30 Birds with Red Heads - Red Elfs in the Sky

Do you love birdwatching? If so, you might have seen such kinds of birds with astonishing red heads. They look like just the artists in the nature, using their red hues to decorate the green and blue colors in the world.
Get ready to learn more about them? Today, we will walk you through 32 red headed birds, along with pictures.

Woodpeckers

1.  Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

The Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a striking and charismatic bird species native to North America. With its vibrant red head, contrasting black and white plumage, and sleek physique, it's easily recognizable in its habitat. Often found in woodlands, forests, parks, and even suburban areas, this woodpecker species is not only visually stunning but also plays a vital role in its ecosystem.

Known for its agility and acrobatic maneuvers, the Red-headed Woodpecker is an expert at foraging for insects on tree trunks and branches. It also has a unique feeding behavior of catching insects mid-air, making it a fascinating species to observe. Apart from insects, it also feeds on seeds, fruits, and occasionally small vertebrates.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Red-headed Woodpecker is its nesting behavior. It excavates cavities in dead trees or branches, where it constructs its nest and raises its young. This species is also known for its vocalizations, which include drumming on trees as well as various calls used for communication.

2. Downy Woodpecker 

he Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a colorful and charismatic bird species native to the eastern United States. Despite its name, the red coloration on its belly is often not visible, as it is usually hidden beneath its wings or obscured by other plumage. However, its distinguishing features include a vibrant red cap and nape, which contrast sharply with its black-and-white barred back and wings.

This medium-sized woodpecker is known for its adaptability and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas with mature trees. Its omnivorous diet includes insects, fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is an agile and acrobatic forager, using its strong bill to drill into trees to uncover insect prey or to excavate cavities for nesting. It often stores food in tree crevices or hides it under bark for later consumption.

During the breeding season, male Red-bellied Woodpeckers engage in courtship displays to attract females, which may include drumming on dead branches or vocalizing. They typically nest in cavities excavated in dead or decaying trees, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

3. Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)

The Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is a unique and charismatic bird species found in western North America, ranging from Oregon and California in the United States down through Mexico and Central America. Known for its striking appearance and fascinating behavior, the Acorn Woodpecker is easily recognizable by its colorful plumage and distinctive facial markings.

Adult Acorn Woodpeckers display a bold and vibrant pattern of black, white, and red plumage. They have a black back and wings, a white belly, and a red crown on the top of their heads. Their eyes are surrounded by a distinctive white patch, giving them a striking appearance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Acorn Woodpecker behavior is their unique storage technique for acorns. They create granary trees, often dead or partially dead, where they drill holes to store acorns. These granaries can contain thousands of acorns, providing a vital food source during lean times. This behavior is communal, with multiple individuals contributing to and accessing the stored acorns.

Acorn Woodpeckers are highly social birds and are often found in family groups or small colonies. They are noisy and gregarious, with a variety of calls and vocalizations used for communication within the group.

In addition to acorns, Acorn Woodpeckers feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and nuts. They are adept at foraging on tree trunks and branches, using their strong bills to extract insects from wood.

4. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is a magnificent and iconic bird species native to North America. Known for its large size, striking appearance, and distinctive call, the Pileated Woodpecker is often considered the king of the woodpeckers in its range.

With its vibrant red crest, bold black and white plumage, and long neck, the Pileated Woodpecker is a sight to behold. Adult males and females are similar in appearance, although males may have slightly larger crests. Their powerful bill is used to excavate cavities in trees for nesting and foraging.

Pileated Woodpeckers are primarily found in mature forests with large trees, where they forage for insects, especially carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles, by chiseling away at tree bark. They also feed on fruits, nuts, and berries, making them important dispersers of seeds in their habitat.

This woodpecker species is known for its distinctive drumming, a series of rapid, loud knocks on dead trees or other resonant surfaces. The drumming serves as a means of communication between individuals and as a territorial display.

5. Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis)

The Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) is a unique and striking bird species found in western North America, particularly in open woodlands, riparian areas, and mountain forests. Named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, this woodpecker is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior.

Unlike other woodpeckers, Lewis's Woodpecker has a more subdued coloration, with a glossy greenish-black plumage on its head, back, and wings, and a rosy-pink belly. Its dark face contrasts with a light gray collar, giving it a distinctive and elegant look. Its flight is graceful and buoyant, with shallow wingbeats interspersed with glides.

Lewis's Woodpeckers have a unique foraging behavior compared to other woodpecker species. Instead of excavating holes in trees to find insects, they often catch insects on the wing, or glean them from foliage or the ground. They also feed on berries and fruits, making them omnivorous.

