Wyoming boasts a delightful array of crimson-hued avian creatures, namely Finches and Tanagers, presenting a captivating sight. It’s fascinating to note that there exists a diverse assortment of species within this red-feathered category, providing ample learning opportunities.
The remarkable state of Wyoming has witnessed the sighting of 12 distinct species of red birds. Among them, 7 species are consistently recorded on state checklists, while an additional 5 species are deemed rare or accidental.
To assist in your quest for identifying the red bird species in Wyoming, this comprehensive guide, drawing information from avibase, will prove invaluable. It’s worth mentioning that some of these birds undertake migratory journeys, while others choose to grace us with their presence throughout the year.
For an enhanced bird-watching experience in your backyard, make use of a complimentary bird identification worksheet designed specifically for Wyoming. This resource will undoubtedly aid in identifying all the splendid avian visitors to your personal sanctuary.
During both the summer and winter seasons in Wyoming, the House Finch emerges as the most prevalent red bird. Meanwhile, the Cassin’s Finch is more commonly sighted during the summer months, and a few species can only be spotted in the summer season within the confines of Wyoming. Read on to uncover the identities of these elusive species.
Without further ado, let’s explore the captivating world of Wyoming’s 12 Red Birds:
1. House Finch
The House Finch, a common year-round red bird in Wyoming, showcases mesmerizing hues with males sporting red heads and breasts, while females exhibit brown-streaked coloring.
Dimensions:
Length: 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 confined to the western states, this species has successfully expanded into the eastern regions, even outcompeting the Purple Finch. You can spot House Finches in various locations such as parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders, often forming noisy groups that are impossible to miss.
To attract a greater number of House Finches to your backyard feeders, consider offering black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds through tube or platform feeders.
2. Cassin’s Finch
While Cassin’s Finches can be observed year-round in Wyoming, they are more commonly sighted during the summer season.
Cassin’s Finches exhibit striking features such as red crowns, rosy pink heads, red breasts, whiteish bellies, and brown backs and wings.
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 thrive in mountainous forests within western states, often foraging for seeds in lively flocks. Although not as frequently encountered in backyards as House or Purple Finches, they may be enticed with sunflower seed feeders, especially during winter. Additionally, fruiting shrubs like cotoneaster, mulberries, firethorn, grape, and apple may attract them.
3. Red Crossbill
Delighting bird enthusiasts year-round, the Red Crossbill presents a playful sight in Wyoming.
The male Red Crossbill flaunts a vibrant red hue, complemented by darker wings and tail, while females exhibit yellow and brown shades.
This species can be found throughout the year in northern and western states, migrating to the eastern states during winter. Known for their prowess in feeding on conifer seeds, Red Crossbills traverse from tree to tree in flock formations, even breaking unopened cones with their powerful beaks. Interestingly, they can also be observed along roadsides, indulging in morning grit consumption.
4. Pine Grosbeak
The majestic Pine Grosbeak graces Wyoming with its year-round presence, primarily in Yellowstone National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Pine Grosbeaks, belonging to the finch family, showcase splendid red plumage in males, accompanied by gray wings and tail, as well as two white wingbars. Females, on the other hand, display a gray hue with dull orange heads and rumps. This species boasts a larger size compared to typical finches and exhibits a relatively slow pace.
Species: Pinicola enucleator
Dimensions:
Length: 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm)
Wingspan: 13.0 inches (33 cm)
Although predominantly found in Canada, some Pine Grosbeaks venture along the US border, particularly in the mountainous western regions and the Sierra Nevada in California. These birds predominantly inhabit forests comprising pine, spruce, and fir trees, sustaining themselves on seeds, fruit, and buds derived from these arboreal sources. During the summer season, they may also consume a modest amount of insects.
To attract Pine Grosbeaks to your backyard, consider offering black oil sunflower seed or suet feeders.
5. Common Redpoll
While Common Redpolls are rare visitors to Wyoming, they occasionally grace the state during winter.
Distinguished by their red foreheads, pinky breasts, and brown and white plumage, Common Redpolls possess a captivating allure.
Species: Acanthis flammea
Dimensions:
Length: 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)
During the winter season, they primarily reside in northern states, occasionally venturing into central states. Fascinatingly, these birds demonstrate adaptive behavior by tunneling into snow for warmth during the night. Remarkably, they can consume up to 42% of their body mass daily and possess a stretchy part of their esophagus capable of storing up to 2 grams of seeds.
Common Redpolls can be found in weedy fields or feeding on catkins in trees, and they will readily visit feeders offering small seeds like nyjer or thistle.
6. White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbills represent a rare breed of red birds in Wyoming, predominantly spotted in the northwestern region throughout the year.
These finches exhibit remarkable beak structures, featuring a distinctive crossed formation. Males boast red plumage, accentuated by black wings and tail, along with two white wingbars. Conversely, females showcase yellow and brown shades, accompanied by the same white wingbars.
Species: Loxia leucoptera
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 primarily inhabit forests in Canada and Alaska, occasionally extending their range to northern regions of the United States during years with poor cone crops further north. Within spruce forests, they actively feed on seeds, displaying their remarkable adaptability through their year-round breeding habits, driven by food availability rather than specific seasons.
These birds frequently gather in large flocks, often accompanied by distinct vocalizations.
