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18 Red Birds That Live In Kentucky

Kentucky is home to a diverse range of bird species, including some of the most vibrant and striking birds found in North America. One such species is the red bird, which is known for its fiery crimson plumage and distinct markings.

Also known as the Northern Cardinal, red birds are a common sight in Kentucky’s gardens, parks, and woodlands, making them an important part of the state’s avian community.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics, habitat, and behavior of these stunning birds in Kentucky’s bird list.

1. Northern Cardinal

Northern cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird, easily identified by its bright red plumage. It can be found in the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota and south through Mexico and Belize.

Along with its striking colouration, it has a distinctive crest on its head and sharp black facial markings around the eyes.

Despite their small size (measuring 7-9 inches) they are very vocal birds – males sing persistently throughout springtime to attract mates or proclaim their territory.

They typically feed on insects, seeds and fruits but also enjoy suet at backyard bird feeders.

The female is less brightly coloured than her mate but still stands out among other songbirds due to her warm brownish-red feathers.

Cardinals pair for life so you may often see them together in your garden or neighbourhood park.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Cardinalidae
Genus Cardinalis
Species C. cardinalis

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2. American Robin

American robin

The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.

It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.

This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.

They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.

Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Turdidae
Genus Turdus
Species T. migratorius

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3. Blue Jay

Blue jay

The Blue Jay is a beautiful bird that resides in eastern and central United States, as well as Newfoundland Canada.

They have an unmistakable blue colored plumage with white markings on their heads and wings.

These birds are highly adaptable to different habitats ranging from deciduous forests to urban areas.

As part of the Corvidae family, they are known for being intelligent problem solvers who will often use tools or mimic vocalizations of other species like hawks when defending their territories.

Their diet consists mostly of insects, seeds and nuts but can also include small vertebrates such as frogs or lizards if food resources become scarce.

Overall these birds provide much needed color to our environment while playing important roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems through pollination services and seed dispersal activities.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Corvidae
Genus Cyanocitta
Species C. cristata

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4. Downy Woodpecker

Downy woodpecker

The downy woodpecker is a small species of woodpecker found in North America. Growing up to 7 inches long, it can be identified by its white belly and spotted wings.

It inhabits forests throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and northern tundra.

This bird nests in tree cavities and feeds mostly on insects but will supplement its diet with fruit or nuts when available.

The Downy Woodpecker has an unmistakable call that sounds like a loud ‘pik-er’, similar to other members of its family such as the Hairy Woodpecker.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Dryobates
Species D. pubescens

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5. Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied woodpecker

The Red-bellied woodpecker is a beautiful bird with an orange-red crown and nape. It breeds mainly in the eastern United States, ranging from Florida to Canada.

This medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae has black wings, white stripes on its back and tail feathers that are barred with black.

Its underside is mostly pale yellow or white but it also features some red coloration around its neck area.

Despite this subtle red hue, it should not be mistaken for the entirely red head and neck belonging to the Red-headed woodpecker of the same genus Melanerpes carolinus.

The Red bellied Woodpeckers diet consists primarily of insects such as ants, beetles and grasshoppers along with nuts fruits berries and tree sap which they will feed upon during different times throughout their life cycle.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Melanerpes
Species M. carolinus

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6. House Finch

House finch

The House Finch is a species of finch native to western North America and has been introduced in the eastern half of the continent as well as Hawaii.

It’s an average-sized finch with adults measuring 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 6 inches) long and having wingspans between 20 – 25 cm (8 – 10 inches).

The upperparts are brown, while its underparts range from pale grayish white to yellow depending on subspecies.

Its face is streaked or spotted with reddish coloration; males typically have brighter plumage than females due to sexual dimorphism.

They’re mostly found near human habitations such as farms and gardens where they feed on grains, fruits, insects etc., making them very popular among birders who want something colorful for their backyard.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Haemorhous
Species H. mexicanus

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7. Red-Winged Blackbird

Red-winged blackbird

The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.

Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.

It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.

For food they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.

They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Icteridae
Genus Agelaius
Species A. phoeniceus

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8. Barn Swallow

Barn swallow

The Barn Swallow is a beautiful passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail. Found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

It has an astonishingly large natural distribution spanning 251 million square kilometres globally; likely making it one of the world’s most widespread species.

This swallow typically nests near human habitation as well as other open areas such as fields or grasslands which provide them with suitable invertebrate prey to feed on.

They are insectivorous birds that often fly together in flocks looking for food over rivers or marshes usually just above tree-top level.

The barn swallow can also be identified by its strong flight consisting of swift continuous wing beats interspersed with glides during which they hold their wings slightly raised at the shoulders giving them distinct V shaped silhouettes in the sky.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Hirundinidae
Genus Hirundo
Species H. rustica

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9. Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated woodpecker

The pileated woodpecker is a large, majestic bird native to North America.

Its striking black plumage and red crest make it an unmistakeable sight in the forest canopy of deciduous forests across eastern North America, Great Lakes region, Canada’s boreal forests, and parts of the Pacific Coast.

It is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America: larger than any other confirmed species except for perhaps its relative; the ivory-billed woodpecker.

Insectivorous by nature, this stunning creature can be seen pecking away at tree trunks searching for food or making nest cavities – all with remarkable skill.

The pileated woodpecker truly stands out as a symbol of beauty and resilience amongst our avian wildlife.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Dryocopus
Species D. pileatus

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10. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a species of hummingbird that has an impressive migration pattern, spending the winter in Central America, Mexico and Florida before flying to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for breeding season.

It’s by far the most common type seen east of the Mississippi River in North America.

Formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this tiny bird has bright metallic green upperparts with white underparts, a small black bill and a red throat patch which gives it its name; they measure around 3 inches long on average.