During the breeding season, Lewis's Woodpeckers perform elaborate aerial displays, including swooping flights and fluttering descents, to attract mates and establish territories. They nest in cavities excavated in dead trees or snags, where both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

6. Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a charismatic and colorful bird species native to the eastern United States. Despite its name, the red coloration on its belly is often not visible, as it is usually hidden beneath its wings or obscured by other plumage. However, its distinguishing features include a vibrant red cap and nape, which contrast sharply with its black-and-white barred back and wings.

This medium-sized woodpecker is known for its adaptability and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas with mature trees. Its omnivorous diet includes insects, fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is an agile and acrobatic forager, using its strong bill to drill into trees to uncover insect prey or to excavate cavities for nesting. It often stores food in tree crevices or hides it under bark for later consumption.

Finches and Sparrows

7.House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small bird species native to North America, known for its adaptable nature and melodious song.

House Finches are small, colorful birds with males displaying bright red plumage on their heads, throats, and chests, while females have more subdued brown and streaked plumage. They are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, as well as open woodlands and grasslands across North America.

These finches have a varied diet that includes seeds, grains, fruits, and insects, making them frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders. Their melodious and cheerful songs are a common sound in neighborhoods throughout their range.

House Finches form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, and both parents participate in building the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the young. They are known for their adaptability to human-modified landscapes, often nesting in buildings, eaves, and hanging planters.

8.Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)

The Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) is a delightful bird species native to North America, renowned for its vibrant plumage and cheerful songs.

These medium-sized finches are named for the rich purplish-red hue of the males' plumage, particularly on their heads, backs, and throats. Females, while less colorful, still display a subtle streaked pattern of brown and white, making them easily distinguishable from other bird species.

Purple Finches are predominantly found in forests, woodlands, and shrubby areas across North America, where they forage for seeds, berries, and insects. They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, particularly during the winter months when food sources are scarce.

9.Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)

The Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) is a charming and hardy bird species native to the northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

These small finches are renowned for their distinctive red caps and black chins, as well as their streaked brown and white plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in their snowy habitats. Common Redpolls are highly adapted to cold climates and can be found in tundra, boreal forests, and scrubby areas throughout their range.

During the winter months, Common Redpolls undertake extensive migrations in search of food, often forming large flocks that descend upon fields, meadows, and backyard feeders to feed on seeds, particularly those of birch, alder, and conifer trees.

Breeding males display vibrant red caps and pinkish chests, which they use in elaborate courtship displays to attract mates. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

10.Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala)

The Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala) is a delightful bird species native to southern Africa, cherished for its striking appearance and lively personality.

These small finches are aptly named for the vivid red plumage on their heads, which contrasts beautifully with their brown and white bodies. Their vibrant colors and energetic behavior make them a popular choice among aviculture enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.

Red-headed Finches are primarily found in savannas, grasslands, and scrublands across southern Africa, where they forage for seeds, grains, and grasses on the ground. They are often seen in small flocks or pairs, flitting among the grasses and bushes in search of food.

During the breeding season, males display their colorful plumage and perform elaborate courtship displays to attract mates. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

Cardinals and Grosbeaks

11.Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a charismatic and iconic bird species native to North America, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and melodious songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are easily recognized by the brilliant red plumage of the males, which contrasts sharply with their black faces and crests. Females, while less colorful, display a lovely reddish hue on their wings, tails, and crests. Their striking appearance and beautiful songs make them a favorite among birdwatchers and backyard enthusiasts.

Northern Cardinals are widely distributed across eastern and central North America, inhabiting a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, shrublands, and suburban areas. They forage for seeds, fruits, insects, and berries, often hopping along the ground or perching in trees and shrubs.

12.Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)

The Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) is a stunning bird species native to the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, known for its vibrant plumage and preference for coniferous forests.

These large finches are named for their robust bills and their fondness for pine cones, which they use their powerful beaks to pry open and extract seeds. Male Pine Grosbeaks display striking colors, with a rosy-pink plumage that intensifies in the breeding season, while females and juveniles have more subdued brown and gray plumage with streaks of yellow.

Pine Grosbeaks inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including boreal forests, taiga, and mountainous regions, where they forage for seeds, berries, and insects. They are often seen in small flocks, particularly during the winter months when they may migrate to lower elevations in search of food.

13.Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)

The Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) is a vibrant and charismatic bird species native to North and Central America, cherished for its stunning plumage and melodious songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are best known for their brilliant red plumage, which is most intense in males during the breeding season. Females and immature individuals, while less colorful, still display a lovely yellowish or olive hue. Their striking appearance and cheerful songs make them a delight to observe in their natural habitats.

Summer Tanagers inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous woodlands, riparian areas, and suburban landscapes, where they forage for insects, fruits, and berries. They are often seen perching high in trees or flying out to catch flying insects in mid-air.

