Require assistance with identifying the crimson avian species discovered within South Dakota? This comprehensive manual aims to unveil all the red-hued birds that can be observed, providing valuable aid in their identification.
South Dakota harbors a total of eleven varieties of red birds, each of which has been observed within the region. Out of these, nine species are regularly documented in the state checklists, while the remaining two are considered rare or accidental.
By referring to avibase, this guide will assist you in discerning the distinct species of red birds native to South Dakota. Certain avian inhabitants migrate, whereas others choose to reside throughout the entire year.
To aid in the identification of all avian visitors frequenting your backyard, a complimentary worksheet for bird identification specific to South Dakota can be printed.
The House Finch stands as the most prevalent red bird within South Dakota, appearing during both summer and winter seasons. Alternatively, the Purple Finch is more commonly observed in winter, while various other species are frequently sighted during the summer months. So, continue reading to ascertain the prime periods for spotting these vibrant crimson birds within your vicinity.
The following are the eleven red birds found within South Dakota:
1. House Finch
The House Finch, showcasing a crimson head and breast in males, as well as brown-streaked plumage in females, can be sighted in South Dakota throughout the year.
Measuring 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm) in length, weighing 0.6-0.9 ounces (16-27 g), and boasting a wingspan of 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm), these birds were initially exclusive to western states but have successfully expanded their range to the eastern regions, even displacing the Purple Finch. Parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders serve as their favored habitats, often congregating in noisy groups that are impossible to overlook. To attract more House Finches to your backyard, offer black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube or platform feeders.
2. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, predominantly observed in South Dakota between February and June, represents a year-round presence in the state.
With its vivid red head, body, and tail, accompanied by black accents around its face, the male Northern Cardinal delivers a stunning spectacle, particularly against a wintry white backdrop. The females are equally impressive, sporting brown plumage, a prominent brown crest, red highlights, and red beaks.
Measuring 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm) in length, weighing 1.5-1.7 ounces (42-48 g), and possessing a wingspan of 9.8-12.2 inches (25-31 cm), Northern Cardinals primarily inhabit eastern and southern states. During the breeding season, they may exhibit territorial behavior by attacking their own reflections. Enticing these avians to your backyard can be accomplished by providing sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, or milo in large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or by scattering food on the ground.
3. Red Crossbill
The Red Crossbill is a year-round resident of South Dakota, frequently spotted within the Black Hills National Forest.
Distinguished by red plumage in males and yellow and brown coloring in females, Red Crossbills can be found throughout northern and western states, migrating to eastern states during the winter. These birds primarily subsist on conifer seeds, often foraging in flocks, skillfully maneuvering from tree to tree and even employing their formidable beaks to pry open unopened cones. Additionally, they can be observed along roadsides, where they consume grit during the mornings.
4. Purple Finch
While not particularly abundant in South Dakota, Purple
Finches can occasionally be sighted within the state during winter.
Similar in appearance to House Finches, Purple Finches possess reddish-purple heads and breasts, coupled with more pronounced brown hues on their backs and wings.
Measuring 4.7-6.3 inches (12-16 cm) in length, weighing 0.6-1.1 ounces (18-32 g), and featuring a wingspan of 8.7-10.2 inches (22-26 cm), these finches breed in Canada, overwintering in eastern states, but maintaining a year-round presence in the northeastern region and along the Pacific coast. They frequent evergreen forests, where they feed on seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. Purple Finches eagerly visit feeders offering black oil sunflower seeds.
5. Common Redpoll
During winter, Common Redpolls can be observed within South Dakota, with most sightings reported around Lake Traverse Reservation and the Missouri River.
Distinctive features of the Common Redpoll include red foreheads, pinkish breasts, and brown and white plumage across the rest of their bodies.
Acanthis flammea
Measuring 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm) in length, weighing 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g), and boasting a wingspan of 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm), these avians typically inhabit northern states during winter, occasionally venturing into central states. As an adaptive measure to withstand the cold nights, they occasionally burrow into snowbanks. Remarkably, they can consume up to 42% of their body mass daily and store up to 2 grams of seeds in their expandable esophagus. Common Redpolls can be found in weedy fields or feasting on catkins in trees, readily visiting feeders offering small seeds like nyjer or thistle.
6. Scarlet Tanager
While considered rare within South Dakota, Scarlet Tanagers have been spotted in Rosebud Indian Reservation, Sioux Falls, and Lake Traverse Reservation.
Scarlet Tanagers flaunt vibrant red plumage, complemented by black wings and tails. The females possess yellow hues with darker wings and tails.
Piranga olivacea
Measuring 6.3-6.7 inches (16-17 cm) in length, weighing 0.8-1.3 ounces (23-38 g), and showcasing a wingspan of 9.8-11.4 inches (25-29 cm), these birds breed within eastern forests during the summer before migrating to South America. Due to their preference for high positions within the forest canopy, spotting Scarlet Tanagers can prove challenging. Planting berry-bearing plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries can entice these birds to frequent your backyard.
