22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide

Birds with red heads are a beautiful and fascinating group of birds that are found all over the world. Some of these birds are quite common, while others are more rare and elusive. In this article, we will explore 22 different species of birds with red heads that are sure to capture your attention and ignite your passion for bird watching.

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads


There are numerous species of birds with red heads found around the world. Here are 22 of the most well-known species

Northern Cardinal

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - northern cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a popular bird in North America and a well-known member of the group of birds with red heads. These birds are recognized for their bright red plumage, and the males have a bright red head, while females have a more subdued brownish-red color.

The Northern Cardinal is a stunning red headed bird that is commonly found in North America. Known for its vibrant red plumage, this bird is easily recognizable and loved by many birdwatchers. Both male and female Northern Cardinals have red feathers on their heads, although the males tend to have brighter red coloring.

They are medium-sized birds with a cone-shaped beak that is perfect for cracking open seeds and nuts. In addition to their beauty, Northern Cardinals are also beneficial to the ecosystem as they help control insect populations by feeding on insects and spreading the seeds of plants they consume. Overall, the Northern Cardinal is a beloved member of the group of birds with red heads and a joy to observe in the wild.


Red-bellied Woodpecker

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Red-bellied Woodpecker



The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a stunning bird with a red head, making it a member of the group of birds with red heads. Despite its name, the red coloring on its head is more prominent than the red coloring on its belly.

These birds are medium-sized with a wingspan of around 16 to 18 inches. They have a distinctive black and white striped back and a long, chisel-shaped beak that is perfect for drilling into wood to find insects. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are commonly found in woodlands and urban areas, and their unique appearance and behavior make them a popular bird to observe in the wild.

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Acorn Woodpecker

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Acorn Woodpecker

The Acorn Woodpecker is another beautiful bird with a red head, making it a member of the group of birds with red heads. This woodpecker has a distinctive red cap and a black and white body.

It is named after its habit of storing acorns in trees, a behavior that is unique to this species. Acorn Woodpeckers are found in oak woodlands throughout the western parts of North America, where they can be seen drilling holes in trees to store their acorns. These birds are social and live in large groups, making them a fascinating species to observe in the wild.


Red-headed Woodpecker

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird with a bright red head and neck, making it a prominent member of the group of birds with red heads. These birds are medium-sized with a wingspan of around 18 to 20 inches.

They have a black and white striped back, white underparts, and a unique solid red head. Red-headed Woodpeckers are found in open woodlands and areas with scattered trees throughout North America. They are omnivores and feed on insects, fruits, nuts, and even small vertebrates. Due to habitat loss and other threats, the population of Red-headed Woodpeckers has declined in recent years, making them a species of conservation concern.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide -  Red-cockaded Woodpecker

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a unique bird with a small red patch on its head, making it a part of the group of birds with red heads. These woodpeckers are small, with a length of around 7 to 9 inches and a wingspan of around 13 to 16 inches. They have a black and white striped back and a white belly.


The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is found exclusively in pine forests throughout the southeastern United States. They are known for their habit of excavating cavities in living pine trees, which they use for nesting and roosting. Due to habitat loss and other threats, the population of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers has declined, making them a species of conservation concern.

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Red-breasted Merganser

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Red-breasted Merganser

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird with a reddish-brown head, making it a member of the group of birds with red heads. These birds are around 4 to 5 inches in length and have a distinct white stripe above their eyes. The Red-breasted Nuthatch has a bluish-gray back and wings and a rusty-red breast.

These birds are found in coniferous forests throughout North America, where they can be seen hopping along tree trunks and branches in search of insects and seeds. Red-breasted Nuthatches are known for their distinctive nasal call, which sounds like a tiny horn being blown. They are a favorite among birdwatchers due to their small size and distinctive appearance.

House Finch

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - House Finch

The House Finch is a common bird found throughout North America, known for its red head and chest that makes it a member of the group of birds with red heads. These birds are around 5 to 6 inches in length and have a brown back and wings with streaks of white.

The male House Finch has a bright red head, chest, and rump, while the female has a more muted brown head and streaked breast. House Finches are found in a variety of habitats, including urban and suburban areas, where they feed on seeds and fruits. These birds are known for their sweet, warbling song, which can often be heard in the early morning hours.

