How to Identify Birds With Red Heads in Ontario: Complete Visual Guide

You’re walking through an Ontario forest when a flash of red catches your eye. Could it be a cardinal? A woodpecker? Something rarer? Ontario has seen a 79.8% decline in red-headed woodpecker populations, making accurate identification more important than ever for conservation efforts.

Whether you’re scanning your backyard feeders or exploring provincial parks, recognizing birds with red heads in Ontario will transform your birdwatching experience and help you contribute valuable data to citizen science projects.

This guide covers 14 distinct species you can encounter across Ontario, from common backyard visitors to rare migrants that will have you reaching for your field notes.

You’ll learn the key identifying features, seasonal patterns, and habitat preferences that separate a male House Finch from a Purple Finch, and discover why that “red-headed woodpecker” might actually be something completely different.

Birds With Red Heads in Ontario

Red-headed Woodpecker

The true red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) stands out as Ontario’s most striking black, white, and red bird. This medium-sized bird measures about 20 centimetres long and is easily recognized for its vivid red head, neck and breast, with the rest of the bird showing stark black and white coloration.

You’ll find these woodpeckers in mature deciduous forests, particularly oak-hickory stands, where they store acorns in bark crevices.

Unlike other woodpeckers that primarily excavate insects, red-headed woodpeckers catch flying insects and eat fruits, making them unique among Ontario’s woodpecker species.

Pro Tip: Red-headed woodpeckers are the only North American woodpecker that stores food extensively, often returning to the same cache sites year after year.

Best viewing locations:

• Point Pelee National Park
• Long Point Provincial Park
• Rondeau Provincial Park

Pileated Woodpecker

Ontario’s largest woodpecker commands attention with its impressive size and prominent red crest. These birds are mostly black but with white stripes on their face and neck, and males have a red stripe on their cheek, where the stripe is black on females.

These crow-sized birds create distinctive rectangular holes in dead trees while searching for carpenter ants. You’ll hear their loud, irregular drumming echoing through mature forests long before you spot their characteristic undulating flight pattern.

The pileated woodpecker’s (Dryocopus pileatus) presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems, as they require large territories with substantial deadfall and mature trees. Their excavations also provide nesting sites for other cavity-dwelling species.

Downy Woodpecker

Ontario’s smallest woodpecker species, the downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) brings year-round activity to backyard feeders. Males display a small red patch on the back of their heads, while females lack any red markings entirely. Male birds can be identified by a red patch at the back of their heads, which females lack.

These adaptable birds thrive in various habitats from urban parks to deep forests. They’re particularly drawn to suet feeders and will often hang upside down while foraging, a behavior that helps distinguish them from the larger hairy woodpecker.

Key identification features:

• Short, stubby bill (shorter than head width)
• Black and white ladder-back pattern
• White outer tail feathers with black spots
• Small red patch on males only

You can attract downy woodpeckers to your property by maintaining dead branches (snags) and offering suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts at feeders.

Hairy Woodpecker

The hairy woodpecker’s larger size and longer bill distinguish it from its downy cousin. Males feature the same red patch placement as downy woodpeckers but on a noticeably larger frame. These birds prefer mature forests over suburban areas.

Hairy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus) are common in Ontario in mature forests, suburban backyards, urban parks, swamps, orchards, and even cemeteries, though they show stronger preferences for undisturbed woodland than downy woodpeckers.

Common Mistake: Many birders confuse hairy and downy woodpeckers. Remember: hairy woodpeckers have bills as long as their head width, while downy woodpeckers have shorter, stubby bills.

The hairy woodpecker’s drumming pattern differs from the downy’s, producing a longer, more sustained roll. During winter, they often join mixed-species foraging flocks with chickadees and nuthatches.

Northern Flicker

The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) breaks the typical woodpecker mold with its brown-barred back and preference for ground foraging.

In Ontario, you’ll encounter the “Yellow-shafted” form, where both males and females may show a red crescent on the nape, while males additionally display a black mustache stripe.

These large woodpeckers specialize in eating ants, spending considerable time on the ground probing ant hills with their slightly curved bills. Their undulating flight reveals bright yellow wing linings that flash conspicuously against the sky.

Seasonal behavior patterns:

• Spring: Loud “wicka-wicka-wicka” calls establish territories
• Summer: Ground foraging peaks as ant colonies expand
• Fall: Gradual migration south begins
• Winter: Some individuals remain in southern Ontario

Northern flickers nest in dead trees but also readily use nest boxes designed for larger cavity nesters.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Though uncommon in Ontario, red-bellied woodpeckers are expanding their range northward. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are common birds in wooded areas in the eastern USA and southern Ontario, with increasing reports from areas around Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area.

