I WONDER…. What’s the deal with red birds?
They’re flashy and bold, bright and brilliant. They’re the handful of dazzlingly red-plumaged birds of North America, standing in stark contrast to their more inconspicuously-colored bird brethren. They are the gorgeous and glorious red birds of summer: the northern cardinal, pyrrhuloxia, hepatic, scarlet and summer tanagers, and the blazing vermillion flycatcher.
While many of our male songbirds wear brighter feathers than their well-camouflaged female counterparts, most sport shades that also allow them to blend into shadows and leafy limbs - think yellows and shades of black and white. But it’s impossible to miss the flaming feathers of the handful of bright red birds that dare to demand attention. Why would these species be so much more conspicuous than other birds?
Red birds show off strength and savvy
Like so many adaptations, red color in birds is thought to be linked to sexual selection. Choosy females gauge the health and fitness of potential mates based on this showy plumage. Red feather pigments, called carotenoids, come from foods like wild grapes, dogwood fruit, and berries in a bird’s diet, so the deepest color is an indication of a well-fed and strong potential mate. And if such a bright bird can stay out of the clutches of predators despite the handicap of being so easy to see, it’s an indication of vigor, intelligence, and cunning - more great mate material!
Where can I see red birds?
Out of the over 800 bird species regularly found in North America, only a few have evolved to carry such vivid plumage. It’s worth seeking them out. If you’d like to see them, range information is available on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website, an amazing place for bird information online. During my recent visit to southern Arizona, I was lucky to spot the five species I’ve pictured here. Hopefully I can soon venture east to add a scarlet tanager to my list of bird delights!
I WONDER… How can I help these birdie beauties?
Several of these birds eat LOTS of insects, so eliminate the use of pesticides in your garden and encourage your cities and park districts to do the same.
These birds rely on intact habitat for feeding and nesting. Support efforts to preserve wild places and bring your tourist dollars to places that prioritize wildlife protection and wildlife tourism.
Many of these birds are migrants and are adversely affected by city lights that can cause fatal impacts with building. Visit the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) to learn more.
