Montana, located in the western region of North America, is home to a diverse range of bird species. With its vast coniferous forests and abundant food sources, it serves as a year-round residence for many bird species. In particular, 11 red bird species can be found in Montana, each with its unique characteristics and behaviors.
One common resident among these red birds is the Red-breasted Nuthatch. With its gray wings and distinct white wing bars, this medium-sized bird can be easily identified in Montana’s backyard bird feeders. During the breeding season, these nuthatches are more commonly seen as they search for conifer seeds to feed their young.
The Fiery Fliers: Montana’s Red Bird Species
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is not the only red bird species found in Montana. This state is also a favorite habitat for other red birds, such as the White-winged Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks. These birds are mostly seen during the non-breeding season when they search for conifer seeds, their favorite food.
1. Northern Cardinal
Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Lenght: 8.3 inches
Weight: 1.5-1.8 ounces
Wingspan: 12-13 inches
Habitat: Woodlands, suburban areas, and parks
The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized bird with a cone-shaped beak, commonly found in Central and North America. Male cardinals are known for their bright red plumage while females have more subdued colors. These birds can adapt to various habitats, making them a common sight in Montana.
2. House Finch
Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Lenght: 5.1 inches
Weight: 0.6-0.9 ounces
Wingspan: 8.3 inches
Habitat: Urban areas, backyards, and gardens
The House Finch is a small bird with a conical beak, commonly found in North America. Male house finches are recognized by their bright red heads and chests, while females have more subdued colors. These birds are often seen in groups at bird feeders, feasting on seeds such as hulled sunflower seeds.
3. Summer Tanager
Scientific Name: Piranga rubra
Lenght: 7-7.9 inches
Weight: 0.8-1.3 ounces
Wingspan: 12.2-13 inches
Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and parks
The Summer Tanager is a medium-sized bird with a conical beak, commonly found in North and Central America. Male summer tanagers have a bright red plumage, while females are yellow-green with an orange tinge. These birds can be found year-round in Montana’s coniferous forests, feeding on insects and fruits.
4. Scarlet Tanager
Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea
Lenght: 6.3-7 inches
Weight: 0.8-1.4 ounces
Wingspan: 10-11.4 inches
Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and parks
The Scarlet Tanager is a small bird with a conical beak, commonly found in North America. Male scarlet tanagers have a bright red plumage, while females are yellow-green with a gray head. These birds can be found during the breeding season in Montana’s coniferous forests, feeding on insects and fruits.
5. Western Tanager
Scientific Name: Piranga ludoviciana
Lenght: 6.3-7 inches
Weight: 0.8-1.4 ounces
Wingspan: 10-11.4 inches
Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and parks
The Western Tanager is a medium-sized bird with a conical beak commonly found in North America. Male western tanagers have a bright yellow head and breast, black wings and tail. Females have a gray head and olive-yellow bodies. These birds can be found during the breeding season in Montana’s coniferous forests, feeding on insects and fruits.
6. Vermilion Flycatcher
Scientific Name: Pyrocephalus rubinus
Lenght: 5.3-6.7 inches
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces
Wingspan: 9.1-10.2 inches
Habitat: Arid grasslands, scrub and open woodlands.
The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small bird with a conical beak, commonly found in North and Central America. Male vermillion flycatchers have a bright red plumage, while females are gray-brown with a reddish tint. These birds can be found year-round in Montana’s grassy areas and open woodlands, feeding on insects.
7. Red Crossbill
Scientific Name: Loxia curvirostra
Lenght: 5.5-6.3 inches
Weight: 0.6-1.4 ounces
Wingspan: 9.8-10.2 inches
Habitat: Coniferous forests, especially pine and spruce.
The Red Crossbill is a medium-sized bird commonly found in North America, with a distinctive crossed bill used to extract seeds from conifer cones. These birds can be found year-round in Montana’s coniferous forests, feeding on conifer and hulled sunflower seeds at bird feeders.
8. Pine Grosbeak
Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator
Lenght: 8.3-9.4 inches
Weight: 2.1-2.6 ounces
Wingspan: 13-14.6 inches
Habitat: Coniferous forests, especially spruce.
The Pine Grosbeak is a large, robust bird with a stocky body and a thick, conical beak. Male pine grosbeaks have a rosy-red head, while females are gray with reddish-brown heads. These birds can be found year-round in Montana’s coniferous forests, feeding on various seeds including pine cones and cone crops.
9. Common Redpoll
Scientific Name: Acanthis flammea
Lenght: 5-6 inches
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces
Wingspan: 9-10 inches
Habitat: Fields, open areas with scattered trees and shrubs.
The Common Redpoll is a small finch with a streaky brown and white plumage. During the breeding season, males have a rosy-red crown and chest while females are more dull in color. These birds can be found year-round in Montana’s open areas, feeding on various seeds including birch and alder tree seeds.
10. Cassin’s Finch
Scientific Name: Haemorhous cassinii
Lenght: 5.1-6.3 inches
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces
Wingspan: 9-10 inches
Habitat: Coniferous forests, especially pine and fir.
The Cassin’s Finch is a medium-sized bird with a conical bill and a red crown on males and gray on females. These birds can be found year-round in Montana’s coniferous forests, feeding on various seeds from pine and fir trees.
11. Red-winged Blackbird
Scientific Name: Agelaius phoeniceus
Lenght: 7-9 inches
Weight: 2.3 ounces
Wingspan: 12-15 inches
Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and fields near water.
The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium-sized bird with glossy black feathers and a red shoulder patch on males. Females are brown and heavily streaked. These birds can be found year-round in Montana’s wetland areas, feeding on insects and seeds.
