years
- Wingspan: 13 inches
- Native to: North America
- Size: 20 to 25cm
- Food or Diet: Berries, seeds, buds, etc
Pine Grosbeak is a large, gentle finch known for its soft colors and sweet song. Males have rosy-red feathers, while females are more yellowish-gray. These birds are calm and often found perched quietly in trees or foraging on the ground.
They usually live in cold forest areas. You can see them in coniferous forests across Alaska, Canada, and parts of Northern Eurasia. They prefer mountain forests, open woodlands, and snowy lowlands, especially during winter months when food is scarce.
Pine Grosbeaks feed mostly on fruits, seeds, and buds. They love berries and will also eat insects during the summer. These fruit-eating birds often travel in small groups and forage together in trees or on the forest floor.
These birds usually nest in tree forks or thick conifer branches. They build well-hidden nests using twigs, moss, and grasses. The female handles most of the nest-building while the male stays nearby.
A Pine Grosbeak lays about 3 to 5 eggs in one breeding season. The incubation lasts around two weeks. After hatching, both parents feed the chicks, mostly soft fruits and insects. Chicks fledge about two weeks later.
These birds are mostly non-migratory, though some may move south during harsh winters. Their calm nature and soft calls make them easy to miss, but their beauty stands out among other avian species in their habitat.
Bird 15: Red-Breasted Sapsucker
- Scientific name: Sphyrapicus ruber
- Lifespan: 5 years
- Wingspan: 37 to 37inch
- Native to: California forests
- Size: 7 to 8inch(20 to 22cm)
- Food or Diet: Tree sap, insects, fruits
Red-Breasted Sapsucker is a striking woodpecker known for its bright red head and chest. This bird belongs to the woodpecker family and is often seen drilling neat rows of holes in trees to feed on sap and insects.
These birds are mostly found in the forests of California, Oregon, British Columbia, and parts of Alaska. They prefer coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and areas with plenty of trees for nesting and feeding.
Red-Breasted Sapsuckers are cavity-nesting birds. They often make their nests in tree trunks, especially in dead or decaying wood. They reuse these holes and may even be seen defending them during nesting season.
They usually lay 4 to 7 eggs per breeding season. Both the male and female take turns during the incubation period, which lasts about two weeks. The young fledge in roughly 23 to 28 days after hatching.
Their diet includes tree sap, insects like ants and beetles, and occasionally fruits and berries. They are also known for storing food in bark crevices, especially during colder months.
Red-Breasted Sapsuckers are important to their ecosystem. The sap wells they create also feed other species, like hummingbirds and insects. Their bright look and busy behavior make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
FAQ’S
What causes birds to have red heads?
Birds with red head often get their color from pigments in their feathers, which come from their diet or are used to attract mates.
Are red-headed birds aggressive?
Some birds with red head show aggression during breeding season, especially when defending nests or territory from other birds or animals.
Where can I spot red-headed birds?
You can find birds with red head in forests, parks, and backyards across North America, especially in trees or near feeders.
Do red-headed birds migrate?
Yes, many birds with red head migrate seasonally. They move to warmer places in winter and return to breed when spring arrives.
What do red-headed birds eat?
Most birds with red head eat a mix of seeds, fruits, and insects. Some species also sip tree sap or catch small invertebrates.
Conclusion
Birds with red head are some of the most beautiful and unique birds in nature. Their bright red feathers make them easy to spot in trees, parks, and backyards. You might see a small bird with red stripe on head or even a small brown bird with red stripe on head. These colors often help them during mating season or to protect their territory. Many are little birds with red heads, but their colors are bold and striking.
From forests to city gardens, these birds with red head live in many places. You may even notice a small bird with red spot on head flying around. Each bird is different in how it looks, acts, and what it eats. Some prefer seeds, others love fruits or insects. Whether you’re birdwatching or just walking outside, spotting these birds is always a treat. Their colors, songs, and charm make them hard to forget.
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