When it comes to eye-catching creatures, the red birds of Michigan definitely steal the show! These birds rock vibrant red feathers that will instantly catch your eye and leave you in awe.
Michigan’s red birds come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes with beautiful songs that fill the air and add a touch of melody to the surroundings
Whether you’re a hardcore bird lover from other states or just a Michiganinan who appreciates nature’s wonders, you can’t help but be drawn to these flashy fliers.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the little Red Riding Hoods that call Michigan home. I’ll tell you about their unique characteristics, and explore why they’re so special to nature.
So, get ready to be amazed by the beauty and charm of these crimson beauties as they grace the skies of Michigan!
Contents
All About The Red Birds In Michigan
Michigan’s diversity of ecosystems provides a unique environment that supports a variety of bird species. And as you can see, so many of them are vibrant with red splashes on them. So let’s check out which red birds love to explore Michigan!
Northern Cardinal
Source: @beverly.w.cochran
- Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Size: 21 to 23.5 cm (8.3 to 9.3 in)
- Locality: Eastern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to September
Northern Cardinal is a celebrity in the bird world as it is the official state bird in seven U.S. states. It holds special significance in many cultures and is often associated with positive attributes.
Recognition
The Northern Cardinal is easily identifiable by its vibrant red plumage. The male has a prominent crest on the top of its head. It has a black mask extending from the eyes to the base of the bill. It has a thick, cone-shaped bill, which is bright orange to reddish-orange in color.
Habitat
They are native to Michigan and thrive in a variety of habitats, like woodlands, gardens, parks, and suburban areas with ample shrubs and trees. They are adaptable birds that can withstand both cold winters and hot summers.
Scarlet Tanager
Source: @warbling_in_the_woods
- Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea
- Size: 16 to 17 cm (6.30 to 6.7 in)
- Locality: Southeastern North America and Northwestern South America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Mid-May to Early June.
Scarlet Tanagers undergo a dramatic change in appearance during their migration. Their striking red plumage molts into a predominantly yellow-green plumage during fall migration and winter. But when the spring approaches, the male molts again and transforms into its brilliant scarlet self.
Recognition
The male Scarlet Tanager is easily recognized by its vibrant scarlet plumage, which covers its entire body. Its wings and tail are black, along with a short and thick, black-colored bill, creating a striking contrast against the brilliant red.
Habitat
They are native to the deciduous forests of North America. During the breeding season, they are found in the Eastern parts of the United States including Michigan. They are known for their preference for the upper canopy of mature forests.
Two-Barred Crossbill
Source: @angelagraceirvine
- Scientific Name: Loxia leucoptera
- Size: 17 cm (6.7 in)
- Locality: Northern North America and Eurosiberia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late Winter
Two-barred Crossbills are unique in their bill shape. The crossed bill is ideal for prying open the scales of conifer cones to access the seeds within. The tips of the bill are curved which enables the bird to extract seeds while holding the cone steady with its feet.
Recognition
Male Two-barred Crossbills have a rosy red hue on their body, especially on the crown, breast, and rump. One of the most notable features of the Crossbill is its crossed bill, where the upper and lower mandibles overlap at the tip. And, of course, their white wing bars differentiate them from other types of crossbills.
Habitat
They are found in boreal forests and high-altitude coniferous habitats across North America and Eurasia. They inhabit areas with a dense concentration of conifer trees, such as spruces, pines, and firs. Their range varies depending on the availability of cone crops.
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Source: @jillvansickle
- Scientific Name: Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Size: 18 to 22 cm (7.1 to 8.7 in)
- Locality: Eastern United States and Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Mid-May to July
Rose-breasted Grosbeak’s plumage undergoes a significant transformation during the first year of its life. Juveniles have plumage that resembles the adult female, with brown and streaked feathers which transform into vibrant rose-red color during their first molt.
Recognition
Despite its black head, back, and wings, the most distinctive feature is its large, triangular, and rose-red patch on its breast that contrasts with its white belly. The prominence of red is why I’ve put this bird under this category.
