Red plumage on a bird’s head is caused by pigments called carotenoids, which birds must consume through their diet. In many species, this striking coloration signals fitness and maturity, playing a role in mating displays. The location and extent of the red patch can vary dramatically, ranging from a full hood to a small crown patch or even bare skin.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers and Their Family
The woodpecker family, Picidae, contains some of the most prominent examples of red-headed birds in North America. The Red-headed Woodpecker is distinctive because the adult bird’s entire head, neck, and throat are a solid, deep crimson, which is unusual among its relatives. This extensive red coloring is present on both males and females, meaning this species does not exhibit sexual dimorphism in its head plumage.
Other woodpeckers possess red patches that are often mistaken for a full red head. The male Red-bellied Woodpecker has red feathers that extend from the nape of the neck over the crown to the forehead. However, the female’s red is limited to the nape, with a gray crown and forehead. Despite its name, the faint red blush on the belly is rarely visible.
The Pileated Woodpecker is instantly recognizable by its prominent, triangular red crest. This crest of stiff feathers gives the bird a distinct appearance. In this species, the difference between the sexes is subtle: the male has an additional thin red stripe, known as the malar stripe, that extends from the base of the beak toward the throat.
Common Red-Crowned and Red-Faced Songbirds
Small songbirds, or passerines, often display localized red coloring on their heads. The male Northern Cardinal’s entire body is red, but his head features a distinguishing raised crest of feathers and a thin black mask surrounding the thick, orange-red bill. This black mask provides a strong contrast, emphasizing the scarlet head and face.
The red color on common finches is restricted to the face, crown, and upper breast. Male House Finches have coloring that ranges from reddish-orange to yellow, often with the brightest concentration around the forehead and upper chest. The extent of the red is variable among individuals.
The male Purple Finch is colored with a deeper, more uniform cranberry or raspberry tone that appears to be “dipped” over the head, breast, back, and rump. This color is often more widespread on the body than that of the House Finch. Observing the specific pattern and hue of the red is necessary to differentiate these two similar-looking species.
Specialized and Water-Dwelling Species
Red heads are also found on specialized species. The male Redhead Duck displays a reddish-brown or cinnamon-colored head during the breeding season. This color is a primary component of the male’s courtship display and contrasts sharply with his black chest and gray body plumage.
Among hummingbirds, the red coloration is not based on pigment but on the microscopic structure of the feathers, creating an iridescent effect. The male Anna’s Hummingbird has an iridescent rose-red crown that extends over the entire head, connecting with the throat patch, or gorget. The male Rufous Hummingbird, named for its coppery-brown body, has an orange-red gorget, but the crown of its head remains green.
The Turkey Vulture’s head is featherless and colored bright red in adults. The lack of feathers is an adaptation for hygiene, preventing the accumulation of bacteria while the bird feeds on carrion. The red color itself may also play a role in thermoregulation and signaling maturity to other vultures.