This article introduces readers to the vibrant world of birds with red, orange, and yellow feathers in Washington State. It explains that the stunning colors of these birds are derived from carotenoids in their diet. However, the article highlights that when it comes to bird identification, shape and size are more important factors than color alone. The article then proceeds to delight readers with a list of bird species that boast noticeable amounts of red, orange, or yellow feathers. From the graceful Anna’s Hummingbird to the striking Black-headed Grosbeak, each bird is described with fascinating details about their appearance, habitat, and residency status in Washington. Furthermore, the article mentions that while orange-colored birds are not very common, there are notable exceptions such as the Spotted Towhee and Rufous Hummingbird. On the other hand, yellow is a more common bird color, and the article provides an enticing list of bird species with yellow plumage as well.

Red Birds

Washington State is home to a diverse range of bird species, each with its own unique characteristics and colors. In this article, we will delve into the world of red birds, their appearances, habitats, and residency status in Washington. Red feathers in birds are often derived from carotenoids in their diet, which gives them their vibrant hues. However, it’s important to note that color alone is not always a reliable factor for bird identification. Shape and size play a crucial role as well.

Anna’s Hummingbird

One of the most recognizable red birds in Washington is the Anna’s Hummingbird. With its shimmering emerald green body and vibrant red head and throat, this tiny bird is truly a sight to behold. The male Anna’s Hummingbird has a flashy iridescent red crown, while the female has a more subdued green coloration with a touch of red on her throat.

Anna’s Hummingbirds can be found year-round in Washington, as they have become increasingly adapted to urban environments. They are often seen in gardens and parks with flowering plants that provide nectar, their main source of food.

Purple Finch

The Purple Finch is another bird with striking red plumage. The male boasts a vibrant raspberry-red coloration on its head, chest, and back, while the female has a more subtle olive-brown color with streaks of red on her crown and wings.

Purple Finches are primarily found in coniferous and mixed forests throughout Washington, where they forage for seeds and insects. They are known for their cheerful warbling songs, which can be heard throughout the year.

House Finch

The House Finch is a small songbird with a reddish coloration that varies from orange to deep red. The male House Finch possesses a bright red head, breast, and rump, while the female has a more muted olive-brown color with streaks of red.

These finches are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, woodlands, and grasslands. They are often seen perched on shrubs or hopping on the ground in search of seeds and berries.

Red-breasted Sapsucker

The Red-breasted Sapsucker is a woodpecker species that features a unique combination of red, black, and white plumage. The male sports a red head and throat, with a black back, wings, and tail. The female has similar markings but with a black throat instead of red.

As their name suggests, Red-breasted Sapsuckers have a peculiar feeding habit of drilling small holes in tree bark to access sap. They are commonly found in Washington’s forests, particularly those with coniferous trees.

Red Crossbill

The Red Crossbill is a finch species known for its specialized bill, which is adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones. As the name implies, the male Red Crossbill features vibrant red plumage on its head, breast, and rump, while the female has more of an olive-green coloration.

These birds can be found year-round in Washington’s coniferous forests, where they use their crossed bill to pry open pine cones and extract the nutritious seeds within.

Orange Birds

While red is a relatively common color among birds, orange birds are a bit rarer. However, there are still several notable species that showcase shades of orange in their plumage. Let’s explore some of these vibrant birds and learn more about their appearance, habitat, and residency status in Washington.

American Kestrel

The American Kestrel is a small falcon with a striking combination of colors. The male boasts a rusty orange back with black barring, while the female has a more subdued brown back. Both sexes have a white face with bold black markings.

These falcons can be found throughout Washington in open habitats, such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and even urban areas. They are skilled hunters and often perch on utility wires or branches, scanning the surroundings for potential prey.

Spotted Towhee

The Spotted Towhee is a handsome bird with black plumage and striking orange-red eyes. The male has a black head, back, and tail, along with a white belly, while the female has similar markings but with a brownish hue.

These towhees are commonly found in the understory of Washington’s forests and shrubby areas. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a melodious “chewink,” which can be easily recognized.

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a large woodpecker species that showcases a mix of orange and black in its plumage. The male has a black mustache stripe and a red patch on the nape, while the female has a tan mustache stripe and lacks the red patch.

These woodpeckers can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, open forests, and urban areas with mature trees. They are known for their distinct drumming sounds and foraging behavior on the ground, where they search for ants and beetles.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird with a distinctive reddish-orange breast and belly. It has a striking black eye stripe and a bluish-gray back and wings.

These nuthatches are commonly found in Washington’s coniferous forests, where they forage for insects and seeds. They have a unique habit of climbing headfirst down tree trunks, which sets them apart from other nuthatch species.

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a charming little bird with soft brown plumage on its back and vibrant chestnut coloration on its head and wings. It has a black cap and bib, along with a white belly.

These chickadees prefer mature forests with dense vegetation, where they can forage for insects and seeds. They are known for their acrobatic feeding behaviors and their cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” calls.

Varied Thrush

The Varied Thrush is a striking bird with a deep orange breast, black wings with bold white bars, and a black face and throat. It resembles a robin in shape and size but boasts a more vibrant color palette.

These thrushes are predominantly found in Washington’s dense forests, particularly those near water sources. They often forage on the ground for insects and berries and have a beautiful, haunting song.

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is a small bird with fiery orange feathers on its back and sides. The male has a vibrant orange throat, while the female possesses a more muted greenish coloration.

These hummingbirds can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Washington, including forests, meadows, and gardens. They are known for their aggressive nature and impressive migratory feats, traveling extraordinary distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.

Cinnamon Teal

The Cinnamon Teal is a dabbling duck with stunning orange-brown plumage. The male has a bright cinnamon-red head and body, while the female has more subdued coloration.

These ducks can be found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes, throughout Washington. They are skilled swimmers and feed by dabbling on the water’s surface, filtering out small invertebrates and plant matter.

Barn Swallow

The Barn Swallow is a graceful bird with a deeply forked tail and vibrant rust-colored underparts. It has a steel-blue back and wings, along with a chestnut-colored forehead and throat.

These swallows are commonly found in open habitats, including fields, meadows, and near bodies of water. They are expert aerialists, swooping and gliding through the air as they catch flying insects on the wing.

Bullock’s Oriole

The Bullock’s Oriole is a beautiful songbird with a bright orange head, breast, and rump. It has a black back, wings, and tail, along with a distinctive white wing patch.

These orioles can be found in Washington’s riparian habitats, such as riverbanks and cottonwood groves. They primarily feed on insects, nectar, and fruit, and their melodious songs can be heard during the breeding season.

Black-headed Grosbeak

The Black-headed Grosbeak is a striking bird with a black head, bright orange breast, and white belly. It has a large, conical bill that is well-adapted for cracking open seeds and fruit.

These grosbeaks inhabit a variety of habitats in Washington, including woodlands, forest edges, and parks. They have a beautiful warbling song that resonates through the trees, making them a delight for birdwatchers.

Conclusion

Washington State is home to a diverse array of red, orange, and yellow birds, each with its own unique set of characteristics and habitats. From the dazzling red plumage of the Anna’s Hummingbird to the vibrant orange tones of the Northern Flicker and the Black-headed Grosbeak, these birds add a splash of color to the natural landscapes of Washington. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply enjoy observing nature, keep your eyes and ears open for these fascinating avian residents of the Evergreen State.