Ohio is home to an appealing mix of red and reddish-toned birds, from the vibrant Northern Cardinal in backyard feeders to tanagers lighting up summer woodlands and finches brightening parks and forest edges. Their warm hues stand out against the greens of forests and fields or the grays of winter towns. This guide explores the red species most likely to be seen across the state, highlighting their key traits, voices, and habits, along with rarer visitors that occasionally bring unexpected flashes of scarlet to Ohio’s skies.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
- Identification: Medium-sized songbird with a crest, stout orange-red bill, and long tail; males bright red with a black face mask, females brownish with red accents.
- Where found: Year-round resident across Ohio in woodlands, suburban areas, and shrubby habitats.
- How to spot: Often seen in pairs near feeders or low in dense shrubs; listen for clear whistled “cheer, cheer, cheer” songs or sharp metallic “chip” notes.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); stable and locally increasing, thriving in suburban and urban landscapes.
The northern cardinal is Ohio’s most familiar and beloved red bird, and fittingly, the state bird. Males are vivid red throughout with a black mask surrounding a thick orange-red bill, while females show soft brown plumage with reddish tones on the wings, crest, and tail. Both sexes share a prominent crest and long, rounded tail. This medium-sized songbird measures about 21-23 centimeters (8.3-9.1 inches) in length. Cardinals do not molt into drab plumage, so males retain their brilliant color through winter, standing out vividly against snow-covered landscapes.
Cardinals are active but deliberate foragers, hopping on the ground or moving through dense vegetation in search of seeds, fruits, and insects. They often visit backyard feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds or cracked corn, and are most visible in early morning and near dusk. Their undulating flight is short and direct, with quick wingbeats. Pairs frequently stay together year-round, communicating with clear, whistled songs such as “cheer, cheer, cheer” and sharp metallic “chip” calls. Males often sing from elevated perches to defend territories or attract mates, while both sexes share similar song structures – a rare trait among songbirds.
The northern cardinal is abundant statewide in Ohio, found year-round in nearly every county. It occupies diverse habitats ranging from forest edges, parks, and riparian corridors to backyards, hedgerows, and city neighborhoods. Cardinals are particularly numerous in central and southern Ohio, with higher densities recorded in urban woodlots compared to rural forests. Winter does not drive them south; instead, their bright plumage adds color to feeders and snowy thickets. The species has benefited from mild winters and suburban development, which provide the shrubby cover and seed-rich feeding opportunities it prefers. Stable populations reflect its success as one of Ohio’s best-adapted urban songbirds.
Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra
- Identification: Medium-sized, thick-billed songbird; males entirely bright red, females yellow to mustard-yellow with olive tones and sometimes orange or red patches.
- Where found: Summer breeder across much of Ohio, favoring open deciduous and mixed woodlands, especially oak-dominated forests.
- How to spot: Look high in the canopy for slow, deliberate movements or quick sallies after insects; listen for the rich robin-like song and distinctive “pit-ti-tuck” call.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); generally stable; locally benefits from forest edges but sensitive to habitat loss along river corridors.
The summer tanager is one of Ohio’s few bird species that appear entirely red. Adult males glow with uniform rosy or strawberry-red plumage, while females are warm yellow to olive-yellow, occasionally showing scattered reddish feathers as they age. Immature males often appear patchy, combining both red and yellow tones as they molt into adult plumage. This chunky, medium-sized tanager measures about 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) in length and has a large, blunt-tipped bill and a smooth, full-bodied shape.
Despite its vivid color, the summer tanager is often surprisingly hard to see. It spends much of its time in the forest canopy, moving deliberately among leaves or making short flights to catch bees, wasps, and other flying insects – its preferred prey. The species’ robin-like song carries clearly through wooded areas, composed of rich, whistled notes with a musical quality. Its distinctive “pit-ti-tuck” or “pi-tuk” call is an excellent clue to its presence, often given from mid to upper perches. Males sing to defend territories and court females, while both sexes use softer “pew” and “cheew” notes during pair interactions.