Habitat
They prefer woodland edges, forest clearings, and riparian areas. During migration and winter, they are found in the tropical forests of Central and Northern South America. They breed in deciduous and mixed forests across North America.
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Source: @subtraho
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Size: 19 to 25 cm (7.5 to 9.8 in)
- Locality: Southeastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to August
Just like other Woodpeckers, Red-headed Woodpeckers are known for their ability to cling to tree trunks and branches in various positions, even upside-down and sideways. They use their strong bills to drum on trees for communication and foraging.
Recognition
This Woodpecker is easily identifiable by its vivid red head, neck, and upper breast that contrasts sharply with its white belly and black back. Its wings are predominantly black with large white patches visible in flight. The tail is also black with white barring.
Habitat
They inhabit mainly forested habitats, especially deciduous woodlands, mixed forests, and open areas with scattered trees. They excavate their own nesting holes or may use existing tree cavities.
Red Crossbill
Source: @s.phiferphotography
- Scientific Name: Loxia curvirostra
- Size: 20 cm (7.8 in)
- Locality: Southern North America and Parts of Eurasia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Summer to Autumn and Winter to Spring
Red Crossbills are one of the most family-oriented birds you can find. So much so that during periods of food scarcity, immature birds that have not yet bred will remain with their parents and assist in raising their younger siblings.
Recognition
They have a compact and stocky body, a short, thick neck, and a large, slightly crossed bill. The overall coloration ranges from a dull greenish-yellow to a vibrant red or orange-red hue. Their wings and tail feathers are dark, with noticeable wing bars and tail notches.
Habitat
They are found in coniferous forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are highly nomadic birds and often move in response to the availability of conifer seeds. Their range can vary widely as they follow cone crops.
House Finch
Source: @vinikrish
- Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
- Size: 12.5 to 15 cm (5 to 6 in)
- Locality: Southern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to August
The redness of the House Flinches is directly related to their diet consisting of carotenoids. It serves as a visual cue for potential mates, as brighter red plumage is often associated with better health and genetic fitness.
Recognition
They display a combination of brown, gray, and red plumage. The males have a bright red crown, upper breast, and rump, along with streaks of brown on their back and belly. Their wings and tail are brown with hints of red. Their bill is pale or yellowish in color.
Habitat
House Finches are native to western North America but have expanded their range throughout most of the United States. They are adaptable birds that you can find in urban areas, suburban gardens, woodlands, and open habitats with abundant food sources.
American Robin
Source: @blakenbirds
- Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
- Size: 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11.0 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to July
American Robins might remind you of European Robins because of their vibrant red chest but they are far from being closely related. They are native to North America, from Alaska and Canada to Mexico.
Recognition
This Robin has a medium-sized, plump body with a rounded shape. It features a grayish-brown back and a rusty-orange breast, which is brighter and more vibrant in males than females. Its belly is white, and it has a white throat with dark streaks. Its bill is yellow and slightly curved.
Habitat
American Robins inhabit woodlands, forests, suburban areas, parks, and gardens. They are adaptable birds and can be seen in both rural and urban environments. They build cup-shaped nests made of grass, twigs, and mud that are often found in trees, shrubs, or even on man-made structures.
Pine Grosbeak
Source: @beebionica
- Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator
- Size: 20 to 25.5 cm (7.9 to 10.0 in)
- Locality: Northern Eurasia and North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Mid-May to early August
Pine Grosbeaks are well-adapted to survive and thrive in harsh Northern climates where temperatures can drop significantly below freezing. They have the ability to regulate their body temperature and maintain a higher internal temperature than most other bird species.
Recognition
It is a large, chunky bird with a round head and a sturdy build. Males have a rich, rosy red coloration that covers their entire body, including the head, back, wings, and tail. It has black wings with prominent white wing bars, and its bills are thick and cone-shaped.
Habitat
They are found in Northern coniferous forests, especially those dominated by pine, spruce, and fir trees. The female builds a cup-shaped nest made of twigs, grass, and moss which is often located in a conifer tree.
