Redbirds are a common sight in the state of Illinois. From the bright cardinal to the more subtle red-winged blackbird, these birds can be found all across Illinois.
Redbirds are essential to the state ecosystem and benefit humans, such as pest control and dispersal. They also offer beauty to the landscape and can be enjoyed by birdwatchers and nature lovers.
In this article, we will look at some of the most common red birds found in Illinois and discuss their habitats, behaviors, and conservation status.
23 Red Birds Converge in Illinois
Red Birds Converge in Illinois” might suggest a unique natural phenomenon or an occurrence of specific significance, especially if these birds are of a particular species or have gathered in an unusual location. The phrase could be interpreted in various ways depending on the context.
Here are 23 of the most beautiful Red birds you can find.
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is a native bird to western North America and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii. The house finch is placed in the genus Haemorhous and two other American rosefinches.
The house finch is one of the more common finch species in North America and can be identified by its reddish-brown feathers and its cheery song. It is a social bird, often found in large flocks in the winter, and pairs up in the summer months to breed.
These birds are seed eaters often found near bird feeders. The house finch is a famous bird for birdwatchers and is a beautiful addition to any backyard.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a species of bird commonly found in North America that is also known by various colloquial names such as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal.
It belongs to the genus Cardinalis, a group of birds characterized by their brightly colored plumage and distinctive song. The northern cardinal is one of the most recognizable birds in North America due to its bright red plumage, black mask, and pointed crest.
The male is bright red with a black face mask, while the female is duller red-brown and lacks the black face mask. This species is monogamous, meaning that a single male and female will form a bond and remain together for life.
The northern cardinal is a vocal species and can often be heard singing its distinctive melodic song from treetops or other high perches. This species is also quite adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from urban parks to woodlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
3. Summer Tanager
The summer tanager is a medium-sized American songbird formerly classified in the tanager family. However, in recent years, it and other members of its genus have now been reclassified as part of the cardinal family.
This is because they share many similarities in terms of their plumage and vocalizations, similar to other cardinal family members. The summer tanager has a bright yellow-orange body, a black head, a white throat, and breasts.
Its song is a melodic, whistling trill that can be heard during summer.
The summer tanager also has vocalizations, such as chattering, chirping, and scolding.
These characteristics are shared with other members of the cardinal family, making it easy to see why the summer tanager has been reclassified as part of the cardinal family.
Ultimately, the summer tanager is an integral part of American birdlife, and its classification in the cardinal family appropriately recognizes its similarities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. rubra |
4. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of birds that are native to the New World. This family includes birds such as cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings. It also includes other genera, such as the tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus.
Tanagers are small to medium-sized birds found in the Americas, while warblers are a group of small, often colorful birds found in North America and Europe. The Granatellus genus is an example of a warbler-like bird found across the Americas.
The Piranga genus of birds is tanager-like in appearance and is also found across the Americas. Both of these genera are included in the Cardinalidae family.
The members of Cardinalidae are known for their vibrant colors and sweet songs, making them a popular choice for bird watchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
5. Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager is a medium-sized songbird native to the Americas. It is known for its vibrant red plumage and its melodious song.
Until recently, it was classified as a member of the tanager family, composed of over 270 species of brightly colored songbirds from the New World.
However, recent genetic studies have led to recognition of the scarlet tanager and other members of its genus as belonging to the cardinal family, a group of passerines that includes cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings.
By reclassifying the scarlet tanager, scientists have better understood the evolutionary relationships between the different songbird families.
This newfound knowledge will help inform conservation efforts for these beautiful birds and ensure they are protected for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
6. Two-Barred Crossbill
The two-barred crossbill, also known as the white-winged crossbill, is a small passerine bird species in the finch family Fringillidae. It is found in North America and the Palearctic region and inhabits coniferous forests.
This bird species typically has a distinctive crossed bill shape, which is used to extract the seeds of conifer cones. It feeds on a wide variety of seeds, including those from conifers, flowering plants, and other sources.
The two-barred crossbill is a strongly migratory bird, moving southwards in winter to find food. Its range covers vast areas, extending beyond northern Europe and North America.
The two-barred crossbill is a vital seed disperser, helping spread the seeds of conifers throughout its range. It is also a famous bird to observe, as its brightly-colored plumage and unique crossed bill make it an interesting species to watch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. leucoptera |
7. Red-Headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is a common sight in temperate North America. It is a medium-sized bird with a bright red head and black and white body. It has a long, pointed bill, and its tail is slightly forked.
This species can be found in various habitats, from deciduous woodlands to open grasslands. Its breeding habitat is mainly in open country across southern Canada and east-central United States.
