Discover a plethora of red avian species known as Finches and Tanagers, scattered across the vibrant landscapes of Virginia. Delve into the realm of these fascinating creatures as you explore their diverse array of species.
Embark on a journey through the colorful realm of Virginia’s avian inhabitants, where ten distinct species of red birds have been documented. Among these, seven species proudly grace the state’s checklists as frequent visitors, while two additional species are considered rare or fortuitous, and one more is hailed as an introduced guest.
To aid you in unraveling the enigmatic nature of Virginia’s red birds, this comprehensive guide, drawing upon avibase, will equip you with the skills to identify these captivating creatures. Marvel at their migratory patterns, as some embark on epic journeys, while others choose to remain in the region throughout the year.
Enhance your birdwatching experience by obtaining a complimentary bird identification worksheet tailored specifically for Virginia, enabling you to accurately identify and appreciate the splendid avian visitors gracing your own backyard.
Of all the red birds adorning the Virginia skies during both summer and winter, the illustrious Northern Cardinal reigns supreme. Its scarlet majesty captivates year-round, alongside the captivating presence of the Scarlet Tanager in summer. Moreover, various other species make their grand appearance during the winter months in Virginia. Join us on this enthralling expedition to learn more about these enchanting red avian inhabitants.
Virginia’s Remarkable Red Birds: A Glimpse of Majesty
1. Northern Cardinal
An ever-present spectacle, the Northern Cardinal emerges as an emblematic red avian resident of Virginia throughout the year. Exuding vibrant hues of red on their heads, bodies, and tails, these avian beauties are further adorned with contrasting black markings around their faces. In winter, their fiery presence against the snowy backdrop is truly a sight to behold. The female cardinals exhibit their own allure with their distinctive brown plumage, complemented by a splendid crest, subtle red accents, and crimson 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 can be found in the eastern and southern regions of the United States, exhibiting a territorial nature during the breeding season, occasionally even attacking their own reflections.
To entice more Northern Cardinals to visit your backyard, offer them a delectable feast of sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, or milo in large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or simply scattered on the ground.
2. House Finch
An introduced species that has made Virginia its home, the House Finch stands out with its red head and breast in males, while females boast a captivating blend of brown and 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 the western regions of the United States, the House Finch has successfully established a presence in the eastern states, even surpassing the native Purple Finch. Spot them in parks, farms, forest edges, and your very own backyard, often congregating in lively groups that can’t escape notice.
To beckon House Finches to your feeders, offer them a delectable selection of black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds, either in tube feeders or on inviting platforms.
3. Scarlet Tanager
Virginia’s summer skies are graced by the resplendent Scarlet Tanager, an avian spectacle bedecked in vibrant shades of red. These magnificent creatures sport black wings and tails, with the females exhibiting a yellow hue accentuated by 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)
Nesting in the eastern forests during the summer months, Scarlet Tanagers prove elusive as they prefer to occupy the lofty heights of the forest canopy.
Invite more Scarlet Tanagers to your surroundings by cultivating berry-laden plants like blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries.
4. Purple Finch
A delightful sight to behold, the Purple Finch graces Virginia’s landscapes predominantly from October to May. These avian wonders bear a striking resemblance to House Finches, with reddish-purple heads and breasts, accented by a touch of brown on their backs 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 breeding in Canada and wintering in eastern states, Purple Finches can occasionally be spotted throughout the year in the northeastern United States and the Pacific coast.
Spot them in evergreen forests, savoring seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. These delightful creatures readily flock to feeders brimming with black oil sunflower seeds.
5. Summer Tanager
Virginia’s summer landscapes come alive with the vibrant presence of the Summer Tanager. The males paint the skies red, while the females adorn a brilliant yellow plumage.
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 states before embarking on a migratory journey to Central and South America for the winter season.
Thriving in open woodlands, Summer Tanagers display their unique hunting prowess by snatching bees and wasps mid-flight. They skillfully dispatch their prey by beating them against branches, expertly removing the stingers before indulging in their conquests.
Attract these splendid Summer Tanagers to your backyard oasis by cultivating berry bushes and fruit trees.
6. Red Crossbill
While relatively rare in Virginia, the Red Crossbill makes its permanent residence in the state’s wondrous landscapes throughout the year.
