In search of assistance in identifying the crimson-hued avian creatures discovered within Quebec? Fear not, for this comprehensive manual shall illuminate all the scarlet-feathered birds that grace the region and aid in their discernment.
Quebec plays host to a grand total of 11 species of red birds, each of which has been sighted within its boundaries. Of these, 7 species are officially recognized on state checklists as regular visitors, while an additional trio is deemed rare or accidental. Moreover, one more species has been introduced to the region.
This informative guide aims to assist you in identifying the various red bird species that populate Quebec, as documented by avibase. Among these feathered creatures, some engage in migratory journeys, while others opt to remain in the area throughout the year.
To aid in the identification of the avian visitors to your backyard, feel free to procure a complimentary worksheet dedicated to bird identification in Quebec.
The most prevalent red bird species in both the summer and winter seasons of Quebec is the Northern Cardinal. The Purple Finch, on the other hand, tends to make its appearance more frequently during the summer, while several other species are commonly observed during the winter months. Further exploration shall reveal additional details regarding these crimson-hued avians.
List of 11 Red Birds in Quebec:
1. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, a species of red bird, can be frequently spotted throughout the year in Quebec.
With a red head, body, and tail, complemented by black accents around their visages, the male Northern Cardinals present an awe-inspiring sight, particularly against a backdrop of wintry white. The females, too, display an enchanting appearance with their brown plumage, prominent brown crests, red highlights, and crimson beaks.
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)
Northern Cardinals can be found in the eastern and southern regions of the United States and have been known to engage in bouts of territorial defense during the breeding season, often attacking their own reflections.
Attracting more Northern Cardinals to your backyard feeders can be achieved by providing sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, or milo. They are known to partake in meals from large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or even from food scattered on the ground.
2. Purple Finch
While Purple Finches can be found in Quebec throughout the year, they are particularly abundant during the summer months.
The reddish-purple heads and breasts of the Purple Finches bear a resemblance to House Finches, although they possess more brown plumage on their backs and wings.
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)
These finches breed in Canada and migrate to the eastern states during the winter, but they can be found year-round in the northeastern United States and along the Pacific coast.
Spotting them amidst evergreen forests is not an uncommon occurrence, as they delight in feasting upon seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. Their fondness for black oil sunflower seeds entices them to bird feeders with great regularity.
3. Common Redpoll
Common Redpolls can be observed in Quebec between October and May, primarily during the winter season. A few instances of these birds being sighted in the region during the summer have also been reported.
Sporting red foreheads, pinkish breasts, and a combination of brown and white plumage across the rest of their bodies, Common Redpolls possess a distinct appearance.
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)
During winter, they can be found in the northern states, albeit with less frequency in the central states.
In an effort to stay warm during the night, they occasionally burrow into the snow. Astonishingly, these birds consume up to 42% of their body mass daily and have the ability to store up to 2 grams of seeds in a flexible part of their esophagus.
Common Redpolls tend to frequent weedy fields or feed on catkins in trees, although they do visit feeders to indulge in small seeds such as nyjer seeds or thistle.
4. House Finch
Considered an introduced species, House Finches are present in Quebec throughout the year.
In the males, a red head and breast are accompanied by brown-streaked plumage. The females, meanwhile, exhibit similar brownish hues.
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)
Initially limited to western states, the House Finch has managed to establish a thriving population in the eastern states, even encroaching upon the territory of the Purple Finch.
These birds can be encountered in parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders. Their tendency to gather in boisterous groups ensures that they are difficult to miss.
To attract more House Finches to your backyard feeders, consider providing black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube or platform feeders.
5. Pine Grosbeak
While Pine Grosbeaks can be observed in Quebec throughout the year, they are more prevalent during the winter months between October and April.
Pine Grosbeaks, classified as finches, exhibit red plumage in males, accompanied by gray wings and tail, as well as two white wingbars. The females, on the other hand, showcase gray tones with hints of orange on their heads and rumps. These finches are relatively large and tend to move at a leisurely pace.
Pinicola enucleator
Length: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
Although primarily found in Canada, some sightings of Pine Grosbeaks along the US border, in the mountainous regions of the west, and the Sierra Nevada in California have been recorded.
They predominantly inhabit forests consisting of pine, spruce, and fir trees, where they nourish themselves on seeds, fruit, and buds from these arboreal species. During the summer months, they occasionally consume insects as well.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks to your feeders, consider utilizing black oil sunflower seed feeders or suet feeders.
