In “Red, Orange, and Yellow Birds of Illinois,” readers will discover a wealth of information about the vibrant avian residents of this state. With over 440 species to uncover, this article not only showcases stunning photographs, but also offers tips for identifying these birds based on their distinct hues. While shape and size play a crucial role in identification, the article highlights the birds that boast noticeable amounts of red, orange, and yellow in their feathers. From the familiar American Robin and Northern Cardinal to the charismatic Baltimore Oriole and American Goldfinch, each species is discussed in detail, including their appearance and preferred habitats. By exploring the carotenoids in their diet, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how these feathered friends acquire their striking plumage. Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of red, orange, and yellow birds in the diverse landscapes of Illinois.
Red Birds
American Robin
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common sight across Illinois, with its vibrant red breast and grayish-brown upperparts. It has a relatively large size, measuring about 9-11 inches in length, with a wingspan of 12-16 inches. Apart from its red breast, it features a white belly, dark head, and a yellow bill. Male and female robins look similar, although females tend to have a paler red breast.
American Robins are known for their melodious song, which can be heard throughout the day, especially during the breeding season. They are typically found in open woodlands, parks, gardens, and suburban areas. In Illinois, they are known to migrate during the winter months, but some individuals may remain year-round, particularly in the southern regions.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is undoubtedly one of the most iconic red birds in North America, including Illinois. Males are striking with their bright red plumage, crest on the head, and black mask around the face. Females, on the other hand, have a more subdued appearance, sporting a mixture of red and brown feathers.
Cardinals are known for their clear whistling songs, which can often be heard throughout the year from their preferred habitat of woodland edges, backyards, and shrubby areas. They are non-migratory birds, meaning they can be observed in Illinois year-round. Cardinals are also monogamous, with pairs often seen foraging together and defending their territory.
House Finch
The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small finch with a reddish coloration on its crown, breast, and rump. Males have a deeper red color compared to females, which have more of a muted brownish-red hue. They have a short, conical bill, ideal for feeding on seeds and fruits.
House Finches are highly adaptable birds, thriving in a variety of habitats, including residential areas, farmlands, and open woodlands. Their songs are sweet and melodious, with males often serenading from perches. In urban areas, they are known to frequent backyard feeders, particularly during the winter months when food resources are scarce. Like the American Robin, House Finches also undergo partial migration in Illinois.
Orange Birds
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a distinctive bird with a burnt orange color on its underparts, forehead, and throat. Its upperparts are a glossy blue-black, and it has a deeply forked tail. This aerial acrobat can be frequently observed swooping and gliding in search of flying insects.
Barn Swallows are commonly found in Illinois during the breeding season, nesting in barns, open structures, and under bridges. Their cup-shaped mud nests are a familiar sight in these areas. During migration, they form large flocks and can be observed in various habitats, including marshes, agricultural fields, and coastal areas.
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is a striking bird with a vibrant orange color on its underparts and a contrasting black head, back, and wings. Males also feature orange feathers on their face, while females have a yellowish hue. Orioles have long, slender bills and are known for their distinctively melodious songs.
These birds prefer open woodlands and forest edges as their habitat, but can also be found in parks, gardens, and orchards. They are migratory birds, spending their winter months in Central and South America. During the breeding season, Baltimore Orioles construct pendulous nests, woven from fine plant fibers, usually hanging from the branches of trees.
Eastern Towhee
The Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) is a medium-sized sparrow with a black head, back, and tail. The male Eastern Towhee stands out with its reddish-orange sides and white belly, while females have a more muted coloration. They have a chunky body, bright red eyes, and a distinctive call that sounds like “drink-your-tea.”
Eastern Towhees are primarily found in dense shrubby habitats, such as thickets, overgrown fields, and forest understory. They forage on the ground, scratching through leaf litter in search of insects, seeds, and berries. These birds can be observed year-round in Illinois, as they do not migrate.
Yellow Birds
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small songbird with bright yellow plumage, particularly in males during the breeding season. Females have a more muted yellow color with greenish tones. Their wings are black with distinctive white bars, and they have a conical bill suitable for feeding on seeds.
Goldfinches are commonly found in meadows, fields, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. They are particularly fond of areas with thistle plants, as they feed on the seeds. These birds are relatively late breeders, waiting until mid-summer when there is an abundant supply of seeds for their offspring. During the winter, their plumage dulls to a more olive-brown color.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a large woodpecker with a yellowish coloration on its underparts, featuring black spots. The male flicker has a black mustache mark on its face, while females lack this feature. Their wings and tails are brown with distinct black bars.
Flickers inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, open fields, and urban areas with mature trees. Their diet consists primarily of ants and beetles, which they obtain by foraging on the ground using their long, barbed tongue. In Illinois, flickers are migratory birds, spending the winter months in the southern United States and Central America.
Common Yellowthroat
The Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) is a small warbler with a yellow throat and underparts, contrasting with olive-green upperparts. Males have a distinctive black mask across their face, while females have a more subdued appearance. These birds have short wings and a slender, pointed bill.
Common Yellowthroats inhabit wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps, and boggy fields, making it a relatively common bird in Illinois. They are known for their distinctive “wichety-wichety” call, which can often be heard in the dense vegetation where they hide. Although they may migrate, some individuals can be seen year-round in Illinois.
Identification Based on Color
Importance of Shape and Size
While color can be a helpful tool in bird identification, shape and size often play a more significant role. Birds can vary in size from tiny hummingbirds to large raptors, and their shape can range from slim and elongated to chubby and round. These characteristics, combined with other features like beak shape and wing shape, can offer valuable clues when identifying a bird.
