Welcome to Maine, where you can find various birds, including the beautiful red birds. These birds are a colorful sight and bring vibrancy to the wildlife of Maine.
Redbirds are a widespread species in the area and can be found in various habitats, from forests and wetlands to urban areas. They often feed on insects and seeds and are known for their distinctive songs.
These birds can be found in all seasons but are primarily active during the summer months when they are breeding. Redbirds are an essential part of the Maine ecosystem, and their presence helps to keep the environment healthy.
23 Red Birds in Maine
In the tranquil woodlands of Maine, nature often unveils its marvels in the most unexpected ways. Amidst the towering pines and rustling leaves, a rare and breathtaking spectacle recently captivated the attention of both seasoned birdwatchers and casual nature enthusiasts alike.
Here are 23 Red Birds in Maine.
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch in the Fringillidae family. It is native to western North America, from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. It has been introduced to the eastern half of the United States and Hawaii as an introduced species.
This species, as well as the two other American rosefinches, are placed in the genus Haemorhous. The house finch is a small bird with a body length of around five inches and eight-inch wingspan. Its plumage is the primarily brown, chestnut-colored, or chestnut-colored head.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, but it also eats insects and other invertebrates. The house finch is a widespread bird often seen in suburban and urban areas. It is a caged bird and is known for its sweet song.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of birds which are native to the New World. These birds are comprised of cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings, as well as a few other genera.
For instance, Piranga is a type of tanager, a bird with brightly colored feathers, and Granatellus is, a warbler-like bird with a melodious song.
The cardinals are irrelatively large with drive crests, while the grosbeaks are larger than finches with thick bills, and the buntings are small variously and in various color patterns.
The birds of this family have adapted to a wide range of habitats, from the northern boreal forests of Canada to the tropical forests of South America.
The Cardinals are well-known for being highly social, often forming flocks that can be heard singing together in the early morning. In addition, many of the species can be seen in backyards and parks.
This family of birds provides a great source of delight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
3. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a bird species found across North America. It is called the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or just cardinal due to its bright red plumage.
This species is part of the genus Cardinalis, which includes a variety of other cardinals from different parts of the world. The northern cardinal is a medium-sized bird, with males averaging 9 inches long and females 8 inches.
Its bright red feathers are contrasted with a black face mask, orange bill, and gray legs and feet. It is also known for its loud, melodic song, often heard in the early morning and late evening.
The northern cardinal is a social species, often seen in pairs or smafamousks. It is a famous backyard bird, attracted to bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds and other bird-friendly foods.
This species is also a common sight in parks, woodlands, and other natural habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
4. Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager is an American songbird that stands out for its bright red plumage. It is a medium-sized bird, and until recently, it was classified as a member of the tanager family.
However, recent studies have led to it being reclassified as a member of the cardinal family, along with other birds in its genus.
This change in classification is based on genetic and morphological evidence and provides a better understanding of the relationships between birds within the two families.
The cardinal family includes many other birds, such as the blue grosbeak, the indigo bunting, and the northern cardinal, which share specific physical characteristics and genetic similarities with the scarlet tanager.
This new classification provides a more accurate categorization of the scarlet tanager and will help scientists better understand the evolutionary history of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
5. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The rose-breasted grosbeak is a large bird that belongs to the cardinal family. It has a unique ni, “name, “cut-throat” because of its distinct color pattern. The male of the species has a black head, wings, back, and tail, with a bright rose-colored patch on their white breast.
This striking coloration stands out amongst its foliage, making the bird easily identifiable. The rose-breasted grosbeak is primarily a seed-eating bird, and it feeds by gleaner, meaning it feeds on the ground among the foliage.
The bird eats various seeds, which it finds on the ground or in trees.
This diet helps to make the rosan essentialrosbeak an essential part of the local ecosystem, as it helps to spread the seeds of the plants it eats. The rose-breasted grosbeak is a beautiful bird and is a pleasure to spot in the wild.
Its bright colors make it stand out amongst its surroundings, and its behavior of foraging on the ground makes it an exciting bird to watch.
With its unique color pattern and essential role in the ecosystem, all should appreciate the rose-breasted grosball.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
6. Red-Headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is an unmistakable bird, easily identified by its bright red head and white body. It is a mid-sized woodpecker, typically measuring around 10 inches long, with a wingspan of 15 to 17 inches.
This woodpecker species is found in temperate North America, primarily in the United States and Canada. The red-headed woodpecker prefers to inhabit open, wooded areas with plenty of dead trees and open meadows.
