In the province of New Brunswick, there have been numerous sightings of 10 distinct species of red birds. Among these, 7 species are recognized as regular visitors according to state checklists, while 2 are considered uncommon or accidental, and an additional species is regarded as an introduced population.
To assist you in identifying these red bird species in New Brunswick, this guide, based on avibase data, will prove beneficial. Some of these avian creatures migrate, while others remain in the region throughout the year.
During the winter season, the Common Redpoll is more frequently observed, whereas several species tend to make appearances in the summer months in New Brunswick. Hence, continue reading to determine the optimal timing for spotting these vibrant red birds in the province.
The following is a list of the 10 red bird species found in New Brunswick:
1. Purple Finch
Throughout the year, Purple Finches can be delightfully observed in New Brunswick.
These avian beauties closely resemble House Finches, exhibiting reddish-purple heads and breasts, with brown tones on their backs and wings.
Size: 4.7-6.3 inches (12-16 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.1 ounces (18-32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-10.2 inches (22-26 cm)
While they breed in Canada and migrate to the eastern states for the winter, they can be spotted year-round on the northeast coast and Pacific coast.
You can find them in coniferous forests, where they feed on seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. These charming birds are frequent visitors to feeders, particularly for black oil sunflower seeds.
2. Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals are permanent residents of New Brunswick.
The striking male Northern Cardinal boasts a vibrant red head, body, and tail, complemented by black areas around its face. This sight is truly breathtaking, especially against a snowy winter backdrop. The females also possess a captivating appearance, featuring brown plumage, a distinctive brown crest, reddish highlights, and red beaks.
Size: 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm)
Weight: 1.5-1.7 ounces (42-48 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 inches (25-31 cm)
Northern Cardinals can be found in the eastern and southern states. During the breeding season, they may become territorial and engage in aggressive behaviors, often attacking their reflections.
To attract more Northern Cardinals to your backyard, provide them with sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, and milo. They are known to frequent large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or feed scattered on the ground.
3. Common Redpoll
Common Redpolls can be spotted in New Brunswick during winter, primarily between November and May. However, they are not commonly found in the region.
Common Redpolls exhibit red foreheads, pinkish breasts, and brown and white patterns throughout their bodies.
Scientific name: Acanthis flammea
Size: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
During the winter, they are primarily found in northern states and occasionally in central states.
In order to keep warm during the night, they sometimes burrow into the snow. They possess the ability to consume up to 42% of their body weight in seeds each day and can store up to 2 grams of seeds in their stretchy esophagus.
They are often found in weedy fields or feasting on catkins in trees, but they will also visit feeders for small seeds such as nyjer or thistle seeds.
4. White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbills, although not commonly encountered, can be spotted year-round in New Brunswick.
These finches are characterized by their distinctively crossed beaks. Males sport red plumage with black wings and tails, complemented by two white wingbars. Females display yellow and brown hues with the same white wingbars.
Scientific name: Loxia leucoptera
Size: 5.9-6.7 inches (15-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-0.9 ounces (24-26 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 inches (26-28 cm)
White-winged Crossbills primarily inhabit forests in Canada and Alaska, occasionally venturing into the northern US states when cone crops are scarce. They can be found in spruce forests, where they feed on seeds.
Remarkably, these birds breed throughout the year, as long as food is readily available.
They are often heard in large flocks.
5. House Finch
House Finches are considered an introduced species and are predominantly observed in southern regions of New Brunswick.
Similar to other red-headed and red-breasted birds, male House Finches possess a reddish hue, while females exhibit brown-streaked plumage.
Size: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.9 ounces (16-27 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm)
Initially native to western states, House Finches were introduced to the eastern states and have since thrived, even outcompeting Purple Finches.
You can find them in parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders. Their presence is often accompanied by lively, noisy gatherings.
To attract House Finches to your backyard, provide them with black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube or platform feeders.
6. Pine Grosbeak
While Pine Grosbeaks are not frequently sighted, they can be observed year-round in New Brunswick, particularly during the winter. During summer, they are primarily found in the northern part of the province.
