With a burst of vibrant color, the Red Birds catch your eye effortlessly. But can you distinguish between a finch and a tanager?
Missouri is home to a delightful array of 10 species of red birds. Among them, 7 species are commonly observed throughout the state, while 3 are considered rare or accidental.
Allow this guide to assist you in identifying the red bird species in Missouri, drawing upon avibase as a valuable resource. Migration patterns vary among these avian creatures, with some being year-round residents.
To aid in your bird identification endeavors, feel free to print a complimentary worksheet specifically designed for identifying Missouri’s feathered visitors in your very own backyard.
The most prevalent red bird in both Missouri’s summer and winter seasons is the esteemed Northern Cardinal. During summer, the vibrant Summer Tanager makes its graceful appearance, while several other species grace the winter months. Read on to discover the ideal times to catch a glimpse of these splendid red birds flourishing in Missouri.
10 Red Birds in Missouri:
1. Northern Cardinal
Gentle and unassuming, the Northern Cardinal frequents Missouri throughout the year.
These striking birds showcase bright red plumage on their heads, bodies, and tails, contrasting beautifully with their black facial features. Witnessing their presence against a snowy backdrop is truly a mesmerizing sight. The females are equally captivating, boasting brown hues, a sharp crest, and delicate red accents, all accentuated by their crimson beaks.
Size: 8.3-9.1 in (21-23 cm)
Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz (42-48 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in (25-31 cm)
Northern Cardinals predominantly inhabit the eastern and southern states, and during the breeding season, they are known to exhibit territorial behavior, often engaging in encounters with their own reflections.
To attract more Northern Cardinals to your backyard feeders, entice them with an offering of sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, or milo. These delightful creatures will graciously partake in dining from large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or scattered food on the ground.
2. House Finch
Resident in Missouri year-round, the House Finch boasts an attractive reddish head and breast among the males, while the females exhibit a delightful brown-streaked appearance.
Size: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-27 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Initially found primarily in western states, the House Finch has ventured eastward, successfully establishing itself, even outcompeting the Purple Finch.
These cheerful birds can be observed in parks, farms, forest edges, and, of course, backyard feeders. They often congregate in boisterous groups, making it nearly impossible to overlook their presence.
To entice more House Finches to your backyard feeders, offer them black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube or platform feeders.
3. Summer Tanager
Between May and October, the Summer Tanager adds a delightful touch of crimson to Missouri’s avian population.
The male Summer Tanager stands out magnificently with its vivid red plumage, while the females sport a charming yellow appearance.
Piranga rubra
Size: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 oz (30 g)
This species breeds in the southern and eastern states before embarking on their winter journey to Central and South America.
Thriving in open woodlands, these forest songbirds feed on bees and wasps mid-flight. With finesse, they seize their prey, beating them against branches to neutralize any stingers before indulging in their meal.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider cultivating berry bushes and fruit trees, which are sure to entice these colorful visitors.
4. Purple Finch
During the winter months, the Purple Finch occasionally graces Missouri with its presence.
Closely resembling the House Finch, the Purple Finch showcases a reddish-purple head and breast, accompanied by a brown back and wings.
Size: 4.7-6.3 in (12-16 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-10.2 in (22-26 cm)
Breeding primarily in Canada, these birds journey to the eastern states for the winter season. However, some individuals may be found year-round in the northeastern regions and along the Pacific coast.
Keep an eye out for these finches in evergreen forests, where they diligently forage for seeds, buds, nectar, and berries.
Purple Finches readily flock to feeders stocked with black oil sunflower seeds.
5. Scarlet Tanager
Though not particularly common, the Scarlet Tanager may be glimpsed in Missouri during the summer months.
Sporting vibrant red plumage, the Scarlet Tanager distinguishes itself with its black wings and tail. Females exhibit a yellow hue, complemented by darker wings and tails.
Piranga olivacea
Size: 6.3-6.7 in (16-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.3 oz (23-38 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.4 in (25-29 cm)
Breeding primarily in eastern forests during the summer, these captivating birds embark on migration to South America.
Scarlet Tanagers often favor the lofty heights of the forest canopy, making them challenging to spot. Patience and a keen eye are required to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures.
To attract more Scarlet Tanagers, consider planting berry-bearing plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
6. Painted Bunting
The Painted Bunting, while rare in Missouri, has been observed in the southwestern region of the state.
