Take a stroll through the vibrant landscapes of Tennessee and you may just encounter a colorful array of red, orange, and yellow birds. In this fascinating guide, readers will discover a treasure trove of information about these captivating feathered creatures. With over 435 species calling Tennessee home, bird enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the various shapes and sizes these birds come in. While color plays a role in identification, this article suggests that paying attention to shape and size can often be more helpful. Explore the landscapes of this picturesque state and be captivated by the likes of the striking Northern Cardinal, the charismatic Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and many more. Delve into the world of Tennessee’s red, orange, and yellow birds and unlock the secrets behind their vibrant plumage.

Red Birds

Tennessee is home to a diverse range of bird species, with over 435 different kinds of birds being observed in the state. While color can sometimes be helpful in identifying birds, it is important to note that shape and size are often more reliable indicators. That being said, there are several striking red birds that can be found in Tennessee’s diverse habitats.

Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is perhaps one of the most iconic red birds in Tennessee. With its vibrant red plumage, black mask, and distinctive crest, the male cardinal is a sight to behold. The female cardinal, on the other hand, is a more subtle shade of brown with hints of red. Cardinals are abundant in Tennessee and can be found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, gardens, and parks.

Scarlet Tanager

The Scarlet Tanager is another red bird that can be spotted in Tennessee. These birds have a bright red body and black wings, making them stand out in the green foliage of the forests where they reside. Scarlet Tanagers are migratory birds, spending their winters in South America and breeding in the eastern parts of North America, including Tennessee.

Summer Tanager

The Summer Tanager is a beautiful red bird that makes its way to Tennessee during the summer months. The male Summer Tanager is a vibrant red color, while the female is a more subdued yellowish-green. These birds can be found in forests, woodlands, and along riverbanks where they feed on insects and berries.

Vermilion Flycatcher

Although relatively rare in Tennessee, the Vermilion Flycatcher is a striking bird with its bright red plumage and crested head. These flycatchers can be found in open grasslands and fields, where they perch on fences and tree branches, waiting for insects to pass by. Vermilion Flycatchers are known for their agile aerial hunting skills.

Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive red head and neck. Their bodies are primarily black with white patches on their wings. These woodpeckers are found in woodlands and forests where they nest in tree cavities. They are known for their strong drumming sounds that echo through the forest.

Orange Birds

In addition to the vibrant red birds found in Tennessee, there are also some stunning orange-colored birds that call the state their home. These birds add a splash of color to the landscape and can be a joy to observe.

Eastern Towhee

The Eastern Towhee is a medium-sized bird with a striking appearance. The male has a black head, back, and tail, and a rusty orange underbody. The female has a similar color pattern but with more subdued tones. Eastern Towhees can be found in dense shrubby areas and woodland edges, where they forage on the ground for seeds, insects, and berries.

Brown Thrasher

The Brown Thrasher is a large, beautifully patterned bird that has warm rusty-orange plumage on its wings and back. It also has a long, curved bill that it uses to flip leaves and dig for insects. Brown Thrashers can be found in a variety of habitats including gardens, parks, and woodland edges.

Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore Oriole is a stunning bird with bright orange plumage and black accents. These birds are known for their incredibly intricate hanging nests, which can be found in the branches of trees in wooded areas and parks. Baltimore Orioles have a unique song that can be heard during the breeding season.

Orchard Oriole

Similar in appearance to the Baltimore Oriole, the Orchard Oriole is a smaller bird with dark chestnut plumage. Males have a black hood and the females are a more subtle olive color. Orchard Orioles can be found in orchards, gardens, and open woodlands where they feed on insects, berries, and nectar.

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a distinctive woodpecker species with orange underwings and a black-scalloped plumage on its back and wings. They have a unique behavior of foraging on the ground for ants and other insects. Northern Flickers can often be seen on lawns, fields, and in woodlands across Tennessee.

Yellow Birds

Yellow birds bring a cheerful hue to Tennessee’s bird community. These vibrant and bright-colored birds can be found in various habitats across the state, adding a splash of sunshine to the landscape.

