Red avian creatures of a crimson hue are more prevalent than one might assume, and there exists an abundance of diverse species to behold.
The state of Pennsylvania has been graced with the sighting of ten distinct species of red-feathered birds. Among these, eight species have gained recognition on the state’s checklists as regularly occurring, while two additional species are deemed rare or accidental.
This informative guide is designed to assist you in identifying the various species of red birds inhabiting Pennsylvania, as per avibase. It should be noted that some of these avian creatures partake in migratory journeys, while others choose to remain in the region throughout the year.
For your convenience, a complimentary bird identification worksheet tailored to the Pennsylvania region can be printed to aid you in identifying all the avian visitors frequenting your backyard.
The Northern Cardinal reigns supreme as the most commonly observed red bird in Pennsylvania, captivating both summer and winter with its vibrant presence. Meanwhile, the Scarlet Tanager graces the summer months with its distinctive appearance, while numerous other species tend to make their appearance more frequently during the winter season. Continue reading to delve further into the intriguing world of these red-feathered creatures native to Pennsylvania.
The following is a compilation of ten red birds found in Pennsylvania:
1. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, a ubiquitous red bird, can be spotted year-round in Pennsylvania.
This striking creature flaunts a crimson head, body, and tail, accentuated by a black mask around its visage. Its presence is especially mesmerizing against the backdrop of a snow-covered landscape during winter. The female counterparts of the species are equally captivating with their brown plumage, distinctive brown crests, red accents, and 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 regions of the United States, where they may even exhibit territorial aggression during the breeding season by attacking their own reflections.
To attract more Northern Cardinals to your backyard, consider offering them sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, or milo through large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or scattered on the ground.
2. House Finch
The House Finch, an amusing red bird, graces Pennsylvania year-round.
The males of this species sport red heads and breasts, while the females feature brown-streaked plumage.
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)
Originally confined to western states, the House Finch has successfully expanded its territory to include the eastern states, even outcompeting the Purple Finch. Spotting them is relatively easy, as they tend to congregate in noisy groups in parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders.
To entice House Finches to your backyard, offer black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds through tube feeders or platform feeders.
3. Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager, commonly observed during the summer in Pennsylvania, is a breathtaking sight.
With its vibrant red plumage and contrasting black wings and tail, the Scarlet Tanager stands out effortlessly. Female Scarlet Tanagers, on the other hand, possess yellow feathers with darker wings and tails.
Scientific Name: 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)
These avian creatures breed in the forests of the eastern United States during summer before embarking on their migration journey to South America.
Spotting Scarlet Tanagers can be quite challenging, as they prefer to remain high in the forest canopy. However, you can attract them by cultivating berry plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
4. Purple Finch
The Purple Finch, another prevalent red bird, can be observed year-round in Pennsylvania.
Resembling the House Finch, the Purple Finch boasts a reddish-purple head and breast, accompanied by a brown-toned 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)
While the species breeds in Canada and overwinters in eastern states, it can be found throughout the year in the northeastern United States and the Pacific coast.
These finches are often spotted in evergreen forests, where they feed on seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. If you wish to observe them more closely, provide them with black oil sunflower seeds via feeders.
5. Common Redpoll
The Common Redpoll is a winter visitor to Pennsylvania, occasionally sighted within the region.
Distinguished by their red foreheads, pinkish breasts, and a mix of brown and white plumage, these birds are a captivating sight.
Scientific Name: 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)
During the winter, Common Redpolls primarily inhabit northern states, with occasional sightings in central states. As a survival strategy, they have been known to tunnel into the snow to keep warm during the night. Furthermore, they have a prodigious appetite, consuming up to 42% of their body weight daily and storing up to 2 grams of seeds in a stretchy section of their esophagus.
These avian creatures can be found in weedy fields or feeding on catkins in trees. Additionally, they readily visit feeders to consume small seeds such as nyjer or thistle.
6. White-winged Crossbill
While White-winged Crossbills are not frequently observed in Pennsylvania, they may make an appearance between November and June.
