If you’re looking for a brown bird with a red head, today we’ll help you!
There are several species of bird that’s brown with a red head, and today we’ll cover them all.
Plus you’ll discover which bird you’re looking for.
Brown Bird With A Red Head: Which Bird Is It?
There are several species of birds that are brown with a red head.
Here are a few possibilities:
- Red-headed Woodpecker: This bird is black and white with a bright red head.
- Red-naped Sapsucker: This bird is brown with a red crown and nape (the back of the neck).
- House Finch: The male House Finch has a brown body with a red head and chest.
- Chukar Partridge: This bird is brown and gray with a red beak and a bright red patch on its forehead.
This table will help you identify which brown bird with a red head you’re looking for:
Bird Species | Body Color | Head Color | Other Identifying Features |
---|---|---|---|
Red-headed Woodpecker | Black/White | Red | Large, sturdy bill; white wing patches |
Red-naped Sapsucker | Brown | Red | White bars on wings; yellow belly |
House Finch | Brown | Red | Brown streaks on back; conical bill |
Chukar Partridge | Brown/Gray | Red | White throat and eye stripe |
Without more information about the size, shape, and location of the bird you’re asking about, it’s difficult to determine exactly which species it might be.
What Little Bird Has A Red Head And Brown Body?
Birdwatching can be a wonderful and rewarding hobby.
The thrill of spotting a rare or unusual bird can be truly exhilarating.
But, with so many different species of birds to identify, it can be a daunting task for even the most experienced birders.
One particular bird that has caused confusion for many bird enthusiasts is the small, brown bird with a red head.
While there are several bird species that fit this description, one that immediately comes to mind is the red-headed woodpecker.
This striking bird is easily identifiable by its black and white feathers and bright red head.
With its sturdy bill and white wing patches, it is an impressive sight to behold.
However, it’s important to note that the red-headed woodpecker is not the only bird with a red head and brown body.
Another bird that fits this description is the red-naped sapsucker.
This bird has brown feathers, a red crown, and a red nape.
It can be identified by the white bars on its wings and its yellow belly.
Bird Species | Body Color | Head Color | Other Identifying Features |
---|---|---|---|
Red-headed Woodpecker | Black/White | Red | Large, sturdy bill; white wing patches |
Red-naped Sapsucker | Brown | Red | White bars on wings; yellow belly |
House Finch | Brown | Red | Brown streaks on back; conical bill |
Chukar Partridge | Brown/Gray | Red | White throat and eye stripe; red beak |
If you’re looking for a bird with a red head and brown body that’s a bit smaller in size, you might consider the house finch.
The male house finch has a brown body with a red head and chest.
Its back is adorned with brown streaks, and its conical bill is perfect for cracking open seeds.
Finally, for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge, the chukar partridge is a bird with a brown and gray body and a red beak.
It also has a bright red patch on its forehead and a white throat and eye stripe.
There are several bird species with a red head and brown body.
While identifying them can be challenging, it’s worth the effort to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures in the wild.
With a little patience and some practice, you’ll be able to add these birds to your list of identified species in no time.
What bird is brown with red head feathers?
Asides from the other bird types we’ve mentioned above, you could also be referring to the Redpoll:
This bird is brown with streaks of black and has a red cap on its head.
14 Common Brown Birds With Red Heads