7. Cassin’s Finch
Cassin’s Finches are relatively scarce in South Dakota but can be sighted within the Black Hills National Forest.
Characterized by a red crown, rosy pink head, and red-breasted appearance, combined with a whiteish belly, brown back, and wings, Cassin’s Finches measure approximately 6.3 inches (16 cm) in length, with a weight of 0.8-1.2 ounces (24-34 g) and a wingspan ranging from 9.8 to 10.6 inches (25-27 cm). They primarily inhabit mountain forests in western states, foraging in flocks in search of seeds. While not as commonly found in backyards as House or Purple Finches, they may be attracted with sunflower seed feeders, particularly during winter, or through the presence of fruiting shrubs such as cotoneaster, mulberries, firethorn, grapes, and apples.
8. White-winged Crossbill
The White-winged Crossbill is another rare red bird within South Dakota, occasionally spotted in the Black Hills National Forest and around the Missouri River.
White-winged Crossbills belong to the finch family and possess distinctive crossed beaks. Males exhibit red plumage, black wings and tails, and two white wingbars, while females showcase yellow and brown hues, also with two white wingbars.
Loxia leucoptera
Measuring 5.9-6.7 inches (15-17 cm) in length, weighing 0.8-0.9 ounces (24-26 g), and boasting a wingspan of 10.2-11.0 inches (26-28 cm), White-winged Crossbills primarily inhabit forests in Canada and Alaska, occasionally venturing into northern regions of the United States when cone crops are scarce further north. They predominantly feed on seeds within spruce forests. Interestingly, these birds breed at any time of the year, provided there is an ample food supply. They are often heard within large flocks.
9. Summer Tanager
While accidental in South Dakota, Summer Tanagers have been sighted in Rapid City and a few other locations in Sioux Falls.
The males of the Summer Tanager sport a vibrant red plumage, while the females exhibit a yellow hue.
Piranga rubra
Measuring 6.7 inches (17 cm) in length and weighing 1.1 ounce (30 g), Summer Tanagers breed within southern and eastern states before embarking on migratory journeys to Central and South America. These forest-dwelling songbirds thrive in open woodlands, primarily preying on bees and wasps mid-flight. They possess a unique hunting technique, catching their prey and eliminating the stingers by beating them against branches before consumption. Planting berry bushes and fruit trees can attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard.
10. Pine Grosbeak
While relatively elusive in South Dakota, some Pine Grosbeaks have been observed along the Missouri River.
Pine Grosbeaks belong to the finch family and exhibit red plumage in males, accompanied by gray wings and tail, along with two white wingbars. Females possess gray bodies with dull orange heads and rumps. These finches are larger than average and display a comparatively slow pace.
Pinicola enucleator
Measuring 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 13.0 inches (33 cm), Pine Grosbeaks are predominantly found in Canada. However, they occasionally venture close to the U.S. border, mountainous western regions, and the Sierra Nevada in California. They inhabit forests dominated by pine, spruce, and fir, feeding on seeds, fruits, and buds from these trees. In the summer, they may also consume insects. Attracting Pine Grosbeaks can be achieved by offering black oil sunflower seeds or suet feeders.
11. Painted Bunting
Considered an accidental species in South Dakota, Painted Buntings have only been sighted once in the state, back in 1996.
Male Painted Buntings exhibit a vibrant patchwork of colors, predominantly red underneath, with bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females showcase bright yellow-green plumage.
Passerina ciris
Measuring 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm) in length and weighing 0.5-0.7 ounces (13-19 g), Painted Buntings breed within select states in the south-central
and southeastern regions of the United States before embarking on nocturnal migrations to Central America, southern Florida, and certain Caribbean islands. These birds prefer semi-open habitats and primarily forage for seeds and insects during the breeding season. To attract Painted Buntings to your yard, incorporate low, dense vegetation and fill feeders with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in South Dakota During Summer and Winter
Consulting state checklists provides valuable insights into the commonly observed bird species within South Dakota. These checklists, compiled from eBird data, outline the red birds most frequently recorded during summer and winter in the region.
Common Red Birds in South Dakota During Summer:
– House Finch: 12.3%
– Northern Cardinal: 9.7%
– Red Crossbill: 4.3%
– Scarlet Tanager: 1.0%
– Cassin’s Finch: 0.4%
– Purple Finch: 0.1%
– White-winged Crossbill: 0.1%
– Summer Tanager: 0.1%
– Common Redpoll: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in South Dakota During Winter:
– House Finch: 16.5%
– Northern Cardinal: 10.0%
– Purple Finch: 5.7%
– Common Redpoll: 3.9%
– Red Crossbill: 1.6%
– White-winged Crossbill: 0.6%
– Pine Grosbeak: 0.1%
– Cassin’s Finch: 0.1%