In this article, readers will discover a fascinating array of avian wonders found in Mississippi – birds adorned with striking red, orange, and yellow feathers that capture the eye and imagination. While color may be a captivating attribute, this article reveals that shape and size are often more reliable indicators for identifying birds. Delving into the depths of each hue, the article showcases a comprehensive list of common birds in Mississippi with noticeable amounts of red, orange, and yellow in their plumage. It also unravels the mysteries behind these vibrant colors, explaining how birds acquire their vivid tones from carotenoids in their diet. From the elegant Northern Cardinal to the enchanting Ruby-throated Hummingbird, this article not only provides specific information on the red-feathered residents of Mississippi but also sheds light on the characteristics, habitats, and appearances of orange and yellow birds. Accompanied by captivating photos, this captivating article is a must-read for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Birds with Red Feathers
Red birds are some of the most eye-catching and beautiful creatures that can be found in Mississippi. Their vibrant color stands out against the lush greenery of the state, making them easy to spot and appreciate. While color alone may not be the best indicator for identifying birds, it certainly adds to their charm and allure.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is perhaps one of the most recognizable red birds in Mississippi. With its brilliant red plumage, black face mask, and distinctive crest on the top of its head, this bird is truly a sight to behold. The male is especially striking, while the female has a more subdued coloration with a reddish tint. Cardinals can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, forests, and even residential areas. Their sweet whistling song adds to their appeal.
American Robin
The American Robin is a familiar sight to many, with its bright red breast and grayish-brown back. Known for its melodious song and energetic hopping, this bird is often associated with the arrival of spring. Robins can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, and gardens. They are known for their voracious appetite for worms and insects, and are skilled foragers with their keen eyesight.
House Finch
The House Finch is a small but charming bird with a reddish-orange plumage, especially in the males. This species was introduced to North America from the western parts of the continent, and has since become a common sight in Mississippi and beyond. House Finches are often found in urban areas, suburban gardens, and parks. Their cheerful and melodic singing adds a delightful touch to any outdoor setting.
Purple Finch
The Purple Finch is another bird with red in its feathers, although the males appear more pinkish-red than a true purple. Their coloration can vary depending on factors like diet and age. These finches can be found in coniferous forests, shrublands, and even backyards with plenty of trees. Their musical and melodious song is a pleasure to listen to, and they are known for their hopping flight pattern.
Red-headed Woodpecker
True to its name, the Red-headed Woodpecker is a stunning bird with a vibrant red head, neck, and upper body. The rest of its plumage is primarily black and white. These woodpeckers prefer open woodland habitats, especially ones with dead trees where they can find food and build nests. Their call is distinct and can be described as a sharp “wick-a-wick-a-wick.”
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird may be small in size, but its brilliant red throat and green plumage make it a jewel-like creature. These tiny birds are known for their remarkable hovering ability and their fast flapping wings. They are often found in gardens, woodlands, and areas with a good supply of nectar-producing flowers. Their high-pitched chirping can often be heard as they zip around.
Summer Tanager
The Summer Tanager is a lovely bird with bright red plumage, often described as a “ripe tomato red.” The males have an all-red body, while females have a more olive-yellow coloration. These tanagers prefer a variety of forest habitats, including mixed woodlands and bottomlands. Their song is sweet and warbling, resembling the sound of a robin.
Birds with Orange Feathers
Birds with orange feathers are not as commonly seen as their red counterparts, but they are no less fascinating. Their warm and vibrant color adds a touch of brightness to the Mississippi landscape, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Eastern Towhee
The Eastern Towhee is a striking bird with black upper parts and a prominent reddish-orange patch on its sides. The male has a black head and throat, while the female has a more brownish coloration. These birds are often found in thickets, shrublands, and forest edges. Their song consists of a series of short, buzzy notes followed by a trill.
Brown Thrasher
The Brown Thrasher may not be predominantly orange, but it has reddish-brown feathers throughout its body. This bird is known for its rich, melodious song and its long, curved bill, which it uses to search for insects and berries in the underbrush. Brown Thrashers can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, thickets, and suburban gardens.
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a graceful bird with a vibrant orange-red throat and belly. Its long, forked tail makes it easily recognizable in flight. These swallows are often found in open habitats near water, such as wetlands, lakes, and rivers. They are agile flyers and can be seen swooping and diving as they catch insects on the wing.
Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a majestic bird of prey with orange-red feathers on its breast and belly. Its broad wings and distinctive call make it a recognizable sight and sound in Mississippi. These hawks prefer forested habitats near water, where they can hunt for small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Their call is a distinctive, high-pitched, piercing whistle.
Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole is a small bird with bright orange underparts and black upperparts. The male’s coloration is particularly striking during the breeding season, while the female has a more olive-yellow coloration. These orioles prefer open woodlands, orchards, and parks. Their song is flutelike and melodic, often sounding like a liquid warble.
American Kestrel
The American Kestrel is a small falcon with a rusty-orange back and wings, as well as a bluish-gray head. These birds can be found in various habitats, including open fields, meadows, and agricultural areas. They are skilled hunters and feed on insects, small mammals, and birds. Their call is a distinctive, sharp “klee-klee-klee.”
Wood Thrush
The Wood Thrush may not be predominantly orange, but it has warm brownish-orange feathers on its back and wings. This medium-sized thrush prefers moist, shady woodlands with a dense understory. Its melodious and flute-like song is often described as one of the most beautiful in the avian world.
Ruddy Duck
The Ruddy Duck is a small, compact waterbird that has a bright reddish-brown neck and a pale blue bill. These ducks can often be found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They are strong divers and feed primarily on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. During the breeding season, the males display an elaborate courtship behavior, bobbing their heads and flaring their tail feathers.
Birds with Yellow Feathers
Yellow birds bring a burst of sunshine to the birdwatching scene in Mississippi. Their vibrant color stands out against the green foliage, making them a joy to observe in their natural habitats.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a small songbird with bright yellow patches on its throat, sides, and rump. Its back is primarily gray, while its wings have conspicuous white patches. These warblers can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, forests, and even urban parks. Their high, trilling song can be heard throughout the year.
Pine Warbler
The Pine Warbler is a predominantly yellow bird with olive-green streaks on its back. These warblers are often found in pine forests and mixed woodlands, where they forage for insects and seeds. Their song is a clear, musical trill, often described as “chippy-chippy-chippy.”
White-eyed Vireo
The White-eyed Vireo is a small bird with olive-green upperparts and a bright yellow throat and underparts. As its name suggests, it has striking white eyes. These vireos prefer shrubby habitats like thickets, brushy areas, and forest edges. Their song is a series of loud, energetic phrases that can sound like “chick-perio-weet.”
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a delightful bird with bright yellow plumage and black wings. The males are especially vibrant during the breeding season, while the females have a more subdued coloration. These finches can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and gardens. They are known for their delightful, undulating flight and their sweet, twittering song.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a yellow underwing and a black crescent on its chest. Its back is primarily brown with black bars, while its head has a distinctive gray coloration. These woodpeckers can be found in woodlands, forests, and even suburban areas. Their loud, ringing call is often described as a sharp “wick-a-wick-a-wick.”
In conclusion, Mississippi is home to a diverse array of birds with red, orange, and yellow feathers. While color alone should not be the sole factor in identifying birds, it certainly adds to their allure and makes them a joy to spot in the wild. The birds mentioned in this article, such as the Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Eastern Towhee, and Yellow-rumped Warbler, are just a few examples of the stunning avian beauty found in the state. So grab your binoculars, head outdoors, and embrace the colorful world of these magnificent birds in Mississippi.
