When it comes to birds with green and red feathers, there are a few different species that come to mind. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common green and red birds and what makes their plumage so unique.
Cardinal
One of the most well-known birds with bright red feathers is the Northern Cardinal. The male cardinal has vivid crimson feathers covering its entire body except for its face, which is black. The female cardinal is more muted in color, with olive-brown feathers, red wings, and red tail feathers. Cardinals live across eastern North America and are easily spotted thanks to their bright coloring.
Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager is a smaller songbird found in forests across eastern and central North America. The male scarlet tanager has deep red feathers covering its entire body except for its black wings. Females are yellow with olive-colored wings. The scarlet tanager migrates to South America for the winter and returns to North America to breed in the spring and summer. Its bright red plumage makes the male tanager stand out against green forest leaves.
Vermilion Flycatcher
Living in the southwestern United States and Mexico, the vermilion flycatcher is aptly named for its vivid red feathers. The male has a mix of scarlet red and brown feathers on its back and tail, with a gray belly and black wings. Females have gray and pale red feathers. Vermilion flycatchers like arid environments and are often seen perched on branches as they scan for insects to eat.
Painted Bunting
With a colorful mix of red, green, blue and yellow feathers, the painted bunting is one of the most rainbow-hued birds in North America. The male has a red head and breast, a blue head and back, and a green belly and wings. Females are mostly green and yellow. Painted buntings live in the southern United States and Mexico, frequenting thickets and woodland edges. Their colorful plumage makes them popular with birdwatchers.
Red-winged Blackbird
One of the most widespread birds in North America, the red-winged blackbird has distinctive plumage. Males are all black with vivid red and yellow shoulder patches on their wings. Females are brown and streaky. Red-winged blackbirds are found in wetlands across the continent. The male’s red and yellow “epaulets” are used for display purposes during breeding season.
Flame Robin
In Australia and New Zealand, the flame robin is aptly named for its bright orange-red breast plumage. Males have a black head and back, while females have gray-brown feathers. Flame robins live in forest and shrubland habitats. Their bright breast coloring makes them stand out against green vegetation.
Crimson Rosella
Crimson rosellas are brightly colored parrots native to Australia. True to their name, crimson rosellas have deep red plumage covering their head, breast and belly, with darker red back feathers and blue rump and tail feathers. Their coloring allows them to blend in with foliage while roosting. Crimson rosellas live in woodlands and can adapt well to urban living.
Red Lory
In the tropical forests of Indonesia lives the red lory, a parrot with vibrant scarlet plumage. Red lories have red feathers covering their entire body except for their blue rump and tail. Some red lories also have orange or yellow markings on their wings and tail. This bright tropical species spends most of its time high in the forest canopy, feeding on nectar and pollen.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
One of the most eye-catching birds of South America’s cloud forests is the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Males have an oversized red crest and bright orange-red plumage on their head, neck, back and tail. Their black wings and belly contrast sharply. Females are orange-brown with a smaller crest. Andean cocks-of-the-rock gather in groups called “leks” where males display for females.
Green Jay
While many green and red birds get their red color from bright feathers, the green jay has red coloration due to its pink and red skin. This bird has bright green plumage on its back and head, contrasting with its bare pink face and thick red bill. Green jays live in forests ranging from Mexico to Argentina. Their predominantly green color provides good camouflage.
Common Redpoll
The common redpoll is a type of finch found across northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. In winter, redpolls grow colorful red feather patches on their forehead and breast. Their flank feathers turn rosy pink to bright red as well. These red feathers are showiest in the male redpoll. Come spring time, the redpoll sheds these colorful feathers for its normal streaky brown plumage.
European Robin
No relation to the American robin, the European robin has a reddish-orange breast contrasting with its gray back and head. Males have the brightest breast colors. The European robin is widely distributed across Europe and parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Its cheery red breast is a common sight in parks, gardens, and woodlands of Europe.
Long-tailed Paradisaea
One of the world’s most spectacular birds is the long-tailed paradisaea of New Guinea. The male has a glossy emerald green head and breast, contrasting with its bright red back and tail feathers. What’s truly amazing are the extra-long tail feathers extending up to 3 feet beyond the body. Females are a subdued reddish-brown. Males display these tail plumes in courtship rituals.
Birds with Green and Red: Conclusion
Whether it’s bright red cardinals, flaming orange tanagers, parrots with crimson wings, or songbirds with rosy feathers, there are numerous bird species that flaunt some mix of green and red in their plumage. The red color typically comes from carotenoid pigments obtained from the birds’ diets, while green hues are produced through structural colors in feathers. In many species, only the male sports the showy reds, greens and combinations of the two, used to attract females.
So next time you see a flash of red or green while birdwatching, take a closer look – it may just be one of these colorful species flitting through the foliage! The life, plumage and habits of green and red birds provide endless fascination for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.
References
Here are some references used in researching this article:
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Birds of North America.
- Audubon – Guide to North American Birds.
- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds – British Bird Guide.
- BirdLife International – Species Factsheets.
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive – Online bird encyclopedia.
- Birds of the World – Avian taxonomic authority.
- Dunn, J. and Alderfer, J. (Eds). (2006). National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America. National Geographic Society. Washington, D.C.
- Sibley, D.A. (2000). The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf. New York.
