Redbirds are a vibrant and beautiful species of bird that can be found in Mississippi. These birds are a favorite among bird watchers and nature lovers alike. They are small in size, with bright red feathers and black wings.
Redbirds are known for their cheerful songs and sweet chirps, often heard in the early morning. They can be found in almost any area of Mississippi, from the forests to the coastlines.
Redbirds are essential to the ecosystem of Mississippi, as they help to keep insect populations in check. They are also crucial pollinators for many of the native plants found in the state.
Redbirds are a delight to watch with their beautiful plumage and song and are a valid symbol of Mississippi.
19 Red Birds in Mississippi
If you are a bird lover, you might be interested in knowing more about the 19 species of red birds found in Mississippi. These birds range from small and delicate to large and powerful, but they all share a common trait: their striking red plumage.
Here are 19 Redbirds in Mississippi.
1. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a popular bird species in North America and is well known for its bright red feathers. Its scientific name is Cardinals, but it is often referred to by its more common moniker, the redbird.
It can also be called the standard, red, or simply cardinal. It is a medium-sized songbird with an average length of 8 and 9 inches.
The northern cardinal’s most recognizable feature is its bright red plumage, highlighted by a black face mask and a crest on its head. They are also known for their melodious song, which can be heard yearly.
The northern cardinal is a year-round resident in many areas and is a common sight in yards and parks. They are often seen in pairs, sometimes foraging in the ground for food or perched atop a tree singing their characteristic song.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | C. cardinals |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
2. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird in the finch family Fringillidae. This bird is native to western North America and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and the islands of Hawaii.
The house finch belongs to the genus Haemorhous and two other American rosefinch species. This family of birds is known for their bright colors and cheerful songs, making them a welcome addition to many areas across the continent.
They are often seen foraging on the ground or in trees, searching for seeds and other food sources. These birds are also popular in captivity and can be kept as pets.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
3. Summer Tanager
The summer tanager is a medium-sized American songbird formerly classified in the tanager family. However, it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family due to similarities in their physical features and vocalizations.
The summer tanager has a plumage of bright red, yellow, and orange feathers, similar to other members of the cardinal family. Its vocalizations also have similarities to other family members, with various chirps, whistles, and trills.
The summer tanager is an essential species in its ecosystem, providing a valuable food source for other animals and playing a vital role in seed dispersal.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. rubra |
4. Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager is an American songbird of medium size. It used to be included in the Tanager family but has recently been reclassified to the Cardinal family. This is because the tanager and other members of its genus now belong to the cardinal family.
This classification change was made to make the genus more accurately reflect its evolutionary history.
The scarlet tanager is one of the few species that has been given this change in classification, and it is essential to recognize this shift as it gives us insight into the evolutionary relationships of this bird.
The scarlet tanager is an integral part of American birdlife, and its reclassification reminds us of the importance of scientific research and careful classification of species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
5. Red-Headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is an iconic species in temperate North America. Its distinctive red head, white body, and black wings make it easy to identify. It is a mid-sized woodpecker, typically measuring 7-9 inches long.
The red-headed woodpecker is found across southern Canada and the east-central United States, inhabiting open country such as woodlands, parks, and farms. Its diet consists of insects, fruit, nuts, and seeds.
It typically nests in tree cavities during the breeding season, sometimes using old downy woodpecker nests. It is a cavity nester, requiring cavities for nesting, roosting, and feeding.
The red-headed woodpecker is an essential species for the ecosystems it inhabits, as it helps to control insect populations and disperse seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. erythrocephalus |
6. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a species of bird that belongs to the family Picidae, which is comprised of woodpeckers. This particular species is medium-sized and is mainly found in the eastern United States.
Its range extends south to Florida and north to Canada, making it a widespread species. The red-bellied woodpecker is mainly found in deciduous forests but can also be spotted in more urban areas.
Most of the time, they are seen foraging for food on tree trunks, branches, and even on the ground. They feed on insects, spiders, nuts, and seeds.
The red-bellied woodpecker is also known to cache food in tree bark, which it can later access during winter. The red-bellied woodpecker is also known for its unique nesting habits. It typically builds its nest in a tree cavity, which it excavates with its beak.
The female will then line the cavity with moss, wood chips, and other materials.
The female will lay up to five eggs, and the male and female will take turns incubating them. The red-bellied woodpecker is an important species to the eastern United States, and its conservation is essential.
This species is vulnerable to habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation. Its conservation status is listed as “Least Concern,” and its population is believed to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
7. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to the valid thrush genus of the Turdidae family, a more prominent family of thrushes. It gained its name from the European robin due to its reddish-orange chest, although the two species are not closely related.
The European robin is part of the Old World flycatcher family. Migratory birds are species that move from one place to another during different times of the year, depending on the climate and available resources.
