Red birds captivate with their fiery plumage, showcasing vibrant shades of crimson, scarlet, and vermilion that ignite landscapes from forests to urban gardens. Their bold colors, ranging from deep ruby to blazing red, stand out vividly against green foliage or clear skies, making them a striking presence in any environment. These birds embody nature’s passion with their eye-catching hues.
The red hues of these birds often serve as dazzling displays for attracting mates or signaling strength, their vivid feathers catching sunlight with a radiant glow. Some boast uniform red coats, while others feature red accents on heads, throats, or wings, adding dramatic flair. This diversity in plumage patterns enhances their visual allure.
From tiny, agile species to larger, commanding ones, red birds vary in size and shape, with forms ranging from sleek and streamlined to robust and regal. Their vibrant red feathers may be paired with contrasting colors like black, white, or green, creating stunning visual compositions. Each form adds to their captivating presence.
In habitats spanning tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, wetlands, and even city parks, these birds thrive, their red plumage either blending with colorful surroundings or standing out boldly. Whether soaring through canopies or perching in open spaces, their fiery hues draw attention, evoking awe and admiration.
Red Birds
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
The Northern Cardinal is a striking songbird with a brilliant red body, wings, and tail, accented by a black face mask around its eyes and beak. Its prominent crest and stout, conical orange bill give it a regal appearance. Measuring about 8.5 inches long, the male’s vivid red plumage glows in sunlight, while females display a softer reddish-brown tint with red accents. Native Area: Eastern and central United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico, in woodlands, gardens, and suburbs.
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)
The Scarlet Tanager dazzles with a vibrant red body contrasted by jet-black wings and tail in males, creating a bold, elegant look. Its 7-inch frame and short, conical bill add to its sleek form. Females are olive-yellow with darker wings, but males in breeding season are unmistakable with their fiery red plumage. Native Area: Eastern North America, breeding in deciduous forests and wintering in South America, from Colombia to Bolivia.
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small bird with a brilliant vermilion-red head, chest, and underparts, paired with dark brown wings and tail. Its 6-inch frame, slender black bill, and upright posture give it a delicate yet striking appearance. Females are grayish with a peachy belly. The male’s vivid red plumage makes it a standout in open habitats. Native Area: Southwestern United States to Argentina, in deserts, scrublands, and river edges.
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)
The Summer Tanager is a medium-sized songbird with a uniform rosy-red body, lacking the black wings of its scarlet cousin. Its 7.8-inch frame and slightly hooked bill give it a sturdy look. Females are mustard-yellow, but males glow with a warm, strawberry-red hue that shines in sunlight. Native Area: Southern United States to northern South America, in pine-oak forests and woodlands, wintering in Central and South America.
Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)
The Crimson Rosella is a vibrant parrot with a bright red head, chest, and underparts, accented by blue cheeks, wings, and tail. Its 14-inch length and strong, curved beak add to its bold appearance. The vivid red plumage, paired with black-scalloped feathers on the back, creates a stunning effect. Native Area: Eastern and southeastern Australia, in forests, woodlands, and urban parks.
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
The Scarlet Macaw is a majestic parrot with a brilliant scarlet body, blue wing feathers, and green upper wings. Its large, 32-inch frame (including a long tail) and powerful, curved beak give it a commanding presence. The vibrant red plumage dominates, making it a spectacular sight in flight. Native Area: Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil, in lowland rainforests and savannas.
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
The Red-headed Woodpecker sports a bold, solid red head and neck, contrasted by a black back, wings, and tail, and a white underbelly. Its 9-inch frame and chisel-like bill give it a striking, graphic look. The vivid red head is unmistakable, glowing against its sharp black-and-white body. Native Area: North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, in open woodlands and forest edges.
Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus)
The Red-and-green Macaw, also called the Green-winged Macaw, features a vibrant red body, green wings, and blue tail feathers. Its 35-inch length and massive, curved beak add to its imposing yet colorful appearance. The rich red plumage dominates, creating a breathtaking display in flight. Native Area: South America, from Panama to Argentina, in rainforests and woodland edges.
Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton)
The Crimson Finch is a small bird with a bright red face, breast, and flanks, accented by a black belly and grayish wings. Its 5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a delicate look. The vivid red plumage makes males stand out, while females are duller brown. Native Area: Northern Australia and southern New Guinea, in grasslands and wetlands near water.
Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala)
The Red-billed Firefinch is a tiny bird with a bright red body, wings, and face in males, paired with a red bill and brown back. Its 4-inch frame and small, conical bill add to its dainty charm. The fiery red plumage creates a sparkling effect in sunlight. Native Area: Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, in savannas and gardens.
Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)
The Scarlet Ibis is a wading bird with a brilliant scarlet body, wings, and legs, contrasted by a curved, black-tipped bill. Its 22-inch frame and long, slender legs give it a graceful, statuesque look. The vivid red plumage shimmers in wetlands, making it a striking sight. Native Area: South America and Caribbean, from Venezuela to Brazil, in marshes and mangroves.
Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata)
The Red-crested Cardinal features a bright red head, crest, and throat, paired with a grayish-white body and black-tipped wings. Its 7.5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a bold yet elegant appearance. The vivid red crest stands out like a crown. Native Area: South America, from Bolivia to Argentina, in open woodlands and urban areas.
Red-masked Parakeet (Psittacara erythrogenys)
The Red-masked Parakeet is a vibrant parrot with a bright red face and forehead, contrasted by a green body and wings. Its 13-inch length and curved beak add to its lively look. The red mask creates a striking focal point against the green plumage. Native Area: Western South America, from Ecuador to Peru, in forests and arid scrublands.
Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata)
The Flame-colored Tanager boasts a fiery orange-red body in males, with black wings marked by white bars. Its 7.3-inch frame and short bill give it a compact, vibrant look. Females are olive-yellow, but males glow with their intense red hue. Native Area: Central America, from Mexico to Panama, in montane forests, with some reaching the southwestern United States.
Crimson-backed Tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
The Crimson-backed Tanager is a small bird with a brilliant crimson back, head, and underparts, contrasted by black wings and tail. Its 6.5-inch frame and short, conical bill add to its bold appearance. The vivid red plumage makes it a standout in flocks. Native Area: Central and South America, from Panama to Brazil, in lowland forests and edges.
Red Avadavat (Amandava amandava)
The Red Avadavat, also known as the Strawberry Finch, is a tiny bird with a brilliant red body in males during breeding season, accented by white spots on the wings and a black tail. Its 4-inch frame and small, conical red bill give it a delicate, jewel-like appearance. Females are duller grayish-brown with red accents. The vibrant red plumage sparkles in sunlight, creating a charming effect. Native Area: South Asia, from India to Southeast Asia, in grasslands, wetlands, and rice fields.
Red-browed Finch (Neochmia temporalis)
The Red-browed Finch is a small bird with an olive-green body and a striking red eyebrow, bill, and rump. Its 4.5-inch frame and short, conical bill add to its dainty look. The vivid red facial markings contrast sharply with the green plumage, giving it a lively, expressive appearance. Native Area: Eastern Australia, in grasslands, woodlands, and urban gardens.
Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii)
The Scarlet-rumped Tanager, also called Passerini’s Tanager, features a glossy black body with a brilliant scarlet rump and lower belly in males. Its 6.5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a sleek, bold look. The vibrant red patch glows against the dark feathers, making it a standout. Native Area: Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama, in lowland forests and edges.
Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorynchus)
The Red-billed Oxpecker is a slender bird with a brownish body and a bright red bill that stands out vividly. Its 8-inch frame and sharp, pointed bill give it a utilitarian yet striking appearance. The muted plumage contrasts with the bold red beak, adding a touch of color. Native Area: East Africa, from Ethiopia to South Africa, in savannas and grasslands near large mammals.
Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
The Crimson Sunbird is a tiny bird with a shimmering crimson throat and breast in males, paired with an olive-green back and wings. Its 4-inch frame and long, curved bill add to its delicate charm. The fiery red plumage gleams in sunlight, creating a jewel-like effect. Native Area: South and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia, in forests, gardens, and mangroves.
Red-headed Tanager (Piranga erythrocephala)
The Red-headed Tanager boasts a bright red head in males, contrasted by an olive-green body and grayish underparts. Its 6.5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a compact, vibrant look. The bold red head stands out like a beacon against the muted body. Native Area: Central America, from Mexico to Guatemala, in montane forests and pine woodlands.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
The Red-bellied Woodpecker features a bright red cap and nape in males, with a barred black-and-white back and a pale belly with a faint red blush. Its 9-inch frame and chisel-like bill give it a sturdy, striking appearance. The vivid red head adds a bold touch. Native Area: Eastern United States, from Florida to southern Canada, in woodlands and suburbs.
Red-fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys)
The Red-fronted Macaw is a vibrant parrot with a green body, bright red forehead, and orange shoulder patches. Its 22-inch length and strong, curved beak give it a bold, colorful look. The red facial markings contrast vividly with the green plumage, creating a striking effect. Native Area: Central Bolivia, in dry valleys and scrublands.
Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis)
The Red-capped Cardinal sports a bright red head and throat, paired with a black face and white underparts. Its 6.5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it an elegant appearance. The vivid red cap glows against the contrasting body, making it a standout. Native Area: South America, from Venezuela to Bolivia, in wetlands and riverine forests.