It prefers to nest in dead trees or stumps, using its long bill to excavate cavities for nesting. The red-headed woodpecker can be seen foraging for insects, nuts, and berries during the summer.
It also feeds on sap from trees, using its bill to drill into the bark and access the sugary liquid. This species is a vital part of the ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds, control insect populations, and create habitat for other species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. erythrocephalus |
8. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The rose-breasted grosbeak, affectionately known as the “cut-throat” due to its striking coloration, is a large bird in the cardinal family. It is predominantly a seed eater, often found foraging for food amongst the foliage.
The males are distinctive, with a black head, wings, back, and tail and a bright rose patch on their white breast. This feature, combined with its overall size, makes it an easily identifiable bird.
It is active and can often be seen hopping from branch to branch for food. It is a beautiful bird to observe, with its rich colors and distinctive features, making it a favorite of birdwatchers worldwide.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
9. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird found across North America and parts of Central America. It is a member of the valid thrush genus and Turdidae, the wider thrush family.
The American robin is named after the European robin due to the similarity of their reddish-orange breast, though the two species are not closely related. The European robin is a member of the Old World flycatcher family.
While the American robin is a migratory species in different parts of the world, the European robin is a non-migratory species found mainly in Europe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
10. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a member of the Picidae family, comprising nearly 200 species of woodpeckers. This particular species is medium-sized and is found in the eastern United States.
Its range extends from Florida in the south to Canada in the north, making it a widespread species. The red-bellied woodpecker is relatively easy to identify due to its distinct plumage. The back of its neck and head are black, while its belly is bright red.
It also has a distinctive white line running from the bill down the back of its neck.
The wings and back are barred with black and white stripes, and it has a white patch on the back of its head. This species is typically found in wooded areas, where it feeds on insects, nuts, and berries. It is also known to feed on suet and fruit at bird feeders occasionally.
It is an agile flyer and is often seen flitting among the branches of trees. The red-bellied woodpecker typically nests in dead trees or branches that other woodpeckers have hollowed out. It is a monogamous species, and mating pairs usually stay together for life.
The female lays 3-5 white eggs inside the nest, and both parents take turns incubating them until they hatch. The chicks fledge after about three weeks. The red-bellied woodpecker is an exciting species whose distinct plumage can be quickly identified.
This species is relatively widespread and can be found in wooded areas throughout the eastern United States. It is an integral part of the local ecology and a delight to watch as it flits among the branches in search of food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
11. Cardinals
Cardinalis is a genus of birds in the family Cardinalidae, a family of passerine birds found in North and South America. This genus is composed of three species found in a range stretching from the Great Lakes region to northern South America.
The three species are the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), the Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus), and the Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus). The Northern Cardinal is a relatively large songbird with a bright red body and a black face mask.
This species is found in the eastern and central United States and parts of Mexico. The Vermilion Cardinal is slightly smaller than the Northern Cardinal and has a bright red body with an orange-red face mask.
This species is found in northern South America and parts of Central America. Finally, the Pyrrhuloxia is the smallest of the three species and has a gray body with a black face mask. This species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
All three species of Cardinalis are seed-eating birds that prefer to feed on the ground. They can often be seen in gardens, parks, and other open areas. These birds are highly territorial and will defend their territories vigorously against intruders.
They are also known for their beautiful and melodic songs, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
12. Red Crossbill
The red crossbill is a small bird belonging to the finch family of Fringillidae. It is also known as the common crossbill due to its widespread distribution. These birds have a distinctively shaped beaks crossed at the tips.
This shape allows them to feed on the seeds found inside conifer cones and other fruits. With their crossed beaks, they can take hold of the seeds and pry them open, allowing them to access the nutritious food inside.
The red crossbill is a unique bird, with its crossed bill and specialized diet. They often fly in flocks, searching for food in coniferous forests and other secluded areas.
These birds are an essential part of the ecosystem, providing sustenance for other animals and helping to disperse seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. curvirostra |
13. Common Redpoll
The common redpoll, also known as the mealy redpoll, is a bird species in the finch family. It is typically found in the northern hemisphere, ranging from Greenland to the north of China and Alaska.
The common redpoll is closely related to the Arctic redpoll and shares many similar characteristics. However, the common redpoll has a slightly different range than its Arctic counterpart.
The common redpoll tends to breed further south than the Arctic redpoll, usually in habitats with thickets or shrubs. These habitats typically have dense vegetation covering them, and they shelter the birds from the elements.
The common redpoll typically forages in flocks and feeds on various seeds and insects. They are particularly fond of thistle and dandelion seeds. The common redpoll is a small bird, measuring between 10 and 14 centimeters in length.
