Bright and vibrant, red birds have the power to uplift your spirits and add a touch of joy to your day. Take the time to acquaint yourself with the various species of red birds you can encounter.
Vermont, known for its natural beauty, is home to a remarkable collection of red birds. A total of 10 species have been observed in this region. Out of these, 8 species are commonly found and acknowledged on the state’s official checklists. The remaining 2 species are considered rare or accidental sightings.
To aid in your identification of these red birds in Vermont, a comprehensive guide has been compiled using avibase as a valuable resource. It’s important to note that some of these avian creatures are migratory, while others reside in the state throughout the year.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the world of red birds in Vermont, you can obtain a complimentary bird identification worksheet tailored specifically for the region. This worksheet will assist you in recognizing all the avian visitors to your backyard.
Undoubtedly, the Northern Cardinal is the most prevalent red bird in Vermont, making appearances during both summer and winter seasons. Meanwhile, the Common Redpoll is more commonly observed in winter, and various other species tend to grace the Vermont landscape during the summer months. By continuing to read, you’ll discover the optimal periods to catch glimpses of these vibrant red birds flourishing in Vermont.
Now, let’s explore the diverse range of 10 red bird species you may encounter in Vermont:
1. Northern Cardinal
These year-round residents of Vermont captivate observers with their striking red plumage encompassing their heads, bodies, and tails. The male Northern Cardinal, with its black face mask, presents a remarkable spectacle, particularly against a wintry backdrop. Equally captivating are the females, featuring rich brown hues, prominent crests, and hints of red.
Size: 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm)
Weight: 1.5-1.7 ounces (42-48 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 inches (25-31 cm)
Widespread in eastern and southern states, Northern Cardinals exhibit territorial behavior during the breeding season, occasionally attacking their own reflections.
To attract more Northern Cardinals to your backyard, consider offering a tempting selection of sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, or milo through large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or simply by scattering food on the ground.
2. House Finch
Remaining residents of Vermont throughout the year, House Finches are distinguishable by the red plumage adorning the heads and breasts of males, while females exhibit brown-streaked coloring.
Size: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.9 ounces (16-27 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm)
Originally restricted to western states, House Finches have successfully expanded their presence to eastern regions, even outcompeting the Purple Finch. They can be spotted in a variety of locations, such as parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders, often congregating in lively groups that are impossible to overlook.
To entice House Finches to visit your feeders, offer black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds through tube feeders or platform feeders.
3. Purple Finch
Found in Vermont throughout the year, Purple Finches are most commonly observed between May and September.
Closely resembling House Finches, Purple Finches exhibit reddish-purple plumage on their heads and breasts, along with brown tones on their backs and wings.
Size: 4.7-6.3 inches (12-16 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.1 ounces (18-32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-10.2 inches (22-26 cm)
These finches breed in Canada and migrate to eastern states during the winter. However, in northeastern regions and along the Pacific coast, they can be spotted year-round.
Look for them in evergreen forests, where they feed on seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. Offering black oil sunflower seeds can increase your chances of attracting Purple Finches to your feeders.
4. Scarlet Tanager
During the summer months, spotting Scarlet Tanagers in Vermont becomes an exciting endeavor.
Dressed in vibrant red plumage and adorned with black wings and tails, male Scarlet Tanagers exude magnificence. Females, on the other hand, display yellow hues with darker wings and tails.
Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea
Size: 6.3-6.7 inches (16-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.3 ounces (23-38 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.4 inches (25-29 cm)
Scarlet Tanagers breed within eastern forests before embarking on a journey to South America for the winter. Their preference for the forest canopy makes them challenging to spot.
To attract more Scarlet Tanagers, consider planting berry plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
5. Common Redpoll
Winter in Vermont welcomes the presence of Common Redpolls.
Featuring red foreheads, pinky breasts, and a blend of brown and white hues throughout their bodies, Common Redpolls create a mesmerizing sight.
Scientific Name: Acanthis flammea
Size: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
While primarily found in northern states during winter, they occasionally venture into central states. To stay warm during the night, they may even burrow into the snow. Remarkably, they can consume up to 42% of their body mass daily and store up to 2 grams of seeds within their stretchy esophagus.
Common Redpolls frequent weedy fields and feed on catkins in trees. They readily visit feeders, especially when stocked with small seeds like nyjer seeds or thistle.
6. Pine Grosbeak
Though not as common in Vermont, Pine Grosbeaks can be spotted between November and March.
