14 Red Birds in California

California is a birdwatcher’s paradise—and if you’re hoping to spot a flash of crimson among the trees, you’re in for a treat. From urban gardens to desert canyons and lush forests, the Golden State is home to a stunning variety of red birds that captivate with their brilliant plumage and charming songs. Whether you’re in Northern California’s redwood groves or soaking in Southern California’s sun-drenched trails, red-feathered birds bring a vibrant splash of color to the landscape.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful red birds in California, helping you identify them by appearance, behavior, song, and more. From the iconic Northern Cardinal to the fiery Vermilion Flycatcher, get ready to meet the scarlet stars of California’s skies.

Northern Cardinal

Appearance

The Northern Cardinal is one of the most easily recognized birds in California due to its brilliant crimson-red plumage. Males are entirely red with a black mask around the face and a pointed crest. Females are more muted, showing warm brown tones with hints of red on their wings and tail.

Habitat

Though more common in the eastern U.S., Northern Cardinals are found in parts of Southern California, especially in suburban neighborhoods, riparian woodlands, and landscaped parks with dense shrubs and trees.

Diet

They primarily eat seeds, fruits, and insects. Cardinals often visit backyard feeders for sunflower seeds and berries.

Song

Known for their rich, whistling songs, males and females both sing—a rare trait among songbirds. Their melodies include phrases like “cheer-cheer-cheer” and “birdie-birdie-birdie.”

Behavior

Northern Cardinals are territorial, especially during breeding season. Males often sing loudly to defend their space and may even attack their reflection thinking it’s a rival.

Nesting

They build cup-shaped nests in thick shrubs or low trees. Females typically lay 2–4 eggs, which hatch after about 12 days.

Conservation

Currently stable and even expanding westward, thanks to bird feeders and suitable landscaping in urban areas. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Also Read : 15 Types of Small Birds in Northern California 

Vermilion Flycatcher

Appearance

The Vermilion Flycatcher is a fiery gem of the bird world. Males flaunt a stunning bright red body with contrasting dark brown wings and back, while females are more subdued with peachy underparts and a grayish-brown back and head. The male’s color is truly eye-catching in open spaces.

Habitat

This bird thrives in arid, open habitats such as desert scrub, farmlands, golf courses, and river valleys. In California, it’s mostly spotted in the southeastern deserts and parts of Southern California, especially during warmer months.

Diet

True to its name, the Vermilion Flycatcher snatches flying insects mid-air. It often perches low on shrubs or fences, watching intently before darting out for its prey.

Song

Their call is a sharp “peet” sound, while the song is a high, rapid series of chirps, usually delivered during the breeding season. The male often sings from an exposed perch.

Behavior

They’re active and agile, known for their aerial acrobatics during hunting. Males perform fluttering courtship displays to impress potential mates.

Nesting

These birds build small nests in trees or shrubs near water. The female lays 2–4 eggs and incubates them for about two weeks.

Conservation

While not endangered, the Vermilion Flycatcher’s population is affected by habitat loss and pesticide use. Conservation of riparian areas supports their presence in California.

Also Read : 16 Types of Brown Birds in California

House Finch

Appearance

Male House Finches are known for their rosy red foreheads, throats, and chests, blending into brown-streaked backs and bellies. Females are entirely brown with streaking and lack red coloring. The intensity of red varies depending on diet—some males may appear orange or even yellowish.

Habitat

Extremely adaptable, House Finches are found throughout California, from coastal suburbs and urban neighborhoods to farmland and open woodlands. They’re frequent visitors to backyard feeders and patio gardens.

Diet

Their diet is mostly seeds, fruits, and buds. They especially enjoy black oil sunflower seeds and are common visitors to tube feeders, hanging baskets, and window ledges.

Song

Their song is a cheerful, warbling mix of notes that often ends in a rasp. Males sing persistently during spring and early summer.