This is its breeding habitat, and it can be found across southern Canada and the east-central United States. The bird feeds mainly on insects, which it obtains by clinging to dead tree trunks and searching crevices for prey.
Additionally, it may scavenge for food on the ground and on the ground-level branches of trees. The red-headed woodpecker is a solitary bird sometimes seen in small family groups.
It is also known to nest in cavities in trees, typically in dead trees, but it may also use living trees. The nest comprises twigs and bark and is lined with softer materials such as moss and feathers.
The red-headed woodpecker is an essential species in the ecosystem, as it helps control the population of harmful insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. erythrocephalus |
7. Two-Barred Crossbill
The two-barred crossbill is a small bird in the finch family bird. This bird species is native to both North America and the Palearctic region. It is usually found in coniferous forests, where it builds its nest and breeds.
The two-barred crossbill is easily recognizable by its distinctive two-barred pattern on its wings. It has a white underside and a brown upper side, with a black stripe running along the top of its wings.
Its bill is also distinctive, with a wide gap that makes it appear like a cross. The two-barred crossbill primarily consists of mostly coniferous tree seeds. It uses its specially adapted bill to extract the seeds from the cones.
It often feeds in flocks, gathering to feed on the same tree. Its call is distinctive, loud, and sharp ‘chip.’ The two-barressentialill is an essential species in the coniferous forests of North America and the Palearctic region.
It helps disperse the seeds of coniferous trees, ensuring the growth and reproduction of bird species, which is also essential to the local ecosystem, as other birds and animals rely on the two-barred crossbill for food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. leucoptera |
8. Common Redpoll
The common redpoll, or mealy redpoll, is a small bird species in the finch family. This species is known for its colorful feathers, which feature shades of red and yellow.
A migratory bird breeds in colder areas, such as those further south than the Arctic redpoll. It prefers to nest in thickets or shrubs, which provide more shelter and protection from predators.
Common redpolls are small birds with an average length of about 4.7 inches. They have a bright red r head, a yellowish-white breast, and yellowish-gray streaks on their back.
They feed on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates, which they often find among the thickets and shrubs they inhabit. Common redpolls are frequently social birds, forming large flocks that forage together.
They are also well known for their distinctive call, a high-pitched and melodious trill. While they are not considered an endangered species, their numbers have declined due to habitat loss and a decrease in available food sources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. flammea |
9. Red Crossbill
The red crossbill, or common crossbill, is a small bird from the finch family Fringillidae. This is because there are mandibles that are crossed at the tips. This adaptation allows them to extract seeds from conifer cones and other fruits.
The red crossbill is an interesting bird, as it can feed on items that other finches cannot access. This gives the bird a competitive advantage with abundant conifer cone seeds. The Red Cross has different adaptations for life in the wild.
The bird has relatively short wings, allowing it to maneuver quickly and efficiently in the air. This helps the Red Crossbill search for food, as it can quickly move across a large area to find safe food sources.
The bird also has a well-developed sense of hearing, which assists it in locating food sources. The red crossbill is a unique bird that has adapted torment to survive.
Its crossed mandibles are a remarkable example of evolutiexploito taking advantage of a food source that other finches cannot access. The bird’s other adaptations for life in the wild also make it a fascinating creature to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. curvirostra |
10. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to the halide thrush genus and the more prominent thrush family of thrushes. It is given an appearance similar to a tan robin, characterized by its reddish-orange breast.
Despite their similar coloration, the two birds are not closely related. The European robin is part of the Old World flycatcher family, while the American rvalid is part of the valid thrush genus and Turdidae family.
This is an example of convergent evolution, which is the process in which two species not related to each other develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
11. Red-bellied woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a species of bird belonging to the family Picidae, which includes woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and woodpecker species of woodpecker. It is pretty widespread and is found mainly in the eastern United States.
Its range extends from the northern parts of Canada to the state of Florida. The red-bellied woodpecker is a medium-sized bird, usually measuring 22 and 29 cm long.
Its plumage is primarily grey with a prominent red belly, typically barred with black. It also has a white rump and a black-and-white striped head. The red-bellied woodpecker is an omnivore, feeding on plants and animals.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, fruit, and seeds. It also feeds on tree sap, which it obtains by drilling small holes into tree bark.
It typically forages in the canopy of trees, where it can also be seen drumming on the trunks of trees. This woodpecker species is a cavity nester, meaning it builds its nest in tree cavities, usually excavating the cavity itself.
The female lays 3-7 eggs in the nest, and both parents take turns incubating them. The red-bellied woodpecker is an essential species in its ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations and disperses the seeds of many plants.
