20+ Small Birds With Red Head

If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of a tiny bird with a flash of red on its head, you know how captivating these little creatures can be.

Small birds with red heads add a vibrant splash of color to forests, backyards, and gardens, catching your eye with every quick flutter.

Whether you’re an avid birder, a backyard bird feeder enthusiast, or someone who simply loves nature’s little surprises, learning about these striking birds can make your outdoor experiences even richer.

You might be surprised to discover how many small bird species have brilliant red crowns, caps, or faces. From North America’s familiar House Finch to the exotic Crimson Chat of Australia, these birds stand out against green foliage or snowy backdrops alike. Some sport subtle red patches, while others boast full crimson crowns that shimmer in the sun.

In this guide, you’ll meet over 20 small birds with red heads.

You’ll get to know what makes each species special — their appearance, where you can find them, what they eat, and a few fun facts that make them so delightful to watch.

To help you spot them, you’ll also find helpful details like wingspan, length, and weight. So grab your binoculars, fill up your feeder, and get ready to meet some of nature’s most eye-catching feathered gems!

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1. House Finch

The House Finch is probably one of the first small red-headed birds you’ll spot near your backyard feeder. These adaptable birds thrive in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike. The males are especially easy to spot with their rosy red heads and breasts that seem to glow in the sunlight.

House Finches love seeds and fruits, often gathering in small flocks and chirping cheerfully from power lines or garden shrubs. You’ll often see them at your feeder, especially if you offer black oil sunflower seeds.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
• Wingspan: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
• Length: 12.5–15 cm (5–6 inches)
• Weight: 16–27 grams (0.6–1 ounce)
• Range: North America, especially the United States and parts of Mexico

Male House Finches owe their red feathers to pigments in their food. The more berries and colorful fruits they eat, the brighter their plumage becomes. This splash of color helps them attract mates and defend small territories.

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2. Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a bold, unmistakable bird that sports an entirely red head contrasting with its crisp black and white body. Unlike some other woodpeckers that only have a red cap or patch, the Red-headed Woodpecker’s entire head glows bright crimson.

These birds are energetic and often acrobatic, catching insects mid-air or hammering away at tree trunks in search of larvae. They also store food like nuts and insects in crevices for later.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
• Wingspan: 42.5 cm (16.7 inches)
• Length: 19–23 cm (7.5–9 inches)
• Weight: 56–91 grams (2–3.2 ounces)
• Range: Eastern and Central North America

Red-headed Woodpeckers prefer open woodlands, orchards, and forest edges. Sadly, they’re declining in some areas due to habitat loss, so if you spot one, consider yourself lucky!

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3. Scarlet Tanager

When spring and summer arrive in eastern forests, the Scarlet Tanager is among the most dazzling birds you can spot. Males sport brilliant scarlet bodies with contrasting black wings and tails, and while their head isn’t fully red like others on this list, the deep crimson shade covers most of their small frame.

Females look very different, wearing olive-green feathers instead. You’ll often hear their raspy song before you see them flitting high in the canopy.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea
• Wingspan: 25–30 cm (10–12 inches)
• Length: 16–19 cm (6–7.5 inches)
• Weight: 23–38 grams (0.8–1.3 ounces)
• Range: Eastern North America, migrates to South America for winter

To attract Scarlet Tanagers, keep your backyard wooded and full of native trees and shrubs that host caterpillars, their favorite food.

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4. Red-capped Cardinal

Native to South America, the Red-capped Cardinal is a tropical beauty with a vivid red head that seems almost painted on. Its sleek black and white body provides a sharp contrast, making the red crown stand out even more.

These birds prefer swampy areas, riverbanks, and tropical forests where they hop about on low branches looking for insects and fruits.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Paroaria gularis
• Wingspan: About 20 cm (8 inches)
• Length: 16.5 cm (6.5 inches)
• Weight: 20–25 grams (0.7–0.9 ounces)
• Range: Northern South America, especially near the Amazon basin

Despite their stunning looks, Red-capped Cardinals are fairly common in their range and can sometimes be spotted near villages and parks.

