Michigan’s red birds bring a surprising splash of color to forests, fields, and backyards across the state. Whether it’s the bold red of a Northern Cardinal on a snowy branch or the sudden appearance of a wandering Pine Grosbeak in winter, these birds are often easy to spot and hard to forget. Some, like the House Finch, are common sights at feeders, while others, like the crossbills, show up only occasionally and often unpredictably.
This mix of year-round residents, summer visitors, and winter irruptives makes red birds an interesting group to watch and learn about in Michigan. They live in a variety of habitats, from pine forests in the north to city neighborhoods in the south. Each species has its own story—how it feeds, nests, and survives through the seasons. This article takes a closer look at some of Michigan’s red birds, what makes them unique, and where to find them.
1. Northern Cardinal
- Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Size: 8-9 inches (21-23 cm)
- Weight: 1.5–1.7 ounces (42–48 grams)
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 inches (25-31 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stays year-round; does not migrate.
The Northern Cardinal is a familiar and well-loved bird throughout the eastern and central United States, including Michigan, where it is a year-round resident. The male’s brilliant red plumage and black facial mask make him instantly recognizable, especially against a winter backdrop.
Females are more muted, wearing warm brown tones with reddish highlights on the wings and crest. Cardinals have a sturdy, cone-shaped beak and a distinctive crest atop their head that often flicks with their mood or alertness.
Cardinals in Michigan nest in shrubs, dense thickets, and low branches. The female builds the nest alone—an open cup of twigs, grass, and leaves. They often raise multiple broods in a season, returning to the same general area if it proves safe and abundant with cover.
They mainly eat seeds, fruits, and buds, but insects are important during nesting. You’ll often see them at feeders, cracking sunflower seeds with ease. Their thick orange beak is perfect for this diet. During summer, they hunt caterpillars and beetles to feed their young.
Northern Cardinals have never been considered rare in Michigan. Their adaptability to suburban areas, plus widespread bird feeding, has helped them thrive. Once more southern, their range has expanded northward over the last century. No special conservation programs are needed, as their population remains healthy and widespread.
2. Summer Tanager
- Scientific name: Piranga rubra
- Life span: 4–6 years
- Size: 6.7–7.5 in / 17–19 cm
- Weight: 1.1–1.4 oz / 30–40 g
- Wingspan: 11–12 in / 28–30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late summer for Central and South America.
The Summer Tanager is the only entirely red bird in North America, and males truly stand out with their rich, all-over red plumage. They breed in the southern U.S. and are rare but regular breeders in the southernmost parts of Michigan. Females are a deep mustard-yellow and can be easily overlooked. These birds prefer wooded areas and are often heard singing before they are seen. The male’s uniform color, free from any markings, gives him a bold but elegant look.
Summer Tanagers are rare breeders in southern Michigan, nesting in oak woodlands or riparian forests. The female builds the nest on horizontal branches, often 10–20 feet up. The nest is a loose cup of grasses and plant stems, placed in areas with plenty of insect activity.
Their diet focuses heavily on insects, especially bees and wasps. They’re skilled at catching prey in midair or gleaning from leaves. They’ll also eat fruit later in the season. Their feeding habits are energetic but deliberate, favouring sunlit canopies and forest edges.
Though not common in Michigan, Summer Tanagers have been slowly expanding northward. They are monitored through breeding bird surveys, and rare sightings often excite local birders. As warmer summers become more frequent, their range may continue to shift. Habitat protection along forest edges will help support future populations.
3. Scarlet Tanager
- Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
- Life span: 5–10 years
- Size: 6.3–7.5 in / 16–19 cm
- Weight: 0.8–1.3 oz / 23–38 g
- Wingspan: 9.8–11.4 in / 25–29 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Departs by late August or early September.
The Scarlet Tanager is a breeding bird of the eastern deciduous forests, spending summers across the eastern U.S., including southern and central Michigan. Males are visually striking, with deep red bodies and jet-black wings and tails. Their colors appear almost tropical, yet they favour secluded forest canopies where they can remain hidden despite their brilliance.
Females are olive-yellow with darker wings and often go unnoticed. When in flight, the male’s contrast of red and black is especially dramatic and unmistakable.
Scarlet Tanagers prefer to nest high in the canopy of large deciduous trees. Their nests are shallow, loosely woven cups made of twigs and grasses, often placed far out on a horizontal branch. They favour mature forests where human disturbance is minimal during breeding.
They eat a variety of insects, especially during nesting. Beetles, wasps, caterpillars, and moths make up much of their summer diet. They also consume fruits like mulberries and wild cherries later in the season as insect abundance tapers off.
Scarlet Tanagers are relatively common in Michigan’s southern forests, but forest fragmentation is a serious concern. As mature forests are broken into smaller patches, their breeding success drops. Efforts to preserve large forest tracts and connect habitats have helped sustain stable populations in key areas.
