Redbirds are a common sight in Idaho, particularly in summer. These robin type birds are easily identified by their bright red breasts and wings.
They are often seen foraging in open fields and grasslands, and they can also be seen in residential areas, parks, and gardens. Idahoans can enjoy these birds year-round, as they are one of the few species that stay in the state during winter.
Redbirds are an essential part of the state’s ecosystem, providing food for other animals and helping to keep insect populations in check.
26 Red Birds in Idaho
Idaho, known for its rugged landscapes, pristine wilderness, and diverse ecosystems, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a paradise for birdwatchers.
Here are 26 Red Birds in Idaho.
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the Fringillidae family. It is native to the western half of North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
This species is one of the three American rosefinches and is classified in the genus Haemorhous. The house finch is a small bird with a body length of around 4-5 inches and a wingspan of up to 8 inches. It has a conical bill, brownish-red back, wings, and white belly.
The male house finch has a reddish-brown head and breast, while the female has a grey head and breast. The house finch is a seed-eater found in gardens, parks, and open woodlands. They forage on the ground or in low shrubs and often form large flocks.
They are also known to visit bird feeders for a quick snack. The house finch is an essential ecosystem species, contributing to the health and stability of its native habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Two-Barred Crossbill
The two-barred crossbill is a species of finch belonging to the Fringillidae family. It is a small passerine bird, typically around 15 cm long and weighing about 17-20 g.
This species is found across North America and the Palearctic and is usually found in coniferous forests. It is mainly identified by its two-barred pattern on its wings and white wing tips. The two-barred crossbill has a wide range of habitats.
It is often found in coniferous forests, including North America and the Palearctic, during the breeding season.
Outside the breeding season, it may also be found in open woodlands, young forests, and urban parks. The two-barred crossbill has a varied diet, consisting mainly of conifer seeds.
It will feed on the cones of various species of coniferous trees, as well as on buds, leaves, and the seeds of other plants.
It will also feed on small insects and spiders and sometimes visits bird feeders, especially those with suet or sunflower seeds. The two-barred crossbill is a migratory species.
During the breeding season, it is found in the northern parts of its range, while in the winter, it migrates south to more temperate regions.
It has been observed to form large flocks when migrating and often uses human-made structures such as power lines and bridges.
The two-barred crossbill is an essential species in North America and the Palearctic, both ecologically and economically. It plays a crucial role in the coniferous ecosystems in which it lives and is also a famous bird for birders to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. leucoptera |
3. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small, vibrant songbird. It has a striking appearance, with a distinctive blue-grey color on its upperparts and a warmer cinnamon color on its underparts. The nuthatch also has a white throat and face, with a black stripe running through its eyes.
Its bill is straight and grey, and it has a black crown. The nuthatch’s song resembles a tin trumpet due to its high-pitched and nasal quality.
The red-breasted nuthatch’s bright colors and distinct call make it a beautiful and recognizable addition to any backyard or park.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
4. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird species belonging to the valid thrush genus and Turdidae family, also known as the wider thrush family. It is named after the European robin due to its similar reddish-orange breast, although the two species are not closely related.
The European robin is a part of the Old World flycatcher family. This is an example of convergent evolution, where two species that are not related develop similar characteristics due to living in similar environments.
The American robin and the European robin have both adapted to their climates and have developed similar features. The American robin, however, is more suited for colder climates and can survive the cold winter months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
5. Red-Headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is a species of bird found in parts of North America. It is a mid-sized woodpecker with an average length of around 8.5 to 9.8 inches. Its distinct red head makes it easily recognizable.
This species is found in temperate regions, typically open woodlands and fields, from southern Canada to east-central United States.
During the breeding season, it will inhabit areas with deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, and pastures. The red-headed woodpecker is omnivorous, meaning it feeds on various food sources. Its diet consists mainly of insects, nuts, and fruits.
It also feeds on tree sap and can be seen visiting suet feeders. During the breeding season, the red-headed woodpecker will build its nest in either a tree cavity or an abandoned woodpecker hole.
The female will lay between three and six white eggs, hatching after 12 to 14 days. The red-headed woodpecker is a common species, but its population has declined in recent decades due to the destruction of its habitat.
Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect its breeding grounds and wintering areas. The red-headed woodpecker is considered a species of particular concern in Canada and is listed as a species of most minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. erythrocephalus |
6. Red-Naped Sapsucker
The red-naped sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker native to North America. For a long time, it was thought to be a subspecies of the yellow-bellied sapsucker. However, recent scientific research has revealed it to be a distinct species.
This woodpecker is characterized by its red-colored nape, which is the area of feathers at the back of its neck. Its body is mainly black, with white markings on its wings and tail. It also has a white throat and breast, with a red cap on its head.
The red-naped sapsucker feeds mainly on tree sap and eats insects, berries, and fruit. It is found in many habitats but prefers deciduous or coniferous woodlands.
It is also known to nest in the hollows of trees and excavate holes in trees to feed on the sap. The red-naped sapsucker is an essential species for the North American ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations, aerate the soil, and disperse seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. nuchalis |
7. Red Crossbill
The red crossbill, also known as the common crossbill, is a small passerine bird species belonging to the family Fringillidae. Its most distinguishing characteristic is its beak, curved and crossed at the tips.
This adaptation allows the crossbill to extract seeds from the cones of conifer trees efficiently, as well as other fruits. The red crossbill is primarily found in the coniferous forests of the Northern Hemisphere, as its diet consists mainly of conifer seeds.
The red crossbill has a light-brown back, wings, and tail, with a bright red coloring on its head and breast. The bill is white at the base with a black tip. Its legs and feet are also black.
The red crossbill is usually seen in flocks, but solitary birds have also been observed. They can often be heard calling with a high-pitched “tsee-tsee-tsee” sound.
The crossbill is an opportunistic feeder, and its diet is highly variable, depending on the season and availability of food. In addition to conifer seeds, they feed on insects, buds, and berries.
They can pen pine cones with their substantial bills and can the seeds of alder, birch, and willow trees. The red crossbill is an essential species in the conservation of coniferous forests.
It plays a role in dispersing the seeds of conifers, thus helping to regenerate the forests. It is also a popular bird species among birdwbirdwatchersit. It is relatively easy to find and observe in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. curvirostra |
8. Cassin’s Finch
Cassin’s finch is a species of bird that belongs to the Fringillidae family, more commonly referred to as the finch family. It is one of several species classified as “American rosefinches” and placed in the genus Haemorhous.
This genus includes a variety of finches, which are medium-sized birds with thick bills, short wings, and strong feet. The Cassin’s finch is a medium-sized finch with a brownish-gray back, grayish-white head and breast, and grayish-black wings and tail.
The male also has a distinctive red patch on its head. The Cassin’s finch is found in western North America, including parts of Canada and the U.S., and is usually found in open woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands.
It feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, insects, and breeds during summer.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. cassinii |
9. Common Redpoll
The common redpoll is a type of bird belonging to the finch family. Many names, including the mealy redpoll, know it. It is a species of bird that breeds in regions that are slightly more southern than the Arctic redpoll.
The common redpoll prefers to build its nests in abundant habitats with thickets and shrubs. This environment provides the perfect coverage and protection for the birds to lay their eggs and raise their chicks.
The thickets are also beneficial because they provide the birds with many insects, seeds, and other food sources. In addition, the shrubs serve as a great hiding spot and resting place for the birds.
The common redpoll is a species adapted perfectly for its environment and has a strong presence in many parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. flammea |
10. Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager is a medium-sized songbird found in the Americas. It was traditionally classified as a member of the tanager family, but more recently, it has been reclassified as a member of the cardinal family.
This shift was due to a new understanding of the genetics of the scarlet tanager and its relatives, which shows that the birds are more closely related to the cardinals than the tanagers.
The genus of the scarlet tanager and its relatives, Piranga, still retain their name, even though the birds are now classified in the cardinal family. This is because the genus name is specific to these birds and does not reflect their classification.