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Cassin’s Finch



22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Cassin's Finch

Cassin’s Finch is a bird species belonging to the group of birds with red heads, found in the western regions of North America. These birds are around 5 to 6 inches in length and have a brownish-gray back and wings with white streaks.

The male Cassin’s Finch has a rose-red crown and breast, while the female has a more muted brown head and breast. These birds are found in coniferous forests, mountain ranges, and chaparral areas where they feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. Cassin’s Finch has a sweet warbling song and is a common sight at bird feeders.

Purple Finch

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Purple Finch

The Purple Finch is a medium-sized bird with a red head and chest, making it a member of the group of birds with red heads. These birds are around 5 to 6 inches in length and have a brownish back and wings with streaks of white.


The male Purple Finch has a bright raspberry-red head, breast, and rump, while the female has a more muted brown head and streaked breast. These birds are found in deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as suburban areas, where they feed on seeds, buds, and insects. The Purple Finch has a beautiful, melodious song that can often be heard in the early morning hours.

Red-crested Cardinal

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Red-crested Cardinal

The Red-crested Cardinal is a striking bird with a red head that is commonly found in South America. They are known for their distinctive red crest that stands tall on their head. The rest of their body is mostly gray, with a black mask around their eyes and a red beak.

They are often found in pairs or small groups in grassy areas and gardens. The Red-crested Cardinal is a popular bird for bird watchers due to their unique appearance and vocalizations, which include a series of whistles and trills. Their bright plumage and charming personality make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.

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Red-headed Trogon

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Red-headed Trogon

The Red-headed Trogon is a stunning bird found in tropical forests of Central and South America. As the name suggests, it has a bright red head that contrasts with its green back and wings. This medium-sized bird has a unique call that sounds like a barking dog, and can often be spotted perched quietly in the trees or gliding through the forest.

The Red-headed Trogon is known for its beauty, but also for its ecological importance as a seed disperser. It feeds on fruits and berries and then disperses the seeds throughout the forest, helping to maintain the diversity of plant life.

Scarlet Tanager

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - northern cardinal

The Scarlet Tanager is a stunning songbird that is well-known for its bright red plumage. Males have brilliant red feathers that cover their head, neck, and body, while females have a duller yellow-green coloration. These birds breed in the eastern United States and spend the winter in the tropics of South America.


Scarlet Tanagers are found in deciduous and mixed forests and are often seen foraging high in the tree canopy for insects and fruit. They have a unique song that is described as a hoarse, robin-like phrase. Scarlet Tanagers are a welcome sight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike, and their vibrant coloration is sure to catch anyone’s eye.

Summer Tanager

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide -  Summer Tanager

The Summer Tanager is another member of the birds with red heads family. The males have a bright red plumage that contrasts sharply with their black wings and tails. Females have a yellow-green coloration. They are primarily found in forests and woodlands throughout their range in North and South America.

They feed mainly on insects, fruits, and berries. Their melodious song is a common sound in the summer months in their breeding areas, which range from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Despite their name, Summer Tanagers can be seen in their breeding ranges from spring to fall.

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Vermilion Flycatcher

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Vermilion Flycatcher

The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small, brightly colored bird with a distinctive red head. Found primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico, this bird is known for its striking plumage, which makes it a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers. Despite its small size, the Vermilion Flycatcher is an excellent hunter, known for its ability to catch insects in mid-air with remarkable agility.

They feed mainly on insects, fruits, and berries. Their melodious song is a common sound in the summer months in their breeding areas, which range from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Despite their name, Summer Tanagers can be seen in their breeding ranges from spring to fall.

Western Tanager

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Western Tanager

The Western Tanager is a striking bird with a bright red head and yellow body. These birds are commonly found in coniferous forests of western North America. Males have a bright red head and yellow body, while females have an olive-green head and yellow body. Western Tanagers are known for their unique song, which is a series of clear and musical phrases.

They are primarily insectivores, feeding on insects and spiders, but will also eat some fruit and seeds. During the breeding season, they build their nests in trees and lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs. The Western Tanager is a beautiful and beloved bird among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

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Baltimore Oriole

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Baltimore Oriole

Although the Baltimore Oriole is mostly known for its bright orange plumage, the male of this species also has a distinctive red head. These birds are common in eastern North America during the summer months, where they can be found in open woodlands, parks, and gardens.