They feed primarily on nectar from flowers but also eat insects such as flies or mosquitoes for extra protein during their migrations or when raising young chicks.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Apodiformes
Family Trochilidae
Genus Archilochus
Species A. colubris

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11. Red-Headed Woodpecker

Red-headed woodpecker

The red-headed woodpecker is a mid-sized bird found in temperate North America. It has striking plumage, with its head and neck being bright red while the rest of its body is primarily black and white.

Its wings are rounder than other similar species, allowing it to maneuver through tight spaces easily when searching for food or shelter.

The breeding habitat of this bird consists mainly of open fields across Canada and the east-central United States.

Despite facing threats such as deforestation, urbanization, predation from larger birds, collisions with windows or cars due to their inquisitive nature.

These birds remain listed on IUCN’s Red List as least concern thanks largely in part to conservation efforts by local governments and organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife habitats.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Melanerpes
Species M. erythrocephalus

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12. Purple Finch

Purple finch

The Purple Finch is a species of finch from North America, belonging to the Fringillidae family.

It’s also known as an “American Rosefinch” due to its resemblance in color and size to some European rosefinches.

Their plumage ranges from pinkish-purple on their heads and wings, with a light brown underside.

They are small birds that measure about 5-6 inches long with short thin beaks for eating seeds and insects.

In addition, they have thick round bodies which help them stay warm during cold winters in the northern parts of their range.

The Purple Finch has adapted well over time making it easier for them to survive even though there are increasing threats posed by humans such as deforestation or habitat destruction caused by development projects near their habitats.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Haemorhous
Species H. purpureus

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13. Scarlet Tanager

Scarlet tanager

The Scarlet Tanager is a beautiful medium-sized bird found in parts of North and South America. It belongs to the Cardinal family, and has striking red plumage with black wings and tail feathers.

Its song is similar to other cardinals yet also unique in its own way – it’s recognizable by its high whistles that become lower towards the end.

The species feeds mainly on insects as well as berries from trees or shrubs during breeding season, when they may form loose flocks over open woodlands foraging for food.

They are highly territorial birds during nesting season which happens between April and June each year; both males and females fiercely defend their nests against intruders such as cats or squirrels.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Cardinalidae
Genus Piranga
Species P. olivacea

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14. Common Redpoll

Common redpoll

The Common Redpoll is a species of bird belonging to the finch family. It has an orange-red crown, white breast and grey back with two black stripes running down either side.

Its wings are barred in browns and its tail feathers have a grayish tinge at their tips. The redpoll breeds mainly south from Arctic regions in habitats that contain shrubs or thickets.

First classified by Linnaeus in 1758 under the binomial name Fringilla flammea, it’s genus Acanthis originates from Ancient Greek akantha meaning “thorn” or “prickle”.

This small yet colourful bird feeds mainly on seeds such as thistles during summer months but switches over to birch catkins when winter arrives – making them a common sight throughout much of North America and Eurasia.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Acanthis
Species A. flammea

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15. Red Crossbill

Red crossbill

The Red Crossbill is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family. It has distinctively crossed mandibles, which it uses to extract seeds from conifer cones and other fruits.

This species can be identified by its vivid colouring; males are red or orange in hue whilst females tend to have more green or yellow feathers.

Furthermore, there is considerable variation between individuals of this species when it comes to their beaks size and shape as well as their calls—which range from short trills through chirps and harsh cackles up until loud rattling sounds at times.

They’re an interesting sight in many parts of Europe, particularly during winter months where they often feed on pine cone seeds that drop down onto lower branches of trees.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Loxia
Species L. curvirostra

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16. Two-Barred Crossbill

Two-barred crossbill

The Two-barred crossbill is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae.

It gets its scientific name, Loxia leucoptera, from Ancient Greek – with ‘Loxia’ meaning ‘crosswise’ and ‘leucoptera’ translating to “white-winged” in reference to its white wings.

The species has two subspecies: the white-winged crossbill (Loxia leucoptera leucoptera) that can be found in North America and the two bar crossbill (Loxia leucocephala) which inhabits Europe, Asia as well as parts of northern Africa.

These birds feed mainly on conifer seeds but have also been seen consuming insects such as beetles or caterpillars during breeding season when food resources are scarce for their young ones.

They construct nests made out of twigs near trunks of spruce trees where they lay 2–6 eggs at one time.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Loxia
Species L. leucoptera

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17. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted grosbeak

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a large, brightly coloured bird belonging to the Cardinal family. Males have black heads and wings, with white breasts boasting a bright rose patch.

Females are more muted in colouring being mostly buffy brown or greyish overall but still featuring the distinctive rose breast patch.The two sexes also exhibit marked sexual dimorphism.

These birds inhabit open woodlands across North America where they feed on seeds gleaned from foliage as well as fruits such as cherries and blueberries during their breeding season which runs from April through August each year.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Cardinalidae
Genus Pheucticus
Species P. ludovicianus

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18. Northern Flicker

Northern flicker

The Northern flicker is a woodpecker species found in North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. This medium-sized bird is known for its unique migration behavior.

Over 100 common names are used to refer to the Northern flicker, one of them being “yellowhammer”. It is a beautiful bird with distinctive markings and a colorful plumage.

The Northern flicker is an important species in its ecosystem and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy balance in the environment.

Despite being a woodpecker, the Northern flicker has a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, and seeds.

It is fascinating to observe this bird as it pecks at trees in search of food, communicates with its unique vocalizations and performs its incredible aerial displays.

The Northern flicker is truly a remarkable bird species that is worthy of our admiration and protection.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Colaptes
Species C. auratus

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