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a small bird that is known for its brilliant yellow plumage, especially during the breeding season. These birds can be found in open fields, meadows, and gardens, where they feed on thistle seeds and other small seeds. American Goldfinches are also known for their distinctive flight pattern and sweet song.

Yellow Warbler

The Yellow Warbler is a tiny bird with bright yellow plumage and reddish-brown streaks on its chest. These warblers can be found in wetlands, shrubby areas, and along forest edges, where they feed on insects and forage for berries.

Pine Warbler

The Pine Warbler is a yellow bird that can often be found in pine forests across Tennessee. These birds have yellow plumage with dark streaks on their sides and back. Pine Warblers are skilled at climbing trees and can often be heard singing their melodic trills from the tree canopy.

Yellow-breasted Chat

The Yellow-breasted Chat is a unique bird with a bright yellow chest and olive-green wings and back. These birds can be found in shrubby areas and woodlands, where they are known for their complex songs and secretive behavior. Yellow-breasted Chats are more often heard than seen, as they tend to hide among dense vegetation.

Eastern Meadowlark

The Eastern Meadowlark is a medium-sized bird with a bright yellow belly and a bold black “V” pattern on its chest. These birds can often be found in grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields, where they feed on insects, seeds, and berries. Eastern Meadowlarks are known for their beautiful flute-like songs.

Other Birds with Red Plumage

Tennessee is home to many more bird species with red plumage, although they may not be entirely red like the Northern Cardinal. These birds add a touch of color and diversity to the state’s avian population.

American Robin

The American Robin is a common sight in Tennessee, known for its reddish-orange breast and brick-colored belly. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, parks, and gardens. American Robins are known for their melodic song and foraging behavior, as they search for earthworms and insects on the ground.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a medium-sized bird with a black and white plumage and a striking rose-colored “bib” on its chest. These grosbeaks can be found in woodlands and forest edges, where they forage on insects, berries, and seeds. Male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have a beautiful warbling song.

House Finch

The House Finch is a small bird with a reddish-orange face and breast. These finches can be found in a variety of habitats including residential areas, where they often nest in the eaves of houses. House Finches feed on seeds and berries and are known for their cheerful and melodious songs.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny bird with iridescent green feathers and a vibrant red throat patch, or gorget, on the male. These hummingbirds can be found in gardens and woodlands where they feed on nectar from flowers. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are known for their hovering flight and fast wingbeats.

Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium-sized bird with predominantly black plumage and bright red shoulder patches, or epaulets, on the male. These blackbirds can be found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of lakes and ponds. Male Red-winged Blackbirds have a distinctive call that can be heard throughout their territories.

Other Birds with Orange Plumage

In addition to the Eastern Towhee and Brown Thrasher, there are several other bird species in Tennessee that boast shades of orange in their plumage. These birds add another layer of vibrant color to the state’s bird population.

Bullock’s Oriole

Bullock’s Orioles are medium-sized birds with bright orange plumage on their undersides and black wings. These orioles can be found in woodlands and forest edges, where they forage for insects and fruit. Bullock’s Orioles are also known for their hanging nests, which are woven from a variety of materials.

Hooded Oriole

The Hooded Oriole is a stunning bird with bright orange plumage on its head and chest, complemented by black wings and back. These orioles can be found in open woodlands and along stream banks where they feed on nectar, insects, and fruits. Hooded Orioles are known for their unique, flute-like songs.

Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird with a blue-gray body, white belly, and a rusty-orange patch on its breast. These kingfishers can be found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and streams, where they dive headfirst into the water to catch fish. Belted Kingfishers are known for their rattling call.

Osprey

The Osprey is a large bird of prey with a prominent dark eye stripe, a white head, and a rusty-orange underbelly. These raptors can be found near bodies of water where they dive from the air to catch fish in their talons. Ospreys are known for their powerful wings and keen eyesight.

Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized bird with sleek, silky plumage that is mostly brownish-gray. However, they have a distinct yellow tail band and touches of rusty-orange on their wings. These waxwings can be found in woodlands and forests where they feed on fruits, berries, and insects. Cedar Waxwings are known for their synchronized flocking behavior.

Other Birds with Yellow Plumage

Yellow plumage is often associated with brightness, cheerfulness, and warmth. Tennessee is home to several bird species that showcase a range of stunning yellow hues.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a small bird with a grayish-black back, a bright yellow throat and belly, and distinctive yellow patches on its rump. These warblers can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, marshes, and gardens. Yellow-rumped Warblers are known for their ability to digest wax-coated berries.

Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat is a small bird with a distinctive black mask on its face, a dull olive-green back, and a vibrant yellow throat and belly. These warblers can be found in wetlands, marshes, and shrubby areas where they feed on insects. Male Common Yellowthroats have a unique and melodic song.

Palm Warbler

The Palm Warbler is a small bird with a brownish-gray back, a bright yellow throat and belly, and a reddish-brown cap on its head. These warblers can be found in open woodlands, marshes, and fields, where they forage for insects. Palm Warblers are known for their distinctive tail-wagging behavior.

Yellow-throated Vireo

The Yellow-throated Vireo is a small bird with a grayish body, a yellow throat and underparts, and a white wing bar. These vireos can be found in deciduous forests, where they forage for insects and spiders. Yellow-throated Vireos are known for their musical and fluty songs.

American Redstart

The American Redstart is a small warbler with black upperparts and a bright yellow underbelly and patches on its wings and tail. These warblers can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, forests, and edges of water bodies. American Redstarts are known for their active foraging behavior, often flashing their wings and tail to flush out insects.

The Northern Cardinal

Description

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a songbird with a distinctive crest and a vibrant red plumage that is sure to catch anyone’s eye. The male has a black mask extending from its throat to its eyes, contrasting beautifully with its bright red body. The female, on the other hand, has a more muted reddish-brown color with a hint of red on its crest, wings, and tail. Cardinals are medium-sized birds and can grow up to 8 to 9 inches in length.

Habitat

Northern Cardinals can be found in a wide range of habitats including woodlands, gardens, suburbs, and parks. They are well adapted to human environments and are often seen at bird feeders. Cardinals are native to North America and are most commonly found in the eastern and central regions of the continent, including Tennessee.

Feeding Habits

Cardinals have a varied diet, feeding on a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a strong beak that is well-suited for cracking open seeds and breaking into fruits. Cardinals also have a preference for feeders that offer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts, among other food options.

Breeding

Cardinals are monogamous birds and form strong pair bonds. The male cardinal is known for its beautiful and distinctive song, which it uses to attract a mate and defend its territory. Cardinals breed from late March to early August and typically raise two to three broods per season. The female builds the nest, which is a cup-shaped structure made of twigs, leaves, and grass, usually situated in shrubs or low tree branches.

Conservation Status

The Northern Cardinal is a species of least concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They have a large population and a wide distribution range, which helps ensure their survival. Cardinals are adaptable birds that have successfully adapted to human-altered landscapes and utilize backyard feeders. However, habitat loss and fragmentation can pose some challenges to their populations.

The Eastern Towhee

Description

The Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) is a member of the sparrow family, known for its striking black and rufous plumage. The male Eastern Towhee has a black head, back, and tail, with contrasting rusty-orange accents on its wings, sides, and underparts. Its eyes are red, and it has a distinctive white belly. The female Eastern Towhee is similar in appearance but with more muted colors overall.

Habitat

Eastern Towhees can be found in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, shrubby areas, and forest edges. They prefer habitats with dense understory vegetation, which provides them with ample cover and food sources. Eastern Towhees are primarily non-migratory birds and can be observed year-round in Tennessee.

Feeding Habits

Eastern Towhees primarily feed on the ground, scratching through leaf litter in search of insects, berries, seeds, and other small invertebrates. They have a specialized bill that is adapted for this type of foraging behavior and can easily toss aside leaves and debris to uncover hidden prey.

