22 Stunning Black, White, And Red Birds (Pictures And Identification)

Whether you are a casual bird watcher or a dedicated bird enthusiast, knowing your feathered companions according to their colors will always provide a rich experience.

From bluebirds to white-striped black birds, each one of them has its own distinctive specialty.

Among all the combinations of colors, the three undoubtedly popular ones are black, white, and red. And the blend of these three visually pleasing colors in one bird will definitely force everyone to appreciate the captivating beauty of nature.

Hence, we have carefully curated a list of birds that have a combination of these colors with their basic information, pictures, and foraging habitat.

The proportion, placement, and shade might not be similar. However, the three colors are definitely present in these species.

So, gather up all the feathered fanatics because today, we are about to enter the fascinating world of black, white, and red birds.

22 Incredible Black, White, And Red Birds

The colors of mystery “Black,” the colors of purity “White,” and the attention-grabbing color “Red” have the ability to create a striking blend of contrast that turns everyone’s heads and fulfills their hearts.

In this section, we will get a better look at different fantastic bird species that are black, white, and red.

10 Striking Black, White, And Red Bird Species From Woodpecker Family

The woody woodpeckers are the most popular ones among all the birds that have black, white, and red on their body.

So, first, let’s get to know these noisy creatures.

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

Source: @spearzeeworld

• Size: 22.85 to 26.7 cm (9.00 to 10.51 in)
• Wingspan: 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in)
• Weight: 56 to 91 g (2.0 to 3.2 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 12 days

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker gets its name because of the light red hue on its belly. However, instead of its belly, the cap on the adult males and the nape of the females exhibit a more vibrant shade of red.

Foraging Habitat 

This species spends most of its time around dead or decaying trees and occasional pine habitats near its range while foraging.

Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)

Source: @yvr_foodguy

• Size: 18 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in)
• Wingspan: 33 to 43 cm (13 to 17 in)
• Weight: 40 to 95 g (1.4 to 3.4 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 11 to 12 days

Being a permanent resident of the usual range, the Hairy Woodpecker prefers to breed on the trees with their mating pairs. From time to time, however, some species might migrate from mountainous areas to regions with lower elevations.

Foraging Habitat 

This species prefers foraging on trees. However, sometimes, it tends to turn over barks or excavate to uncover its food.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)

Source: @dorwageld

• Size: 19 to 21 cm (7.5 to 8.25 in)
• Wingspan: 34 to 40 cm (13.5 to 15.75 in)
• Weight: 35 to 62 g (1.2 to 2.2 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 12 to 14 days

One of the interesting facts about the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is how they feed their nestlings. For protein intake, both parents feed their chicks small insects, and as they grow up, the size of the insects gets bigger. Sometimes, the insects are coated in tree sap to make it easier for the younglings to consume.

Foraging Habitat 

This species favors searching for food in deciduous forests and coniferous trees. It looks for trees that are photosynthesizing.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)

Source: @pabloyaleja

• Size: 19 to 23 cm (7.5 to 9.1 in)
• Wingspan: 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in)
• Weight: 65 to 90 g (2.3 to 3.2 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 11 days

The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” is mildly appropriate for the Acorn Woodpecker. They live and breed in a group and raise their nestlings together within the breeding group, along with help from the non-breeding helpers.

Foraging Habitat 

This species stays true to its name and forages near acorn trees. You can also detect this species near its granary trees. It usually chooses dead limbs, snags, and trunks with thick barks near their habitat as their perfect candidate as a granary tree.

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

Source: @corbyamos

• Size: 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in)
• Wingspan: 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12.2 in)
• Weight: 20 to 33 g (0.71 to 1.16 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 12 days

The Downy Woodpeckers are the best friend of the farmers in the US as they predate European Corn Borers. Without its help, the US agricultural industry would have to spend over 1 billion dollars annually to prevent these moths.

Foraging Habitat 

This species forages near forested areas, especially the deciduous, cedar, and mesquite trees near its range.

Great-spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

Source: @luontoakuvaava

• Size: 20 to 24 cm (7.9 to 9.4 in)
• Wingspan: 34 to 39 cm (13 to 15 in)
• Weight: 70 to 98 g (2.5 to 3.5 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 10 to 16 days

The Great-spotted Woodpecker is popular for its molting behavior. The adult males go through a complete molt that takes about 120 days, whereas the juveniles have a partial one. The timing in both cases varies depending on the latitude.

Foraging Habitat 

This species searches for its food on all levels of trees near woodlands, coniferous, and mixed forests.

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Source: @briankeenanphotography

• Size: 40 to 49 cm (16 to 19 in)
• Wingspan: 66 to 75 cm (26 to 30 in)
• Weight: 225 to 400 g (7.9 to 14.1 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 15 to 18 days

The Pileated Woodpecker is considered the third largest Woodpecker in the world. Moreover, in North America, it is one of the largest confirmed extant species.

Foraging Habitat 

Predominantly preferring to forage on large trees, this species appears weird when they search for food near small branches. Occasionally, it also feeds around the ground, especially when it spots fallen or dead trees. Moreover, they visit people’s homes to search for food.

Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber)

Source: @kvanderleek

• Size: 20 to 22 cm (7.9 to 8.7 in)
• Wingspan: 37 to 40.6 cm (14.6 to 16.0 in)
• Weight: 53.1 to 63.5 g (1.9 to 2.2 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 14 to 15 days

The Red-breasted Sapsucker favors mild weather for its usual habitat, which is why, during the winter, all species move toward less cold regions. The northern species prefers to migrate to the south during winter.

Foraging Habitat 

This species may not use the same nest cavity twice, but it will visit the same trees for foraging over an extended period of time. Hence, if you want to spot it during its food-searching journey, then you can visit the same trees regularly.

Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

Source: @svenssoninamerica

• Size: 19 to 25 cm (7.5 to 9.8 inches)
• Wingspan: 42.5 cm (16.7 in)
• Weight: 56 to 97 g (2.0 to 3.4 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 12 to 14 days

The Red-headed Woodpecker was part of the postage stamp for a long time. It was first depicted in the stamp in 19996. Later, it was discontinued and re-emerged again in 1999, only to be discarded for the last time in 2006.

Foraging Habitat 

If you want to look for this species while it is busy foraging, then you should search near scattered, open woodlots in agricultural areas, especially in swamps or pine savannas near its habitat range.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris)

Source: @mosh_cal50

• Size: 16.5 to 19 cm (6.5 to 7.5 inches)
• Wingspan: 33.02 cm (13 in)
• Weight: 19.8 to 48.1 g (0.7 to 1.7 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 13 days

The Ladder-Backed Woodpecker, a small woodpecker species, is popular for its habit of nesting on cactus. Occasionally, it will even feed on fruits from cacti. It is the reason why this species was once known as the “Cactus Woodpecker.”

Foraging Habitat 

This species can be easily spotted foraging near dry, bushy areas and thickets.

12 Miscellaneous Radiant Black, White, And Red Birds

In addition to woodpeckers, there are several other stunning examples of bird species that are black, white, and red.

In this segment, we will further discuss them.

Painted Redstart ( Myioborus pictus)

Source: @derthrash

• Size: 13 to 15 cm (5.1 to 5.9 in)
• Wingspan: 21 cm (8.3 in)
• Weight: 8.5 to 11.3 g (0.3 to 0.4 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 13 to 14 days

One of the most fascinating aspects about the Painter Redstart is that the females can sing as melodically as the males, which is quite unusual in the avian world. During its spring courtship, it bonds while singing.

Foraging Habitat 

This species forages in their habitat from the forest floor to the mid-levels in the trees, especially preferring higher altitudes in coniferous forests.

Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata)

Source: @stuartlawson1984

• Size: 22.2 to 23.5 cm (8.7 to 9.2 in)
• Wingspan: 30.5 cm (12 in)
• Weight: 42 to 48 g (1.5 to 1.7 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 12 to 14 days

The name of the birds usually reflects some part of their nature or something related to them. However, the Red-crested Cardinal, occasionally called the Brazilian Cardinal, is not related to the true Cardinal family, unlike its name. It is a member of the tanager (Thraupidae) family.

Foraging Habitat 

The Red-crested Cardinal typically forages on the ground or in the lower parts of a shrubbery, searching for its food. In urban environments, it even goes near humans for food.

Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis)

Source: @crifket

• Size: 16.5 cm (6.5 in)
• Wingspan: 20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 in)
• Weight: 22 g (0.78 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 11 to 13 days

The fact that makes the Red-capped Cardinal adorable is its habit of attacking its own reflection. The males are territorial and aggressive toward other species. As a result, even when they come across their reflection, they tend to charge forward, assuming it is the intruding species.

Foraging Habitat 

This species is commonly found foraging near lightly wooded wet habitats in towns or cities. It forages both on the terrestrial and midstory levels of its inhabiting forests.

Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)

Source: @naty_we

• Size: 120 to 140 cm (47 to 55 in)
• Wingspan: 230 to 280 cm (90.5 to 110.2 in)
• Weight: 4300 to 9000 g (151.6 to 317.5 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 30 days

Jabiru is regarded as the tallest flying bird in South America and Central America. It also has the second-largest wingspan among the species inhabiting these continents. While on the ground, it might seem awkward and clumsy, it’s a graceful species in its own way.

Foraging Habitat 

This species inhabits and forages around wetlands and riparian habitats. It hovers near shallow water sources in search of food.

Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii)

Source: @darrenstephens_photography

• Size: 10.5 to 12.5 cm (4.1 to 4.9 in)
• Wingspan: 15 to 19.5 cm (5.9 to 7.7 in)
• Weight: 7 to 9 g (0.25 to 0.31 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 12 to 16 days

The Red-capped Robin is the smallest of the Red Robin passerine species. The bright red crown on the male’s head sets this species apart from other similar species, such as the Flame Robin and the Scarlet Robin.

Foraging Habitat 

This species prefers foraging on the ground as well as near low vegetation as a predominant ground feeder. Due to human activities, its range has decreased.

Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum)

Source: @russellpage20

• Size: 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 in)
• Wingspan: 18 cm (7.1 in)
• Weight: 7.5 to11 g (0.26 to 0.39 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 10 to 12 days

The Mistletoebird got its name from its highly adaptable diet of mistletoe berries. It has a simple digestive system, which is why it makes it easier for them to consume these berries. It throws out the seeds onto the trees while digesting only the soft part.

Foraging Habitat 

In its natural habitat, this species typically forages in upper levels of vegetation. Occasionally, it visits the canopy, lower-down areas, and near flowers.

White-capped Tanager (Sericossypha albocristata)

Source: @nature_worldwide_birds

• Size: 24 cm (9.5 in)
• Wingspan: 18 to 23 cm (7 to 9 in)
• Weight: 114 g (4 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: Different According to Habitat

Even though the White-capped Tanager is listed as a Least Concern species by the IUCN, it is a rare one to spot. It is because this species inhabits elevations of 1600 to 3200 meters in humid forests.

Foraging Habitat 

This species forages from tree to tree while forming tight flocks in their range. These flocks can consist of up to 20 members or more.

Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang)

Source: @syr_wildlife

• Size: 12 to 13.5 cm (4.7 to 5.3 in)
• Wingspan: 20.5 cm (8.1 in)
• Weight: 12 to 14 g (0.4 to 0.5 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 14 to 18 days

The nesting success rate of the Scarlet Robin is relatively low, typically between 8 to 40%. It is because it falls victim to the attacks of snakes, blood parasitism, etc.

Foraging Habitat 

While joining with mixed flocks of other birds with similar diets, this species normally forages around through dry forested areas and woodlands. Moreover, the Scarlet Robin tends to adjust its dietary preference according to seasonal changes. So, the foraging areas might vary.

Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor)

Source: @curmson.photography

• Size: 18 to 24 cm (7.1 to 9.4 in)
• Wingspan: 26 to 33 cm (10.2 to 13.0 in)
• Weight: 40 to 75 g (1.4 to 2.6 oz)
• Status: Endangered
• Incubation Period: 11 to 14 days

One of the coolest aspects about the Tricolored Blackbird is its habit of forming one of the largest passerine breeding colonies in North America. Despite its sociability and large colonies, the species is unfortunately facing a decline in number.

Foraging Habitat 

This species has a diverse range of foraging. It exploits several substrates, such as grasslands, irrigated pastures, grain fields, Akali scrub habitats, and many more.

Yellow-billed Cardinal (Paroaria capitata)

Source: @curtisharshphotography

• Size: 16·5 cm (6.5 in)
• Wingspan: 20 to 23 cm (8 to 9 in)
• Weight: 17 to 24·5 g (0.6 to 0.9 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 13 to 14 days

The song of the Yellow-billed Cardinal is a repetitive one, while the call is nasal. The song can be rendered as a “chew-wee-chew” note, whereas the call is a “wee” tone.

Foraging Habitat 

Typically, this species prefers foraging on the ground in small flocks or pairs. However, every so often, it can be spotted near vegetation.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

Source: @rothchristensen

• Size: 18 to 22 cm (7.1 to 8.7 in)
• Wingspan: 29 to 33 cm (11 to 13 in)
• Weight: 35 to 65 g (1.2 to 2.3 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 11 to 14 days

The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are territorial and aggressive birds, especially their male species. The fascinating fact about this species is that it attacks white birds more often than the ones with red color on their body.

Foraging Habitat 

This species forages both on tree branches and the ground. The choice of its foraging habitats changes depending on its dietary requirements.

Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)

Source: @lyne_forgetlanthier

• Size: 20 to 25.5 cm (7.9 to 10.0 in)
• Wingspan: 33 cm (13 in)
• Weight: 52 to 78 g (1.8 to 2.8 oz)
• Status: Least Concern
• Incubation Period: 13 to 14 days

The Pine Grosbeak, one of the largest species of the true finch family, is a subarctic-resident bird. Similar to its species, it exhibits irruptive behaviors.

Foraging Habitat 

This species has a tendency to forage in trees as well as bushes while staying within its range.

FAQ

If you still have questions about birds that are black, white, and red, then this FAQ section will provide the remaining information.

Q: What bird is red and black?

Ans: The Male Scarlet Tanager is one of the birds that is popular for possessing a blindingly gorgeous scarlet red body and raven-black wings and tails.

Q: What bird is red with a black face?

Ans: The male Cardinals are familiar with their blood-red body and black face. Female Cardinals, however, are pale brown with red hues all over their body.

Thoughts

Now that you got to know all the black, white, and red birds’ appearances, you will get to appreciate nature even more and feel a sense of responsibility toward them.

So, while appreciating their beauty, you can help conserve a safe space for these birds and prevent their extinction.

Moreover, similar to how birds like  Red-Winged Blackbirds, White Birds, White Owls, and Yellow Birds have their own symbolic meanings, depending on their color, the black, white, and red-colored birds also have specific symbolisms woven into our emotions, cultures, and arts.

Hence, we should pay extra attention to these species, try to understand them, and cherish their existence beyond their beauty.

Take a moment to admire the diversity of the avian world and happy bird watching!