In this blog, we attempt to answer the question "What is that red bird on my bird feeder?" Please keep in mind this blog is based in the Southeastern United States
Here in the Southeastern United States, (Metro Atlanta area to be more specific) you are most likely to see one of these 7 birds which are very red, or somewhat red. There are a few species here that you might not expect! In the order of "most red" to "least red" here they are:
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
Purple Finch
Red-headed Woodpecker
Scarlet Tanager
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Northern Cardinal (Male)
Probably the most popular, Northern Cardinals are usually the answer to the question "What is that red bird on my bird feeder?" They are gorgeous birds without a question, but only the Male's feathers are bright red, brightest in Spring! Did you know that Cardinals generally do NOT migrate? They will stay in the same area year-round and don't seem to mind the seasons changing! Here is another interesting fact for you: Cardinals are the official state bird of 7 different states! (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia). While the male is typically bright red with a bit of black around the beak and eyes, the female is usually brown with an orange/red beak. Here are some photos for you of the male and female Northern Cardinal to help you identify them on your feeders!
House Finch (Male)
House Finches are extremely common on feeders in the Southeast, but they were actually native to the Western United States originally and spread throughout the country. They often build nests inside of hanging plants, or in retail store sign lettering. You may even here them singing a a happy "Cheap cheap cheap" call when they are nearby in trees or shrubbery. While they are generally not a species that migrates in the Winter, you may see more than usual in Winter as some of the Northern Birds will migrate. Similar to the Northern Cardinal, the House Finch male is typically the red bird of the pair, and the female is usually quite plain in appearance. Here are some photos for you of the House Finches:
Purple Finch (Male)
I've heard from several people that they were pretty confident they'd seen Purple Finches on their feeders here in the Metro-Atlanta area. For us though, it's really not very common. We usually see the House Finches (above) far more often and only see the Purple Finches (shown below) in early Spring when they are likely migrating back to their Summer homes. They appear slightly larger than House Finches and the coloration spreads to their wings and down their bellies to their tales as well. it is also, as the name suggests, purple instead of red. (although it is fairly close to red!)
Red-headed Woodpecker (Male & Female)
This photo was captured in Duluth, Georgia at my parent's home. They've had a nesting couple nearby for years and there is almost always one at the feeder visiting while I am spending time with my parents. The male and female BOTH have the completely red head, it is truly wonderful to see with the bright contrasting white and black on the wings, breast and head.
Scarlet Tanager (Spring/Summer Plumage = Red, Winter Plumage - Not red!)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Male & Female)
The Red-Bellied woodpeckers are favorites of ours. The male has a full-red patch extending from his shoulders all the way to just before the beak. The female has red in the same area, but it is broken up with a patch of warm grey between the back of the head and the beak. In the right lighting (and viewing angles) you can also see the hint of red on the bellies that they are so well known for!
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Male)
The coloration differences between the male and female are basically completely opposite sides of the spectrum. The male (shown below in most photos) is bright red, black and white while the female is brown (multiple shades) and white. You may not even recognize her until you see a male along with her. The colors on the male sure are impressive to witness!
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