For example, the American Robin and Northern Cardinal, despite both being red birds, have distinct differences in size and shape. Robins are larger, with a more upright posture, while cardinals have a relatively smaller size, a crest on their head, and a more robust bill. Paying attention to size and shape can help narrow down potential bird species.
How Color Can Aid in Identification
While shape and size are crucial, color can also provide valuable information when identifying birds. The article focuses on red, orange, and yellow birds in Illinois, helping birdwatchers quickly narrow down their options when attempting to identify a bird’s species.
Color patterns, such as the reddish-orange underparts of a Baltimore Oriole or the bright yellow plumage of an American Goldfinch, can be distinct characteristics unique to certain species. By observing the coloration on specific body parts, such as the breast or throat, birdwatchers can make more accurate identifications.
Number of Bird Species in Illinois
Over 440 Species
Illinois is home to a diverse array of bird species, with over 440 recorded species within the state. This diversity can be attributed to the varying habitats found throughout Illinois, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban areas.
Birdwatchers in Illinois have the opportunity to observe a wide range of species, from colorful songbirds to majestic raptors. With such a large number of bird species, Illinois offers a haven for both seasoned birdwatchers and those new to the hobby.
Variety in Coloration
Illinois boasts a wide variety of bird coloration, ranging from vibrant and bold to subtle and muted. The red, orange, and yellow birds highlighted in this article represent just a fraction of the colorful plumage found in the state.
From the stunning red breast of the American Robin to the brilliant yellow feathers of the American Goldfinch, each species adds its own unique touch of color to Illinois’ avian population. Birdwatchers can enjoy observing birds with different hues and patterns, creating a visually appealing experience.
Carotenoids and Feather Colors
Role of Carotenoids in Bird Diet
Carotenoids are organic pigments that birds obtain through their diet. These pigments are responsible for the red, orange, and yellow colors observed in feathers. Birds are unable to produce carotenoids on their own and must acquire them by consuming foods rich in these pigments, such as fruits, seeds, and insects.
Carotenoids serve various functions in birds, including immune system support, antioxidant activity, and coloration. The brighter and more intense the coloration, the healthier and more vibrant the bird is perceived to be. Carotenoids play a vital role in both the bird’s overall health and its ability to attract mates.
How Carotenoid Consumption Determines Feather Color
The amount and types of carotenoids birds consume directly influence the coloration of their feathers. For example, a diet rich in red and orange carotenoids will result in a more intense and vivid red or orange plumage. On the other hand, a diet lacking these pigments or with a higher proportion of other colors will lead to a less vibrant coloration.
In the case of red, orange, and yellow birds, their feathers contain carotenoids that reflect and absorb specific wavelengths of light, resulting in the observed colors. The availability of carotenoid-rich foods in their environment plays a critical role in maintaining their distinct coloration.
American Robin
Physical Appearance
The American Robin is a medium-sized songbird with a telltale red breast and a grayish-brown upper body. It measures between 9-11 inches in length, with a wingspan of 12-16 inches. The male and female robins look similar, features a white belly, dark head, and a yellow bill. However, females tend to have a paler red breast compared to males.
Habitat and Behavior
American Robins are typically found in open woodlands, parks, gardens, and suburban areas, where they can be spotted hopping along the ground in search of earthworms and insects. They are known for their melodious song, which can be heard throughout the day, especially during the breeding season. In Illinois, they are known to migrate during the winter months, but some individuals may remain year-round, particularly in the southern regions.
Northern Cardinal
Physical Appearance
The Northern Cardinal is a striking bird, with vibrant red plumage on its body and a crest on its head. Its black mask and bill contrast beautifully with its red feathers. Females, while less vibrant, also showcase a mixture of red and brown. Cardinals have a stout body and measure around 8-9 inches in length.
Habitat and Behavior
Cardinals are non-migratory birds, meaning they can be observed year-round in Illinois. They are commonly found in woodland edges, backyards, and shrubby areas. Their clear whistling songs can often be heard throughout the year, with males frequently serenading from perches. Cardinals are monogamous birds, and pairs are often seen foraging together and defending their territory.
House Finch
Physical Appearance
The House Finch is a small finch with a reddish coloration on its crown, breast, and rump. Males have a deeper red color compared to females, which have a more muted brownish-red hue. They exhibit a short, conical bill, ideal for feeding on seeds and fruits.
Habitat and Behavior
House Finches are highly adaptable birds, thriving in a variety of habitats, including residential areas, farmlands, and open woodlands. Their sweet and melodious songs can be heard throughout the year, particularly during the breeding season. In urban areas, they often frequent backyard feeders, especially in the winter when food resources are scarce. House Finches undergo partial migration in Illinois, with some individuals remaining during the winter and others migrating to more favorable regions.
Common Yellowthroat
Physical Appearance
The Common Yellowthroat is a small warbler with a distinctive yellow throat and underparts, complemented by olive-green upperparts. Males have a black mask across their face, while females exhibit a more subdued appearance. They have short wings and a slender, pointed bill.
Habitat and Behavior
Common Yellowthroats are commonly found in wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps, and boggy fields, where they hide within the dense vegetation. Their “wichety-wichety” call can often be heard in these habitats, as well as their sweet songs. Although they may migrate, some individuals can be seen year-round in Illinois. They forage on the ground, feeding on insects, small invertebrates, and seeds.