Breeding

Eastern Towhees breed from April to August, building nests on or near the ground in dense vegetation or shrubs. The female constructs the nest, which is a cup-shaped structure made of grass, leaves, and twigs. The female typically lays 2 to 6 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both males and females participate in raising the young and feeding them.

Conservation Status

The Eastern Towhee is a common and widespread species with a stable population trend. Currently, there are no major conservation concerns for this bird. However, habitat loss and habitat fragmentation can negatively impact their populations. Maintaining and preserving suitable shrubby habitats is important for the Eastern Towhee’s long-term survival.

The American Goldfinch

Description

The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small songbird with vibrant yellow plumage, especially during the breeding season. The male goldfinch has bright yellow feathers with contrasting black wings and a black cap. In the winter, their plumage becomes more muted with a mix of yellow and olive tones. Female goldfinches have a similar color pattern but with a more subdued yellow color.

Habitat

American Goldfinches can be found in a wide range of habitats, including open fields, meadows, grasslands, and gardens. They also inhabit rural and suburban areas with ample food sources. These birds are commonly observed across North America, including Tennessee, and are known for their acrobatic flight and cheerful songs.

Feeding Habits

American Goldfinches primarily feed on seeds, particularly those from plants such as thistles, sunflowers, and asters. They have strong beaks that are designed to extract seeds from seedheads. These finches are also attracted to bird feeders that offer thistle or nyjer seed and can often be seen clinging to a feeder while extracting seeds.

Breeding

American Goldfinches are late nesters, with breeding occurring from late June to early September. Females build the nests, which are cup-shaped structures made of grass, plant fibers, and other fine materials. These nests are often found in shrubs or trees, providing shelter and security for the eggs. After the eggs hatch, both parents participate in feeding the young.

Conservation Status

The American Goldfinch is a common species with a stable population. Their populations are not currently threatened, and they are not considered endangered or at risk. However, habitat loss and fragmentation can impact their numbers, especially if suitable breeding and foraging habitats are compromised. Providing native plants and preserving natural habitats can help support American Goldfinch populations.

Birds that Change Colors

While many birds have consistent plumage colors throughout the year, some species go through various changes in coloration depending on the season or their age. This adds an intriguing aspect to bird identification and observation.

American Robin

The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a bird that experiences subtle changes in coloration between seasons. In the spring and summer, adult robins have a reddish-orange breast and belly, contrasting with a dark gray back. However, in the winter, their coloration becomes more muted, with the rusty-red breast fading to a lighter shade.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a hummingbird species known for its iridescent green feathers and vibrant red throat patch, or gorget, on the males. However, the red throat patch is not always visible. Depending on the light conditions and angle, the throat patch may appear black. The red coloration is due to the structure of their feathers rather than pigments, which contributes to their stunning appearance.

Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is a small sparrow-like bird that exhibits a color variation known as “slate-colored” in its northern populations and “Oregon” in its western populations. The slate-colored form has a dark gray head, neck, and back, with a white belly. The Oregon form, on the other hand, has a darker brown back and sides and a pinkish bill.

Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small thrush known for its vibrant blue plumage. However, young bluebirds have a more muted appearance, with soft gray-brown feathers being dominant. As they mature, their feathers gradually transition to the vibrant blue color that is characteristic of the species. This change in coloration occurs over several months.

These birds that change colors add an extra element of wonder to the world of bird watching. By observing their various plumages and understanding their seasonal and age-related variations, bird enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the awe-inspiring diversity of birds in Tennessee and beyond.

In conclusion, Tennessee is home to a wide variety of colorful birds, including those with vibrant red, orange, and yellow plumage. These birds, such as the Northern Cardinal, Eastern Towhee, and American Goldfinch, bring brightness and beauty to the state’s landscapes. Understanding the characteristics, habitats, feeding habits, breeding behavior, and conservation status of these birds can enhance our appreciation for the natural world and inspire further exploration and conservation efforts. Whether it’s the flash of red, the splash of orange, or the burst of yellow, Tennessee’s avian residents never fail to captivate us with their colorful plumage.