The scarlet tanager is a beautiful bird with bright red plumage and black wings. It can be found in various habitats, from woodlands to open fields. Its melodic song delights bird-bird watchers, and its presence signifies a healthy ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
11. Summer Tanager
The summer tanager is a medium-sized songbird native to the American continent. Previously, it was placed in the tanager family, but recent research has revealed that it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family.
The summer tanager’s physical appearance and vocalizations share many similarities with other members of the cardinal family. Its plumage is typically a dull yellow-orange with a yellowish underside, and its song is a melodic and often repetitive series of whistles and trills.
Additionally, its call is a sharp and distinctive chirp. Compared to other tanager species, the summer tanager is slightly larger and has a slightly longer tail.
Overall, the summer tanager is a remarkable bird species, and its placement in the cardinal family gives us a better understanding of the similarities between these two birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. rubra |
12. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a species of bird that belongs to the cardinal family, known as Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is known for its brightly colored plumage. The males of the species only have their bright colors in the second year of life.
In the first year, they can only be differentiated from the female by close inspection. The bright feathers of the males are typically blue, green, and red, while the females are duller yellow and green.
The painted bunting is a famous bird among birdwatchers and is often found in yards and gardens. They feed on seeds, insects, and fruit and are also known to visit backyard bird feeders.
The painted bunting is a beautiful species and an integral part of North American wildlife.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
13. Western Tanager
The western tanager is a songbird native to North and Central America. It is a medium-sized bird with distinctive red, yellow, and black feathers.
It was formerly classified in the Tanager family but is now considered a part of the cardinal family due to its similarities to other members of its genus. This includes its physical appearance, as well as its vocalizations.
These similarities include bright colors, a long tail, and a pointed bill. Additionally, its song is often compared to other cardinals, consisting of short, whistled phrases.
The western tanager is a vital part of the ecosystem, as it feeds on various insects, fruit, and seeds and is an essential pollinator for many plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. ludoviciana |
14. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker is a bird belonging to the woodpecker family. It is widely distributed throughout North America and parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It has a medium-sized body and is recognizable for its striking colored feathers, which can range from yellow-brown to gray. This woodpecker species is unique because it is one of the few migrating.
During the colder months, it may migrate south for warmer climates, returning to its northern home when spring arrives. This species is commonly found in wooded areas, such as forests, parks, and suburban gardens.
It has a strong beak, which feeds on insects, nuts, and fruits. It also has a loud call, which can be heard from some distance away. The northern flicker is an integral part of North America’s natural landscape and is an exciting bird for birdwbirdwatchersbserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
15. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is a species of swallow that can be found worldwide. It has one of the most significant natural distributions of any bird, with a range that covers over 251 million square kilometers across the globe.
This bird is unmistakable for its colorful blue upper parts and a long, forked tail that droops gracefully when in flight. It has adapted to many habitats, making it a successful species.
It can be found nesting in barns, buildings, and other artificial structures, as well as natural cliff faces and trees. Its diet consists mainly of flying insects that it catches on the wing, making it an essential predator of insects.
The barn swallow is a beautiful and adaptable species, and its worldwide presence serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
16. Cinnamon Teal
The cinnamon teal is a species of duck found in western North and South America. It is a small dabbling duck, reaching lengths of only 16 to 17 inches and weighing 11 to 17 ounces.
The male has brightly colored plumage, a reddish chest, and a black-spotted white head. The female, on the other hand, has duller brown feathers.
The cinnamon teal is a freshwater bird, which means it prefers to inhabit wetlands like marshes, ponds, and other shallow bodies of water. It feeds mainly on seeds, aquatic plants, and algae. It can also sometimes eat small insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.
The cinnamon teal is a migratory species, traveling to and from its nesting grounds in the northern hemisphere during the spring and autumn. The male cinnamon teal is known for its loud, rasping call, often heard during the breeding season.
Overall, the cinnamon teal is a beautiful duck species found in western North and South America. It is a small, colorful duck, with the males having bright reddish plumage and the females having duller brown feathers.
It is an aquatic bird living in marshes, ponds, and other shallow bodies of water and mainly feeds on plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. cyanoptera |
17. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a large, primarily black woodpecker species native to North America. This species of woodpecker is an insectivore, meaning that it feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.