The name “red-bellied” misleads many birders—these woodpeckers show more red on their heads than their bellies. Males display red from forehead to nape, while females show red only on the nape and back of the head.

Pro Tip: Red-bellied woodpeckers often store food in bark crevices, similar to red-headed woodpeckers, but they prefer nuts and seeds over insects.

These adaptable birds frequent mixed woodlands, parks, and wooded suburbs where they visit suet feeders and may compete with other woodpecker species for nesting cavities.

Purple Finch

Male purple finches (Haemorhous purpureus) earn their name through raspberry-red coloring that washes over their head, breast, and back. Males have a raspberry red head, breast, and back.

Females have prominent streaks of white and brown below, with strong facial markings, making them distinctive among Ontario’s finch species.

These finches prefer coniferous and mixed forests, particularly during breeding season. You’ll find them most commonly in northern Ontario, though they occasionally visit southern regions during winter months.

Identification challenges:

• Often confused with house finches
• Purple finches show more extensive red coloring
• Bills appear more curved and robust
• Females show prominent facial markings

Purple finches feed primarily on tree buds, seeds, and berries. During irruption years, when northern food sources become scarce, large numbers may appear at Ontario feeders throughout winter.

House Finch

Originally a western species, house finches have successfully colonized Ontario since their introduction to eastern North America.

Adult males are rosy red around the face and upper breast, with streaky brown back, belly and tail, creating a more restricted red pattern compared to purple finches.

House Finches are introduced species to Ontario, but they can be spotted here all year, mostly in Toronto. They’ve adapted well to urban environments, frequently nesting on building ledges and visiting backyard feeders.

Key Takeaway: House finches show remarkable color variation in males—some appear bright red while others may show orange or yellow coloring due to dietary differences.

These social birds often feed in flocks, particularly during winter. They prefer open habitats with scattered trees, making suburban areas ideal for their lifestyle.

Urban adaptation features:

Cassin’s Finch

Cassin’s finches (Haemorhous cassinii) represent one of Ontario’s rarest red-headed birds, appearing only as occasional vagrants from western regions.

Males show rosy-red coloring on the head and breast, with less extensive red coverage than purple finches but more than house finches.

These mountain-dwelling finches require careful identification, as they closely resemble both house and purple finches.

The key distinguishing features include a longer, more pointed bill and a squared-off red crown that doesn’t extend down the nape like purple finches.

Vagrant identification tips:

• Bill longer and more pointed than house finch
• Red crown appears “painted on” rather than washed
• Less red on back compared to purple finch
• Subtle but important size differences

Ontario sightings typically occur during fall migration or winter irruptions, when western mountain species occasionally wander far from their normal range.

Common Redpoll

The common redpoll’s (Acanthis flammea) bright red forehead patch creates a distinctive “cap” appearance that’s immediately recognizable among Ontario’s winter finches.

These small, streaky birds show considerable sexual dimorphism—males develop pinkish-red on the breast and sides, while females display only the red cap.

Redpolls arrive in Ontario during irregular irruption years, when Arctic food sources become scarce. During these events, you might encounter large flocks feeding on birch and alder seeds, or visiting thistle feeders in suburban areas.

Irruption year behavior:

• Flocks range from dozens to hundreds of individuals
• Show little fear of humans during feeding
• Often mix with siskins and goldfinches
• Create temporary territories around rich food sources

Common Mistake: Don’t confuse common redpolls with house finches—redpolls are smaller, show more extensive streaking, and have distinctly different bill shapes.

These hardy birds have adapted to survive extreme Arctic conditions, making them fascinating subjects for understanding cold-weather adaptations in songbirds.

Pine Grosbeak

Ontario’s largest finch species, the pine grosbeak shows substantial size differences between males and females in both coloration and behavior.

Males develop pinkish-red coloring across their head, back, and underparts, creating one of the most extensively red birds you’ll encounter in the province.

Pine grosbeaks inhabit northern coniferous forests during breeding season but may appear throughout Ontario during winter irruptions.

Their presence indicates healthy northern forest ecosystems, as they require substantial coniferous seed sources for survival.

These gentle birds show remarkable tameness around humans, often allowing close approach while feeding. They specialize in eating buds, seeds, and berries from conifers and fruit trees.

Seasonal movement patterns:

Summer Tanager

As one of Ontario’s rarest red-headed birds, the summer tanager appears only as an occasional vagrant from southern regions.