Behavior

House Finches are social birds and can often be seen in small flocks. Males may puff out their chest and sing to attract a mate, while both sexes forage together peacefully.

Nesting

These finches build nests in sheltered spots like hanging planters, vents, light fixtures, and even wreaths. Females lay 2–6 eggs and incubate them for about two weeks.

Conservation

Widespread and thriving, the House Finch is considered a conservation success story, having expanded across North America. In California, it’s among the most common urban birds.

Also Read : Yellow Birds in Arizona :19 Species You Can Spot in the Desert and Beyond

Red Crossbill

Appearance

Male Red Crossbills have a reddish to orange-red body with darker wings and tail, while females are more olive or yellowish. Their most distinctive feature is their crossed bill tips—perfectly evolved for prying open conifer cones.

Habitat

They are most commonly found in coniferous forests across Northern California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, Klamath Mountains, and other high-altitude pine or fir woodlands. Occasionally, they move to lower elevations in search of food.

Diet

Red Crossbills specialize in eating conifer seeds, particularly from pines, spruces, and firs. Their unique bill allows them to extract seeds from tightly closed cones.

Song

Their call is a sharp “kip-kip” or “jip-jip,” often heard in flight. The song is a series of short warbles and trills, usually sung from treetops.

Behavior

Highly nomadic, Red Crossbills move in flocks and can be unpredictable in appearance. They’re very acrobatic, often hanging upside down while foraging.

Nesting

They can nest at almost any time of year, depending on cone abundance. Nests are typically built high in conifer trees. Females lay 3–4 eggs, incubated for about 12–14 days.

Conservation

Although generally stable, their population fluctuates due to habitat changes and food supply. They are sensitive to logging and conifer die-off, which can reduce available food.

Also Read : 20 Types of Ducks in Texas (Plus Duck-Like Species Found in Wetlands)

Hepatic Tanager

Appearance

The male Hepatic Tanager sports a dusky, brick-red body with grayish highlights on the back and flanks, giving it a more muted look than the Summer Tanager. Females are yellowish-orange. Their name “hepatic” comes from the liver-like shade of red on the male’s plumage.

Habitat

In California, Hepatic Tanagers are rare summer visitors. They are occasionally spotted in oak woodlands, pine-oak forests, and mixed mountain canyons of southeastern California, particularly near Arizona border regions like San Bernardino County.

Diet

Like other tanagers, they mainly eat insects, especially during the breeding season. They’ll also feed on fruit and berries, particularly in late summer.

Song

Their song is a series of low, robin-like warbled notes, often slower and huskier than the Summer Tanager’s song. Their call note is a dry “chuck.”

Behavior

Hepatic Tanagers are relatively secretive. They forage methodically in the mid to upper canopy, moving slowly and deliberately, often gleaning insects from leaves and branches.

Nesting

They build cup-shaped nests in forks of tree branches, often well hidden. Females lay 3–4 eggs. Their nesting behavior is not well documented in California due to their rarity.

Conservation

While stable globally, the Hepatic Tanager’s California sightings are limited. Protecting mountain forest habitats helps ensure potential nesting and foraging areas remain intact.

Scarlet Tanager

Appearance

The male Scarlet Tanager is breathtaking, with vivid scarlet-red plumage offset by jet-black wings and tail. Females and non-breeding males are yellowish with olive wings, making them harder to spot. The contrast of colors on the male is striking and unmistakable during migration.

Habitat

Scarlet Tanagers are rare migrants in California, more often seen during spring and fall migration. They occasionally appear in wooded parks, riparian corridors, and forest edges—especially along the coast and Central Valley during migration stopovers.

Diet

They primarily feed on insects such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and wasps. They also consume berries and fruits, especially during migration.

Song

Their song resembles a hoarse, robin-like warble—richer and rougher in tone. Their call is a sharp “chip-burr” or “chick-bree.”