As a result, it is an important species to conserve and protect. Unfortunately, this species is vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation, and its population is declining in some parts of its range.
Therefore, it is essential to continue to monitor its population and take steps to protect its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
12. Summer Tanager
The summer tanager is a medium-sized songbird native to the Americas. It was previously classified in the Tanager family but is now in the Cardinal family. This is due to its similar plumage and vocalizations to other members of the cardinal family.
The summer tanager is mainly a bright yellow-orange color with a dark tail and wings. They have a distinctive, high-pitched call quite different from other cardinal family birds.
It is also known for its active foraging habits, often seen darting through trees and bushes in search of insects. The summer tanager is a common bird in North America’s open woods, parks, and gardens.
It is a welcome sight to many birdwatchers, and its cheerful song is a pleasant addition to summer days.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. rubra |
13. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a bird species belonging to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. This species of bird is native to North America and is known for its bright and colorful plumage.
Interestingly, the male-painted bunting only develops its full and colors in its second year of life. In the first year, the male can only be distinguished from the female through closely examining its features.
This is because the first-year males have a pattern of muted colors, which makes it difficult to differentiate from the females. This bird species is a beautiful sight often sought by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
14. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is found throughout North America. These birds generally live in Central America, Mexico, and Florida during the winter months.
However, they migrate to Canada and parts of Eastern North America during the summer to breed. This hummingbird species is known for its beautiful ruby-red throat feathers, displayed during mating season.
These feathers are an iridescent hue and change color depending on the light. The ruby-throated hummingbird migrates long distances to breed in warmer climates.
They can fly up to 500 miles in a single day and reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. This hummingbird species is an essential pollinator of flowers and an integral part of the natural ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
15. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the familiar flicker, is a type of woodpecker found throughout North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of around 12-14 inches.
Its coloring varies by region and can range from reddish-brown to grey. It has a white rump, a chest with black barring, and a black crescent on its face. The northern flicker is one of the few species of woodpecker that is migratory.
It spends the summer months in the northern part of its range and migrates south in the winter. It feeds mainly on ants but eats earthworms, fruits, nuts, berries, and seeds.
It is an integral part of the ecosystem, helping to maintain healthy forests by eating insects damaging trees.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
16. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird with a distinct appearance. Its upper parts are blue-grey, while its underparts are deep cinnamon. Its throat and face are white, including a black stripe that runs through its eyes.
Its bill is straight and grey, and its crown is black. This songbird has a distinct call compared to a high-pitched and nasal tin trumpet. Its call is unique and is often used to identify the red-breasted nuthatch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
17. Woodpeckers
The bird family Picidae is a large and diverse group of birds that includes woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers. These birds are found on every continent in the world except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.
Woodpeckers are a type of bird in the Picidae family with unique characteristics that make them distinct from other birds. They have strong, sharp beaks for pecking and drilling into trees to access food, such as insects and larvae.
They also have long, pointed tongues that help extract insects deep within the tree crevices. Woodpeckers also have stiff tails that act as a support system while pecking and drilling.
This helps them to keep their balance while they are performing these activities. Piculets are another type of bird in the Picidae family. They are much smaller than woodpeckers and have a more rounded beak.
They use their beak to dig for insects and larvae, as well as to break into fruits. Wrynecks are a type of bird in the Picidae family, mainly in Europe and Asia. They have a long, slender beak used to forage for food, such as larvae and other insects.
They also have a unique ability to twist their heads around 180 degrees while searching for food. Sapsuckers are the last type of bird in the Picidae family. They are found mainly in North America and have a short, stout beak.
Their beaks are used to drill small, shallow holes in trees, which they then use to feed on sap and insects.
Overall, the Picidae family is composed of several different species of birds, all of which are found on most of the world’s continents, except Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.
Each bird species in this family has unique characteristics that distinguish it from the others.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
18. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a type of songbird belonging to the family Icteridae. It is found in most areas of North America and Central America.
This species is a medium-sized bird, with males having glossy black feathers and bright red and yellow shoulder patches, while females are more subdued-looking. The red-winged blackbird is a very adaptable species and can be found in various habitats.
It is commonly seen in open fields, marshes, wetlands, and forest edges. These birds typically feed on insects, seeds, and other small invertebrates. They also eat grain, berries, and other plant materials.
During the breeding season, red-winged blackbirds often engage in territorial displays and songs to attract mates. They will build nests in trees or shrubs, and the female will typically lay 3-5 eggs.
The young will fowl in about two weeks and be ready to breed the following year.