As members of the finch family, male Pine Grosbeaks showcase red plumage with touches of gray on their wings, tail, and two white wingbars. Females possess a gray coloration, complemented by dull orange heads and rumps. These finches exhibit larger size and slower movements compared to their counterparts.
Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator
Size: 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 inches (33 cm)
While primarily found in Canada, some Pine Grosbeaks make appearances along the US border, in mountainous western regions, and the Sierra Nevada in California. Their preferred habitats include forests of pine, spruce, and fir, where they feed on seeds, fruit, and buds. During summer, they may also consume insects.
Attract Pine Grosbeaks by offering black oil sunflower seeds or suet through feeders.
7. Red Crossbill
Although relatively rare in Vermont, Red Crossbills can be encountered year-round in the state.
Male Red Crossbills showcase red plumage with darker wings and tails, while females exhibit a combination of yellow and brown tones.
Red Crossbills can be found across northern and western states throughout the year, with eastern states hosting them during winter. Their unique beak allows them to forage on conifer seeds, often traveling in flocks from tree to tree. They even possess the remarkable ability to pry open unopened cones with their sturdy beaks. Additionally, they can be spotted consuming grit along roadsides during mornings.
8. White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbills, although rare in Vermont, can be spotted year-round, particularly during winter.
Finches with distinctive crossed beaks, male White-winged Crossbills present red plumage, complemented by black wings, tails, and two white wingbars. Females exhibit yellow and brown hues, also with two white wingbars.
Scientific Name: Loxia leucoptera
Size: 5.9-6.7 inches (15-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-0.9 ounces (24-26 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 inches (26-28 cm)
White-winged Crossbills primarily inhabit forests in Canada and Alaska. However, during periods of poor cone crops further north, they may venture into the northern US states. Spruce forests serve as their favored foraging grounds, where they feast upon seeds.
Interestingly, White-winged Crossbills possess a unique breeding behavior, as they can breed at any time of year as long as food availability remains sufficient. Their presence is often accompanied by distinctive flock vocalizations.
9. Painted Bunting
Although considered an accidental species in Vermont, Painted Buntings have been sighted in Pittsfield.
Male Painted Buntings present a captivating mosaic of colors, with predominantly red plumage underneath, complemented by bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females display vibrant yellow-green shades.
Scientific Name: Passerina ciris
Size: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 ounces (13-19 g)
Painted Buntings breed in select states across the south-central and southeastern regions of the United States before embarking on migratory journeys to Central America, southern Florida, and certain Caribbean islands.
These enchanting birds prefer semi-open habitats and primarily forage for seeds and insects during the breeding season. Creating a welcoming environment for Painted Buntings involves incorporating low, dense vegetation and providing feeders stocked with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
10. Summer Tanager
While Summer Tanagers are typically considered accidental or rare in Vermont, a few sightings have occurred around Green Mountain National Forest.
Male Summer Tanagers display vivid red plumage, while females exhibit yellow coloration.
Scientific Name: Piranga rubra
Size: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounces (30 g)
Breeding within southern and eastern states, Summer Tanagers embark on migratory journeys to Central and South America during the winter months.
Thriving in open woodlands, these forest songbirds specialize in catching bees and wasps mid-flight. They employ a unique method of killing their prey by striking it against a branch, thereby removing the stinger before consumption.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider planting berry bushes and fruit trees, which serve as enticing food sources.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in Vermont During Summer and Winter
To gain insight into the prevalence of red bird species in Vermont during summer and winter, consult checklists compiled by birdwatchers. These invaluable resources provide a comprehensive overview of the most frequently recorded red birds in Vermont, based on ebird checklists.
Common Red Birds in Vermont During Summer:
– Northern Cardinal: 31.0%
– Purple Finch: 11.8%
– Scarlet Tanager: 9.6%
– House Finch: 7.1%
– Red Crossbill: 0.3%
– White-winged Crossbill: 0.2%
– Common Redpoll: <0.1%
– Summer Tanager: <0.1%
– Pine Grosbeak: <0.1%
– Painted Bunting: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in Vermont During Winter:
– Northern Cardinal: 27.5%
– House Finch: 9.7%
– Common Redpoll: 7.9%
– Purple Finch: 3.8%
– Pine Grosbeak: 2.0%
– Red Crossbill: 0.6%
– White-winged Crossbill: 0.5%
– Painted Bunting: <0.1%