Behavior

Scarlet Tanagers are typically quiet and stay hidden in dense foliage. Males sing from high perches, while both sexes forage quietly through the treetops. Migrants may join mixed-species flocks.

Nesting

Though they don’t breed in California, in their breeding range they construct cup nests high in deciduous trees. Females lay 3–5 eggs and raise the young largely on their own.

Conservation

While not currently threatened, Scarlet Tanagers face habitat loss and dangers during migration, such as window strikes and predation by domestic cats. California birders cherish each rare sighting.

Purple Finch

Appearance

Male Purple Finches have a raspberry-red wash over their head, chest, and back that looks like they’ve been dipped in berry juice. Unlike House Finches, their red coloring extends to the crown and back. Females lack red and are heavily streaked with brown and white, featuring a bold facial pattern with a white eyebrow stripe.

Habitat

In California, Purple Finches are found mostly in coniferous forests of the Sierra Nevada, coastal redwood areas, and mountain woodlands. They also visit feeders and forest edges, especially during the non-breeding season.

Diet

They eat seeds, berries, and buds, including those from trees like conifers, maples, and elms. They’re frequent visitors to sunflower seed feeders in winter and early spring.

Song

Their song is rich and melodic, consisting of rapid, warbling notes with an almost bubbly quality. Males sing from high perches to mark their territory during breeding season.

Behavior

Purple Finches are often seen in pairs or small flocks. They may mix with other finch species and are less aggressive at feeders than House Finches or Goldfinches.

Nesting

They build nests in conifer trees, often on horizontal limbs. Females lay 3–5 pale blue eggs and take on most of the incubation duties.

Conservation

Their population is stable in the western U.S., though they face some competition from House Finches in overlapping ranges. They are a delight for backyard birders and forest hikers alike.

Cassin’s Finch

Appearance

Cassin’s Finch males have a rosy red crown, face, and breast, but unlike the Purple Finch, the red is more concentrated on the head and fades down the body. Their backs are streaked brown, and they have a longer, straighter bill. Females and immature birds are brown and streaked with a lightly marked face.

Habitat

In California, Cassin’s Finches are found mostly in high-elevation conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada and eastern mountains. They prefer pine, fir, and spruce woodlands, particularly in summer, but can move to lower elevations in winter.

Diet

They feed primarily on seeds, buds, and berries—especially from conifers. Insects and fruit may also supplement their diet during breeding season.

Song

Their song is a series of rich, sweet warbling notes—similar to other finches but more fluid. Their call is a sharp “pik” or “tip.”

Behavior

Cassin’s Finches are social and often found in small flocks outside the breeding season. They may mix with other finches like Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills during winter movements.

Nesting

They nest high in conifer trees, often close to the trunk on horizontal branches. Females build the nest and incubate 3–5 eggs, while males help feed the young once hatched.

Conservation

Populations are stable in the West, though they may be affected by conifer loss due to logging or climate change. Birders in California’s mountain regions enjoy their melodic presence during summer.

Pyrrhuloxia (Desert Cardinal)

Appearance

The Pyrrhuloxia resembles the Northern Cardinal but with a few key differences. Males have a gray body with deep red accents on the face, crest, wings, and tail. They sport a curved, yellow parrot-like bill and a striking red mask. Females are mostly gray with subtle reddish tinges.

Habitat

Primarily found in the desert regions of the American Southwest, Pyrrhuloxias are rare in California but may be seen in the far southeastern deserts near the Arizona border. They prefer arid scrublands, mesquite thickets, and cactus-filled landscapes.

Diet

Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and insects. They forage on the ground or in shrubs and cacti, often picking seeds from mesquite pods or cactus fruit.

Song

Their song is a series of clear, metallic whistles similar to a cardinal’s but shorter and more abrupt. Calls include sharp “chew” or “chip” notes.

Behavior

Pyrrhuloxias are shy and often forage quietly in pairs or small groups. Males may sing from exposed perches during breeding season to establish territory.