Its plumage is mainly grey-brown, with some white on its flanks and a pinkish wash on its breast. The redpoll is a common sight in parts of its range, but its population is declining due to habitat loss and other human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. flammea |
14. Hepatic Tanager
The hepatic tanager is a medium-sized songbird species native to the Americas. It was previously classified in the Tanager family but is now recognized as part of the cardinal family.
This is due to similarities in the bird’s plumage and vocalizations to other family members. The hepatic tanager has a distinctive plumage: bright red head, dark wings, and tail, and white underparts.
Its vocalizations are also similar to other members of the cardinal family, being a mix of short whistles and longer, lyrical phrases.
Although it is now classified as part of the cardinal family, the hepatic tanager still stands out from other members due to its unique plumage and vocalizations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. flava |
15. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is easily distinguished by its brightly colored plumage.
The male-painted bunting is particularly striking due to its bright colors, which only occur during the second year of life. In the first year, the only way to differentiate between males and females is by close inspection.
This is because the colors of the first-year male are much duller than the mature male. The females also have a duller color than the mature males, but they are still brightly colored compared to other species of birds.
The painted bunting is an essential species in North American ecosystems, and its bright plumage makes it a beautiful sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
16. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird known for its migratory habits. Generally, it spends the winter months in Central America, Mexico, and Florida. It migrates north to breed in Canada and other parts of Eastern North America during the summer.
This species is one of the most widespread hummingbirds in North America, making it a famous sight for birdwatchers. The ruby-throated hummingbird has a distinctive red throat, which it uses to attract mates.
Males have bright red throats and a greenback, while females have white throats with some red dots.
Its wingspan is around 4.7 inches, and its diet consists mainly of nectar and insects. The species is known for its long-distance migrations, spanning 1,500 miles—the ruby-throated hummingbird journeys from Central America to Canada and back every year.
It can be spotted in backyards and gardens throughout Canada and the eastern United States during the summer months. The ruby-throated hummingbird is a vital pollinator, as its long bill allows it to reach the nectar in flowers that other birds may be unable to.
It is also an important food source for other animals, such as spiders, lizards, and mammals. All in all, the ruby-throated hummingbird is an impressive species of bird that is admired by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Its migratory habits and beautiful plumage make it a fascinating species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
17. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the familiar flicker, is a bird from the woodpecker family. This species is native to many areas of North America, including parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is distinctive from other woodpeckers in that it is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate. The northern flicker is a medium-sized bird, usually 25-30 cm long. Its wingspan is typically around 40-50 cm, and its weight is around 110-150g.
Its plumage is varied, with a grey head, brown back and wings, and white underparts. Males are generally red or yellow underneath their tails, while females are usually grey or white. The northern flicker has a distinctive call, described as a “wick-a-doo.”
This call is used to communicate with other flickers, ess alarm generally or attr, act a mate.
Its diet consists of insects, such as ants, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as fruits, nuts, and berries. The northern flicker can be found in woodland areas, parks, and residential areas across North America.
During the summer, the flicker will migrate to the northern parts of the continent. The birds will travel in flocks during migration, though the flock size can vary greatly.
Once they reach their destination, the flicker will typically remain in the same area until the next migration season. The northern flicker is a common sight throughout its range.
It is not listed as a species of conservation concern, though its population is declining due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
18. Eastern Towhee
The eastern towhee is a large sparrow native to North America. It is one of several species commonly referred to as “towhees.”
In recent years, the taxonomy of the towhees has been debated, and it was once thought that the eastern towhee and the spotted towhee were the same species – the rufous-sided towhee.
The eastern towhee lives in brushy areas across the eastern part of North America, including in deciduous and coniferous forests, woodlands, thickets, and suburban gardens. The birds nest in low shrubs and thickets, often in dense cover.
The eastern towhee’s diet consists of insects, seeds, berries, and other vegetation. It forages on the ground, scratching and digging for food with its bill. The eastern towhee is an essential species for its role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. erythrophthalmus |
19. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird found in North America. It has blue-grey upperparts with cinnamon-colored underparts. The nuthatch has a white throat and face with a black stripe running through the eyes.
Its bill is straight and grey and has a black crown. The call of the red-breasted nuthatch has been compared to the sound of a tin trumpet, which is high-pitched and nasal.
It is a familiar sound in North American forests and woodlands and is often heard before the bird is seen. The red-breasted nuthatch is an active bird in the treetops and is usually seen climbing up and down tree trunks or probing for food in crevices.