In Ohio, the summer tanager is a summer resident, typically arriving by early May and departing by late September. It breeds mainly in the southern and central parts of the state, especially in open oak and mixed deciduous forests, woodland edges, and riparian corridors. Within these habitats, it favors areas with tall trees but broken canopy structure. The species has expanded slightly northward in recent decades and is considered locally common where suitable forest remains. Although globally secure, it faces localized declines from the loss of mature bottomland and riparian forests through agricultural and urban development.
Scarlet Tanager
Piranga olivacea
- Identification: Medium-sized, short-tailed songbird; males bright red with black wings and tail, females olive-yellow with darker wings and tail.
- Where found: Summer breeder across Ohio, most common in mature deciduous forests and large woodlands.
- How to spot: Look high in the canopy for flashes of red and listen for the burry, robin-like song or distinctive “chick-burr” call.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations stable, but vulnerable to forest fragmentation and nest parasitism.
The scarlet tanager brings a striking burst of color to Ohio’s summer forests. Adult males in breeding plumage are brilliant scarlet with jet-black wings and tail, while females are olive-yellow above and yellowish below, with darker wings that lend a soft, shaded look. In late summer, males molt into plumage similar to females but keep their black wings and tail. The species measures around 16-17 centimeters (6.3-6.7 inches) in length and has a sturdy, rounded bill suited to both catching insects and eating fruit.
Though among the most vividly colored forest birds, scarlet tanagers are often hard to see. They stay high in the canopy, moving deliberately among leaves or making short flights to snatch flying insects. Their song is a series of burry, robin-like phrases, often described as a harsher version of a robin’s tune, and both sexes give a rough “chick-burr” call. These vocalizations are key for locating the species, especially when hidden among summer foliage. Tanagers forage mainly on insects – beetles, wasps, caterpillars, and flies, supplemented by fruit later in the season and during migration.
In Ohio, scarlet tanagers are widespread summer residents, arriving by late April and departing by mid-September. They prefer large tracts of mature deciduous or mixed forests, especially those with abundant oaks. Within these habitats, they are more numerous in interior forest than along edges, where nests face greater risks from predators and brood parasites. The species breeds throughout the state, most abundantly in southeastern and central Ohio’s extensive woodlands. Though globally secure, the scarlet tanager’s dependence on continuous forest makes it sensitive to fragmentation, highlighting the importance of preserving large woodland areas for its continued success.
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
- Identification: Small finch with a short, thick bill and streaked brown plumage; males often show rosy to red tones on the face, chest, and rump depending on diet.
- Where found: Common year-round across Ohio in urban, suburban, and rural settlements, especially near feeders and gardens.
- How to spot: Look for flocks perched in trees or visiting feeders, and listen for the long, cheerful, warbling song with a final downward slur.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and adaptable, though eastern populations affected locally by mycoplasmal conjunctivitis.
The house finch is a small, streaky songbird often noticed by its cheerful song and subtle flashes of color rather than by any striking redness. Males can appear reddish or rosy from the front, particularly on the face and upper breast, depending on the pigments in their diet during molt. Some individuals instead show orange or even yellow hues. Females are entirely grayish-brown with thick streaks and no red. The species measures about 13-14 centimeters (5.1-5.5 inches) in length, with a relatively long, shallowly notched tail and a rounded head.
Active and sociable, house finches are almost always seen in pairs or small flocks, feeding on the ground, in trees, or at bird feeders. They crack open seeds with quick bites and move in a bouncy, undulating flight. Their song is a lively, rambling warble often ending in a slurred note, given throughout the year by males perched on trees, rooftops, or wires. Contact calls are short “cheep” notes exchanged frequently within groups. Males may perform “butterfly flights,” fluttering upward and gliding down in display while singing.