Redhead birds are a delight to spot in any habitat.
Here’s a few to watch out for when birding…
1: Brown Creeper
Common species such as the brown creeper, the hooded merganser, and the scarlet tanager all add a brilliant hue of red to nature’s canvas.
The brown creeper can often be seen scurrying around tree trunks looking for food with its distinctive brown and white striped plumage, highlighted by an intense reddish brown head.
The dapper-looking male hooded merganser also shows off bright red head markings, set against crisp patterns of black, brown, and white that make it a popular sight in many parts of the United States.
Common Name | Brown Creeper |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Certhia americana |
Body Color | Brown with white undersides |
Head Color | Brown |
Size | 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm) |
Wingspan | 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm) |
Weight | 0.3-0.4 oz (9-12 g) |
Habitat | Forests, woodlands, and parks |
Range | North America, from Alaska to Mexico |
Diet | Insects and spiders |
Nesting Habits | Nests in tree cavities or behind bark |
Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Birdwatchers far and wide look forward to catching a glimpse of the brilliantly colored scarlet tanager during warmer months.
You can recognize it’s vibrant colors first — deep emerald green on the back transitioning into a rich shade of maroon red at the face, wings, and tail.
All in all, birds with redheads bring much joy to those who appreciate their beauty.
2: Finches With Redheads
Finches with redheads are a diverse group of birds that are found in various parts of the world.
The males of some finch species have red heads, while the females have more subdued colors.
Here are a few examples of finches with redheads:
- House Finch: The male House Finch has a brown body with a red head and chest. The female has a gray-brown body with a streaked breast.
- Cassin’s Finch: The male Cassin’s Finch has a brown body with a red crown and breast. The female has a gray-brown body with light streaks on the breast.
- Purple Finch: The male Purple Finch has a raspberry-red head and breast, while the female has a brownish-gray body with heavy streaking on the underparts.
- Red Crossbill: Both male and female Red Crossbills have red plumage on their heads, but the color can vary from orange to yellow.
- Common Rosefinch: This bird has a brownish-red head and breast, with streaked brown plumage on the back and wings.
Overall, finches with redheads are a beautiful and colorful group of birds that can be found in a variety of habitats.
3: Woodpeckers With Redheads
Woodpeckers are also brown birds with redheads, but they vary in size and color.
The most frequent one seen at the feeder is the Red-bellied Woodpecker.
This little brown bird has a bright red head, making it quite noticeable even from afar.
Bird Species | Body Color | Head Color | Other Identifying Features |
---|---|---|---|
House Finch | Brown | Red | Brown streaks on back; conical bill |
Cassin’s Finch | Brown | Red | Red crown and breast in males; streaked breast in females |
Purple Finch | Brownish-gray | Raspberry-red | Heavy streaking on female underparts |
Red Crossbill | Varies | Red | Unique bill shape adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones |
Common Rosefinch | Brown with red tones | Brownish-red | Streaked plumage on back and wings |
It can usually be found pecking away at tree trunks or suet feeders, making it a regular sight around bird feeding stations.
You may even see it perched atop suet feeders, which is quite an amusing site!
So if you’re looking for a brown bird with a red head to admire in nature, look no further than your local park or backyard.
All sorts of brown birds with redheads can be spotted in many different habitats if you pay attention.
4: Flycatchers With Redheads

Flycatchers with redheads are brown birds that can be found in many parts of the world.
They’re particularly common in North America, where they can often be witnessed darting after their insect prey.
With expert agility and accuracy, these small brown birds use their sharp talons to snatch a midair morsel while zipping across open skies.
One moment they’re an ordinary brown bird and the next they have a wriggling fly clasped in their claws before finally gulping it down.
Watching them swoop and soar is a remarkable experience for any birdwatcher.
The vibrant color of their red heads increases their impact, even more, symbolizing energy and vigor as these birds search for sustenance with spectacular efficiency.
5: Cassin’s Finch – Haemorhous Cassin
The Cassin’s Finch is a brown bird with a redhead and brown streaks on its wings.
It can be found in Southwestern Canada, the western United States, and parts of Mexico.
The males are especially striking:
They have a bright orange bill which contrasts against their black mask and brown body.
These birds can often be heard singing a cheerful song as they feed off insects and seeds.
Common Name | Cassin’s Finch |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Haemorhous cassinii |
Body Color | Brown |
Head Color | Red |
Size | 5.5-6.3 inches (14-16 cm) |
Wingspan | 9.8-11 inches (25-28 cm) |
Weight | 0.6-0.8 oz (17-23 g) |
Habitat | Forests, woodlands, and mountain meadows |
Range | Western United States and Mexico |
Diet | Seeds, insects, and fruit |
Nesting Habits | Nests in trees and shrubs |
Conservation Status | Least Concern |
They often flock in large numbers and can be seen perched on branches or flying low over the open fields.
The brown head of the Cassin’s Finch, highlighted by its red cap, is the perfect way to identify it among other brown birds with redheads.
So whether it’s a flycatcher on the hunt or a finch singing away, brown birds with redheads are sure to bring much joy and beauty to any bird-watcher day.
They can often be found in many different habitats, so don’t forget to keep an eye out when you’re exploring!
With their bold colors and lively personalities, brown birds with redheads are a delight to behold.
So keep an eye out for them next time you’re outdoors and appreciate their unique beauty!
6: Pyrrhuloxia – Cardinalis Sinuatus

The Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) is a brown bird with a vibrant red head and upper breast, giving it a captivating appearance.
It can be found in arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Mexico, as well as some parts of Central America.
It favors thickly-vegetated cactus scrubs, canyons with riparian foliage, and open deserts.
The pyrrhuloxia feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, wasps, ants, and moths.
An interesting fact about the pyrrhuloxia is that when pursuing prey or escaping from predators it will often fly directly into thick bushes or branches to hide.
This remarkable ability makes it much harder for predators to track the birds once they flee for protection.
7: Red-bellied Woodpecker – Melanerpes carolinus
The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is another brown bird with a redhead.
This species is found in the Eastern United States and Canada, as well as parts of Mexico.
As its name suggests, this woodpecker has a bright red belly which contrasts with its brown body plumage.
It feeds mainly on insects and occasionally nuts, seeds, and fruits.
The red-bellied woodpecker prefers to make its home in open woods and forests near streams or lakes.
It’s an active bird that can often be seen clinging to tree trunks and branches as it searches for food.
Its unique brown body, with a bright red head, makes it quite easy to identify amongst brown birds with redheads.
Brown birds with redheads are some of the most vibrant and beautiful creatures in nature.
8: Pileated Woodpecker – Dryocopus pileatus

