This article is a comprehensive guide to red, orange, and yellow birds found in New Mexico. Filled with stunning photos and detailed descriptions, it aims to help bird enthusiasts identify these colorful species. While color can be an important characteristic for identification, the article emphasizes that the shape and size of a bird are just as crucial. In addition to providing valuable information on bird identification, the article also includes a list of the most commonly seen birds in backyards and towns in New Mexico. From the vibrant House Finch and American Robin to the eye-catching Rufous Hummingbird and Western Tanager, this guide covers a wide range of red, orange, and yellow birds to be found in the state. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, this article is sure to delight and educate with its wealth of birding knowledge.
Red Birds
Red birds are a vibrant and eye-catching addition to any birdwatching experience in New Mexico. These birds display various shades of red, adding excitement and beauty to the natural landscape. Here are some of the red birds commonly found in New Mexico:
House Finch
The House Finch is a small bird with a red head, breast, and rump. It has a brown back and wings, and the male often displays a brighter red color than the female. This finch is a common sight in backyards and towns throughout New Mexico, known for its cheerful song and acrobatic flight.
American Robin
The American Robin is a familiar bird with a brick-red breast and belly. It has a gray back and head, as well as a distinctive white eye ring. The American Robin is a staple in many neighborhoods, often seen hopping on lawns, searching for worms. Its melodious song is a joy to listen to, especially during the spring and summer months.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a small and energetic bird with iridescent red plumage. The males have a vibrant red throat that shimmers in the sunlight, while the females have lighter-colored plumage. These hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover in midair and feed on nectar from flowers. They are a delight to observe in gardens and wooded areas throughout New Mexico.
Summer Tanager
The Summer Tanager is a stunning red bird that stands out against the lush green foliage. It has a bright red body with dark wings, and the male often retains its vibrant color throughout the breeding season. The Summer Tanager can be found in forests, woodlands, and gardens, where it feeds on insects and fruits. Its melodic song is often described as sounding like a robin with a sore throat.
Pyrrhuloxia
The Pyrrhuloxia is a striking bird with a red crest, face, and breast. It has gray wings and back, as well as a distinctive curved bill similar to that of a cardinal. The Pyrrhuloxia is a resident bird in New Mexico, often found in desert and scrub habitats. Its unique appearance and melodious call make it an exciting bird to spot in the wild.
Orange Birds
Orange birds bring a splash of color to the landscape, capturing the attention of bird enthusiasts in New Mexico. These birds showcase various shades of orange, creating a striking visual contrast in their surroundings. Here are some of the orange birds commonly sighted in New Mexico:
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a dazzling bird with a vibrant orange throat and belly. Its upperparts are a mix of green and brown, providing excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. These tiny hummingbirds undertake long migrations, making their way to New Mexico during the summer months. Their swift flight and nectar-seeking behavior make them a delight to watch in gardens and parks.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a beautiful orange-brown color. Its wings and back display striking black bars, adding to its unique appearance. These birds are often seen foraging for insects on the ground or drumming on tree trunks to mark their territory. They are a common sight in both urban and rural areas throughout New Mexico.
Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee is a handsome bird with a rich orange-brown color and conspicuous white spots on its wings and back. It has a long tail and a distinct black face mask. The Spotted Towhee inhabits shrubby areas, where it searches for insects, seeds, and berries on the ground. Its unique call, often described as a “mewing” sound, can be heard in forests and gardens across New Mexico.
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a graceful bird with a vibrant orange-brown color on its face, throat, and underparts. Its long, pointed wings and deeply forked tail make it a skillful flyer. These migratory birds are commonly found nesting in barns and other man-made structures, as well as open fields and wetlands. Their acrobatic aerial displays and cheerful chirping add life and color to the New Mexico skies.
American Kestrel
The American Kestrel, also known as the Sparrow Hawk, is a stunning bird with a predominantly orange-brown back and wings, complemented by a white face and underparts. The male displays brighter colors than the female, with striking blue-gray wings. These small falcons can often be seen perched on telephone wires and poles, scanning the ground for small mammals, insects, and birds.
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk is a raptor with a brownish-orange back and wings, accented by a lighter orange breast. It has a long tail and yellow eyes, which give it a fierce and focused appearance. These hawks are skilled hunters, often observed flying swiftly through forests and urban areas, searching for smaller birds and mammals. Their presence adds excitement and drama to the avian ecosystem of New Mexico.
Black-headed Grosbeak
Ruddy Duck
Bullock’s Oriole