The American robin usually migrates south during the winter months and north during the summer months. The valid thrush genus is a group of birds that mainly feed on insects and fruit and includes species such as the blackbird, song thrush, and fieldfare.
The Turdidae family, known as the thrush family, comprises medium-sized ground-feeding insectivores. The American robin and the European robin have similar physical characteristics, with both having reddish-orange chests.
However, the two species are not related. The European robin is part of the Old World flycatcher family, composed of insect-eating birds native to the regions of Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Overall, the American robin is a migratory bird of the valid thrush genus and Turdidae family that gets its name from the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast.
Although the two species are similar in appearance, they are not closely related, with the American robin belonging to the thrush family and the European robin belonging to the Old World flycatcher family.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
8. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a species of bird that belongs to the Cardinalidae family, which is native to North America. The male of this species has a unique and stunning plumage that is not visible in the first year of life.
Instead, only in the second year of life does the male-painted bunting begin to display its full and vibrant colors. The female painted bunting, however, can be distinguished from the male in the first year of life, but only through close inspection.
The stunning plumage of the male-painted bunting is a sight to behold and is one of the main attractions for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
9. Red Crossbill
The red crossbill is a small bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. It is best known for its unique mandibles, crossed at the tips. This adaptation allows the bird to easily pry open conifer cones and other fruits to extract the seeds inside.
This trait has allowed the red crossbill to thrive in various habitats, as it can feed on a range of seeds and fruits.
Because of this, the red crossbill is a common sight in many parts of the world, from the northern forests of Europe to the southern pampas of South America. Although a small bird, the red crossbill can be noisy and vocal when searching for food.
This can make them easier to spot in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. curvirostra |
10. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The rose-breasted grosbeak is a beautiful and unique bird across North America. This large grosbeak belongs to the cardinal family and is often called the “cut-throat” due to its distinctive coloration.
The male rose-breasted grosbeak is easily recognizable by its black head, wings, back, and tail, contrasting with a bright rose-colored patch on its white breast. The rose-breasted grosbeak primarily feeds on seeds but will also glean foliage for food.
It is often seen perched on branches, searching for food in the trees. It also enjoys visiting bird feeders in gardens and parks. The rose-breasted grosbeak is an integral part of the North American bird population, and its colorful presence in the wild is a welcome sight.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
11. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a migratory species in many parts of North America. It typically resides in Central America, Mexico, and Florida during the winter.
However, when the warmer summer months arrive, it travels to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America. Here, it spends its time breeding and raising its young.
This hummingbird species is incredibly resourceful, as it manages to make the long journey to its summer breeding grounds every year without fail.
Its remarkable ability to travel such distances each year is awe-inspiring and a testament to its strength and adaptability.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
12. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker, also known as the Common Flicker, is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the woodpecker family. This species is native to North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is distinctive because it is one of the few woodpecker species to migrate, making it a unique and interesting bird. The Northern Flicker is a striking bird with a reddish-brown back and wings with black barring. Its head has a black necklace with a white patch in the middle.
Its underparts are yellow with black barring. Its beak is black, and its eyes are yellow. Males have a red streak on the back of their necks. The Northern Flicker prefers open woodlands, parks, and gardens. It has been known to nest in tree cavities, as well as in nest boxes.
It feeds on ants, beetles, and other insects. It also forages for fruits, seeds, suet, and other bird foods. The Northern Flicker is quite vocal, producing a variety of calls, including chuckles, whinnies, and other sounds.
It is also known to drum on tree trunks, especially during the breeding season. The Northern Flicker is an important species to the environment. It helps to control insect populations, and other species, such as ducks, bluebirds, and owls, use its nesting cavities.
It is an essential species in North America and beyond.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
13. Eastern Towhee
The eastern towhee is a species of large sparrow native to North America. It has been the source of much taxonomical debate in recent years, as it was formerly considered the same species as the spotted towhee, known as the rufous-sided towhee.
Their breeding habitat is typically in brushy areas across the eastern half of the continent, providing them with a safe and secure environment to raise their young.
This species of sparrow is generally quite large, with a wingspan of up to nine inches and a body length of up to eight inches. They are mainly brownbucolorlso have reddish-brown feathers on their wings and back.
Their diet is primarily composed of insects, seeds, and berries. They are usually seen in small flocks and can be heard singing their characteristic “drink-your-tea” song.
The eastern towhee is an essential species in the ecosystems of North America, and its conservation is of great importance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. erythrophthalmus |
14. Red-Shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey from the buteo genus. It is native to a large section of eastern North America, stretching from the coast of California to northern and northeastern Mexico.
This species is a permanent resident in most of its range, though some northern populations migrate southward for the winter, usually to central Mexico. They are impressive when soaring through the skies, often seen soaring in circles around their territory.
They are mainly found in wooded areas where they hunt small rodents and other animals. They have also been known to take advantage of human food sources, such as bird feeders and garbage dumps.