Pine Grosbeaks belong to the finch family. Males exhibit red plumage with gray wings and tail, complemented by two white wingbars. Females, on the other hand, possess gray feathers with dull orange heads and rumps. These finches are relatively large in size and have a leisurely flight.
Scientific name: Pinicola enucleator
Size: 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 inches (33 cm)
Pine Grosbeaks are primarily distributed in Canada, with some individuals spotted along the US border, in the mountainous west, and the Sierra Nevada in California.
They inhabit forests with pine, spruce, and fir trees, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and buds. During the summer, they may also consume insects.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks, provide black oil sunflower seeds or suet in your feeders.
7. Red Crossbill
Red Crossbills are considered rare in New Brunswick, but they can be observed year-round, with some sightings reported around Fredericton.
Male Red Crossbills are red birds with darker wings and tails, while females exhibit yellow and brown plumage.
Red Crossbills can be found in northern and western states throughout the year, migrating to eastern states during winter.
They feed on conifer seeds and often move in flocks from tree to tree, using their powerful beaks to pry open unopened cones. They can also be found on roadsides, consuming grit in the mornings.
8. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers are classified as rare species in New Brunswick, but some sightings have been reported, primarily in the western region, between May and November.
Scarlet Tanagers are brightly colored birds with red plumage, black wings and tails. Females exhibit yellow feathers with darker wings and tails.
Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
Size: 6.3-6.7 inches (16-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.3 ounces (23-38 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.4 inches (25-29 cm)
They breed in eastern forests during summer before migrating to South America.
Spotting Scarlet Tanagers can be challenging as they prefer to stay high in the forest canopy.
To attract more Scarlet Tanagers, consider planting berry-producing plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
9. Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers are considered rare or accidental species in New Brunswick, but recent sightings have been reported in Saint John and Moncton.
Male Summer Tanagers are bright red birds, while females display yellow plumage.
Scientific name: Piranga rubra
Size: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounce (30 g)
They breed in southern and eastern states before migrating to Central and South America for winter.
These forest-dwelling songbirds feed on bees and wasps, catching them mid-flight. They eliminate the stinger by beating the insects against branches before consuming them.
To attract Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider planting berry bushes and fruit trees.
10. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings are considered accidental species in New Brunswick, but a few sightings have been reported in Rusagonis and Mispec Beach.
Male Painted Buntings exhibit a vibrant combination of colors, with predominant red plumage underneath, bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females display bright yellow-green feathers.
Scientific name: Passerina ciris
Size: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 ounce (13-19 g)
Painted Buntings breed in select states, primarily in the south-central and coastal areas of the Southeast US, before migrating at night to Central America, southern Florida, and some Caribbean islands.
These birds can be found in semi-open habitats, foraging for seeds and insects during the breeding season.
To attract Painted Buntings to your yard, consider incorporating low, dense vegetation and feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in New Brunswick during Summer and Winter
Checklists specific to the province serve as valuable resources for identifying commonly observed bird species. These lists indicate the red birds most frequently recorded in New Brunswick during summer and winter seasons, as reported on eBird.
Common Red Birds in New Brunswick during Summer
1. Purple Finch – 15.9%
2. Northern Cardinal – 4.2%
3. White-winged Crossbill – 1.1%
4. House Finch – 0.9%
5. Red Crossbill – 0.6%
6. Scarlet Tanager – 0.4%
7. Common Redpoll – 0.2%
8. Pine Grosbeak – 0.1%
9. Summer Tanager – 0.1%
10. Painted Bunting – <0.1%
Common Red Birds in New Brunswick during Winter:
1. Common Redpoll – 10.9%
2. Northern Cardinal – 7.6%
3. Purple Finch – 3.5%
4. Pine Grosbeak – 2.8%
5. White-winged Crossbill – 2.3%
6. House Finch – 2.0%
7. Red Crossbill – 0.4%
8. Painted Bunting – <0.1%