4. House Finch
- Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
- Life span: 5–7 years
- Size: 5–6 in / 13–15 cm
- Weight: 0.6–0.9 oz / 16–27 g
- Wingspan: 8–10 in / 20–25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Year-round resident; rarely migrates.
Originally native to the western United States and Mexico, the House Finch has successfully expanded across the country, including Michigan, where it can be found year-round. Males are easily recognized by their rosy-red foreheads, throats, and chests, which gradually fade into streaked brown and gray bodies.
Females lack red coloration and are mostly brown with streaking. Both sexes have relatively long, slightly curved beaks and a notched tail. Their plumage often blends in, but the male’s red can shine in the right light.
House Finches often nest on ledges, in hanging planters, vents, and eaves—closely associating with people. They construct loose, messy nests from grasses, feathers, and bits of string. They’re highly adaptable and may breed multiple times a season if conditions are mild and food is reliable.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and buds, often including dandelion, sunflower, and cherry. At feeders, they prefer black-oil sunflower seeds. Unlike some songbirds, they’re almost entirely vegetarian and rarely eat insects, even when feeding chicks.
Originally from the western U.S., House Finches were introduced to the East in the 1940s. They’ve since spread widely, including throughout Michigan. While common now, they’ve struggled with a disease called eye conjunctivitis. Monitoring programs and public awareness have helped reduce its spread through cleaner bird feeder practices.
5. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
- Scientific name: Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Life span: 6-10 years
- Size: 7.1–8.7 in (18–22 cm)
- Weight: 1.4–1.8 oz (40–50 g)
- Wingspan: 11.4–13 in (29–33 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Migrates south in September.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks breed in the northern United States and parts of southern Canada, with Michigan falling well within their summer range. The males are striking birds, mostly black and white with a vivid, triangular splash of rose-red on their chest that seems to glow. Their white underparts and wing patches add to their contrast.
Females are heavily streaked brown with a bold white eyebrow stripe, giving them a very different appearance. Both sexes share a thick, pale bill that stands out on the face.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks nest in deciduous forests and woodlots across Michigan. The nest is usually placed on horizontal tree branches or shrubs, hidden by leaves. Both male and female may help build the open cup-shaped nest, which is often flimsy-looking but strong enough to support several chicks.
They feed on insects, seeds, and fruit. Insects dominate during nesting—especially beetles and caterpillars—but they readily eat seeds like sunflower and fruits like raspberries. At feeders, they crack seeds with ease using their strong, pale bill.
Populations in Michigan are stable, though they rely on healthy woodland habitats. They’re sensitive to forest clearing and may avoid areas with heavy development. Conservation has focused on maintaining tree cover, and many bird-friendly backyards in Michigan now help support them during migration and breeding.
6. White-winged Crossbill
- Scientific name: Loxia leucoptera
- Life span: 5–7 years
- Size: 5.7–6.7 in (14.5–17 cm)
- Weight: 0.9oz (25g)
- Wingspan: 9.4–11 in (24–28 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Irregular; leaves based on cone crop failure.
This species is a specialist of boreal coniferous forests and is most often seen in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, though it can appear more widely during irruption years. Males are reddish-pink with black wings that show bold white wing bars, while females are more yellowish with the same wing pattern. Their most notable feature is the crossed tips of their beak, which give them a distinctive profile. These birds often move in noisy flocks and can be seen perching atop spruce or fir trees.
These birds nest irregularly in Michigan, mostly in the Upper Peninsula, depending on spruce and fir cone crops. Nests are built in conifer branches, usually high up and well-camouflaged. They may nest even in winter if cone supplies are strong enough to support a brood.
Their diet consists almost entirely of conifer seeds, especially spruce. Their unique crossed bill allows them to pry open tightly closed cones. They forage acrobatically in tree canopies, often hanging upside-down or twisting their bodies to reach cones.
White-winged Crossbills are irruptive, meaning they appear in varying numbers depending on food supply. In strong cone years, they breed farther south, including parts of Michigan. Their populations fluctuate widely, but they aren’t currently considered at risk. Continued monitoring helps track irruption patterns and breeding locations.
7. Pine Grosbeak
- Scientific name: Pinicola enucleator
- Life span: Up to 9 years
- Size: 7.9–10 in (20–25.5 cm)
- Weight: 1.8–2.8 oz (52–78 g)
- Wingspan: 13 in (33 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by early spring if present.
The Pine Grosbeak is a northern bird of Canada and the boreal forest, with Michigan seeing them mostly in winter, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. Males are a gentle rose-red across the head, chest, and back, blending into gray on the wings and tail. Females and immature birds are more subdued, wearing a mix of gray and warm yellow or orange tones on the head and rump. They appear large and soft, with a calm demeanour and slow movements even in active flocks.
They rarely breed in Michigan but may do so in the far north. Nests are bulky cups of twigs and moss, placed in conifer trees near trunks. If breeding occurs, it’s usually during irruption years when food is abundant and weather conditions are favourable.