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5. Crimson Chat

If you ever find yourself in the Australian outback, keep an eye out for the Crimson Chat. This tiny, energetic bird flaunts a vivid red crown, breast, and belly, set off by brown wings and back.

Crimson Chats are nomadic and can appear suddenly in flocks when conditions are right. They feed on insects and small seeds, foraging low on the ground or among shrubs.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Epthianura tricolor
• Wingspan: 20–22 cm (8–8.7 inches)
• Length: 10–13 cm (4–5 inches)
• Weight: 10–11 grams (0.35–0.4 ounces)
• Range: Mainland Australia, especially arid and semi-arid regions

These birds often nest after heavy rains when food is plentiful, filling the dry landscapes with flashes of red.

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6. Vermilion Flycatcher

The Vermilion Flycatcher is one of the most striking birds you’ll find across the American Southwest and parts of Central and South America. Males are famous for their brilliant scarlet-red crown and underparts, with contrasting dark brown wings and back.

These small flycatchers love open spaces like deserts, savannas, and parklands, often perching conspicuously on fences or low branches to sally out and catch insects mid-air.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Pyrocephalus obscurus
• Wingspan: 20–23 cm (7.9–9 inches)
• Length: 13–14 cm (5–5.5 inches)
• Weight: 11–14 grams (0.4–0.5 ounces)
• Range: Southwestern United States to South America

Despite their vivid color, they can be surprisingly hard to spot when perched among bright flowers or sunlit leaves. If you see a tiny red flash darting after a bug, you’ve probably found one!

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7. Acorn Woodpecker

With its clown-like face and bright red cap, the Acorn Woodpecker is an unmistakable resident of western North America and Central America. These social birds are famous for storing acorns in “granary trees” — old trees riddled with thousands of tiny holes stuffed with acorns.

Both males and females have a striking red crown, glossy black back, and a white face with black patches around the eyes, giving them a masked appearance.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Melanerpes formicivorus
• Wingspan: 35–43 cm (13.8–17 inches)
• Length: 21 cm (8.3 inches)
• Weight: 85–90 grams (3–3.2 ounces)
• Range: Western North America to Panama

Watch for these quirky birds in oak woodlands, where they gather in noisy, cooperative family groups.

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8. Red-breasted Sapsucker

A member of the woodpecker family, the Red-breasted Sapsucker is a small, vibrant bird with a brilliant red head and upper chest. Its back is mostly black with white patches, and it’s named for its habit of drilling neat rows of sap wells in tree bark.

These birds sip the leaking sap and also eat the insects attracted to it. They’re important for the ecosystem since other birds and animals often feed at their sap wells too.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus ruber
• Wingspan: 37–41 cm (14.5–16 inches)
• Length: 19–21 cm (7.5–8.3 inches)
• Weight: 50–60 grams (1.8–2.1 ounces)
• Range: Pacific Coast of North America

They prefer coniferous forests and are often found in the western parts of the continent, from Alaska down to California.

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9. Cassin’s Finch

Another charming little bird with a red crown is the Cassin’s Finch, native to western North America’s coniferous forests. Males wear a rosy-red cap and throat, which fades into streaky brown on the back and wings.

Unlike the House Finch, the Cassin’s Finch prefers higher elevations and is often found foraging for seeds and buds in pine forests.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Haemorhous cassinii
• Wingspan: 25–26 cm (10 inches)
• Length: 15–16 cm (6–6.3 inches)
• Weight: 24–34 grams (0.8–1.2 ounces)
• Range: Western North America

Listen for their cheerful warbling song when hiking in the mountains during spring and summer.

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10. Redpoll

Redpolls are tiny finches from the far north, known for their bright red forehead patch and black chin. They have streaky brown bodies that blend well with snowy branches, but their red caps make them easy to identify in winter flocks.

These hardy birds thrive in Arctic and subarctic climates and often migrate southward in huge numbers during particularly harsh winters.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Acanthis flammea
• Wingspan: 20–25 cm (7.9–9.8 inches)
• Length: 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 inches)
• Weight: 12–16 grams (0.4–0.6 ounces)
• Range: Northern North America and Eurasia

Fill your feeders with nyjer or sunflower seeds to attract Redpolls during the colder months.

