Red birds are a sight to behold in Ontario, Canada.
From their fiery plumage to their melodious calls, these winged wonders have captured the hearts and imaginations of bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we will take a closer look at eight of the most stunning red birds found in Ontario, each with their own unique characteristics and quirks that make them a true marvel of the avian world.
So, whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, join us as we explore the vibrant world of Ontario’s red birds.
| Image | Name |
|---|---|
 | Northern Cardinal |
 | Scarlet Tanager |
 | Summer Tanager |
 | Pine Grosbeak |
 | Evening Grosbeak |
 | Red-winged Blackbird |
 | Common Redpoll |
 | American Goldfinch |
Types of Red Birds in Ontario
1. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a species of red bird native to Ontario, Canada.
It is easily identified by its bright red plumage, which is complemented by a black face and a crest of feathers.
Males have bright red breasts and heads, while females are a duller brownish-red color.
Cardinals are quite large compared to other birds in the same family, measuring between 21 and 23 centimeters in length.
They have a wingspan of around 35 centimeters.
Cardinals prefer to inhabit open woodlands and thickets, where they can forage for food and build their nests.
They are omnivorous, with a diet that primarily consists of seeds, fruits, and insects.
Cardinals can also be seen in suburban areas and gardens, where they may be attracted to bird feeders.
Cardinals are monogamous, meaning they mate for life, and they build cup-shaped nests with a variety of materials, such as grass and twigs.
2. Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is another species of red bird found in Ontario, Canada.
This species is slightly smaller than the cardinal, measuring between 17 and 18 centimeters in length and having a wingspan of around 27 centimeters.
It is characterized by its bright red body, black wings, and yellow-green tail.
Males have bright red bodies, while females are a duller yellow-green color.
Scarlet Tanagers inhabit deciduous forests and woodlands, as well as edges of suburban areas.
They feed on insects, fruits, and berries.
They nest in trees and shrubs, generally preferring conifers.
Their nest is constructed from twigs, grass, and other plant material.
They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
3. Summer Tanager
The Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) is a species of red bird native to Ontario, Canada.
It is slightly smaller than the Scarlet Tanager, measuring between 16 and 17 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 28 centimeters.
It is identified by its bright red body and black wings.
Males have bright red bodies, while females are a duller yellow-brown color.
Summer Tanagers inhabit open woodlands and shrubby areas, where they feed on insects, fruits, and berries.
They prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, usually favoring conifers.
Their nest is constructed from twigs, grass, and other plant material.
They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
4. Pine Grosbeak
The Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) is a species of red bird native to Ontario, Canada.
It is slightly larger than the Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, measuring between 18 and 21 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 33 centimeters.
It is identified by its bright red body and black wings.
Males have bright red bodies, while females are a duller yellow-brown color.
Pine Grosbeaks inhabit coniferous forests, where they feed on fruits, buds, and insects.
They prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, usually favoring conifers.
Their nest is constructed from twigs, grass, and other plant material.
They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
5. Evening Grosbeak
The Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) is a species of red bird native to Ontario, Canada.
It is a large bird, measuring between 22 and 24 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 40 centimeters.
It is identified by its bright yellow head and chest and a black shoulder patch.
Males have a bright yellow head and chest, while females are a duller yellow-brown color.
Evening Grosbeaks inhabit coniferous or mixed woodlands, where they feed on seeds, berries, and insects.
They prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, usually favoring conifers.
Their nest is constructed from twigs, grass, and other plant material.
They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
6. Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a species of red bird native to Ontario, Canada.
It is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 18 and 21 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 30 centimeters.
It is identified by its bright red shoulder patch and black body.
Males have a bright red shoulder patch, while females are a duller brown color.
Red-winged Blackbirds inhabit fields, marshes, and wetlands, where they feed on insects, seeds, and berries.
They prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, usually favoring conifers.
Their nest is constructed from grass, twigs, and other plant material.
They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
7. Common Redpoll
The Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea) is a species of red bird native to Ontario, Canada.
It is a small bird, measuring between 12 and 14 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 21 centimeters.
It is identified by its bright red forehead and black mask.
Males have a bright red forehead and black mask, while females are a duller yellow color.
Common Redpolls inhabit open woodlands, fields, and marshes, where they feed on seeds and insects.
They prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, usually favoring conifers.
Their nest is constructed from grass, twigs, and other plant material.
They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
8. American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is a species of red bird native to Ontario, Canada.
It is a small bird, measuring between 11 and 13 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 20 centimeters.
It is identified by its bright yellow body and black wings.
Males have bright yellow bodies, while females are a duller yellow color.
American Goldfinches inhabit open woodlands, fields, and marshes, where they feed on seeds and insects.
They prefer to nest in trees and shrubs, usually favoring conifers.
Their nest is constructed from grass, twigs, and other plant material.
They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
Conclusion
Ontario’s red birds are a testament to the stunning diversity of the avian world.
From the iconic red cardinal to the lesser-known scarlet tanager, each species possesses its own unique characteristics and quirks that make it a true marvel of nature.
Through their vibrant plumage, melodic songs, and fascinating behaviors, these birds remind us of the beauty and wonder that exists all around us.
As we continue to appreciate and protect the natural world, let us never forget the incredible red birds that call Ontario home.
So, whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply someone who appreciates the splendor of the natural world, take a moment to admire the stunning red birds of Ontario, and be inspired by the breathtaking diversity of our planet’s feathered friends.
FAQ
What is the smallest red bird in Ontario?
The smallest red bird in Ontario is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They are about 3-4 inches long and have bright red feathers on their throat.
Are all red birds in Ontario year-round residents?
No, not all red birds in Ontario are year-round residents. Some species, like the Scarlet Tanager, only spend the breeding season in Ontario and migrate south for the winter.
What is the difference between a male and female Northern Cardinal?
Male Northern Cardinals have bright red plumage, while females are mostly gray with a reddish tint on their wings and tail. Additionally, male Northern Cardinals have a black masks on their face, which females lack.
What is the rarest red bird in Ontario?
The rarest red bird in Ontario is the Red Crossbill, a bird with a unique curved bill that it uses to extract seeds from pine cones. While they are occasionally seen in Ontario, they are not common.
Do all red birds in Ontario have a red plumage?
No, not all red birds in Ontario have red plumage. Some species, like the Pine Grosbeak, have a reddish-pink plumage, while others, like the Red-breasted Nuthatch, have a reddish-brown plumage.
What is the most distinctive feature of the Scarlet Tanager?
The most distinctive feature of the Scarlet Tanager is its bright red plumage, which makes it easy to spot in the forest. Male Scarlet Tanagers are bright red with black wings, while females are yellowish-green with gray wings.
What is the largest red bird in Ontario?
The largest red bird in Ontario is the Red-tailed Hawk. They have a wingspan of up to 55 inches and are often seen soaring over fields and forests.
Last Updated on March 22, 2023 by Lily Aldrin