7. Northern Cardinal
Although considered an accidental species in Wyoming, Northern Cardinals have been sporadically sighted within the Rawhide Wildlife Habitat Management Area.
Male Northern Cardinals are a mesmerizing sight, boasting bright red heads, bodies, and tails, accentuated by contrasting black areas around their faces. The females also possess their own allure, exhibiting brown hues, a sharp crest in brown, red highlights, and vibrant red beaks.
Dimensions:
Length: 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)
Native to eastern and southern states, Northern Cardinals exhibit territorial behavior during the breeding season, often obsessively defending their territories by attacking their own reflections. To entice more Northern Cardinals to your backyard, consider providing a variety of food sources, including sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, and milo. These birds can be observed feeding from large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, or even scattered food on the ground.
8. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers, deemed accidental or rare species in Wyoming, have been sighted in the serene Labonte Park.
Distinguished by their vibrant red plumage and contrasting black wings and tails, Scarlet Tanagers capture the imagination. Females, adorned in yellow attire, display darker wings and tails.
Species: Piranga olivacea
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 captivating birds breed in eastern forests during the summer months before embarking on migratory journeys to South America. Scarlet Tanagers tend to inhabit the upper reaches of forest canopies, making them challenging to spot. By cultivating berry plants such as blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, and chokeberries, you can increase the likelihood of attracting Scarlet Tanagers to your surroundings.
9. Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers, considered accidental species in Wyoming, have occasionally been spotted around Bighorn National Forest, with a few sightings near Casper Mountain.
The male Summer Tanager radiates with its bright red plumage, while females display a charming yellow hue.
Species: Piranga rubra
Dimensions:
Length: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounces (30 g)
These forest-dwelling songbirds breed in southern and eastern states before embarking on extensive winter migrations to Central and South America. Within open woodlands, Summer Tanagers engage in an intriguing feeding behavior, capturing bees and wasps mid-flight, dispatching them by striking them against branches, and removing their stingers before consumption.
To attract more Summer Tanagers to your backyard, consider planting berry bushes and fruit trees.
10. Painted Bunting
While Painted Buntings are accidental species in Wyoming, a few lucky observers have reported sightings in Lander City.
Painted Bunting males are an enchanting amalgamation of vibrant colors, with predominantly red plumage underneath, accompanied by bright blue heads, green wings, and backs. Females present a delightful bright yellow-green hue.
Species: Passerina ciris
Dimensions:
Length: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.5-0.7 ounces (13-19 g)
These beautiful birds breed in select states, primarily in the south-central and coastal regions of the Southeastern United States. Following nocturnal migrations, they spend their winters in Central America, southern Florida, and various Caribbean islands. Painted Buntings thrive in semi-open habitats, actively foraging for seeds and insects during the breeding season.
To attract these striking birds to your yard, consider incorporating low, dense vegetation and offer feeders filled with white millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
11. Purple Finch
Purple Finches are incredibly rare red birds in Wyoming, with sporadic sightings reported at Riverton Country Club and Eagle Ridge Ranch over the past decade.
Closely resembling House Finches, Purple Finches exhibit reddish-purple heads and breasts, accompanied by more brown tones on their backs and wings.
Dimensions:
Length: 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 fascinating birds breed in Canada, migrating to eastern states during the winter months. However, some individuals remain year-round in the northeastern regions and the Pacific coast. Evergreen forests serve as their preferred habitat, providing abundant seeds, buds, nectar, and berries. To attract Purple Finches, black oil sunflower seeds are an enticing option for your feeders.
12. Hepatic Tanager
Hepatic Tanagers represent an exceptionally rare species of red birds in Wyoming, acknowledged as accidental or rare by the Wyoming Bird Records Committee.
Males sport red plumage with gray accents on their backs, while females exhibit a charming yellow coloration.
Species: Piranga flava
Dimensions:
Length: 3.5-7.9 inches (8.8-20 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.7 ounces (23-47 g)
Wingspan: 12.6 inches (32 cm)
Hepatic Tanagers breed in southwestern states and Mexico, later migrating to spend their winters in Mexico, Central, and South America. These delightful birds favor mountain ranges adorned with pine or pine and oak woodlands. Their diet consists of insects and spiders, with occasional indulgence in delectable cherry and grape berries.
Discovering the Frequency of Red Birds in Wyoming During Summer and Winter
A valuable resource for exploring the commonality of red bird species in Wyoming can be found in state checklists. These lists compile recorded observations from eBird, shedding light on the most frequently spotted red birds in Wyoming during summer and winter.
Here are the common red birds observed in Wyoming during summer:
– House Finch: 16.2%
– Cassin’s Finch: 7.7%
– Red Crossbill: 3.1%
– Pine Grosbeak: 1.0%
– White-winged Crossbill: 0.1%
– Summer Tanager: <0.1%
– Northern Cardinal: <0.1%
– Scarlet Tanager: <0.1%
– Painted Bunting: <0.1%
– Common Redpoll: <0.1%
– Purple Finch: <0.1%
Here are the common red birds observed in Wyoming during winter:
– House Finch: 29.6%
– Red Crossbill: 2.2%
– Common Redpoll: 1.7%
– Cassin’s Finch: 1.3%
– Pine Grosbeak: 1.0%
– White-winged Crossbill: 0.3%
– Purple Finch: <0.1%
– Northern Cardinal: <0.1%