It feeds mainly on insects, spiders, seeds, and nuts and is a valuable bird for controlling insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
20. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a species of woodpecker native to North America. It is easily recognizable due to its large size and primarily black plumage.
It feeds mainly on insects, foraging through deciduous forests in eastern North America, the Great Lakes region, the boreal forests of Canada, and parts of the Pacific Coast.
It is a solitary bird, typically found alone or in pairs. The pileated woodpecker is a large bird with a length of up to 17 inches and a wingspan of up to 28 inches. Its large size and striking black plumage make it easy to identify.
Its head is black with a white line along its neck, and its back is black with white streaks. Its wings and tail are black, and its underparts are white.
Its bill is long and powerful, and its feet are zygodactyl, meaning that two of its toes point forward and two point backward. The pileated woodpecker is an insectivore, mainly feeding on ants, beetles, and wood-boring larvae.
It forages through deciduous forests, searching for food on trees and logs and in the ground. In eastern North America, it is found from Maine to Florida, west to the Great Lakes region, and north to the boreal forests of Canada.
It is also found in parts of the Pacific Coast, from British Columbia to California. The pileated woodpecker is usually seen alone or in pairs. It nests in cavities of trees, and its loud call can be heard echoing through the forest.
It is an essential species in the ecosystem, as it helps control insect populations that can damage trees. It is also a keystone species, providing habitat for other birds, mammals, and reptiles.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
21. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is beautiful throughout most of North America and large parts of Central America. It is a member of the Icteridae family, comprising many other types of blackbirds, orioles, meadowlarks, and grackles.
The red-winged blackbird is a passerine bird, which means it is a perching bird with an upright stance and three toes facing forward and one toe facing backward. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 8-10 inches long and weighing 1-3 ounces.
It is mainly black, with red and yellow patches on its wings and tail. It has a long, pointed bill with a slightly curved upper mandible. The male red-winged blackbird is distinct, with a bright red shoulder patch and yellow stripe.
The female is dull in color and lacks the red and yellow patches of the male. The red-winged blackbird is a very social species, often found in large flocks throughout its range. It feeds on a variety of insects, seeds, and grains.
It is also well known for its loud and melodious song, which can be heard throughout the day during the breeding season. The red-winged blackbird is an essential species in its ecosystem, helping to keep insect populations in check and providing food for other animals.
It is also an important species to many birdwatchers, providing an exciting subject for observation and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
22. Red-throated Loon
The red-throated loon, also known as the red-throated diver, is an aquatic bird in the northern hemisphere. It is a migratory species that can be found breeding in Arctic regions and wintering in northern coastal waters.
This species is the most widely distributed of the loon or diver family and can be found across various habitats. They are elegant birds with red throats and undersides that can be seen in flight. They have a black back and head and a white belly.
They have short, stout bills and long, pointed wings, which help them to fly long distances when they migrate.
They can swim in the water and often dive for food. The red-throated loon is an important species to the Arctic ecosystem, playing a role in the food chain by feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
They also lay their eggs on the shorelines of lakes and ponds, providing food for predatory birds. The red-throated loon is under threat due to human activities such as overfishing and pollution.
To help protect this species, conservation efforts are needed to reduce human impacts on their environment and ensure their habitats remain suitable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. stellata |
23. Arctic Redpoll
The Arctic redpoll, also known as the hoary redpoll, is a species of bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae.
It is found in tundra birch forests and is divided into two subspecies – A. h. horseman of Greenland and neighboring parts of Canada and A. h. exiles, found in northern North America and the Palearctic tundra.
The Arctic redpoll is a small bird with a bright red forehead, a white face, brown wings, and a white tail. Its body is mainly grey with darker barring, and its tail is tipped with black.
Its diet consists of tiny seeds, buds, and insects. It breeds in summer and builds its nest in a large bush or tree. The Arctic redpoll has two distinct subspecies. The A. H. horseman is found in Greenland and adjacent parts of Canada.
It has a greyer plumage and a longer bill than A. h. exilipes. The A. h. exilipes subspecies is found in the tundra of North America and the Palearctic.
It is a much paler version of the Arctic redpoll, with a red forehead and a white face. The Arctic redpoll is a hardy bird that can withstand the hostile tundra. It is also quite adaptable, making it a very successful species.
Its population is considered stable, with no significant threats to its existence.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. hornemanni |
Conclusion
The red bird population in Illinois is a diverse and impressive one, with a variety of species present throughout the state. From the northern cardinal to the rose-breasted grosbeak, there is a wide range of birds to observe and appreciate.
With a suitable habitat and resources, red birds can thrive in Illinois and provide a great viewing experience for both bird watchers and nature lovers.