Even though red birds are less common than other birds, there are several to see.
In New York, there are ten different types of red birds that have been observed. On state checklists, eight of these species are designated as commonly occurring, one is regarded uncommon or accidental, and one is regarded alien.
According to avibase, this guide will help you identify the various species of red birds in New York. Some of the birds migrate, while others stay throughout the year.
To help you identify all birds that visit your yard, you may download a free identification worksheet for New York.
The Northern Cardinal is the most prevalent red bird in New York during the summer and winter. In New York, the Scarlet Tanager is most often seen in the summer, whereas many additional species are most frequently seen in winter. To determine when it is best to see all of these beautiful red birds in New York, keep reading.
10 Red Birds in New York:
- Northern Cardinal
- House Finch
- Purple Finch
- Scarlet Tanager
- Common Redpoll
- Red Crossbill
- White-winged Crossbill
- Summer Tanager
- Pine Grosbeak
- Painted Bunting
10 Red Birds in New York:
1. Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals are very common in New York all year.
A crimson-headed, crimson-bodied, and crimson-tailed species of Northern Cardinal is a bird with black faces. They are stunning, especially against a snowy winter backdrop. The brown coloring, sharp brown crest, crimson highlights, and crimson beaks of the females are likewise enticing.
- Length: 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)
During the breeding season, eastern and southern states’ Northern Cardinals may attack their reflections due to their intense protectiveness of their territories.
Sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, and milo are all good options for attracting more Northern Cardinals to your backyard feeders.
Large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, and food strewn on the ground will all be consumed by them.
2. House Finch
House Finches are considered introduced species in New York. They can be seen in the state all year.
Males have a red head and breast, while females have brown-streaked coloring. House Finches are another bird with a red head and breast.
- Length: 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)
It was first seen in the western states, but it has since expanded to the eastern states, outstripping even the Purple Finch.
Parks, farms, forest borders, and backyard feeders are all places where they may be found. They’re sometimes spotted in loud clusters that are difficult to overlook.
Black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube feeders or platform feeders may entice more House Finches to your backyard feeders.
3. Purple Finch
Purple Finches are common red birds in New York all year, especially during summer and late fall.
The reddish-purple head and breast, as well as the more brown on the back and wings, make Purple Finches look a lot like House Finches.
- Length: 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 can be found throughout the year in the north-east, along with Pacific coast, where they breed and overwinter.
They may be found feeding on seeds and buds, nectar, and berries in evergreen woods.
Black oil sunflower seeds are readily available at feeders.
4. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers can be commonly seen during summer in New York.
Bright red birds with black wings and tails, Scarlet Tanagers are a sight to see. Females feature yellow feathers with blacker wings and tails.
- Piranga olivacea
- Length: 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)
In the summer, before heading to South America, they breed in eastern woods.
Since they stay high in the forest canopy, Scarlet Tanagers are difficult to see.
Planting berry bushes such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, and mulberries will help you attract more Scarlet Tanagers.
5. Common Redpoll
Common Redpolls can be seen in New York during winter.
The foreheads of Common Redpolls are red, their breasts are pink, and the remainder of their bodies are brown and white.
- Acanthis flammea
- Length: 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)
Northern states have them during the winter, while central states have them on a reduced basis.
They may tunnel into the snow in the winter to keep warm during the night. They may store up to 2 grams of seeds in a stretchy part of their esophagus and may eat up to 42% of their body weight every day.
They may be located in weedy fields or on catkins in trees, as well as on small seed feeders like nyjer seeds or thistle.
6. Red Crossbill
Red Crossbills are not very common red birds in New York but they can be spotted in the state all year.
The males of the Red Crossbill are crimson birds with blacker wings and tails. The females are yellow and brown in color.
Northern and western states have year-round populations, whereas eastern states have winter populations.
They feed on conifer seeds and travel from tree to tree in flocks, breaking open cones with their strong beaks. They may be spotted along gravel roads eating grit in the mornings, in addition to coniferous forests.
7. White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbills are rare red birds in New York but they can be spotted here all year.
Finches with heavily crossed beaks are White-winged Crossbills. Males have black wings and tails, as well as two white wingbars. Females have two white wing bars and are yellow and brown.
- Loxia leucoptera
- Length: 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)
When cone crops are scarce farther north, White-winged Crossbills thrive in woodlands in Canada, Alaska, and the United States. In spruce woodlands, they may be found eating seeds.
These birds breed all year, as long as there is enough food, which is unusual.
They may frequently be spotted in huge numbers.
8. Summer Tanager
Although not very common, Summer Tanagers can be spotted in New York all year, mainly in the western part of the state.
The males and females of the summer tanager are both crimson.
- Piranga rubra
- Length: 6.7 in (17 cm)
- Weight: 1.1 oz (30 g)
They migrate to Central and South America for the winter after breeding in southern and eastern states.
These forest songbirds eat bees and wasps in mid-flight, and are found in open woodlands. By beating them against a branch and rubbing the stinger off before eating them, they capture and kill them.
Berry bushes and fruit trees can help you attract more Summer Tanagers to your yard.
9. Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeaks are rare red birds in New York that can be spotted mostly in the northern part of the state during winter.
The finch Pine Grosbeak is a species. The males have two white wingbars and a red body with gray on the wings and tail. Gray with a dull orange head and rump, females are sleek. They’re huge and lethargic, as compared to finches.
- Pinicola enucleator
- Length: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
- Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
Pine Grosbeaks are mostly found in Canada, although they may be seen in the US border town of Pine, as well as the high country and Sierra Nevada of California.
Black oil sunflower seed feeders or suet feeders are two methods to attract Pine Grosbeaks.
10. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings are considered an accidental species in New York but they can be spotted mainly in Long Island.
The color of painted bunting males is a vivid mix of red and brilliant blue, with dazzling green wings and backs. The females are a vivid green color.
- Passerina ciris
- Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz (13-19 g)
Before migrating at night to Central America, southern Florida, and some Caribbean islands, the Painted Bunting breed was established in a few states in the south-central and coastal areas of the Southeast US.
During the breeding season, you may see Painted Bunting in semi-open environments foraging for seeds and insects.
Add low, thick vegetation and feeders overflowing with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds to entice painted Bunting to your yard.
Adding low, dense vegetation and feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds may help you attract painted Bunting to your yard.
How Frequently Red birds are Spotted in New York in Summer and Winter
The state checklists are a great place to learn which birds you’re most likely to see around here. On checklists for New York on ebird in the summer and winter, these tables show which red birds are most commonly seen.
Common Red Birds in New York in Summer:
Northern Cardinal 47.8%
House Finch 16.1%
Scarlet Tanager 10.8%
Purple Finch 6.4%
Summer Tanager 0.2%
Red Crossbill 0.1%
White-winged Crossbill <0.1%
Common Redpoll <0.1%
Painted Bunting <0.1%
Common Red Birds in New York in Winter:
Northern Cardinal 38.2%
House Finch 17.4%
Common Redpoll 2.9%
Purple Finch 2.0%
Red Crossbill 0.3%
White-winged Crossbill 0.2%
Pine Grosbeak 0.2%
Painted Bunting 0.1%
Summer Tanager <0.1%
Scarlet Tanager <0.1%