14.Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)

The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a captivating bird species native to North and South America, admired for its stunning plumage and melodious songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are named for the vibrant scarlet-red plumage of breeding males, which contrasts strikingly with their black wings and tails. Females and immature individuals, however, display a more subdued olive-green hue, providing excellent camouflage in their forested habitats. Their colorful appearance and beautiful songs make them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Scarlet Tanagers inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous woodlands, mixed forests, and forest edges, where they forage for insects, spiders, and fruits. They are often seen hopping along branches or flying out to catch insects in mid-air.

During the breeding season, male Scarlet Tanagers sing melodious songs to establish territories and attract mates. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

15.Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)

The Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) is a striking bird species native to western North America, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and melodious songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are named for their bright yellow plumage, contrasting with black wings and backs, and bold white wing bars. Breeding males display a distinctive red face, making them easily recognizable in their forested habitats. Females and immature individuals, while less colorful, still exhibit lovely yellow hues on their bodies and wings.

Western Tanagers inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including coniferous and mixed forests, as well as mountainous regions, where they forage for insects, spiders, and fruits. They are often seen flitting among branches or perching high in trees, where they sing their melodious songs.

16.Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava)

The Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava) is a captivating bird species native to parts of Central and South America, known for its rich plumage and melodious songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are named for their distinctive liver-red or orange plumage, which extends from their heads to their underparts, with darker wings and tails. While they may not display the vibrant colors of some other Piranga species, their subtle beauty and cheerful songs make them a delight to observe in their natural habitats.

Hepatic Tanagers inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, as well as montane forests, where they forage for insects, spiders, and fruits. They are often seen perching high in trees or hopping along branches in search of food.

Male Hepatic Tanagers sing melodious songs to establish territories and attract mates. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

 Warblers and Flycatchers

17.Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is a captivating bird species native to the Americas, admired for its vibrant plumage and graceful aerial displays.

These small songbirds are named for the intense red plumage of the males, which contrasts strikingly with their dark wings and tails. Females and immature individuals, while less colorful, still display lovely shades of brown and gray. Their striking appearance and agile flight make them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Vermilion Flycatchers inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands, where they forage for insects, often catching them in mid-air with their sharp beaks. They are often seen perched on exposed branches or wires, where they scan for prey before launching into swift aerial pursuits.

18.Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons)

The Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons) is a captivating bird species native to the mountainous regions of western North America, celebrated for its striking plumage and elusive nature.

These small songbirds are named for the brilliant red plumage that adorns their faces, contrasting with their grayish-olive backs and white underparts. Their vivid colors and agile movements make them a sought-after sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Red-faced Warblers inhabit high-elevation pine-oak forests and montane scrublands, where they forage for insects and spiders among the branches and foliage. They are often seen flitting among the trees or perched on exposed branches, where they sing their melodious songs.

During the breeding season, male Red-faced Warblers perform elaborate courtship displays to attract mates, including aerial pursuits and vocalizations. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

Tanagers

19. Crimson-collared Tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)

The Crimson-collared Tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) is a dazzling bird species native to Central America, renowned for its vibrant plumage and enchanting presence.

These medium-sized songbirds are named for the brilliant crimson plumage that adorns their throats and upper chests, contrasting with their glossy black bodies and wings. Their striking colors and graceful movements make them a treasured sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Crimson-collared Tanagers inhabit a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, as well as forest edges and gardens, where they forage for fruits, berries, and insects. They are often seen perched on exposed branches or flitting among the foliage in search of food.

20.Masked Crimson Tanager (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)

The Masked Crimson Tanager (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) is a stunning bird species native to South America, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and melodious songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are named for the striking contrast between their glossy black bodies and wings and the brilliant crimson plumage that adorns their throats and upper chests, resembling a mask. Their captivating appearance and charming songs make them a sought-after sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Masked Crimson Tanagers inhabit a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, as well as forest edges, gardens, and shrublands, where they forage for fruits, berries, and insects. They are often seen perched on exposed branches or flitting among the foliage in search of food.

 Other Species

21. Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata)

The Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is a captivating bird species native to South America, cherished for its striking plumage and melodic songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are named for the vibrant red crest that adorns their heads, contrasting beautifully with their white bodies and black masks. Their elegant appearance and delightful songs make them a treasured sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Red-crested Cardinals inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and urban areas, where they forage for seeds, fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. They are often seen perched on exposed branches or hopping along the ground in search of food.

22.Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)

The Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii) is a mesmerizing bird species native to the cloud forests of Central and South America, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and distinctive calls.

These medium-sized barbets are named for the striking red plumage that adorns their heads, contrasting with their green bodies and blue wings. Their captivating appearance and melodious calls make them a sought-after sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Red-headed Barbets inhabit the dense, misty forests of the Andes and other mountain ranges, where they forage for fruits, berries, insects, and small vertebrates. They are often seen perched high in the canopy or hopping along branches in search of food.

23.Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis)

The Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis) is a captivating bird species native to South America, cherished for its vibrant plumage and delightful songs.

