Some species are known for laying eggs that are bright red or reddish-orange in color. This striking pigmentation is caused by natural compounds deposited on the eggshell during formation. The vivid hue makes these eggs highly noticeable, which can serve both biological and ecological purposes.
Red eggs are often laid in nests that are carefully hidden or well-constructed to reduce the risk of predation. The bright coloration can help parents quickly identify their own eggs in environments where multiple nests are close together, preventing mix-ups with neighboring clutches.
The red pigment may also provide protective benefits, such as reinforcing the eggshell or shielding the developing embryo from harmful sunlight. In some cases, the coloration signals the health and vitality of the parent, making the eggs an indirect indicator of reproductive fitness.
Incubation of red eggs typically involves both parents or careful alternation between adults. Constant warmth and protection are essential until the eggs hatch, and the bright color allows parents to easily monitor each egg during the incubation period.
Birds that Lay Red Eggs
Cetti’s Warbler
This small, skulking bird of European and Asian wetlands lays eggs that are a striking and beautiful reddish-brown. The color is a rich, terra cotta hue, making them one of the most distinctly “red” eggs in the passerine bird world.
Northern Cardinal
The eggs of the Northern Cardinal are not solid red, but they have a noticeable background color. They are typically a glossy white or very pale gray, but are so densely covered with speckles, spots, and blotches of brown, lavender, and reddish-red that the overall impression can be of a pinkish or reddish egg.
Emu
The Emu, a large flightless bird from Australia, lays eggs that are a remarkable dark, granulated green. However, in certain lighting, these deep, avocado-colored eggs can appear to have a dark, reddish-brown or burgundy cast, especially when compared to other eggs.
Tinamou (Various Species)
Tinamous, ground-dwelling birds of Central and South America, are famous for laying some of the most spectacularly glossy and colorful eggs in the world. The eggs of species like the Great Tinamou have a shell with a porcelain-like, highly glossy finish that can range from a rich chestnut-red to a vibrant purple or turquoise.
Chicken (Specific Breeds)
While domestic chicken eggs are typically white or brown, certain heritage breeds lay eggs with a distinct reddish tint. Breeds like the Marans are prized for laying eggs that are a very deep, chocolate brown, which can appear as a dark, reddish-brown, especially when fresh.
American Robin
A classic example of eggs that are perceived as “red,” the American Robin’s eggs are famously a bright “robin’s egg blue.” However, they are sometimes spotted with a reddish-brown, though this is uncommon. The perception of red comes more from cultural association than the actual color.
Blackbird (Eurasian)
The Common Blackbird of Europe and Asia lays eggs that are a beautiful blue-green base color. However, they are typically covered in a profusion of fine reddish-brown speckles and scribbles, which can sometimes be so dense that they almost obscure the blue background.
Ostrich
The world’s largest bird lays the world’s largest eggs. Ostrich eggs have a very thick shell that is typically a creamy color. However, the pores and texture of the shell can sometimes give it a faint pinkish or reddish-beige appearance.
Cassin’s Finch
This bird of western North American mountains lays eggs that are a very pale greenish-blue. They are sparsely spotted with black, brown, and purple dots and squiggles. The purple markings can sometimes have a reddish undertone, contributing to a richly colored clutch.
Thrush Nightingale
Related to the robin, the Thrush Nightingale of Europe and Asia lays eggs that are a rich, glossy background color. This base can vary but often includes a distinct olive-brown or reddish-brown hue, making them another strong contender for a “reddish” egg.
Great-tailed Grackle
The eggs of the Great-tailed Grackle are highly variable, but they often have a pale blue or cream-colored background that is heavily scrawled and blotched with dark brown and a distinctive reddish-brown or russet color. This heavy, dark marking can give the entire egg a dark, reddish-brown appearance.
Mistle Thrush
This large European thrush lays eggs that are a smooth, non-glossy cream or stone color. However, they are consistently and heavily spotted with a distinct reddish-brown, often forming a dense “cap” or ring of color at the broader end that can obscure the underlying base.
Village Weaver
A highly social bird of sub-Saharan Africa, the Village Weaver is known for its intricately woven nests. The eggs inside are a stunning pale blue, but they are so densely covered in fine speckling of reddish-brown that the overall effect is a uniquely speckled pinkish or reddish egg.
Red-winged Blackbird
A common sight in North American marshes, the Red-winged Blackbird lays eggs that are a pale blue ground color. However, they are frequently adorned with scrawls, lines, and spots of black, brown, and a clear, dark reddish-purple, contributing to a richly patterned and distinctly reddish-marked egg.
House Sparrow
This ubiquitous bird, found worldwide, lays eggs that are typically white, grayish, or greenish-white. Their most distinguishing feature, however, is a heavy dusting of speckles and spots that are often a dark gray or a distinct reddish-brown, which can be so dense that the egg appears tinted.