These birds inhabit deciduous forests in the eastern half of the continent, the Great Lakes region, the boreal forests of Canada, and some parts of the Pacific Coast.
This woodpecker species is particularly well-known for its distinctive size – it is the largest in North America and can reach lengths up to 19 inches. Additionally, it is highly recognizable by its characteristic red crest and white stripes on the wings.
The pileated woodpecker is an essential species in its natural habitat, as it plays a critical role in the ecological balance of the forest. In particular, it helps to keep the populations of species such as ants, beetles, and other wood-boring insects in check.
The pileated woodpecker is also a beneficial species to humans as it helps to keep the forests healthy by controlling the populations of these insects. Furthermore, its presence helps to create a more diverse and exciting forest habitat for other wildlife.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
18. Lewis’s Woodpecker
Meriwether Lewis was one of the explorers who surveyed the areas bought by the United States of America as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
During his survey, he encountered an extensive North American woodpecker species, later named after him by ornithologist Alexander Wilson. This species of woodpecker became known as the Lewis’s woodpecker.
It is thought to have been the first species of bird to be described by Wilson. This woodpecker species is found in open woodlands, wooded canyons, and even cacti landscapes, and it feeds primarily on insects and larvae.
Lewis’s woodpecker has distinctive black, white, and gray plumage, with white and black markings on its wings and tail. Its call is a harsh “churr,” it has a unique habit of pecking on dead wood to create a drumming sound.
The Lewis’s woodpecker is an impressive bird species, a fitting tribute to the explorer who discovered it.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. lewis |
19. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found in North America. It is migratory, meaning that it spends the winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida and migrates to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for the summer months to breed.
This bird is highly adapted to its seasonal environment, with a long, slender bill for drinking nectar and a short, blunt bill for eating insects. During the summer breeding season, the ruby-throated hummingbird builds nests in shrubs or trees and lays two white eggs.
These eggs hatch in about two weeks, and both parents tend to the chicks until they are ready to fly. During the winter, the birds migrate back to their wintering grounds, feeding on nectar from flowers and other plants.
The ruby-throated hummingbird plays an essential role in pollination, as its long bill can reach deep into the flower to obtain nectar. This hummingbird species is an integral part of the North American ecosystem and is a famous bird for birders to observe and enjoy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
20. Flickers
Colaptes is a genus of birds from the woodpecker family Picidae, found throughout the Americas. Colaptes woodpeckers are characterized by their brown or green back and wings with black barring and their beige to yellowish underside marked with black spotting or barring.
Additionally, they often have colorful markings on the head, such as red, blue, or yellow plumage. These birds have substantial bills, long tongues, and stiff tail feathers, which they use to cling to tree trunks while foraging for food.
They have a unique diet: insects, seeds, and fruits. Colaptes woodpeckers are also adept at excavating tree trunks to build nests and raise their young.
These birds are a vital part of their ecosystems, helping to maintain the health of trees and forests and providing food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
21. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a tiny passerine bird in North America’s wild. It is part of the kinglet family and can easily be identified with olive-green plumage and two white wing bars.
There is also a distinctive white eyering, making it stand out from other similar species of birds. Male ruby-crowned kinglets have an even more distinct feature: a red crown patch usually hidden from view.
This is the species’ most recognizable trait and helps differentiate it from other members of the kinglet family. The ruby-crowned kinglet is a fascinating bird species and can provide a beautiful addition to any backyard birdwbirdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
22. Red-Breasted Sapsucker
The red-breasted sapsucker is an unusual bird found mainly in the temperate forests of the west coast of North America. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, typically a striking black and white, with a distinctive red patch of feathers on its chest.
It has a long, straight bill and a patterned black-and-white head. Its wings are a dark brown, with white barring on the tips of the secondaries.
Its tail is relatively long, with white barring on the sides and a broad white band near the tip. The red-breasted sapsucker feeds mainly on the sap of trees, using its bill to drill holes in the bark and drink it.
It also feeds on insects and other small invertebrates and occasionally visits bird feeders. It is a solitary bird and is rarely seen in flocks.