Males of this species captivate with their intricate patchwork of vibrant colors, predominantly red beneath with a striking blue head, green wings, and back. Females exhibit a brilliant yellow-green appearance.
Passerina ciris
Size: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz (13-19 g)
Painted Buntings breed in select states within the south-central and southeastern regions of the United States. They undertake nocturnal migration to Central America, southern Florida, and certain Caribbean islands.
These charming birds can be found in semi-open habitats, foraging diligently for seeds and insects during the breeding season.
To attract Painted Buntings to your yard, consider incorporating low, dense vegetation and offering feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
7. Red Crossbill
Although considered an accidental species in Missouri, Red Crossbills have been sporadically sighted in locations such as Lee’s Summit, St. Louis, and the Mark Twain National Forest.
Male Red Crossbills feature red plumage with darker wings and tails, while females showcase yellow and brown hues.
These birds can be spotted year-round in northern and western states, with their winter journeys leading them to the eastern regions.
Feeding primarily on conifer seeds, Red Crossbills travel in flocks, moving from tree to tree and even employing their powerful beaks to pry open unopened cones. Additionally, they can be found along roadsides, consuming grit in the mornings.
8. Common Redpoll
The Common Redpoll is a rare sight in Missouri. However, during winter, a few individuals have been spotted in St. Louis, Kirksville, and Lee’s Summit.
Distinguished by their red foreheads, pinkish breasts, and brown and white plumage elsewhere, these birds bring a touch of charm to the winter landscape.
Acanthis flammea
Size: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)
Common Redpolls can be found during the winter months in northern states and occasionally in central states.
To survive the cold, they have a peculiar habit of tunneling into the snow for warmth during the night. These resourceful birds consume up to 42% of their body mass daily and have the ability to store up to 2 grams of seeds in a stretchy part of their esophagus.
These delightful visitors can be found in weedy fields or indulging in catkins on trees. They are also known to visit feeders, particularly when small seeds such as nyjer or thistle are available.
9. White-winged Crossbill
While considered accidental or rare in Missouri, White-winged Crossbills have been occasionally spotted in Chesterfield, Jefferson, and Columbia.
These finches possess distinctive crossed beaks. Males showcase red plumage with black wings, tails, and two white wingbars, while females exhibit yellow and brown tones with corresponding wingbars.
Loxia leucoptera
Size: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-0.9 oz (24-26 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 in (26-28 cm)
White-winged Crossbills inhabit forests in Canada, Alaska, and at times, northern states when cone crops are scarce further north. They primarily feed on seeds found in spruce forests.
Remarkably, these birds breed throughout the year as long as food sources are plentiful.
Their distinctive calls can often be heard resonating from large flocks.
10. Pine Grosbeak
The Pine Grosbeak is an accidental species in Missouri, with sightings occurring in the Mark Twain National Forest.
This finch species showcases males with red plumage, gray wings and tail, and two white wingbars. Females exhibit gray hues with dull orange heads and rumps. Compared to other finches, they are relatively large and exhibit a more leisurely demeanor.
Pinicola enucleator
Size: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
Pine Grosbeaks predominantly reside in Canadian forests, though some individuals can be observed along the United States’ northern border, the mountainous western regions, and the Sierra Nevada in California.
These birds thrive in pine, spruce, and fir forests, feeding on seeds, fruits, buds, and occasionally insects during the summer months.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks, provide them with black oil sunflower seeds or suet feeders.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in Missouri During Summer and Winter
For a comprehensive understanding of which birds are commonly observed in Missouri, consult checklists specific to the state. These invaluable resources outline the red bird species most frequently recorded on ebird checklists during the summer and winter seasons.
Common Red Birds in Missouri during Summer:
Northern Cardinal: 70.0%
House Finch: 23.5%
Summer Tanager: 19.6%
Scarlet Tanager: 5.0%
Painted Bunting: 0.4%
Purple Finch: 0.4%
Red Crossbill: <0.1%
Pine Grosbeak: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in Missouri during Winter:
Northern Cardinal: 62.6%
House Finch: 27.4%
Purple Finch: 10.3%
Red Crossbill: 0.2%
Common Redpoll: 0.2%
White-winged Crossbill: 0.1%
Summer Tanager: <0.1%
Painted Bunting: <0.1%
Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%
Pine Grosbeak: <0.1%