Red Crossbill males exhibit a captivating blend of red plumage accompanied by darker wings and tails, while their female counterparts emanate a charming combination of yellow and brown.
These remarkable birds frequent the northern and western states all year, journeying to the eastern states during the winter months. They display a fondness for conifer seeds and traverse from tree to tree in flocks, employing their powerful beaks to pry open unopened cones. Their presence is not limited to coniferous forests, as they can also be found along roadsides, savoring grit in the early hours.
7. Painted Bunting
Although sightings of Painted Buntings in Virginia are rare, they have been observed along the state’s enchanting coast.
Distinguished by their vibrant, patchwork-like appearance, the male Painted Bunting features a predominantly red plumage beneath a resplendent blue head, complemented by green wings and back. The females radiate a vivid 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 before embarking on nocturnal migrations to Central America, southern Florida, and some Caribbean islands.
These captivating avian inhabitants thrive in semi-open habitats, foraging for seeds and insects during the breeding season.
To entice Painted Buntings to your abode, cultivate low, dense vegetation and offer feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
8. White-winged Crossbill
The White-winged Crossbill is a rare and fortuitous sighting in Virginia, considered an accidental or rare species. While challenging to spot, a few lucky observers have encountered these magnificent birds in Fairfax and around Richmond City.
White-winged Crossbills, characterized by their distinct crossed beaks, showcase red plumage in males, accentuated by black wings, tails, and two white wingbars. The females don a delightful blend of yellow, brown, and 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 predominantly inhabit forests in Canada and Alaska. During lean cone crop years in their native territories, they venture southward, occasionally gracing the northern United States. These majestic birds prefer spruce forests, indulging in a feast of seeds.
Interestingly, White-winged Crossbills exhibit a unique breeding behavior, as they can breed at any time of the year, provided there is an ample food supply. Their melodious calls often resonate through the air in the company of large flocks.
9. Common Redpoll
Although rare in Virginia, the Common Redpoll has been spotted along the coast during winter, adding a touch of splendor to the region.
Common Redpolls exhibit striking red foreheads and rosy breasts, harmoniously blending with shades of brown and white that adorn the remainder of their bodies.
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)
While wintering in northern states and occasionally central states, these delightful avian visitors are known to tunnel into the snow for warmth during chilly nights. They possess a voracious appetite, consuming up to 42% of their body mass each day. Their esophagus possesses a stretchy section where they can store up to 2 grams of seeds.
Spot them in weedy fields or relishing catkins in trees. Common Redpolls are drawn to feeders offering small seeds such as nyjer or thistle.
10. Pine Grosbeak
Regarded as an accidental or rare species in Virginia, the Pine Grosbeak has graced the state with its presence on only a handful of occasions.
Pine Grosbeaks, belonging to the finch family, feature red plumage in males, complemented by gray wings, tails, and two white wingbars. Females exhibit a gray appearance with subdued orange heads and rumps. These avian wonders boast a larger size compared to other finches, moving at a relatively unhurried pace.
Scientific name: Pinicola enucleator
Size: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
Pine Grosbeaks primarily inhabit the forests of pine, spruce, and fir, nourishing themselves on seeds, fruit, and buds derived from these majestic trees. During the summer, they also indulge in a few insects.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks, adorn your surroundings with black oil sunflower seed feeders or suet feeders.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in Virginia: Summer and Winter
To gain insights into the frequency of red bird sightings in Virginia during summer and winter, consult the checklists provided by ebird. These invaluable resources shed light on the red bird species most frequently recorded in Virginia.
Common Red Birds in Virginia during Summer:
Northern Cardinal: 63.5%
House Finch: 24.9%
Scarlet Tanager: 14.4%
Summer Tanager: 6.1%
Purple Finch: 0.2%
Red Crossbill: 0.2%
Painted Bunting: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in Virginia during Winter:
Northern Cardinal: 55.3%
House Finch: 27.1%
Purple Finch: 3.8%
Painted Bunting: 0.1%
Red Crossbill: 0.1%
Common Redpoll: <0.1%
White-winged Crossbill: <0.1%
Summer Tanager: <0.1%
Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%
Pine Grosbeak: <0.1%