Scarlet-feathered creatures are more prevalent than you might believe, with a multitude of species to discover.
In Nebraska, birdwatchers have recorded sightings of 12 different red bird species. Among these, state checklists acknowledge 8 species as regular residents, while another 4 species are considered as rare or sporadic visitors.
This manual serves as an aid in recognizing various red bird species in Nebraska as listed by avibase. Some of these avian creatures are migratory, while others stay throughout the year.
A complimentary bird identification worksheet for Nebraska is available for you to print, facilitating the recognition of any bird species that may visit your backyard.
The Northern Cardinal is the most frequently sighted red bird in Nebraska during both summer and winter. The Common Redpoll, on the other hand, is only observable during the winter months, while a number of other species are more prevalent in the summer. Keep reading to learn more about these vermilion-winged inhabitants.
12 Crimson Avians in Nebraska:
1. Northern Scarlet
Northern Scarlets are abundantly prevalent throughout the year in Nebraska.
The vibrant crimson male Northern Scarlet is a winged creature with a scarlet cranium, physique, and tail, complemented by ebony shades around their countenances. They are a remarkable spectacle, particularly when juxtaposed against a wintry ivory backdrop. The females are equally striking, adorned with their tawny hue, pointed tawny crest, scarlet accents, and scarlet beaks.
Dimensions: 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 Scarlets can be found in the eastern and southern regions of the state, occasionally exhibiting territorial aggression during the breeding season by attacking their own reflections.
To attract more Northern Scarlets to backyard feeders, one can offer sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, and milo. These majestic birds readily feed from large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or scattered food on the ground.
2. Abode Finch
Abode Finches are delightful red avians that can be frequently observed in Nebraska throughout the year.
Abode Finches, much like their House Finch counterparts, boast reddish craniums and breasts in males, while the females exhibit brown-streaked plumage.
Dimensions: 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)
Originally exclusive to western states, these finches were introduced to the eastern states, where they have thrived and even displaced the Purple Finch population.
They can be found in parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders, often congregating in lively flocks that are hard to overlook.
To attract more Abode Finches to backyard feeders, one can provide black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube or platform feeders.
3. Crimson Crossbill
Although not a commonly sighted species in Nebraska, Crimson Crossbills can be observed within the state throughout the year.
Male Crimson Crossbills display crimson hues with darker wings and tails, while females exhibit yellow and brown shades.
They can be found in northern and western states all year round, migrating to eastern states during the winter.
These birds primarily feed on conifer seeds, employing their robust beaks to extract nourishment from unopened cones. Additionally, they can be found along roadsides consuming grit during the mornings.
4. Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers, resplendent red avians, mainly frequent the southeastern region of Nebraska between May and October.
Male Summer Tanagers exemplify vivid red plumage, while females don a yellow appearance.
Piranga rubra
Dimensions: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 oz (30 g)
They breed in southern and eastern states before migrating to Central and South America for the winter.
As forest-dwelling songbirds, they can be spotted in open woodlands, adeptly catching and eliminating bees and wasps mid-flight. These skilled hunters incapacitate their prey by striking them against branches and removing the stingers before consuming them.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider planting berry bushes and fruit trees.
5. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers, although infrequent in Nebraska, can be sighted during the summer months in the eastern part of the state.
Scarlet Tanagers display vibrant red plumage, accentuated by black wings and tails. Females exhibit a yellow hue with darker wings and tails.
Piranga olivacea
Dimensions: 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)
They breed in eastern forests during the summer before embarking on their migration journey to South America.
Scarlet Tanagers tend to stay high in the forest canopy, making them a bit challenging to spot.
To attract more Scarlet Tanagers, consider cultivating berry plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
6. Amethyst Finch
Amethyst Finches can be observed in Nebraska during the winter season. Amethyst Finches bear a resemblance to House Finches with their reddish-purple heads and breasts, but they feature more brown tones on their backs and wings.
Dimensions: 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)
They breed in Canada and migrate to eastern states for winter, although some populations remain in the northeastern region and along the Pacific coast throughout the year.
These finches are often found in evergreen forests, where they feed on seeds, buds, nectar, and berries.
Amethyst Finches readily visit feeders when provided with black oil sunflower seeds.
