Red avian creatures are more abundant than one might anticipate, and an array of species awaits observation.
The great state of Washington boasts a staggering 10 types of crimson-feathered birds that have been spied upon. Among these, seven species are acknowledged in state checklists as regularly appearing, while three additional ones are deemed uncommon or fortuitous.
This comprehensive manual will serve as your aid in identifying the various red avians that grace Washington’s skies, according to the esteemed avibase. Be mindful that some of these winged creatures embark on migratory journeys, while others prefer to remain year-round.
Should you desire assistance in distinguishing the myriad avian visitors to your backyard, feel free to acquire a complimentary bird identification worksheet tailored specifically for Washington.
When perusing the vibrant realm of Washington’s avifauna, one shall encounter the House Finch as the most prevalent red bird during both summer and winter seasons. However, the Purple Finch is more commonly sighted in the summertime, while other species tend to make their appearances in winter. Thus, continue reading to discover the optimal moments for spotting these resplendent red denizens within the borders of Washington.
The Ten Crimson Birds of Washington:
1. House Finch
Throughout the year, House Finches assert their ubiquity as red avian residents of Washington.
With males donning a crimson head and breast, and females adorned in brown-streaked attire, House Finches present a familiar sight. Their abode extends beyond the western states, as they have thrived following an introduction to the eastern regions, even surpassing the Purple Finch in abundance.
Parks, farms, forest peripheries, and backyard feeders serve as common habitats for these spirited flocks that are difficult to overlook.
To allure more House Finches to your backyard feeders, consider providing black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds within tube or platform feeders.
2. Purple Finch
While Purple Finches are present in Washington throughout the year, they tend to make more frequent appearances during the summer months.
Similar in appearance to their House Finch counterparts, Purple Finches exhibit reddish-purple heads and breasts, coupled with brownish hues on their backs and wings.
These avian denizens breed in Canada, journeying to the eastern states for the winter season. Nevertheless, they may be encountered year-round within the northeastern areas and the Pacific coast.
Evergreen forests serve as favored domains for their presence, where they partake in feasting upon seeds, nectar, and berries.
Black oil sunflower seeds shall prove effective in capturing the attention of these winged guests at your feeders.
3. Red Crossbill
Red Crossbills are steadfast year-round residents of Washington.
Males of the Red Crossbill species display a striking red plumage accentuated by darker wings and tails, while females exhibit a blend of yellow and brown tones.
Throughout the year, these creatures grace the northern and western states, subsequently migrating to the eastern states for the winter season.
They specialize in consuming conifer seeds, engaging in flock foraging activities as they traverse from tree to tree, employing their robust beaks to pry open unyielding cones. Besides coniferous woodlands, they can be found near roadsides, indulging in the morning ritual of consuming grit.
4. Cassin’s Finch
Cassin’s Finches can be observed year-round in Washington, with their presence particularly pronounced between April and September.
The Cassin’s Finch showcases a red crown, a rosy pink head, red-breasted attire, a pale belly, and brown wings and back.
Dimensions:
Length: 6.3 inches (16 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.2 ounces (24-34 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-10.6 inches (25-27 cm)
These finches gravitate toward mountainous forests within the western states, engaging in communal quests for seeds.
While they may not be as frequently encountered in backyard settings as House or Purple Finches, they can still be lured with sunflower seed feeders, especially during winter. Fruit-bearing shrubs such as cotoneaster, mulberries, firethorn, grape, and apple may also attract their attention.
5. Common Redpoll
Common Redpolls provide an enjoyable sight during the winter months in Washington.
Characterized by red foreheads, pinkish breasts, and a mixture of brown and white feathers adorning their bodies, these avian visitors grace the northern states during winter, albeit less commonly observed within central states.
In their quest for warmth, they sometimes burrow into the snow, where they remain overnight. Remarkably, they consume up to 42% of their body weight daily and possess the ability to store up to 2 grams of seeds in an expandable segment of their esophagus.
Weedy fields and the catkins of trees serve as their preferred feeding grounds, while small seeds such as nyjer or thistle may lure them to your feeders.
6. Pine Grosbeak
While not overly abundant in Washington, Pine Grosbeaks can be sighted within the state throughout the year.