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11. Crimson Sunbird

A jewel of Asia’s gardens and forests, the Crimson Sunbird is small but dazzling. Males wear a brilliant red head and breast with touches of iridescent green or blue on the crown, depending on the light.

These birds hover like hummingbirds, sipping nectar from flowers and helping pollinate plants as they go.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Aethopyga siparaja
• Wingspan: About 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
• Length: 11 cm (4.3 inches)
• Weight: 5–8 grams (0.18–0.28 ounces)
• Range: South and Southeast Asia

If you travel to gardens or parks in India or Indonesia, keep an eye out for these dazzling red-and-green visitors among the blossoms.

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12. Northern Cardinal

One of North America’s favorite backyard birds, the Northern Cardinal is instantly recognizable. Males are brilliant red all over, including their crest and face, while females are a warm brown with reddish highlights.

They’re year-round residents and sing beautiful whistling songs from shrubs and treetops.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
• Wingspan: 25–31 cm (9.8–12.2 inches)
• Length: 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 inches)
• Weight: 42–48 grams (1.5–1.7 ounces)
• Range: Eastern and Central North America

Northern Cardinals are easily attracted to feeders with sunflower seeds and dense shrubs for nesting.

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13. Pine Grosbeak

The Pine Grosbeak is a gentle giant among finches. Males wear a soft raspberry-red head and chest with grayish wings and belly. These birds are calm and slow-moving, often feeding on buds and berries in northern forests.

They sometimes visit feeders in winter during irruptive years when food is scarce up north.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator
• Wingspan: 33 cm (13 inches)
• Length: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
• Weight: 52–78 grams (1.8–2.8 ounces)
• Range: Northern North America and Eurasia

If you’re lucky enough to spot them, watch how they tame the cold with their gentle presence and soft whistles.

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14. Purple Finch

Despite its name, the male Purple Finch is more raspberry-red than purple, with a bright red head and breast blending into brown wings. Females lack the red and wear streaky brown plumage.

These birds love mixed forests and backyard feeders stocked with sunflower seeds.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Haemorhous purpureus
• Wingspan: 22–26 cm (8.7–10 inches)
• Length: 12–16 cm (4.7–6.3 inches)
• Weight: 18–32 grams (0.6–1.1 ounces)
• Range: Eastern North America and parts of the West Coast

Purple Finches sometimes get mistaken for House Finches, but their more extensive raspberry wash sets them apart.

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15. Downy Woodpecker (Male)

Though not fully red-headed, the male Downy Woodpecker sports a bright red patch on the back of its head. This tiny woodpecker is North America’s smallest and one of its most widespread.

It’s easy to spot in backyards, where it taps at tree trunks and suet feeders alike.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Picoides pubescens
• Wingspan: 25–30 cm (10–12 inches)
• Length: 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 inches)
• Weight: 21–28 grams (0.7–1 ounce)
• Range: North America

The red patch is only present in males; females lack this bright spot but are just as busy drumming on trees for insects.

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16. Common Redstart

The Common Redstart is a charming small bird found across Europe and parts of Asia. Males are especially eye-catching with their slate-gray back, bright orange-red tail, and rusty-red breast and forehead.

They love open woodlands and parklands where they dart about catching insects in mid-air or flicking their tails to flush prey.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Phoenicurus phoenicurus
• Wingspan: 20–24 cm (7.9–9.4 inches)
• Length: 13–14.5 cm (5–5.7 inches)
• Weight: 11–19 grams (0.4–0.7 ounces)
• Range: Europe, Western Asia, wintering in Africa

If you visit old gardens or forests in Europe during spring, listen for the Redstart’s sweet, warbling song.

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17. Crimson Rosella (Juvenile)

The Crimson Rosella is a spectacular Australian parrot, and while adults are mostly bright red and blue, juveniles often have greenish backs with vivid red heads and chests starting to show through.

These birds love forests, parks, and gardens, and are often seen in flocks feeding on fruits, seeds, and flowers.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Platycercus elegans
• Wingspan: 32–37 cm (12.5–14.5 inches)
• Length: 36 cm (14 inches)
• Weight: 120–150 grams (4.2–5.3 ounces)
• Range: Eastern and Southeastern Australia

They’re social, noisy, and a delight to spot perched on garden feeders or high in eucalyptus trees.

