In the state of Oregon, there exists a collection of 11 distinct species of red birds that have been observed. Among these, 7 species are officially recognized on state checklists as frequently encountered, while an additional 4 species are considered uncommon or chance occurrences.
This comprehensive manual aims to assist you in identifying the various species of red birds found in Oregon, drawing information from avibase. Certain members of this avian community engage in migratory behavior, while others choose to remain within the region throughout the entire year.
To aid in the identification process of all visiting avian creatures within your backyard, a complimentary bird identification worksheet specific to Oregon can be easily printed for your convenience.
The House Finch, a red bird species known as the most prevalent in both summer and winter in Oregon, dominates the avian landscape. During the summer months, the Purple Finch makes a more frequent appearance, while various other species tend to be spotted more commonly in the winter season. For further insights into these red birds, please continue reading.
A Compilation of 11 Red Birds Found in Oregon:
1. House Finch
The House Finch, a male exemplar measuring 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm) in length, is a red bird that can be observed in Oregon throughout the entire year.
Male House Finches possess red heads and breasts, while their female counterparts display brown-streaked plumage. With a weight ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 ounces (16-27 g) and a wingspan spanning 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm), they initially inhabited only the western states but were eventually introduced to the eastern regions, where they have thrived, sometimes even outcompeting the Purple Finch.
These birds can be found in various locations such as parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders, often congregating in noisy groups that are difficult to overlook.
To attract more House Finches to your backyard, consider utilizing black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube or platform feeders.
2. Purple Finch
The Purple Finch, another notable red bird species, can be observed in Oregon throughout the entire year, although it is more commonly sighted during the summer. Typically, they are predominantly found in the western parts of the state.
Resembling the House Finch in appearance, the Purple Finch exhibits reddish-purple heads and breasts, with additional brown hues on their backs and wings. These finches measure between 4.7 and 6.3 inches (12-16 cm) in length and weigh approximately 0.6-1.1 ounces (18-32 g). Their wingspans range from 8.7 to 10.2 inches (22-26 cm). Breeding primarily in Canada and overwintering in eastern states, they can be spotted year-round along the northeastern Pacific coast.
Evergreen forests serve as the primary habitat for these birds, where they feed on seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. They are also known to frequent feeders that provide black oil sunflower seeds.
3. Red Crossbill
The Red Crossbill, a resident red bird species in Oregon, can be observed throughout the entire year.
Male Red Crossbills possess red plumage with darker wings and tails, while females exhibit yellow and brown coloring.
These birds can be found year-round in northern and western states, with their wintering grounds extending to eastern states. Their diet mainly consists of conifer seeds, and they forage in flocks, traversing from tree to tree and even employing their powerful beaks to pry open unopened cones. In addition to coniferous forests, they can also be found along roadsides, consuming grit in the mornings.
4. Cassin’s Finch
Cassin’s Finches, frequently observed in Oregon, especially between April and November, can be spotted throughout the year.
Cassin’s Finches boast red crowns, rosy pink heads, and red-breasted plumage, accompanied by whiteish bellies and brown backs and wings. Measuring 6.3 inches (16 cm) in length, they weigh around 0.8-1.2 ounces (24-34 g), with a wingspan spanning 9.8-10.6 inches (25-27 cm). These birds primarily inhabit mountainous forests in western states, foraging in flocks for seeds.
While not as commonly encountered in backyards as House or Purple Finches, they can still be attracted with sunflower seed feeders, particularly during winter, or through the presence of fruiting shrubs such as cotoneaster, mulberries, firethorn, grapes, and apples.
5. Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeaks, although rare red birds in Oregon, can occasionally be spotted within Mt. Hood National Forest, Willamette National Forest, and Fremont-Winema National Forest.
These finch species are characterized by their red plumage in males, accompanied by gray wings and tails, along with two white wingbars. Females exhibit gray feathers with dull orange heads and rumps. Comparatively larger than most finches, Pine Grosbeaks are known for their relatively leisurely movements.
The natural habitat of these birds primarily lies within Canadian forests, though some can be seen near the US border, in the mountainous western regions, and even in the Sierra Nevada of California. They thrive in forests abundant with pine, spruce, and fir trees, feeding on the seeds, fruits, and buds offered by these arboreal specimens. During the summer, they may also consume insects.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks, consider utilizing feeders that dispense black oil sunflower seeds or suet.
6. Common Redpoll
While Common Redpolls are not frequently encountered in Oregon, they may occasionally be spotted during the winter months in Siuslaw National Forest and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Distinguished by their red foreheads, pinky breasts, and brown-and-white plumage, Common Redpolls are a rare sight in the state. These birds measure between 4.7 and 5.5 inches (12-14 cm) in length, weighing approximately 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g). Their wingspans range from 7.5 to 8.7 inches (19-22 cm). While commonly found in northern states during winter, their presence in central states is relatively less frequent.