They have a distinctive appearance, with their broad wings and reddish-brown shoulders. The red-shouldered hawk is an iconic species essential to the North American ecosystem.
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lineatus |
15. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is an impressive species of bird. It is found in a variety of habitats throughout the world and is known for its distinctive features.
Its blue upperparts and long, deeply forked tail make it easily recognizable. It has the most extensive natural distribution of any of the world’s passerines, with a range of over 251 million square kilometers.
It can be found in almost every region, from Europe to Africa and North and South America. The barn swallow is an incredibly adaptive species.
It can survive in various climates and habitats, from woodlands and meadows to urban areas. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which are an integral part of the food chain in many ecosystems. The barn swallow is an important species in many cultures.
It has long been a symbol of good luck in many European countries, and its presence is often seen as a sign of good fortune.
In some cultures, it is also seen as a symbol of freedom and independence. The barn swallow is a beautiful bird with distinctive features and a wide range. It is an essential species in many ecosystems, and people in many cultures often welcome its presence.
This makes it an important species to protect and conserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
16. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is an example of a species of woodpecker that is the smallest of its kind in North America. The length of these birds varies between 14 to 18 cm.
They are known to inhabit forested areas in the United States and Canada, but they usually avoid deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra. The Downy Woodpecker is known to have a black and white spotted pattern on its back and wings, with a white underside.
It has a red patch on its head and a black bill. The Downy Woodpecker can be seen in various habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, woodlands, and orchards.
They mainly feed on insects, spiders, other invertebrates, and fruits, nuts, sap, and other plant material. The Downy Woodpecker is considered one of the most common bird species.
They are usually found in small groups and are often seen in pairs during the breeding season. They are known to nest in cavities in dead or living trees.
The female will lay four to five white eggs in the nest, and both parents take part in incubating the eggs and feeding the young. The Downy Woodpecker is a vital part of the local environment, helping to control insect populations and dispersing seeds.
They are important seed dispersers of numerous tree species, including oak, maple, pine, and fir. They also provide food sources for larger predators, such as hawks, owls, and foxes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
17. Red-Eyed Vireo
The red-eyed vireo is a small American songbird found across various habitats. Its size and shape are similar to a warbler’s, but it is not closely related to the New World warblers.
This species is widely distributed and abundant, and it is not considered to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is an adaptable species, capable of utilizing a variety of habitats for both breeding and foraging.
The red-eyed vireo is found in deciduous forests, thickets, and second-growth woodlands during the breeding season. It is found in tropical forests, woodlands, and scrub in winter. It feeds mainly on insects but will also consume some fruit and berries.
The red-eyed vireo is a vocal bird, singing multiple songs throughout the day. Its song is a repetitive series of phrases, often with a whistled ending. This species has an extensive range and a large population and is not considered a conservation concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. olivaceus |
18. Red-Breasted Merganser
The red-breasted merganser is a duck species found in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. This species is known for its distinctive red breast, which is only visible in males in breeding plumage.
This feature is what gave the species its common name. The red-breasted merganser is often found near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, where they feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
They nest in cavities in trees or on the ground, and the female typically lays between 8-15 eggs. The red-breasted merganser is an essential species for hunters and anglers, as it is a necessary source of food and sport.
It is also an essential part of the ecosystem, helping to keep aquatic systems healthy by feeding on smaller fish and aquatic insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. serrator |
19. Cinnamon Teal
The cinnamon teal is a species of duck that can be found in both North and South America. This small duck species has a distinct plumage pattern that varies between the sexes.
The male cinnamon teal has bright reddish feathers, whereas the female has duller brown feathers. This duck species is often found in marshy areas and ponds, where they feed on various plants.
The cinnamon teal has many habitats, from marshes and ponds to shallow lakes. This species of duck is quite adaptable and can survive in various climates.
The cinnamon teal’s diet consists mainly of vegetation, such as small aquatic plants, insects, and other small invertebrates. This duck species is also known to feed on the seeds of marine plants and will even scavenge for food.
The cinnamon teal is an essential duck species for its ecological and economic value. This duck species provides vital environmental services, such as helping to maintain healthy wetlands and providing food for other wildlife species.
The cinnamon teal is also an important game species, with hunters harvesting them for their meat and feathers. Overall, the cinnamon teal is an essential duck species for its ecological and economic value.
This duck species provides essential ecological services, such as helping to maintain healthy wetlands and providing food for other wildlife species. Additionally, the cinnamon teal is a vital game species, with hunters harvesting them for their meat and feathers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. cyanoptera |
Conclusion
Overall, red birds in Mississippi are a beautiful sight to behold. They often flock together in large numbers and can be seen in various habitats, from wooded areas to open fields.
Redbirds are an essential part of the Mississippi landscape and play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. With the proper care and protection of their habitats, red birds in Mississippi can continue to be a beloved part of the natural environment for generations.