Red-throated Ant-Tanager (Habia fuscicauda)
The Red-throated Ant-Tanager features a dull red body in males, with a brighter red throat and grayish-olive wings. Its 8-inch frame and thick bill give it a robust look. The rich red throat adds a vibrant focal point to its understated plumage. Native Area: Central and South America, from Mexico to Colombia, in lowland forests and thickets.
Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a graceful seabird with a white body, black eye markings, and a bright red bill. Its long, streaming tail feathers and 40-inch wingspan give it an elegant, ethereal look. The red bill adds a striking pop of color. Native Area: Tropical oceans, breeding on islands in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.
Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri)
The Red-breasted Parakeet boasts a green body with a bright red breast and face in males, accented by a black chin. Its 14-inch length and curved beak give it a bold, colorful appearance. The red breast glows vividly against the green plumage. Native Area: South and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia, in forests and urban areas.
Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala)
The Red-headed Finch is a small bird with a bright red head in males, paired with a brown body and white-spotted wings. Its 5-inch frame and short, conical bill add to its dainty charm. The vivid red head creates a striking contrast. Native Area: Southern Africa, from Angola to South Africa, in savannas and grasslands.
Red-crowned Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis)
The Red-crowned Parrot features a green body with a bright red forehead and crown, accented by blue markings around the face. Its 13-inch length and strong, curved beak give it a bold look. The red crown stands out vibrantly against the green plumage. Native Area: Northeast Mexico, with introduced populations in the United States, in forests and urban areas.
Red-faced Barbet (Lybius rubrifacies)
The Red-faced Barbet is a robust bird with a green body and a bright red face, accented by a yellow throat. Its 7-inch frame and thick, bristly bill give it a distinctive look. The vivid red facial markings create a bold, eye-catching appearance. Native Area: East Africa, from Uganda to Tanzania, in woodlands and savannas.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
The Red-winged Blackbird is a striking bird with a glossy black body contrasted by vibrant red shoulder patches, or epaulets, edged with yellow in males. Its 8.7-inch frame and pointed, conical bill give it a sleek, bold look. Females are streaky brown, but the male’s red patches blaze in sunlight, creating a dramatic effect. Native Area: North and Central America, from Canada to Costa Rica, in marshes, fields, and wetlands.
Red-bell embankmentsied Parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris)
The Red-bellied Parrot sports a green body with a bright red belly in males, accented by a grayish head and orange face patches. Its 9-inch length and curved, gray bill give it a compact, colorful appearance. The vivid red underparts stand out against the green plumage, making it eye-catching. Native Area: East Africa, from Ethiopia to Tanzania, in savannas and woodlands.
Crimson-fronted Parakeet (Aratinga finschi)
The Crimson-fronted Parakeet features a green body with a bright red forehead and face, accented by blue wingtips. Its 11-inch frame and curved beak add to its lively, vibrant look. The red facial markings create a bold contrast against the green feathers. Native Area: Central America, from Nicaragua to Panama, in forests and open woodlands.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The Red-tailed Hawk, while primarily brown, earns its name from the rich, rusty-red tail in adults, contrasting with a mottled brown body and white underparts. Its 22-inch frame and broad wings give it a majestic, soaring appearance. The red tail glows in sunlight, adding a striking touch. Native Area: North and Central America, from Alaska to Panama, in diverse habitats like forests, deserts, and fields.
Red-masked Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
The Red-masked Finch is a small bird with a bright red face and throat in males, paired with a grayish body and blackish wings. Its 5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a delicate look. The vivid red mask creates a striking focal point. Native Area: South America, from Brazil to Bolivia and Paraguay, in shrublands and forest edges.
Red-browed Parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha)
The Red-browed Parrot boasts a green body with a bright red forehead and yellow facial markings. Its 14-inch length and strong, curved beak give it a robust, colorful appearance. The red brow glows vividly against the green plumage. Native Area: Eastern Brazil, in Atlantic rainforests and coastal woodlands.
Red-fan Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus)
The Red-fan Parrot, also known as the Hawk-headed Parrot, features a green body with a striking red forehead and face feathers that fan out like a crest when raised. Its 13-inch frame and hooked beak add to its dramatic look. The red fan creates a unique, hawk-like display. Native Area: South America, from Venezuela to Brazil, in Amazonian rainforests.
Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber)
The Red-breasted Sapsucker is a woodpecker with a bright red head and breast, contrasted by a black back with white markings and a white belly. Its 8.5-inch frame and chisel-like bill give it a bold appearance. The red plumage adds a vibrant flair. Native Area: Western North America, from British Columbia to California, in coniferous forests.