The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is one of the largest brown birds with a redhead.
It can be found in much of North America, from Alaska and Canada to the East coast.
Its brown body is speckled with white spots and its head is topped off with a bright red cap.
Common Name | Pileated Woodpecker |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Dryocopus pileatus |
Body Color | Black |
Head Color | Red crest and white stripes on face |
Size | 16-19 inches (41-48 cm) |
Wingspan | 26-30 inches (66-76 cm) |
Weight | 8-12 oz (227-340 g) |
Habitat | Forests and woodlands |
Range | North America, from southern Canada to the eastern United States |
Diet | Insects, fruit, and nuts |
Nesting Habits | Nests in tree cavities |
Conservation Status | Least Concern |
The pileated woodpecker feeds mainly on insects and grubs that it digs from tree trunks and branches, sometimes creating long strips of bark in the process.
This species spends most of its time in deciduous forests and prefers to nest in dead trees or stumps.
Its vibrant red head is a great way to identify this brown bird with a redhead.
With their colorful plumage and lively personalities, brown birds with redheads are sure to add an extra layer of beauty to your outdoor adventures.
9: Red Crossbill – Loxia curvirostra
The Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is a brown bird with a redhead and wings that are found in the Northern Hemisphere.
It has grayish-brown upper parts and its bright red head contrasts with its white throat and underparts.
Its stout bill curves sharply downward at the tip, giving it an unmistakable appearance.
The Red Crossbill feeds mainly on conifer seeds, making it an important part of the food chain in temperate forests.
It often forages in flocks, holding onto branches with its feet while using its bill to pry open pine cones and extract seeds.
The red crossbill is a unique brown bird with a redhead that will make a wonderful addition to any bird-watching hobby.
Red Birds With Redheads such as the Pyrrhuloxia, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Red Crossbill are beautiful creatures that bring much joy and beauty to nature.
10: Scarlet Flycatcher – Pyrocephalus rubinus

The Scarlet Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is another brown bird with a redhead that can be found in parts of Central and South America.
This species has brown upper parts and its bright red head is separated from the rest of its body by a black line.
Its wings are brown above and grayish-white below, and its tail is brown with white edges.
The Scarlet Flycatcher mainly eats insects, which it catches in midair.
It prefers to live in humid forests and woodland areas near streams or rivers, where it can find plenty of prey.
Its bright red head makes it a distinctive brown bird with a redhead that any birder should be sure to brown birds with redheads provide a splash of color and beauty to our natural environment.
From the Pyrrhuloxia to the Red Crossbill, these feathered friends are always sure to bring joy and delight wherever they go.
So keep an eye out for brown birds with redheads on your next bird-watching outing and appreciate their vibrant beauty!
11: Red-Breasted Sapsucker – Sphyrapicus Ruber
The Red-Breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) is a brown bird with a redhead that can be found in North America.
This species has brown upper parts and its head is colored with bright red and yellow patches.
Its wings are brown above and white below, while its tail is brown on top and white underneath The Red-Breasted Sapsucker feeds mainly on sap from trees and sometimes takes small insects as well.
It prefers to live in deciduous forests and can usually be found foraging on trunks and branches of trees.
12: Red-headed Woodpecker – Melanerpes erythrocephalus

The Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a brown bird with a redhead that can be found in North America.
It has brown upper parts and its head is colored bright red, giving it an unmistakable appearance.
Its wings are brown above and white below, while its tail is brown on top and white underneath.
The Red-headed Woodpecker feeds mainly on insects, which it catches by pecking at trees or catching them in midair.
Its bright red head makes it a distinctive brown bird with a redhead, making it an exciting sighting for any bird-watcher.
13: Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis
The Northern Cardinal, also known by its scientific name of Cardinalis, is a brown bird with a striking red head, making it easily identifiable in the wild.
It can be found throughout North and Central America, often seen flitting from tree to tree or riding the air currents while singing its beautiful melodic melody.
Cardinals are known for their monogamous relationships, continuing with the same partner season after season.
They are one of the few species that will survive in both rural and urban environments, giving them a wide range of habitats to explore.
Cardinals have brightened up many outdoor spaces throughout the year with their cheerful presence.
14: Red-Headed Finch – Amadina Erythrocephala

The Red-headed Finch, also known by its scientific name of Amadina erythrocephala, is a brown bird with a redhead that can be found in parts of Africa and Asia.
This species has brown upper parts and its head is colored bright red, making it an eye-catching sight in any habitat.
Its wings are brown above and white below, while its tail is brown on top and white underneath.
Red-headed Finches feed mainly on grass seed, which they pick from the ground or catch in midair.
They are often seen in small flocks, making a cheerful “chirrup” sound that adds to the ambiance of any birdwatching outing.
So if you ever come across brown birds with redheads, be sure to keep an eye out for the Red-headed Finch!