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18. Red-faced Warbler

Tiny yet vibrant, the Red-faced Warbler is a striking songbird of pine-oak forests in Mexico and the southwestern United States. As the name suggests, its bright red face stands out dramatically against its gray back and white belly.

They spend much of their time flitting about branches, hunting insects and singing sweet warbles in shady groves.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Cardellina rubrifrons
• Wingspan: 19–20 cm (7.5–7.9 inches)
• Length: 13–14 cm (5–5.5 inches)
• Weight: 7–8 grams (0.25–0.28 ounces)
• Range: Southwestern U.S. to Central Mexico

Their red face and active behavior make them a favorite target for birdwatchers visiting high-elevation forests.

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19. Flame-colored Tanager

A tropical treat for birders, the male Flame-colored Tanager is blazing red-orange from head to belly, with black wings streaked with white. Found mostly in Mexico and Central America, these tanagers love pine-oak woodlands and mountain forests.

They feed on fruits, insects, and sometimes nectar, often foraging in pairs or mixed flocks.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Piranga bidentata
• Wingspan: About 30 cm (12 inches)
• Length: 18–19 cm (7–7.5 inches)
• Weight: 28–36 grams (1–1.3 ounces)
• Range: Mexico to Panama, occasional sightings in southern Arizona

Listen for their clear, sweet song drifting through the mountain mist.

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20. Red-headed Finch

The Red-headed Finch is a striking little bird from southern Africa. Males display a vivid crimson head contrasting with their heavily barred gray and white bodies. Females have duller heads but share the same striking pattern.

These finches often gather in large, noisy flocks around waterholes and grasslands.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Amadina erythrocephala
• Wingspan: About 20 cm (8 inches)
• Length: 14 cm (5.5 inches)
• Weight: 17–19 grams (0.6–0.7 ounces)
• Range: Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa

They mainly eat seeds and small insects, and are sometimes kept as cage birds due to their beauty and calm nature.

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21. Red Avadavat (Strawberry Finch)

Last but not least is the Red Avadavat, or Strawberry Finch — a tiny Asian bird that’s truly a living jewel. Males turn brilliant red during breeding season, sprinkled with white spots that look like tiny seeds on a strawberry.

They thrive in grasslands, rice paddies, and marshy areas.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Amandava amandava
• Wingspan: 15–17 cm (6–6.7 inches)
• Length: 9–10 cm (3.5–4 inches)
• Weight: 7–10 grams (0.25–0.35 ounces)
• Range: South and Southeast Asia

These birds are social, often moving in small flocks while feeding on grass seeds and insects.

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FAQs

1. Why do some small birds have red heads?
The red coloring often comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet — berries, insects, or plant matter rich in color. Bright red feathers can help attract mates and signal health.

2. How can I attract small red-headed birds to my yard?
Offer a variety of native plants that produce seeds and berries. Feeders stocked with sunflower seeds, nyjer, or suet help too. Providing water and shrubs for cover will make your yard even more inviting.

3. Are all birds with red heads males?
In many species, only the males are brightly colored to attract females, but some species like the Red-headed Woodpecker have both sexes equally vivid.

4. When is the best time to spot red-headed birds?
Spring and summer are ideal in many regions, as birds molt into bright breeding plumage. Winter flocks like Redpolls also bring splashes of red to snowy backyards.

5. Are any red-headed birds endangered?
Some, like the Red-headed Woodpecker, have declining populations due to habitat loss. Supporting local conservation and maintaining natural spaces helps protect them.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just someone who loves spotting flashes of color in the trees, small birds with red heads never fail to delight. They bring life and energy to forests, parks, and even your own backyard. From North America’s familiar House Finch to the vibrant Crimson Chat of Australia, these birds remind us how rich and varied nature can be.

Now that you’ve discovered over 20 small birds with red heads, keep your eyes open on your next walk, camping trip, or backyard break. A little splash of red might be perched on a branch right above you, ready to brighten your day. Fill your feeders, plant native shrubs, and keep your binoculars handy — these feathered gems are waiting to be found. Happy birdwatching!