Purple Finch
Source: @thechickadeechick
- Scientific Name: Haemorhous purpureus
- Size: 12 to 16 cm (4.7 to 6.3 in)
- Locality: Northeastern U.S., U.S. Pacific Coast, and Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to August
Purple Flinches might have purple in their name, but if you see them in real life, you will know why I have put this bird in the red category. The vibrant shade of their plumes can definitely compete with a glass of red wine.
Recognition
They have a mix of reddish and purple hues. Adult males have a raspberry-red or wine-red head, nape, and upper breast, blending into a streaked brown back and wings. Their belly and undertail coverts are white or pale.
Habitat
Purple Finches are found in coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and suburban areas with suitable trees and shrubs for nesting. The female builds a cup-shaped nest made of twigs, grass, and other plant materials, mostly in the branches of a tree or shrub.
Common Redpoll
Source: @mdwildlifephoto
- Scientific Name: Acanthis flammea
- Size: 11.5 to 14 cm (4.5 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: Northern Eurasia, and Northern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Mid-March to April
Common Redpolls are known to have several unique physiological features that enable them to survive in extremely low temperatures. They can fluff up their feathers and create pockets of trapped air, which act as insulation and provide additional warmth.
Recognition
The Common Redpoll has a small, plump body with a slightly curved bill. Its overall plumage is primarily brownish, streaked with black on the back and sides. It has a bright red cap that contrasts with its white or pale-gray cheeks and throat. The belly and under tail coverts are typically white or pale with reddish hints.
Habitat
They are highly adapted to cold environments and are often associated with boreal forests, tundra, and other habitats with a significant presence of birch and alder trees. During winter, they may venture further south in search of food.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Source: @eagle_knight66
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus
- Size: 22.85 to 26.7 cm (9 to 10.51 in)
- Locality: Southeastern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to May
If you ever come across a Red-bellied Woodpecker, remember that its name may not accurately reflect its physical appearance. The name is like that because Red-Headed Woodpecker had already been assigned to another species.
Recognition
Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker’s belly is not prominently red. Instead, it features a pale gray or buff-colored belly with a faint reddish tinge. The most notable feature is its vibrant red crown and nape.
Habitat
They inhabit mainly forests, woodlands, suburban areas with mature trees, and parks. They are cavity nesters, excavating holes in trees for their nests. Both males and females participate in digging the nest cavity. They sometimes use pre-existing cavities or nest boxes.
FAQ
After knowing about the red birds of Michigan, you probably have some clutters of red question marks swarming in your head. Let’s see if these answers clear away the clutter.
Q: Do red birds migrate through Michigan?
Ans: Yes, many red bird species in Michigan, such as the Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak migrate through Michigan. They breed in Michigan during the summer and migrate to Central and South America for the winter.
Q: Are red birds in Michigan year-round residents?
Ans: Some red birds, like the Northern Cardinal and Red-headed Woodpecker, are year-round residents in Michigan. However, others, such as the Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak, are migratory and only present during the breeding season.
Q: What is the significance of red birds in folklore or symbolism?
Ans: Red birds, such as the Northern Cardinal, are often associated with positive symbolism in various cultures. They are believed to represent vitality, passion, and good luck. Their vibrant red plumage has led to their portrayal in art, literature, and folklore as symbols of beauty and joy.
Thoughts
There are so many red birds that bless the people of Michigan with their charm on a regular basis. And they’re not just random splashes of tint, but vibrant reminders of the beauty and diversity that the state has to offer.
The presence of so many red birds in Michigan showcases its diverse habitats and the vital role they play in supporting various species. After all, it is a state filled with a range of landscapes, be it urban, suburban, forests, wetlands, grasslands, and most noticeably, lakeside shores.
So, let’s take a moment to appreciate them and all the joy they bring, and by doing our part to protect them, we can help ensure that Michigan’s red birds continue to brighten our days for years to come.
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Audio Credits: xeno-canto, wikimedia
