This article is a colorful guide to 22 bird species that are known for their vibrant red heads. Filled with captivating pictures and detailed descriptions, each bird species is introduced with their scientific names, weight, and diet. From the iconic Northern Cardinal to the cheerful House Finch, the graceful Barn Swallow to the striking Red-headed Woodpecker, this article celebrates the beauty and diversity of these red-headed feathered friends. Additionally, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about birds with red heads, such as identifying the specific type of bird or even discovering which parrot boasts a crimson crown. Get ready to be captivated by these stunning avian wonders!
1. Northern Cardinal
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Northern Cardinal is Cardinalis cardinalis.
Description
The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful songbird known for its vibrant red feathers and distinctive crest on its head. The male cardinal features a bright red plumage, while the female has a more muted reddish-brown color. Both genders have black masks on their faces and a prominent crest. These birds have strong beaks and long tails, which add to their overall elegance.
Weight
The average weight of a Northern Cardinal ranges from 33 to 65 grams.
Diet
Northern Cardinals primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits. They have a strong preference for sunflower seeds, but also eat other types of seeds from various plants. In addition, they consume berries, insects, and occasionally even small reptiles.
2. House Finch
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the House Finch is Haemorhous mexicanus.
Description
The House Finch is a small songbird known for its red head and throat. The male House Finch displays a bright red coloration on its head, chest, and upper back, while the female has more subdued coloring. They have a sturdy body with brown streaks on their underparts, and their wings are primarily brown with hints of red. These birds have a short conical beak, ideal for cracking open seeds.
Weight
The average weight of a House Finch ranges from 20 to 30 grams.
Diet
House Finches primarily feed on seeds, including those from various plants such as thistles, sunflowers, and grasses. They also consume fruits, berries, and occasionally insects.
3. Downy Woodpecker
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Downy Woodpecker is Picoides pubescens.
Description
The Downy Woodpecker is a small and active bird with a black and white pattern on its body. It has a black upper body with white underparts, and its wings feature white spots. The male and female Downy Woodpeckers look very similar, with one notable distinction. The male has a small red patch on the back of its head, while the female lacks this red marking. These woodpeckers have a short bill and a chisel-like tip, ideal for drumming on trees to find food.
Weight
The average weight of a Downy Woodpecker ranges from 20 to 33 grams.
Diet
Downy Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, including beetles, ants, and caterpillars. They also consume tree sap, fruits, and seeds.
4. Barn Swallow
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Barn Swallow is Hirundo rustica.
Description
The Barn Swallow is a medium-sized bird known for its distinct forked tail and beautiful coloring. It has a vibrant orange-red face, throat, and forehead, as well as a steel-blue back. The underparts of the Barn Swallow are buff-colored, with a gradual lightening towards the chin and belly. These swift and agile birds have long pointed wings, allowing them to perform acrobatic maneuvers in flight.
Weight
The average weight of a Barn Swallow ranges from 17 to 20 grams.
Diet
Barn Swallows mainly feed on a variety of flying insects, including flies, beetles, and mosquitos. They catch these insects in mid-air while flying at high speeds.
5. Red-headed Woodpecker
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Red-headed Woodpecker is Melanerpes erythrocephalus.
Description
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird with a vibrant red head, neck, and upper breast. Its back and wings are primarily black, with bright white underparts. The Red-headed Woodpecker has a sturdy bill, a short tail, and a prominent crest on its head. These birds are known for their active and agile nature.
Weight
The average weight of a Red-headed Woodpecker ranges from 70 to 96 grams.
Diet
Red-headed Woodpeckers have a diverse diet that includes insects, nuts, fruits, and berries. They are also known to cache food, storing excess food in tree crevices or fence rails.
6. Vermilion Flycatcher
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Vermilion Flycatcher is Pyrocephalus obscurus.
Description
The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small and vibrant bird with a striking bright red plumage. It has a slender body with a long tail and pointed wings. The male Vermilion Flycatcher displays a vibrant red color, while the female has a more muted reddish-brown coloration. These birds have a distinctive black mask around their eyes and a short, hooked beak.
Weight
The average weight of a Vermilion Flycatcher ranges from 8 to 11 grams.
Diet
Vermilion Flycatchers primarily feed on flying insects, including flies, bees, and butterflies. They capture their prey while in flight, performing graceful aerial maneuvers.
7. Scarlet Tanager
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Scarlet Tanager is Piranga olivacea.
Description
The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized songbird with a brilliant red plumage and deep black wings. The male Scarlet Tanager displays intense red feathers, while the female has more subdued coloration, primarily olive-yellow. These birds have a slender body and a pointed bill.
Weight
The average weight of a Scarlet Tanager ranges from 22 to 28 grams.
Diet
Scarlet Tanagers primarily feed on insects, including beetles, ants, and bees. They also consume fruits and berries, particularly during the breeding season when insects may be scarce.
8. American Robin
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the American Robin is Turdus migratorius.
Description
The American Robin is a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive orange-red breast and grayish-brown upperparts. It has a white eye-ring and a yellow bill. The American Robin has a slim body with long legs and a long tail. These birds are known for their melodious song and their ability to hop and run on the ground while foraging.
Weight
The average weight of an American Robin ranges from 77 to 95 grams.
Diet
American Robins primarily feed on insects, earthworms, snails, and various types of fruits and berries. They can often be seen searching for food on lawns and in gardens.
9. Red-breasted Merganser
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Red-breasted Merganser is Mergus serrator.
Description
The Red-breasted Merganser is a medium-sized diving duck with a unique red head and shaggy crest. The male Red-breasted Merganser has a rich red-brown head, while the female has a more subdued cinnamon-brown color. Both genders have a slender body, grayish wings, and a long, narrow bill. These ducks are excellent swimmers and divers.
Weight
The average weight of a Red-breasted Merganser ranges from 800 to 1150 grams.
Diet
Red-breasted Mergansers primarily feed on fish, including small schooling species. They dive underwater to catch their prey, using their serrated bill to grasp and hold onto fish.
10. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Scientific Name
The scientific name of the Red-bellied Woodpecker is Melanerpes carolinus.
Description
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker known for its striking red head and black-and-white barred pattern on its back. Contrary to its name, the red coloration on its belly is often not visible. These woodpeckers have a sturdy build, a long neck, and a chisel-like bill for drilling into tree bark.
Weight
The average weight of a Red-bellied Woodpecker ranges from 56 to 91 grams.
Diet
Red-bellied Woodpeckers have an omnivorous diet consisting of insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They have a habit of storing food in crevices, allowing them to survive during harsh winter months.
These are just a few examples of bird species with red heads. Each of these birds possesses unique qualities and characteristics that contribute to their fascinating nature. Whether it’s the vibrant coloring, melodious songs, or their foraging habits, these birds never fail to capture the attention and admiration of bird enthusiasts.
