Missouri is home to spectacular red birds like the Northern Cardinal, known for its brilliant red plumage and ubiquitous presence at feeders. The Scarlet Tanager impresses with its deep red and black coloring, found in lush canopies. The Red-bellied Woodpecker, despite its misleading name, displays a striking red cap. Another vibrant bird, the Vermilion Flycatcher showcases a bright red body, favoring dry habitats. The Summer Tanager, exclusively red in males, graces Missouri's open woodlands. Each species not only enriches the local avifauna but also enhances birdwatching opportunities for enthusiasts. Discovering more about these birds could further your appreciation of Missouri's wildlife.
Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal, distinguished by the male's vivid red plumage and both genders' pronounced crests, is a perennial favorite among Missouri's avian residents.
This species, marked by the male's bright red feathers and black mask, thrives across various habitats in Missouri.
Attracted to sunflower seeds, these birds are a common, delightful sight at local feeders, enhancing the state's natural aesthetic year-round.
Scarlet Tanager

Often seen in the lush canopies of Missouri's larger forests, the Scarlet Tanager captivates with its vivid red plumage during the breeding season. These bright red birds, mostly adult males, flaunt their striking red appearance in eastern North America.
With a thick bill and a preference for nesting near berry plants, the Scarlet Tanager is a splendid sight in verdant habitats.
Red-bellied Woodpecker

While the Scarlet Tanager prefers the canopy, another striking bird, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, is more frequently spotted around Missouri's bird feeders. Sporting distinctive red caps, these woodpeckers are common visitors, drawn to suet, peanuts, and seeds.
Despite their name, their belly is not truly red but a subtle pale pink or buff, adding a unique touch to their appearance.
Vermilion Flycatcher

Vibrant and eye-catching, Vermilion Flycatchers captivate observers with their striking red plumage.
Native to the Southern U.S. and Mexico, these birds prefer dry scrublands and engage in flashy courtship displays.
Males, distinguished by their vivid red underparts, impress females by presenting insect gifts.
Although less colorful, females feature pinkish-red underparts, adding to the visual allure of these distinctive avians.
Summer Tanager

The Summer Tanager, recognized for its strikingly red male plumage and greenish-yellow females, is a medium-sized songbird that inhabits open woodlands across Missouri during its breeding season. These birds showcase completely red plumage in males and are noted for their distinctive song.
Their migration habits include travel through the southern U.S., Mexico, and South America, stopping in similar habitats along the way.
Purple Finch

Adorning Missouri's winter landscape, Purple Finches display raspberry-red plumage that distinguishes them from other local birds. These efficient seed eaters are drawn to feeders in Missouri, showcasing their specialized beak ideal for cracking seeds.
Females exhibit white and brown streaks. Preferring conifer trees for habitat, these birds add vibrant color and dynamic activity to the snowy settings of Missouri winters.
House Finch

House Finches, with males exhibiting red heads and upper breasts, are a common sight in Missouri's urban and suburban areas. These birds, distinguishable by their notched tails and conical beaks, are attracted to black oil sunflower seeds.
Both males and females are common visitors at feeders, where they enjoy a diet that includes various seeds and plant materials, making them a delightful sight for bird watchers.
Painted Bunting

Painted Buntings, noted for their vivid multi-colored plumage, are medium-sized birds that breed primarily in the southern central and southeastern coastal areas of the United States.
These finch-like birds inhabit woodlands and brushy roadsides, where male mates showcase vibrant colors to attract partners.
Their breeding populations thrive in these habitats, contributing to the ecological diversity and visual spectacle of the region.
Red-headed Woodpecker

While Painted Buntings are known for their colorful appearance, the Red-headed Woodpecker captivates with its striking red head and distinctive black-and-white body pattern.
Native to Missouri, these woodpeckers face conservation concern due to habitat loss. They are recognized by their large red heads, recognizable calls, and bold patterning.
Attracting them to feeders is common, providing a delightful sight for bird enthusiasts in the region.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Admired for their melodious singing, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are a common sight in Missouri, easily recognizable by their striking coloration and robust build.
Males boast black backs with a vivid red breast, while females are streaked and frequent feeders for sunflower seeds.
These birds inhabit diverse habitats across Missouri, where their beautiful song resonates, making them a beloved presence among bird enthusiasts.
Common Redpoll

The Common Redpoll, a diminutive bird distinguished by its red forehead patch, frequents Missouri's winter feeders in search of tiny seeds. This small bird thrives on Nyjer and sunflower seeds, often found in weedy fields, showcasing its distinctive appearance.
Birdwatchers delight in observing their behavior, as they can consume up to 42% of their body mass in seeds daily during cold months.
Red Crossbill

Red Crossbills, characterized by their unique crisscrossed bills, are adept at extracting seeds from conifer cones in Missouri's forests.
These sparrow-sized birds inhabit coniferous forests, with males displaying a striking red plumage and females a subtle yellowish coloration.
They primarily feed on pine cone seeds and are known to breed in the late summer, utilizing their specialized bills to access their food sources efficiently.
White-winged Crossbill

Similar to the Red Crossbill, the White-winged Crossbill also employs its specialized bill to adeptly extract seeds from pine cones.
This bird, found mainly in Canada and Alaska, features striking rose-pink plumage with distinctive white wing lines.
Able to consume thousands of conifer seeds daily, they occasionally visit feeders for sunflower seeds, showcasing their adaptability and importance in forest ecosystems.
Pine Grosbeak

Pine Grosbeaks, known for their robust and colorful appearance, are robin-sized finches adorned with striking red heads and distinctive plumage patterns. Sporting gray plumage with vibrant reds and whites, their diet of seeds and berries enhances their vivid coloring.
Notable features include white wing bars and dark gray wings, which contribute to their standout visual presence in their forested habitats.
Are the Types of Red Birds in Missouri Similar to the Types of Birds in Kansas?
Yes, the types of red birds in Missouri are similar to the types of birds in Kansas. Both states have a variety of red birds, including the northern cardinal, scarlet tanager, and summer tanager. These colorful birds can be found throughout the woodlands and urban areas of both Missouri and Kansas.
Pyrrhuloxia

Moving from the frostier habitats of the Pine Grosbeak, the Pyrrhuloxia thrives in the warmer climes of the southwestern United States, including Missouri.
Exhibiting gray plumage, the male Pyrrhuloxia features a striking red face, breast, and tail, while females display a duller gray with subtler red hues.
These birds typically inhabit mesquite savannas, riparian woodlands, and residential areas, blending beautifully into their environment.