Red-faced Corm Cactusormant (Phalacrocorax urile)
The Red-faced Cormorant is a seabird with glossy black plumage and a bright red face patch during breeding season. Its 28-inch frame and slender, hooked bill give it a sleek look. The red facial skin contrasts sharply with the dark body, creating a striking effect. Native Area: North Pacific, from Alaska to Russia’s Bering Sea, along rocky coasts and islands.
Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris)
Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris)The Red-billed Pigeon features a grayish body with a subtle reddish-purple sheen on the neck and a bright red bill that adds a striking pop of color. Its 13-inch frame and short tail give it a sturdy, elegant appearance. The red bill contrasts vividly with the muted plumage, creating a refined yet eye-catching look. Native Area: Central and South America, from Mexico to Colombia, in forests, savannas, and urban areas.
Red-capped Manakin (Ceratopipra mentalis)
The Red-capped Manakin is a small bird with a jet-black body and a brilliant red crown in males, creating a dramatic contrast. Its 4-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a compact, vibrant appearance. The vivid red cap glows like a beacon, making it a standout in lek displays. Native Area: Central and South America, from Mexico to Ecuador, in lowland rainforests.
Red-throated Barbet (Psilopogon mystacophanos)
The Red-throated Barbet sports a green body with a bright red throat and crown, accented by a yellow forehead and blue cheeks. Its 9-inch frame and stout, bristly bill give it a robust, colorful look. The red throat adds a fiery focal point to its vibrant plumage. Native Area: Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Borneo, in lowland forests and plantations.
Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps)
The Red-headed Weaver is a small bird with a bright red head and neck in males during breeding season, paired with a yellowish body and black wings. Its 5.5-inch frame and slender bill give it a delicate appearance. The vivid red head creates a striking contrast against the muted body. Native Area: Sub-Saharan Africa, from Angola to Mozambique, in savannas and woodlands.
Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea)
The Red-billed Quelea is a small bird with a brown body and a bright red bill, with males sporting a reddish face during breeding season. Its 4.5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a compact look. The red bill and facial blush add a subtle yet vibrant touch. Native Area: Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to South Africa, in grasslands and agricultural fields.
Red-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes rhodolaemus)
The Red-throated Sunbird is a tiny bird with a metallic green back and a bright red throat in males, accented by a grayish belly. Its 4-inch frame and long, curved bill give it a delicate, jewel-like appearance. The red throat shimmers in sunlight, creating a dazzling effect. Native Area: Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia, in forests and gardens.
Red-naped Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa)
The Red-naped Ibis is a wading bird with a dark, glossy body and a distinctive red patch on the nape during breeding season. Its 27-inch frame, long, curved bill, and slender legs give it a graceful look. The red nape contrasts with the dark plumage, adding a striking touch. Native Area: South Asia, from India to Pakistan, in wetlands and agricultural fields.
Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)
The Red-vented Bulbul features a dark brown body with a black head and a bright red patch under the tail. Its 8-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a sleek appearance. The red vent adds a vibrant pop of color to its otherwise muted plumage. Native Area: South Asia, from India to Southeast Asia, with introduced populations in the Pacific, in forests and urban areas.
Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens)
The Red-collared Widowbird is a striking bird with a black body and a bright red collar around the neck in males during breeding season. Its 6-inch frame (excluding the long tail) and slender bill give it a dramatic look. The red collar glows vividly against the black plumage. Native Area: Sub-Saharan Africa, from Kenya to South Africa, in grasslands and marshes.
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
The Red-backed Shrike is a small bird with a gray head, black eye mask, and a rich reddish-brown back in males. Its 7-inch frame and hooked bill give it a predatory, compact appearance. The red back adds a warm, vibrant touch to its sleek form. Native Area: Europe and western Asia, wintering in Africa, in open woodlands and scrublands.
Red-faced Liocichla (Liocichla phoenicea)
The Red-faced Liocichla is a small bird with an olive-green body and a bright red face, accented by black markings around the eyes. Its 9-inch frame and slender bill give it a delicate, colorful look. The red face creates a bold focal point against the green plumage. Native Area: Himalayas to Southeast Asia, from India to Vietnam, in dense forests and bamboo thickets.
Red-billed Starling (Spodiopsar sericeus)
The Red-billed Starling features a glossy black body with a subtle green sheen and a bright red bill. Its 9-inch frame and pointed bill give it a sleek, elegant appearance. The red bill adds a striking contrast to the dark plumage. Native Area: East Asia, from China to Southeast Asia, in woodlands and urban areas.
Red-throated Lorikeet (Vini amabilis)
The Red-throated Lorikeet is a small parrot with a green body and a bright red throat and face, accented by yellow markings. Its 7-inch frame and short, curved bill give it a vibrant, compact look. The red throat glows vividly against the green feathers. Native Area: Fiji, in rainforests and coastal woodlands.