Complete Gardening
Is your backyard missing that wow factor? Imagine the flutter of brilliant red wings bringing life and energy to your outdoor space. Red birds aren’t just a feast for the eyes, they can transform your garden into a vibrant sanctuary of color and sound.
From their stunning plumage to their unique personalities, these 13 red-feathered wonders will turn your backyard into a living masterpiece. Ready to discover the secrets to attracting these crimson beauties? Let’s dive in!
1. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a favorite among bird enthusiasts due to its brilliant red plumage.
Males are especially vibrant, sporting a striking red all over with a black mask-like pattern around their face. Females, while less vibrant, possess a unique beauty with their warm brown tones and red accents.
These birds are not only beautiful but also have a melodious song that fills the air with music. If you’re looking to attract cardinals to your backyard, consider offering sunflower seeds and a proper bird feeder to make them feel at home.
2. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers are a true spectacle with their fiery red bodies and contrasting jet-black wings and tails. These birds are often found in deciduous forests during the breeding season, filling the woods with their cheerful, burry song.
To catch a glimpse of these elusive birds, patience is key. They often stay high in the treetops, making them a challenge to spot.
However, their striking coloration makes them unmistakable when seen. Providing fruit and suet in your garden can help attract them to lower branches.
3. Summer Tanager
The Summer Tanager, with its completely red appearance, is a sight to behold. Unlike other tanagers, the Summer Tanager lacks any black markings, making its red plumage all the more striking.
These birds are often found in open woodlands and tend to migrate to Central and South America during the winter. Their diet primarily consists of insects, so having a variety of plants can encourage their presence.
Listening for their distinctive, melodious song is one way to spot these beautiful creatures in your backyard.
4. Red-Headed Finch
The Red-Headed Finch, with its crimson crown, stands out in any flock. These sociable birds enjoy gathering in large groups, making your backyard a lively oasis.
Found primarily in Southern Africa, they adapt well to garden environments, especially where seeds are plentiful. Their charming presence and delicate song make them a favorite among bird watchers.
To attract them, consider providing a mix of seeds and grains in open feeders. They are not just a visual delight but also contribute to the garden’s ecosystem.
5. Vermilion Flycatcher
The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small, bright red bird that captures attention with its stunning coloration. Males are distinguished by their vivid red plumage, while females have more subtle hues.
These flycatchers are often seen in open areas, such as fields and parks, where they catch insects mid-flight. If you’re in the right region, attracting these birds can be as simple as having plenty of open space and trees for perching.
Their cheerful presence and agile flights make them a joy to observe in the wild or in your backyard.
6. Red Crossbill
Red Crossbills are fascinating birds with a unique crossed bill adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones. Their reddish plumage and distinctive bill set them apart.
These birds are often found in coniferous forests, where they can be seen flitting from tree to tree. To attract them to your backyard, consider planting native conifers or providing a source of conifer seeds.
Their unique feeding behavior and striking appearance make them an interesting species to observe.
7. House Finch
House Finches are charming birds often found in urban and suburban areas. Males have a brilliant red coloration on their head and chest, while females are more subdued in their coloring.
These adaptable birds are known for their pleasant, warbling song that can be heard throughout the day. Providing sunflower seeds and a bird bath can attract them to your backyard.
Their sociable nature and beautiful song make them a favorite among backyard bird enthusiasts.
8. Pyrrhuloxia
The Pyrrhuloxia, sometimes called the Desert Cardinal, is known for its striking red plumage and distinctive crest. Found primarily in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, these birds thrive in desert habitats.
They are often seen perched on cacti or shrubs, foraging for seeds and insects. To attract them to your garden, ensure a variety of native desert plants and a steady water source.
Their unique appearance and adaptability to harsh environments make them a fascinating species to observe.
9. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings are famous for their stunning, multicolored plumage, with males exhibiting bright blue, green, and red feathers. While the red isn’t the dominant color, it adds to their kaleidoscopic appearance.
These birds prefer dense thickets and are often heard before they are seen, thanks to their sweet, melodic song. Attracting them requires a mix of dense shrubs and trees in your garden.
Their vibrant colors and enchanting song make them a stunning addition to any backyard birdwatcher’s collection.
10. Red Bishop
The Red Bishop is renowned for its striking breeding plumage. Males turn a brilliant red during mating season, a sight to behold in your garden.
These birds are mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa and thrive in wetlands and grasslands. Their courtship displays are a fascinating spectacle, with males puffing up their feathers and hopping energetically.
To invite these beauties, plant tall grasses or reeds in your backyard. Their presence not only adds color but also aids in pollination.
11. Crimson Sunbird
The Crimson Sunbird is a tiny bird with a vibrant red body and an iridescent sheen. Their quick movements and sweet songs add life to any garden.
Native to Southeast Asia, they are often seen flitting between flowers in search of nectar. These sunbirds are excellent pollinators, making them a gardener’s ally.
To attract Crimson Sunbirds, grow nectar-rich flowers such as hibiscus and bottlebrush. Their presence will not only enliven your garden but help it flourish.
12. Crimson Rosella
The Crimson Rosella, native to Australia, is known for its stunning red and blue plumage. These parrots are often found in forests and gardens, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and nectar.
If you’re in a suitable region, attracting Crimson Rosellas can be as simple as providing native plants and trees that offer natural food sources. Their playful nature and striking coloration make them a delightful addition to any backyard.
13. Red Avadavat
The Red Avadavat, also known as the Strawberry Finch, is a small bird with vibrant red plumage adorned with white spots. Males are particularly striking during the breeding season.
These birds are often found in grasslands and wetlands, where they feed on seeds and insects. To attract them, ensure your garden has plenty of tall grasses and a water source. Their colorful appearance and lively behavior make them a joy to watch.