During the winter season, Common Redpolls often burrow into the snow to keep warm throughout the night. They can consume up to 42% of their body mass daily and store up to 2 grams of seeds within their stretchy esophagus.
These birds can be observed in weedy fields or feeding on catkins in trees. Moreover, they are known to visit feeders, where they show a preference for small seeds such as nyjer or thistle.
7. White-winged Crossbill
The White-winged Crossbill, another infrequently spotted red bird species in Oregon, can be observed along the state’s coast, as well as in certain regions encompassing Boise National Forest and Umatilla National Forest.
These crossbills possess distinctive crossed beaks and are primarily finches. Male specimens exhibit red plumage with black wings and tails, adorned with two white wingbars. Females, on the other hand, are characterized by yellow and brown coloring, also with two white wingbars.
Typically found in forests spanning Canada, Alaska, and occasionally the northern states of the US during poor cone crop seasons further north, White-winged Crossbills are commonly observed in spruce forests, where they feed on seeds.
Unusually, these birds engage in breeding activities at any time of the year, provided sufficient food resources are available. They are often heard in sizable flocks.
8. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings, while considered accidental red bird species in Oregon, have been spotted in Hayesville and Marion County.
Male Painted Buntings exhibit a vibrant patchwork of colors, with predominantly red plumage beneath, complemented by bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females, on the other hand, possess bright yellow-green feathers.
Breeding is concentrated in specific states within the south-central and southeastern regions of the US. Subsequently, these birds migrate nocturnally to Central America, southern Florida, and select Caribbean islands.
Semi-open habitats serve as ideal locations for encountering Painted Buntings, as they actively forage for seeds and insects during the breeding season.
To attract Painted Buntings to your yard, consider incorporating low, dense vegetation and filling feeders with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
9. Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers, categorized as accidental or rare species in Oregon, have nevertheless been observed within the state. A few sightings have occurred in Thomas Orchards in Kimberly and Fremont National Forest.
Male Summer Tanagers are brightly colored red birds, while females possess yellow plumage.
During the breeding season, Summer Tanagers can be found in southern and eastern states before embarking on their migration to Central and South America for the winter months.
These forest-dwelling songbirds primarily inhabit open woodlands, where they feed on bees and wasps mid-flight. They skillfully capture and dispatch their prey by striking them against branches, effectively neutralizing the stingers before consumption.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider incorporating berry bushes and fruit trees.
10. Pyrrhuloxia
The Pyrrhuloxia, an accidental red bird species in Oregon, has been spotted in Peoria Park.
Male Pyrrhuloxias exhibit gray plumage with pronounced red coloring on the face, crest, breast, and tail. Females, however, possess dull gray feathers with less prominent red coloring.
These birds are residents of hot desert regions spanning Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico. While they vigorously defend their territories during the breeding season, they tend to form flocks of up to 1000 individuals during the winter months.
Pyrrhuloxias primarily subsist on seeds but also consume insects. They can often be found at feeders containing sunflower seeds, though they prefer scattered seeds on the ground.
11. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers, considered accidental species in Oregon, have been recorded in the state on only six occasions.
These red birds possess bright red plumage, accompanied by black wings and tails. Females, meanwhile, exhibit yellow coloring with darker wings and tails.
Scarlet Tanagers primarily breed within eastern forests during the summer months, subsequently embarking on migratory journeys to South America.
Given their propensity to dwell high within the forest canopy, locating Scarlet Tanagers can prove challenging.
To attract more Scarlet Tanagers to your backyard, consider planting berry plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in Oregon during Summer and Winter
To provide insights into the frequency of red bird sightings in Oregon during different seasons, checklists compiled by ebird offer valuable information. These checklists detail the most commonly recorded red bird species in Oregon during summer and winter.
Common Red Birds in Oregon during Summer:
– House Finch: 19.0%
– Purple Finch: 9.6%
– Red Crossbill: 3.7%
– Cassin’s Finch: 3.5%
– Pine Grosbeak: <0.1%
– Summer Tanager: <0.1%
– White-winged Crossbill: <0.1%
– Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%
– Painted Bunting: <0.1%
– Common Redpoll: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in Oregon during Winter:
– House Finch: 20.9%
– Purple Finch: 2.8%
– Red Crossbill: 1.4%
– Cassin’s Finch: 0.3%
– Common Redpoll: 0.1%
– Pine Grosbeak: 0.1%
– White-winged Crossbill: <0.1%
– Painted Bunting: <0.1%
– Summer Tanager: <0.1%
– Pyrrhuloxia: <0.1%
– Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%
These checklists serve as valuable resources for determining the prevalence of various red bird species within the state of Oregon.