In Ohio, the house finch is a familiar presence in towns, suburbs, and farms across the state. It breeds readily in human-dominated environments, nesting on buildings, porches, and ornamental trees, and remains active throughout the year. Originally native to the western United States, the species was introduced to Long Island in the 1940s and rapidly expanded westward, now fully merging with the native western population. House finches benefit from urbanization and bird feeding but can be affected by outbreaks of conjunctivitis, a disease causing swollen eyes and respiratory issues. Despite occasional local declines, the species remains abundant and well adapted to Ohio’s human-altered landscapes.
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
- Identification: Chunky finch with a short, thick bill and notched tail; males show rosy to red tones on the head and breast blending into brown upperparts, females are brown and heavily streaked with a pale eyestripe.
- Where found: Irregular winter visitor and local breeder in northern Ohio; seen at feeders and in mixed or coniferous forests.
- How to spot: Look for a stocky, reddish finch at feeders or in treetops; listen for a clear, rich warbling song or sharp “tick” call.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations stable overall but fluctuating locally with food availability and competition from house finches.
The purple finch is one of Ohio’s more delicate-looking “red” finches, though its color is better described as a soft pinkish-raspberry wash rather than bright red. Males display this subtle tint across the head, chest, and back, fading to whitish underparts, while females are brown and boldly streaked with a light eyebrow stripe and darker ear patch. Both sexes share a sturdy, conical bill and short, notched tail. The species measures about 12-15 centimeters (4.7-5.9 inches) in length and appears round-bodied with a slightly peaked head.
Purple finches often visit feeders in loose flocks, cracking sunflower seeds with strong bills or delicately sipping nectar from flowers by piercing the base of the bloom. They move deliberately through tree canopies or descend to feed on the ground, sometimes hovering briefly to glean seeds or buds. Males sing a fluid, rich warbling song, reminiscent of a sweeter version of the house finch’s tune but without the harsh slur. Their flight call is a sharp “tick,” and they may occasionally mimic notes from other birds.
In Ohio, purple finches are mainly winter visitors, arriving from northern breeding grounds as early as October and departing by late April or May. Their presence varies widely from year to year, depending on seed crop conditions farther north. During irruption years, they can be found throughout the state at feeders, forest edges, and parks, though small breeding populations may persist in the far northeastern counties. The species favors mixed and coniferous woodlands but adapts easily to backyard feeding stations. Although global populations are stable, purple finches face localized declines in parts of the East due to competition with the more aggressive house finch, now widespread across their range.
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostra
- Identification: Medium-sized finch with a short, notched tail and distinctive crossed bill; males brick-red to orange-red, females olive or greenish-yellow.
- Where found: Uncommon and irregular in Ohio, appearing mainly in winter during irruptions when northern seed crops fail.
- How to spot: Look and listen for flocks in or around conifer plantings; calls are sharp metallic “jip-jip-jip” notes often heard in flight.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); stable overall, though vulnerable to logging and roadside hazards during irruptions.
The red crossbill is one of the most unusual finches in North America and an occasional winter visitor to Ohio. Adult males are typically deep brick-red, though their color can vary from yellowish to orange-red depending on age and molt timing. Females are duller olive or grayish with yellow-green tones on the breast and rump. Both sexes have dark brown wings and a short, notched tail. Measuring about 14-20 centimeters (5.5-7.9 inches) in length, they appear compact and powerful, with a large head and a heavy bill whose crossed mandibles immediately set them apart from other finches.
Highly mobile and nomadic, red crossbills travel in noisy, fast-moving flocks that forage high in conifer canopies, often hanging upside down as they pry seeds from cones. Their calls are sharp, metallic “jip-jip-jip” notes, and flocks may be heard long before they are seen. They feed mainly on pine, spruce, fir, and hemlock seeds, occasionally coming to the ground to eat grit or drink from puddles. Because cone crops vary from year to year, crossbills move unpredictably and may nest at almost any season when food is abundant, even in midwinter.