Nesting

They build nests in thorny shrubs or mesquites. Females lay 2–4 eggs, which are incubated for around two weeks. The nest is often well hidden among spiny branches.

Conservation

Stable in their native desert range, but sightings in California are uncommon and considered a treat for birders. Climate change and habitat conversion may influence their range expansion.

Western Tanager

Appearance

The male Western Tanager is a showstopper with a bright red head, yellow body, and black wings and back. The red color comes from pigments in their diet—specifically from insects that contain rhodoxanthin. Females are more subdued with yellowish bodies and olive-gray wings.

Habitat

Commonly seen throughout California during spring and summer, Western Tanagers breed in coniferous and mixed woodlands, especially in the Sierra Nevada, coastal mountains, and forested parks. They also pass through urban backyards during migration.

Diet

They eat insects, spiders, and fruit. Western Tanagers often pluck insects from leaves or catch them mid-air, and enjoy berries when available.

Song

Their song is a short, hoarse series of chirpy, robin-like phrases, usually less musical than that of a Scarlet or Summer Tanager. Their call is a distinctive “pit-er-ick.”

Behavior

Often elusive, they forage high in the canopy. Males may flash their red heads as a territorial signal, while females move silently through foliage.

Nesting

They nest in conifers or aspens, building cup-shaped nests well above the ground. Females lay 3–5 eggs and incubate for about two weeks.

Conservation

Their population is stable, though logging and wildfires can affect breeding habitats. They are among the most colorful birds in California’s mountains and a favorite for birdwatchers during spring.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Appearance

Male Anna’s Hummingbirds are striking with an iridescent reddish-pink (rose-red) head and throat that glows in sunlight. Their body is mostly green and gray. Females lack the full red crown but may show red flecks on the throat. Their shimmering plumage changes with the angle of light, often appearing dull until it flashes brilliantly.

Habitat

One of the most common hummingbirds in California, Anna’s Hummingbirds thrive in urban gardens, coastal scrub, oak woodlands, and desert edges. Unlike many hummingbirds, they are year-round residents—even in winter.

Diet

They sip nectar from flowers, feeders, and even tree sap wells. They also eat small insects and spiders for protein—often caught in flight or plucked from leaves.

Song

Anna’s Hummingbirds have a high-pitched, buzzy song and a sharp “chip” call. Males also produce a loud “chirp-pop” sound with their tail feathers during their dramatic dive displays.

Behavior

Highly territorial, especially around feeders or favorite flowers. Males perform a swooping U-shaped courtship flight, climbing high before diving with a tail-produced “whistle.” They’re incredibly fast and agile.

Nesting

Females build tiny nests out of plant fluff, moss, and spider silk. Nests are often placed on branches, vines, or even wires. They lay 2 tiny eggs and raise chicks solo.

Conservation

Their population is increasing thanks to the popularity of backyard feeders and native plantings. Anna’s Hummingbird is a California icon—buzzing through gardens with dazzling flashes of red.

California Towhee

Appearance

The California Towhee is mostly dusty brown with a subtle but noticeable reddish-rust patch under the tail and around the face. While not bright red, this rufous coloring gives it a warm-toned appearance, especially when seen in good light. Its overall look is plain, but charming in its simplicity.

Habitat

Endemic to California and Baja California, this towhee is a fixture in chaparral, oak woodlands, suburban backyards, and landscaped gardens. It’s especially common in the coastal and foothill regions of both Northern and Southern California.

Diet

They feed on seeds, berries, and insects, foraging mostly on the ground. You’ll often see them hopping through leaf litter or scratching at the soil under shrubs and trees.

Song

Their call is a sharp metallic “chip,” repeated frequently. Males sing a rapid series of high-pitched notes—often heard at dawn or from a shrub perch during the breeding season.

Behavior

California Towhees are bold, curious, and often tame around humans. They’re known for thumping against windows or car mirrors when they see their reflection and mistake it for a rival.