7. Common Redpoll
Common Redpolls are rare red avians in Nebraska, primarily sighted in the northeastern part of the state.
Common Redpolls possess red foreheads, pinkish breasts, and brown and white patterns across the rest of their bodies.
Acanthis flammea
Dimensions: 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)
During winter, they can be found in northern states, with occasional sightings in central states.
In winter, they exhibit unique behaviors such as tunneling into the snow for warmth during the night. They have a remarkable appetite, consuming up to 42% of their body mass daily and possessing the ability to store up to 2 grams of seeds in a stretchy part of their esophagus.
Common Redpolls can be spotted in weedy fields or feeding on catkins in trees. They also visit feeders, showing a preference for small seeds such as nyjer or thistle.
8. White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbills are accidental avian visitors in Nebraska, although they have been primarily spotted in the eastern part of the state.
White-winged Crossbills belong to the finch family, featuring distinctive crossed beaks. Males exhibit red plumage, black wings and tails, and two white wingbars. Females display a blend of yellow, brown, and two white wingbars.
Loxia leucoptera
Dimensions: 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 primarily inhabit forests in Canada, Alaska, and occasionally northern regions of the United States when cone crops are scarce further north. They are often found in spruce forests, feeding on seeds.
Notably, White-winged Crossbills exhibit unique breeding behavior, as they can breed at any time of the year as long as there is sufficient food available.
These birds are often heard in large flocks during their activities.
9. Cassin’s Rosefinch
Cassin’s Rosefinches are exceedingly rare in Nebraska, but they have been spotted around Oglala National Grassland.
Cassin’s Rosefinches possess a red crown, rosy pink head, red-breasted plumage, a whiteish belly, and brown backs and wings.
Dimensions: 6.3 in (16 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.2 oz (24-34 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-10.6 in (25-27 cm)
They inhabit mountainous forests in western states, often foraging in flocks for seeds.
Although not as commonly seen in backyards as House or Purple Finches, they can be attracted with sunflower seed feeders, especially during winter, or by cultivating fruiting shrubs such as cotoneaster, mulberries, firethorn, grapes, and apples.
10. Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeaks are considered accidental or rare species in Nebraska, but they have been spotted in Republican City and Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area and Wildlife Management Area.
Pine Grosbeaks, as a type of finch, display red plumage in males with gray accents on the wings and tail, along with two white wingbars. Females feature gray hues with dull orange heads and rumps. They are larger compared to other finch species and have a relatively slow pace.
Pinicola enucleator
Dimensions: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
Pine Grosbeaks are primarily found in Canada, although some individuals can be spotted along the U.S. border, in the mountainous western regions, and the Sierra Nevada in California.
They inhabit forests of pine, spruce, and fir, feeding on seeds, fruit, and buds from these trees. During the summer, they may also consume insects.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks, consider providing black oil sunflower seed feeders or suet feeders.
11. Rainbow Bunting
Rainbow Buntings are accidental species in Nebraska. Over the past decade, they have only been sighted near Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area.
Male Rainbow Buntings are a colorful mosaic, predominantly adorned with red plumage underneath, along with bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females exhibit vibrant yellow-green hues.
Passerina ciris
Dimensions: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz (13-19 g)
Rainbow Buntings breed in select states across the south-central and southeastern regions of the United States before migrating at night to Central America, southern Florida, and some Caribbean islands.
These avians are found in semi-open habitats, where they primarily forage for seeds and insects during the breeding season.
To attract Rainbow Buntings, incorporate low, dense vegetation and offer feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
12. Hepatic Tanager
Another rare red bird species in Nebraska is the Hepatic Tanager, considered an accidental species. According to records, they have only been spotted twice in West Point.
Male Hepatic Tanagers feature red plumage with gray accents on the back, while females display a yellow coloration.
Piranga flava
Dimensions: 3.5-7.9 in (8.8-20 cm
Weight: 0.8-1.7 oz (23-47 g)
Wingspan: 12.6 in (32 cm)
Hepatic Tanagers breed in southwestern states and Mexico, and during winter, they migrate to Mexico, Central, and South America.
They can be found in mountain ranges with pine or pine and oak woodlands, where they feed on insects and spiders. Additionally, they consume berries such as cherry and grapes.