These medium-sized songbirds are named for the striking red cap that adorns their heads, contrasting beautifully with their white bodies and black masks. Their elegant appearance and melodious calls make them a treasured sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Red-capped Cardinals inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and urban areas, where they forage for seeds, fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. They are often seen perched on exposed branches or hopping along the ground in search of food.

24.Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps)

The Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) is a striking bird species native to sub-Saharan Africa, revered for its vibrant plumage and intricate nest-building skills.

These small-sized songbirds are named for the brilliant red plumage that adorns their heads, contrasting sharply with their black bodies and wings. Their eye-catching appearance and remarkable weaving abilities make them a sought-after sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Red-headed Weavers inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas, where they forage for seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. They are often seen perched on grass stalks or flitting among shrubs and trees in search of food.

25.Red-headed Manakin (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)

The Red-headed Manakin (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla) is an enchanting bird species native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, prized for its vibrant plumage and captivating courtship displays.

These small-sized birds are named for the striking red plumage that adorns their heads, contrasting with their glossy black bodies and wings. Their eye-catching appearance and elaborate mating rituals make them a sought-after sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Red-headed Manakins inhabit the dense undergrowth of tropical rainforests, where they forage for fruits, berries, insects, and small invertebrates. They are often seen perched on branches or hopping along the forest floor in search of food.

Male Red-headed Manakins perform intricate courtship displays to attract mates, including rapid wing movements and vocalizations. They construct specialized display sites known as leks, where they gather to compete for the attention of females.

26.Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus)

The Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus) is a striking bird species native to South America, cherished for its bold plumage and charismatic presence.

These medium-sized blackbirds are named for the brilliant scarlet plumage that adorns their heads, contrasting dramatically with their glossy black bodies and wings. Their eye-catching appearance and distinctive calls make them a treasured sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Scarlet-headed Blackbirds inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and flooded grasslands, where they forage for seeds, grains, insects, and small invertebrates. They are often seen perched on emergent vegetation or flying low over the water in search of food.

Male Scarlet-headed Blackbirds perform elaborate displays to attract mates, including singing from prominent perches and displaying their vibrant plumage. They build cup-shaped nests among dense vegetation, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

27.Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)

The Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) is a dazzling bird species native to Australia, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and melodious calls.

These medium-sized parrots are named for the brilliant crimson plumage that adorns their heads, backs, and tails, contrasting with their blue cheeks, wings, and underparts. Their eye-catching appearance and delightful vocalizations make them a treasured sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Crimson Rosellas inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and scrublands, where they forage for seeds, fruits, nectar, and insects. They are often seen perched high in trees or flying gracefully through the canopy in search of food.

Male Crimson Rosellas perform courtship displays to attract mates, including vocalizations and wing-fluttering. They build cup-shaped nests in tree hollows or crevices, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

28.Red-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae)

The Red-crowned Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) is a captivating bird species native to New Zealand, cherished for its vibrant plumage and lively demeanor.

These small to medium-sized parakeets are named for the bright red plumage that adorns their crowns, contrasting with their green bodies and wings. Their eye-catching appearance and cheerful calls make them a treasured sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Red-crowned Parakeets inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and scrublands, where they forage for seeds, fruits, flowers, and insects. They are often seen flitting among the branches or perched high in trees, where they feed and socialize with their flockmates.

Male Red-crowned Parakeets perform courtship displays to attract mates, including aerial acrobatics and vocalizations. They construct nests in tree hollows or crevices, where females lay their eggs and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

29.Vermillion Flycatcher

The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus obscurus) is a striking bird species found in the Americas, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and graceful aerial displays.

These small-sized birds are named for the intense vermilion-red plumage of the males, which contrasts vividly with their dark brown or gray upperparts and whitish underparts. Females, while less colorful, still display hints of red on their wings and tails. Their eye-catching appearance and elegant flight make them a sought-after sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Vermilion Flycatchers inhabit a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and riparian areas, where they forage for insects, often catching them in mid-air with their sharp beaks. They are often seen perched on exposed branches or wires, where they scan for prey before launching into swift aerial pursuits.

30.Red Crossbill

The Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is a distinctive bird species known for its unique crossed bill, which is specially adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones. These medium-sized finches display considerable variation in plumage coloration, ranging from reddish-orange to yellow-green, depending on their geographic location and diet.

Red Crossbills inhabit coniferous forests across North America, Europe, and Asia, where they are often found foraging for seeds, particularly those of pine, spruce, and fir trees. Their specialized bills enable them to pry open cone scales and extract the nutritious seeds inside, making them highly efficient feeders.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Red Crossbills is their nomadic behavior, which is driven by the unpredictable availability of conifer seeds. They may travel great distances in search of suitable food sources, often forming large flocks during irruption years when seed crops are scarce.