Nesting

Nests are well-concealed in shrubs or low trees. Females build the nest and lay 2–4 eggs. They may raise multiple broods in a single season.

Conservation

Populations are stable and thriving, especially in suburban areas where they’ve adapted well to human presence. They’re a familiar backyard bird in much of the state.

Painted Bunting

Appearance

Male Painted Buntings are among the most dazzling birds in North America. They feature a bright red breast and belly, vivid blue head, and green back—like a living rainbow. Females and juveniles are a soft lime green throughout, making them beautiful in a more understated way.

Habitat

While not native to California, Painted Buntings occasionally appear as rare migrants or vagrants, especially in Southern California during late fall and winter. They are typically found near brushy edges, hedgerows, and low vegetation when spotted.

Diet

Their diet consists of grass seeds, small fruits, and insects. During migration or winter visits, they forage quietly near thickets and ground vegetation.

Song

Males sing a lovely, musical series of high-pitched notes and warbles. The song is used to defend territory and attract mates during the breeding season (in their southeastern US range).

Behavior

Shy and secretive, Painted Buntings often remain hidden in dense cover. Males are more visible when singing from exposed perches, but during migration, they tend to be quiet and solitary.

Nesting

They do not breed in California. In their native range, they nest in shrubs or dense vegetation, with females laying 3–4 eggs and raising the young alone.

Conservation

Although their population is declining in parts of their breeding range due to habitat loss and illegal trapping, Painted Buntings remain a sought-after rarity for California birders lucky enough to glimpse one.

Red-naped Sapsucker

Appearance

The Red-naped Sapsucker is a small woodpecker with striking markings. Males feature a bright red crown and throat, with a bold black-and-white face pattern and a pale yellowish belly. Females are similar but have a smaller red throat patch or a mix of red and white. The red “nape” (back of the neck) gives this bird its name and helps distinguish it from similar species.

Habitat

This species breeds in mountainous forests of eastern and northern California, especially where aspens, pines, and mixed woodlands are present. During migration and winter, they may venture into foothill areas, orchards, and riparian corridors.

Diet

Red-naped Sapsuckers feed primarily on tree sap, which they access by drilling neat rows of holes in trunks. They also consume insects, berries, and tree cambium, and may return repeatedly to sap wells.

Song

Their vocalizations include sharp “wee-ah” or “querr” calls, along with distinctive rhythmic drumming on trees. Their drumming is slower and more deliberate than other woodpeckers.

Behavior

They are solitary and often observed climbing vertically along tree trunks. They defend feeding territories and can be seen hovering briefly to glean insects from bark.

Nesting

They excavate nest cavities in live or dead trees, usually choosing aspens or pines. Females lay 4–6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.

Conservation

Stable overall, though habitat loss and fire suppression in montane regions can reduce suitable nesting areas. Protected by conservation efforts focused on preserving mixed forest habitats.

Tips for Spotting Red Birds in California

• Bring binoculars and a field guide: Especially helpful for identifying subtle differences between finches and tanagers.
• Use native plants and feeders: Sunflower seeds attract House Finches and Purple Finches; sugar water brings in Anna’s Hummingbirds.
• Visit during migration seasons: Spring and fall are ideal times for spotting rare species like Scarlet Tanagers or Painted Buntings.
• Check forest edges and water sources: Many red birds prefer areas with both cover and nearby food or water.
• Be patient and listen: Some species, like the Summer Tanager, are more often heard than seen.

FAQs

Conclusion

California’s birdlife is as diverse as its landscapes—and red birds add a special burst of beauty to any outing. From the blazing red flash of a Northern Cardinal to the jewel-toned Anna’s Hummingbird, there’s no shortage of crimson-colored charmers. Whether you’re hiking through the Sierras, exploring desert trails, or sipping coffee in your garden, keep your eyes open for these fiery-feathered wonders. They’re not only a delight to watch but also a reminder of the natural brilliance that calls California home.