In Ohio, the red crossbill is an irregular winter visitor, most often detected in the northern and central parts of the state during large irruptions from the boreal forests to the north. They appear sporadically, sometimes in small groups, in conifer stands, parks, and cemeteries with mature pines or spruces. Some years may bring numerous sightings, while others see none at all. Although globally secure, their dependence on mature conifer forests makes them sensitive to large-scale logging and forest loss. Roadside feeding behavior also exposes them to vehicle collisions and chemical contaminants from treated roads, making them a species best enjoyed with care when they do visit Ohio.
White-Winged Crossbill
Loxia leucoptera
- Identification: Medium-sized finch with a heavy, crossed bill, short notched tail, and two bold white wingbars; males rosy-pink to red, females yellowish-olive.
- Where found: Irregular winter visitor in Ohio, appearing during major irruptions from the boreal north, often in conifer plantings or cemeteries.
- How to spot: Look for flocks chattering high in spruces or tamaracks, prying open cones with crossed bills; flight calls are dry, rapid “chit-chit-chit.”
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); widespread but nomadic; populations fluctuate with cone crop cycles and are locally affected by forest management.
The white-winged crossbill is a striking finch of the northern boreal forests, only occasionally seen in Ohio when food shortages push flocks far south. It is slightly smaller and more slender than the red crossbill, measuring about 14-17 centimeters (5.5-6.7 inches) in length, and easily recognized by its white wingbars and heavy bill with crossed mandibles. Adult males are rose-pink to red with black wings and tail, while females are greenish-yellow with the same contrasting wing pattern.
These crossbills are energetic, constantly in motion as they forage among the cones of spruce and tamarack trees. Using their unique bills, they pry open the cone scales to extract seeds that most other birds cannot reach. They often hang upside down while feeding and move through treetops in noisy, bounding flocks. Calls include a dry, rapid “chit-chit-chit” and a more nasal “cheit,” heard both in flight and when perched. Males sing a musical, trilled song from high in the canopy, especially in late winter and spring when breeding begins.
In Ohio, the white-winged crossbill is an irregular and unpredictable visitor, usually appearing from late autumn to early spring during northern irruptions. They are most often found in stands of spruce and other conifers, including ornamental trees in parks and cemeteries, and occasionally at feeders offering sunflower seeds. Some winters bring none at all, while others see flocks scattered across the state. Although global populations are stable, the species depends heavily on mature spruce forests for breeding. Logging, short timber-rotation cycles, and loss of old conifer stands can reduce cone availability, while roadside feeding during winter may expose these birds to salt and chemical hazards.
Rare and Occasional Reddish Birds in Ohio
While most red or reddish birds seen in Ohio belong to familiar species such as the cardinal, tanagers, or finches, a few striking visitors appear only rarely.
The vermilion flycatcher, a dazzling bird of the arid Southwest, turns up only as a casual visitor, usually in late fall or winter. Its males are unmistakably bright red with a contrasting dark mask and wings, often seen sallying from open perches to snatch insects – a brilliant sight well outside their normal range.
From the opposite direction, the pine grosbeak is a gentle, heavy-billed finch of the northern boreal forest. It appears in Ohio only during rare winter irruptions, when food shortages drive flocks south. Males show a rosy-pink wash across the head and breast, while females are yellowish-gray; both share the slow, undulating flight and quiet, flute-like calls typical of northern finches.
Even more extraordinary is the American flamingo, a tropical wader that very occasionally strays far inland after hurricanes or strong coastal storms. Its pink to deep orange-red plumage and long, curved bill make it unmistakable, though records in Ohio remain exceptional and typically involve displaced individuals from southern coastal populations.
These rare appearances, whether desert flycatchers, northern grosbeaks, or wayward flamingos, underscore the unpredictable nature of bird movements and the excitement of discovery that draws birders to Ohio’s fields, forests, and wetlands year-round.