Pine Grosbeaks feed on seeds, buds, and berries. They especially enjoy mountain ash berries in winter and will also eat spruce buds and maple seeds. They forage slowly and deliberately, often seen in flocks during winter, feeding in trees or on the ground.
In Michigan, Pine Grosbeaks are considered irruptive winter visitors. Their numbers vary dramatically each year, depending on fruit and seed availability up north. They are not currently threatened, but climate change and habitat shifts in the boreal forest could affect their long-term distribution.
8. Red Crossbill
- Scientific name: Loxia curvirostra
- Life span: Up to 16 years
- Size: 5.1–6.5 in (13–17 cm)
- Weight: 1.3–1.9 oz (40–53 g)
- Wingspan: 10.6–11.4 in (27–29 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Irregular; may leave anytime if cones deplete.
Red Crossbills are nomadic birds found across North America wherever conifer seeds are abundant, including in Michigan, though their presence varies year to year. Males are generally brick-red or orange-red, with darker wings and a crossed bill that is unmistakable once seen. Females are more olive-yellow or dull greenish, also showing the curved bill. Their coloration can vary significantly, but males typically stand out with their rusty tones. These birds often travel in tight flocks and are heard before they are seen.
Red Crossbills may nest in Michigan’s conifer forests when cone crops are sufficient. They don’t follow a strict breeding season and can nest any time of year. Nests are usually built on horizontal conifer branches, made from twigs, moss, and lined with softer vegetation.
They specialize in conifer seeds, particularly from pine, spruce, and hemlock trees. Their unique crossed bills help them pry open cones with speed and precision. They often forage in flocks, communicating constantly with short, metallic-sounding calls as they move between trees.
Red Crossbills are difficult to monitor due to their nomadic habits and multiple call types. Michigan occasionally sees breeding activity during strong cone years. Though not endangered, their long-term prospects depend on healthy conifer forests. Conservation focus lies on maintaining forest diversity and natural cone production cycles.
9. Purple Finch
- Scientific name: Haemorhous purpureus
- Life span: Up to 14 years
- Size: 4.7–6.3 in (12–16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–1.1 oz (18–32 g)
- Wingspan: 8.7–10.2 in (22–26 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and uncommon
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in late fall; returns in early spring.
The Purple Finch breeds in the northern forests of the United States and Canada and can be found in parts of Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. The male’s raspberry-red wash covers the head, breast, and back, blending softly into streaked brown wings. Unlike the brighter House Finch, the Purple Finch has a richer, more wine-coloured hue with a clean, smooth face. Females show a completely different pattern—brown overall with crisp white facial markings and heavy streaking across the chest and flanks.
In Michigan, Purple Finches nest in coniferous or mixed forests, placing their nests high on branches near the trunk. The female builds the nest from twigs, grasses, and moss, forming a solid cup. They prefer quieter, less disturbed forests, especially in the Upper Peninsula.
They feed mainly on seeds, buds, and berries, but will also eat insects during breeding season. Favourite foods include elm seeds, maple buds, and fruits like blackberries. They often forage in tree canopies, moving slowly and deliberately compared to other finches.
Though still present in Michigan, Purple Finch populations have declined slightly due to competition with House Finches. The two species can be hard to tell apart. Citizen science initiatives like eBird and Christmas Bird Counts help track changes, informing conservationists about long-term trends and habitat needs.
Where to look for Red birds in Michigan
Finding red birds in Michigan can be a rewarding and surprisingly easy experience if you know where to look. Start with your own backyard—setting up a bird feeder with black-oil sunflower seeds can attract House Finches, Northern Cardinals, and even Purple Finches during the cooler months. For more variety, especially during spring and fall migrations, head out to places where different habitats meet, like forest edges, open fields, and areas with fruiting trees.
One excellent spot is Tawas Point State Park, often called a “migrant trap,” where birds rest before or after crossing Lake Huron. Hartwick Pines State Park near Grayling is another great place, especially for spotting Red and White-winged Crossbills in conifer forests. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a mix of open areas and woods that attract a variety of species, including Scarlet Tanagers in summer. And for winter surprises, try Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the Upper Peninsula—Pine Grosbeaks and other northern finches sometimes appear here.
Bring a pair of binoculars, stay quiet, and move slowly. Early mornings are often best, and don’t forget to look up—some red birds prefer the treetops. With a bit of patience, you’ll be surprised how much color you can find in Michigan’s wild spaces.
Conclusion
Red birds in Michigan offer more than just a flash of color—they tell stories of changing seasons, diverse habitats, and the quiet resilience of nature. From year-round residents to fleeting winter visitors, each species brings something unique to forests, backyards, and wild spaces across the state. Learning to recognize them deepens our connection to the natural world. With attention and care, we can ensure these vivid birds remain a familiar part of Michigan’s landscape for years to come.