Breeding pairs are usually seen when they establish a nesting territory in the late winter and spring months. The red-breasted sapsucker is an integral part of the forest ecosystem.
Its presence helps control insect populations, and its holes in the trees provide homes for other birds and small animals. Its unique diet also provides an essential source of nutrition for different birds in the area.
Unfortunately, the red-breasted sapsucker is considered a threatened species in some areas due to habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure these fascinating birds continue populating the West Coast forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. ruber |
23. Varied Thrush
The varied thrush is a species of bird belonging to the thrush family, Turdidae. It is the only species in its genus, Ixoreus.
The varied thrush is found in parts of western North America, from Alaska and British Columbia to California and south through the Rocky Mountains to northern Mexico. It is also found in parts of Asia, in the Russian Far East, Japan, and Korea.
It is an olive-brown bird with a white belly, black head, and white eyering. The wings and tail are barred with black and white, with an orange-red breast and belly. Its diet consists of fruits, berries, insects, and earthworms.
During the breeding season, the varied thrush will sing a loud and melodious song from high in a tree. This species is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN, as it has an extensive range and is not currently threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Ixoreus |
| Species | I. naevius |
24. Redhead
The redhead is a type of medium-sized diving duck native to North America. Its scientific name is derived from two sources: the Greek Lithuania and the Latin Americana. Aithuia is an unidentified seabird mentioned by ancient authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
The Latin Americana signifies that the redhead is a bird native to the Americas. In terms of size, the redhead measures 37 cm in length and has a wingspan of 84 cm. This makes it a relatively small duck but still of a visible size.
The redhead is a strong flier and an adept diver. It is a common sight in bodies of water all over North America, both fresh and saltwater.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. americana |
25. Gray-Crowned Rosy-Finch
The Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Fringillidae. It is native to Alaska, western Canada, and the northwestern United States but is rarely seen due to its remote and rocky alpine habitat.
It is a small bird with a gray crown, white face, and rosy-pink body plumage. There are currently six recognized subspecies of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, each with their subtle differences in appearance.
They are closely related to other finch species, such as the Red Crossbill, and have adapted to life in the rocky and cold alpine environment. They typically feed on seeds, and some may also feed on insects. Their habitat includes rocky slopes, cliffs, and alpine meadows.
They are a migratory species and can be seen in the winter months in the southern United States. The Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is a beautiful bird that is unfortunately rarely seen due to its remote habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Leucosticte |
| Species | L. tephrocotis |
26. Arctic Redpoll
The Arctic redpoll or hoary redpoll is a species of bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. It is adapted to living in the tundra birch forest and two subspecies.
The first subspecies, A. h. hornemanni, is found in Greenland and neighboring parts of Canada. The second subspecies, A. h. exilipes, is found in the tundra of northern North America and the Palearctic. The Arctic redpoll is a small bird, averaging 12–15 cm long.
Its plumage is mainly white, with a pale yellowish tinge to the head and breast. The wings are primarily greyish-brown, with a white rump and tail.
Its most distinguishing feature is the bright red patch on its forehead, affectionately known as its ‘redpoll.’The Arctic redpoll feeds mainly on tiny seeds and is a ground-feeding species. It will also eat insects and other invertebrates to supplement its diet.
It is known to feed in flocks during winter and is a common sight in the tundra birch forests. The Arctic redpoll is an important species to the local ecosystem, as it helps in dispersal seeds and other plant matter.
It is also an important food source for many predators, such as the Arctic fox and snowy owl. Unfortunately, their population is in decline due to habitat loss and climate change. As a result, conservation efforts are being made to help protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. hornemanni |
Conclusion
Idaho’s diverse landscapes provide a haven for 26 striking species of red birds, adding a vivid tapestry of color to the state’s natural beauty.
From the rugged mountains to the serene wetlands, these crimson-hued creatures enrich Idaho’s ecosystem and captivate the hearts of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
As stewards of this precious habitat, it’s essential to cherish and protect these avian treasures, ensuring their continued flourishing in the years to come.
Let us celebrate the scarlet splendor that graces Idaho’s skies, embracing the wonder and diversity of the avian world that thrives within the Gem State’s borders.