6. White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbills, enchanting red birds, can be spotted in Quebec throughout the year.
These finches possess distinctive beaks that cross over one another. Males exhibit red plumage, with black wings and tails, accompanied by two white wingbars. Females, on the other hand, present a combination of yellow, brown, and white feathers, also adorned with two white wingbars.
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)
White-winged Crossbills inhabit forests across Canada, Alaska, and occasionally the northern states of the US when cone crops are scarce further north. They can be found in spruce forests, where they derive sustenance from the seeds of these trees.
Notably, these birds exhibit a unique breeding pattern, mating at any time of the year as long as adequate food sources are available.
Their distinctive calls can often be heard emanating from large flocks.
7. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers, although not particularly common, may be sighted during the summer months in the southern regions of Quebec.
Adorned in bright red plumage, with black wings and tails, male Scarlet Tanagers are truly captivating. Females, on the other hand, exhibit yellow tones, complemented by darker 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)
These birds breed in eastern forests during the summer before embarking on their migratory journey to South America.
Due to their inclination to remain high up in the forest canopy, spotting Scarlet Tanagers can prove challenging.
To attract more of these avian visitors to your backyard, consider planting berry-bearing plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
8. Red Crossbill
Red Crossbills, though not frequently sighted, can be found in southern Quebec throughout the year.
Males sport red plumage, accompanied by darker wings and tails, while females exhibit yellow and brown hues.
These birds can be found in northern and western states throughout the year, with their winter season being spent in the eastern states.
They sustain themselves by feeding on conifer seeds, often foraging in flocks as they move from tree to tree. Their powerful beaks enable them to pry open unopened cones, and they have been observed consuming grit along roadsides in the mornings.
9. Summer Tanager
While Summer Tanagers are considered rare in Quebec, they may be observed in the southern part of the province during the summer.
Male Summer Tanagers present a striking appearance, clad in bright red plumage, while females exhibit yellow tones.
Piranga rubra
Length: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 oz (30 g)
During the breeding season, they can be found in southern and eastern states before embarking on their winter migration to Central and South America.
These forest-dwelling songbirds specialize in capturing bees and wasps mid-flight, a feat they accomplish by capturing them and thrashing them against a branch to remove the stinger before consumption.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider incorporating berry bushes and fruit trees into your landscape.
10. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings are considered accidental species in Quebec, although sightings have been reported in Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.
Male Painted Buntings are a vibrant mosaic of colors, predominantly red underneath, with bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females, on the other hand, exhibit bright yellow-green plumage.
Passerina ciris
Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz (13-19 g)
These buntings breed in select states within the south-central and southeastern regions of the United States before embarking on nocturnal migrations to Central America, southern Florida, and certain Caribbean islands.
They can be found in semi-open habitats, where they forage 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.
11. Hepatic Tanager
Hepatic Tanagers are considered accidental or rare in Quebec, having only been sighted twice within the region.
Male Hepatic Tanagers possess red plumage with gray accents on their backs, while females display yellow tones.
Piranga flava
Length: 3.5-7.9 in (8.8-20 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.7 oz (23-47 g)
Wingspan: 12.6 in (32 cm)
These tanagers breed in southwestern states and Mexico before migrating to Mexico, Central, and South America for the winter.
They can be found in mountainous regions characterized by pine or pine and oak woodlands, where they feed on insects and spiders. Additionally, they exhibit a penchant for consuming certain berries, such as cherries and grapes.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in Quebec During Summer and Winter
State checklists serve as valuable resources for discerning the commonly sighted bird species within a region. Such checklists reveal the most frequently recorded red bird species in Quebec, as documented on eBird, during both the summer and winter seasons.
Common Red Birds in Quebec During Summer:
Purple Finch: 20.2%
Northern Cardinal: 17.2%
House Finch: 6.3%
Scarlet Tanager: 3.3%
White-winged Crossbill: 1.8%
Common Redpoll: 1.1%
Pine Grosbeak: 0.4%
Red Crossbill: 0.2%
Summer Tanager: <0.1%
Painted Bunting: <0.1%
Hepatic Tanager: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in Quebec During Winter:
Common Redpoll: 18.7%
Northern Cardinal: 17.8%
Pine Grosbeak: 11.1%
House Finch: 8.9%
White-winged Crossbill: 3.6%
Purple Finch: 3.5%
Red Crossbill: 0.5%
Summer Tanager: <0.1%
Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%
Painted Bunting: <0.1%