They are known for their beautiful, melodious songs and are a favorite among birdwatchers. The Baltimore Oriole’s bright colors make it a standout among other birds, and its red head is a unique feature that helps it to stand out even more. Orioles are also known for their intricate, hanging nests, which they build high in trees.

Bullock’s Oriole

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Bullock's Oriole

Bullock’s Oriole is a medium-sized bird with a bright orange body, black wings, and a distinctive red-orange head. The males have a larger and more vibrant head than females. These birds are commonly found in open woodlands, riparian areas, and suburban parks in western North America.

Bullock’s Oriole feeds mainly on insects and fruits, and they are known for their acrobatic foraging style, often hanging upside down to reach their food. They are also known for their intricate hanging nests, which they construct in the forks of trees using grass, plant fibers, and animal hair. Bullock’s Oriole is a common and colorful sight in the western United States.

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Hooded Oriole

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Hooded Oriole

The Hooded Oriole is a beautiful bird with a distinct appearance, characterized by its bright yellow body and black mask. While its head is not completely red, it does have a reddish-orange tint that qualifies it as one of the birds with red heads

The male of the species has a more vibrant red head than the female. These orioles are native to the southwestern parts of North America, and they are commonly found in arid and desert regions. Their diet consists mainly of nectar from flowers, insects, and fruit. The Hooded Oriole is a popular sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and melodic so

Red-headed Lovebird

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Red-headed Lovebird

The Red-headed Lovebird is a small parrot species with a strikingly beautiful appearance. As its name suggests, it has a bright red head and neck, contrasting with its green body and wings. These birds are native to southwestern Africa and are known for their playful and affectionate personalities.

They form strong pair bonds and are often seen cuddling or preening each other. In captivity, they make popular pets due to their colorful and entertaining nature. However, in the wild, they face threats from habitat loss and capture for the pet trade, leading to population declines.

Red-faced Warbler

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - Red-faced Warbler

The Red-faced Warbler is a striking bird with a bright red head and a contrasting white and gray body. It’s a small songbird that lives in the high elevations of the western United States and Mexico, preferring pine and fir forests. During breeding season, males have a more vibrant red head, while females have a duller red or brownish head.

The Red-faced Warbler is known for its distinctive song, which is a series of high-pitched notes that sound like “chip-chip-chip-chip-chip.” They are known to be active foragers, often seen hopping and flitting about in search of insects and spiders. They are a delight to watch and a favorite of birdwatchers.


Red-throated Ant-Tanager

22 Species of Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide - northern cardinal

The Red-throated Ant-Tanager is a small passerine bird found in the Neotropical region. It belongs to the tanager family and is one of the many birds with red heads.

The bird’s plumage is mainly black with a red throat and head, making it easy to identify in the wild. These birds inhabit humid forests, where they feed on insects and fruits, and are typically found in the mid to upper levels of the canopy. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the species is considered threatened and is a conservation priority in many countries.

Conclusion

we have discussed various birds with red heads, including the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Finch, Cassin’s Finch, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Bullock’s Oriole, Hooded Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-faced Warbler, and Red-throated Ant-Tanager.

These birds vary greatly in their appearance, habitat, and behavior, but they all share the distinctive characteristic of a red head. Observing and learning about these beautiful creatures can be a rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

FAQs


A bird with a red head is called a “red-headed bird” or “bird with a red head.” There are many species of birds with red heads, including woodpeckers, finches, orioles, tanagers, and more.

One of the most well-known species of bird with a red head is the Northern Cardinal. This bird is not only recognized for its bright red crest but also for its distinctive whistle-like song.

The bird that looks like a sparrow with a red head is most likely a male House Finch. House Finches have brown streaked bodies with a red head and breast, and are commonly found in gardens and backyards. However, there are several other species of birds with red heads that may resemble a sparrow, such as the Cassin’s Finch, Purple Finch, and the Red Crossbill.

There are several small brown birds with red heads, including the House Finch, Cassin’s Finch, and Purple Finch. Another possibility is the Red-headed Woodpecker, which has a brown body and bright red head. It’s important to note that the specific characteristics of each bird can vary based on age, sex, and breeding season, so a bird guidebook or online resource can be helpful in identifying these species.

References

  1. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). All About Birds. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/
  2. National Audubon Society. (n.d.). Guide to North American Birds. Retrieved from https://www.audubon.org/
  3. The Spruce. (2021). Field Guides for Birds and Wildlife. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/birds-and-wildlife-4163099
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