The red-winged blackbird is an essential species that serves many ecosystem roles, including being a food source for larger predators, helping to keep insect populations in check, and dispersing seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
19. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a distinctively large, primarily black species in North America. Its habitat ranges from the deciduous forests of eastern North America, the Great Lakes, the boreal forests of Canada, and parts of the Pacific Coast.
It primarily feeds on insects and is thus an insectivore. Its size and coloring make it easy to spot amongst other birds and is known for its loud call.
It is a protected species in many areas due to its declining population. The pileated woodpecker is the largest in North America, measuring from 16-19 inches in length and having a wingspan of up to 30 inches.
Its distinctive red crest, white stripes on its wings, and white stripe on its face make it easy to identify.
It is primarily black, with a white belly and a white line running down the sides of its neck. The pileated woodpecker mainly feeds on insects, such as ants, wood-boring beetles, and wood-boring larvae.
It uses its long, chisel-like bill to hammer into trees and excavate prey.
It also consumes fruits and nuts such as acorns. The pileated woodpecker is found in various habitats, including deciduous forests in the east, boreal forests of Canada, and parts of the Pacific Coast.
It prefers large, mature trees with plenty of dead wood and wooded areas with open areas nearby. It looks for areas with plenty of insects, fruits, and nuts. The pileated woodpecker is a social species, often seen in pairs or small family groups.
It is also known for its loud call, often heard echoing through the forest. Due to its declining population, it is a protected species in many areas and is subject to certain hunting restrictions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
20. Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is the smallest in North America, ranging from 14 to 18 centimeters.
This woodpecker species is found in much of the United States and Canada, except certain desert regions in the southwest and northern tundra regions. This species is primarily found in forested areas. They enjoy the shelter and food that the trees provide them.
The downy woodpecker can be identified by its black and white feathers and characteristic drumming sounds. They feed on insects found in the trees and on the ground and on suet and fruit.
Downy woodpeckers are an essential part of the ecosystem as they help to control the insect population and spread seeds to help trees grow.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
21. Gray-Crowned Rosy-Finch
The gray-crowned rosy finch, also known as the gray-crowned rosy-finch, is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Fringillidae. It is native to Alaska, western Canada, and the north-western United States.
This species inhabits rocky alpine regions, and as such, it is rarely seen due to its remote habitat. Currently, there are six recognized subspecies of the gray-crowned rosy finch. The subspecies are distinguished by subtle differences in their plumage and size.
The gray-crowned rosy finch is one of the most adaptable species of birds, and they can live in various habitats ranging from deserts to forests. They mainly feed on seeds, berries, and insects and often forage in flocks.
During breeding season, they form monogamous pairs and build nests in sheltered areas. The female usually lays two to four eggs. The chicks are born with dark brown down and develop their adult plumage within a few weeks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Leucosticte |
| Species | L. tephrocotis |
22. Common Loon
The common loon, also known as the great northern diver, is a large bird species of the loon or diver family. Breeding adults are easily recognizable by their distinct feathers, which include a broad black head and neck with a greenish, purplish, or iridescent sheen.
The loon’s back and wings are black or dark, while the breast, belly, and sides are usually gray or white. The bird’s bill is also black and long, and its eyes are dark and piercing.
The common loon lives in northern North America, preferring to remain close to large bodies of water such as lakes or rivers. They are excellent swimmers, using their webbed feet to propel themselves through the water.
They also spend time soaring and diving through the air for food. They feed primarily on fish but consume amphibians, crustaceans, and insects.
The common loon is remarkable for its haunting call, which can be heard echoing across the still waters of its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. immer |
23. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a large bird of prey found in North and South America. It belongs to the Cathartidae family, which includes three species in the genus Cathartes.
This species, the turkey vulture, is the most widespread of the New World vultures, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America.
This vulture species is found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and wetlands. The turkey vulture has a bald head and a long, curved beak, which it uses to feed on carrion.
It has a notable habit of soaring in circles, using air currents to stay in the air with minimal effort. This species also has a keen sense of smell, which it uses to locate food sources.
The turkey vulture is a solitary bird, often seen in pairs or small flocks. The turkey vulture plays an essential role in the environment by removing decaying animals and plants.
This helps prevent the spread of disease and keeps the environment clean.
In addition, the turkey vulture serves as a food source for other predators. The turkey vulture is an interesting species, and its widespread range makes it an important species to help maintain the balance of the environment in North and South America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
Conclusion
Redbirds in Maine are a beautiful sight to behold. The sight of these birds in their natural habitat is a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it.
As a result, it is essential to protect the habitats of red birds in Maine to ensure their survival for generations to come.