As finches, male Pine Grosbeaks exhibit a red plumage alongside gray wings and tail, accented by two white wingbars. Females, on the other hand, showcase a gray exterior with dull orange heads and rumps. Relative to other finches, they are notably larger and exhibit a more leisurely demeanor.
Dimensions:
Length: 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 inches (33 cm)
Pine Grosbeaks predominantly inhabit Canadian territories, but some individuals may venture along the United States border, specifically within the mountainous western regions and California’s Sierra Nevada.
These delightful birds make their homes in forests featuring pine, spruce, and fir trees, relying on the seeds, fruits, and buds of these arboreal entities for sustenance. During the summer, they occasionally indulge in insectivorous tendencies.
Attracting Pine Grosbeaks to your feeders can be achieved through the provision of black oil sunflower seeds or suet feeders.
7. White-winged Crossbill
While White-winged Crossbills are infrequent red visitors to Washington, they have been sighted within the state throughout the year, especially within the enchanting Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
These crossbills, characterized by their robust crossed beaks, exhibit red plumage among males, complemented by black wings, tails, and two white wingbars. In contrast, females adopt a yellow and brown color scheme, also adorned with two white wingbars.
Dimensions:
Length: 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 prefer the woodland expanses of Canada, Alaska, and occasionally the northern regions of the United States when food sources in more northern climes are scarce. Spruce forests serve as their primary habitat, offering a plentiful supply of seeds.
Remarkably, these birds possess the capacity to breed throughout the year, provided ample sustenance is available.
Their resonant calls often reverberate within large flocks.
8. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings, though considered accidental visitors to Washington, have been observed in the Okanogan Highlands.
The males of this species dazzle with a vibrant mosaic of colors, predominantly red underneath, complemented by bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a bright yellow-green hue.
Dimensions:
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 ounces (13-19 g)
Painted Buntings breed in select states, primarily within the south-central and coastal regions of the Southeastern United States, before embarking on migratory journeys to Central America, southern Florida, and certain Caribbean islands.
Semi-open habitats provide ideal foraging grounds for these birds, as they seek out seeds and insects during the breeding season.
To attract Painted Buntings to your surroundings, consider cultivating low, dense vegetation and providing feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
9. Summer Tanager
As an accidental presence within Washington, Summer Tanagers are exceedingly rare in the state. However, a few have been spotted within the city of Seattle.
Distinguished by their bright red plumage in males and yellow hues in females, Summer Tanagers evoke awe with their colorful display.
Dimensions:
Length: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounces (30 g)
These forest-dwelling songbirds breed within southern and eastern states before embarking on their wintertime sojourn to Central and South America.
Found within open woodlands, they engage in aerial pursuits, capturing bees and wasps mid-flight. In a fascinating display of survival skills, they vanquish their prey by thrashing them against branches, effectively removing any stingers before indulging in their catch.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider incorporating berry bushes and fruit trees into your landscape.
10. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers, regarded as rare or accidental visitors to Washington, make exceptionally scarce appearances within the state. Historical records indicate a solitary sighting within its borders.
Scarlet Tanagers, bedecked in bright red plumage coupled with black wings and tails, possess yellow females exhibiting darker wing and tail feathers.
Dimensions:
Length: 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)
These denizens of eastern forests engage in summer breeding activities before undertaking extensive migrations to South America.
Scarlet Tanagers tend to remain high within the forest canopy, making their presence challenging to discern. Planting berry-producing flora such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries may entice them to visit.
Frequency of Red Bird Sightings in Washington during Summer and Winter
Checklists compiled for the state offer invaluable resources for determining which avian species are commonly observed within Washington. These comprehensive records reveal the red birds most frequently recorded on ebird checklists during the summer and winter seasons.
Common Red Birds in Washington during Summer:
House Finch: 26.2%
Purple Finch: 10.9%
Red Crossbill: 4.1%
Cassin’s Finch: 3.2%
Pine Grosbeak: 0.1%
White-winged Crossbill: <0.1%
Painted Bunting: <0.1%
Common Redpoll: <0.1%
Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%
Common Red Birds in Washington during Winter:
House Finch: 23.5%
Purple Finch: 3.7%
Red Crossbill: 1.8%
Common Redpoll: 0.6%
Cassin’s Finch: 0.2%
Pine Grosbeak: 0.2%
White-winged Crossbill: 0.1%
Summer Tanager: <0.1%
Painted Bunting: <0.1%