Distinguished by their heavy, crossed beaks, male White-winged Crossbills exhibit red plumage with black wings and tails, complemented by two white wingbars. In contrast, females feature yellow and brown feathers along with two white wingbars.
Scientific Name: 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 primarily inhabit forests in Canada and Alaska, occasionally venturing into northern US states when cone crops are scarce up north. Spruce forests serve as their feeding grounds, where they primarily consume seeds.
Interestingly, these birds exhibit an unusual breeding behavior, often breeding at any time of year as long as sufficient food is available. Additionally, they tend to gather in large flocks, their calls resonating through the air.
7. Red Crossbill
Red Crossbills, although not as abundant, reside in Pennsylvania throughout the year.
Male Red Crossbills showcase red plumage with darker wings and tails, while females possess yellow and brown feathers.
These birds can be found year-round in northern and western states, with a higher concentration during the winter season in eastern states.
They rely on conifer seeds as their primary food source and forage in flocks, moving from tree to tree. With their powerful beaks, they skillfully pry open unopened cones to access the nutritious contents within. Additionally, they can often be spotted along roadsides consuming grit in the mornings.
8. Summer Tanager
While Summer Tanagers are considered rare in Pennsylvania, sightings have occurred in areas such as Pittsburgh and Lancaster.
Male Summer Tanagers dazzle observers with their vivid red plumage, while females exhibit a charming yellow hue.
Scientific Name: Piranga rubra
Size: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 oz (30 g)
These forest-dwelling songbirds breed in the southern and eastern regions of the United States before embarking on their winter migration to Central and South America. They primarily inhabit open woodlands and exhibit a unique hunting technique, catching bees and wasps mid-flight. They dispatch their prey by striking them against a branch to neutralize the stinger before consuming them.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider planting berry bushes and fruit trees, which provide an enticing food source for these vibrant creatures.
9. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings are considered accidental visitors to Pennsylvania, but sightings have been reported in Pittsburgh and Clarke Lake.
Male Painted Buntings are a remarkable mosaic of colors, with predominantly red plumage beneath, complemented by bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a vibrant yellow-green hue.
Scientific Name: 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 migrate to Central America, southern Florida, and certain Caribbean islands during the nighttime hours.
These avian creatures favor semi-open habitats and are particularly fond of foraging for seeds and insects during the breeding season. To attract Painted Buntings to your yard, consider incorporating low, dense vegetation and providing feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
10. Pine Grosbeak
While Pine Grosbeaks are classified as accidental or rare in Pennsylvania, sightings have occurred in Rothrock State Forest and Michaux State Forest.
Pine Grosbeaks, being a species of finch, feature red plumage in males, accompanied by gray wings and tail with two white wingbars. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a gray coloration with dull orange heads and rumps. These finches are relatively large in size compared to their counterparts and tend to exhibit a slower pace.
Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator
Size: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
Pine Grosbeaks predominantly inhabit forests characterized by pine, spruce, and fir trees. They rely on seeds, fruits, and buds from these trees as their primary food source, occasionally supplementing their diet with insects during the summer months.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks to your backyard, offer black oil sunflower seeds or suet through appropriate feeders.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in Pennsylvania during Summer and Winter
If you are interested in determining the frequency of red bird sightings in Pennsylvania during summer and winter, consult the
checklists available for the state. These checklists provide valuable information regarding the red birds most commonly recorded on ebird checklists in Pennsylvania during different seasons.
Common Red Birds in Pennsylvania during Summer:
– Northern Cardinal: 55.0%
– House Finch: 24.2%
– Scarlet Tanager: 16.5%
– Purple Finch: 2.5%
– Summer Tanager: 0.1%
– Red Crossbill: <0.1%
– White-winged Crossbill: <0.1%
– Common Redpoll: <0.1%
– Painted Bunting: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in Pennsylvania during Winter:
– Northern Cardinal: 47.5%
– House Finch: 28.6%
– Purple Finch: 2.0%
– Common Redpoll: 0.5%
– White-winged Crossbill: 0.1%
– Red Crossbill: 0.1%
– Painted Bunting: 0.1%
– Pine Grosbeak: <0.1%
– Summer Tanager: <0.1%
– Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%