Adult males show complete red coloration, making them unmistakable when encountered, though sightings require immediate documentation due to their rarity.

These insect-eating birds prefer deciduous woodlands in their normal range but may appear in various Ontario habitats during migration.

Their large size, thick bill, and completely red plumage distinguish them from all other red birds in the province.

Vagrant identification protocol:

• Photograph immediately from multiple angles
• Note exact location, date, and habitat
• Document behavior and associated species
• Report to eBird and local birding organizations

Summer tanagers specialize in catching bees and wasps, removing stingers before consuming their prey—a unique behavior among North American songbirds.

Scarlet Tanager

The scarlet tanager provides one of Ontario’s most spectacular breeding season sights. Males in breeding plumage show brilliant red bodies with contrasting black wings and tails, creating an unmistakable appearance in deciduous forest canopies.

These neotropical migrants arrive in Ontario during late spring, preferring mature deciduous forests for breeding. They feed primarily on insects gleaned from tree branches and occasionally visit fruit trees during migration.

Breeding season identification:

• Males: Brilliant red body with black wings/tail
• Females: Olive-yellow with darker wings
• Bill: Thick, pale-colored (adapted for insects)
• Size: Robin-sized but more slender

Key Takeaway: Scarlet tanagers undergo dramatic molt patterns—fall males appear olive-yellow like females but retain their black wings, creating a distinctive transitional plumage.

During fall migration, scarlet tanagers often feed on berries and small fruits, making them occasional visitors to fruiting trees in parks and suburban areas.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

The ruby-crowned kinglet’s (Regulus calendula) red crown patch remains hidden most of the time, visible only when the bird becomes agitated or excited.

This tiny species represents one of Ontario’s smallest birds, weighing less than a chickadee while maintaining incredible energy levels.

These active insectivores flit constantly through coniferous branches, searching for small insects and spiders. The male’s ruby crown appears as a brilliant flash of red when raised during territorial disputes or courtship displays.

Behavioral identification cues:

• Constant wing-flicking motion
• Rapid, jerky movements through branches
• High-pitched calls and complex songs
• Often hangs upside down while foraging

Ruby-crowned kinglets breed in northern Ontario’s boreal forests but appear throughout the province during migration periods. They’re particularly common in mixed woods during spring and fall passage.

Pro Tip: Listen for their surprisingly loud, complex song—it begins with thin notes and builds to rich, warbling phrases that seem impossible from such a tiny bird.

Seasonal Identification Calendar

Understanding when to expect different red-headed species enhances your identification success and helps separate residents from migrants.

Spring arrivals (April-May):

• Scarlet tanagers return to breeding territories
• Ruby-crowned kinglets peak during migration
• Red-headed woodpeckers arrive at southern Ontario sites
• House finches begin nesting activities

Summer residents (June-August):

• All woodpecker species remain active
• Finches show peak breeding colors
• Tanagers occupy forest canopies
• Northern flickers focus on ground foraging

Fall migration (September-November):

• Kinglets pass through in large numbers
• Finches begin forming flocks
• Tanagers lose breeding plumage
• First redpoll flocks may appear

Winter specialties (December-March):

• Pine grosbeaks during irruption years
• Common redpolls in variable numbers
• Purple finches visit southern areas
• Woodpeckers remain active at feeders

Habitat-Based Identification Strategy

Different red-headed species show strong habitat preferences that can guide your identification efforts before you even raise your binoculars.

• Mature deciduous forests: Focus on scarlet tanagers, red-headed woodpeckers, and pileated woodpeckers. These species require substantial tree coverage and dead wood for nesting and foraging.
• Coniferous areas: Watch for ruby-crowned kinglets, purple finches, and pine grosbeaks. Northern species show strong preferences for spruce, fir, and pine forests.
• Suburban yards and parks: House finches, downy woodpeckers, and northern flickers adapt well to human-modified landscapes. These areas often provide the best viewing opportunities for beginning birders.
• Edge habitats and openings: Hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers frequently hunt along forest edges where dead trees meet open areas.

Photography and Documentation Tips

Capturing quality images of red-headed birds requires understanding their behavior patterns and preferred perches.

Woodpecker photography:

• Use dead snags as predictable perching locations
• Early morning provides best lighting for red head patches
• Focus on the eye while allowing red coloration to remain sharp
• Capture feeding behavior to show bill adaptations

Finch documentation:

• Photograph males and females together when possible
• Include environmental context to show habitat preferences
• Capture bill differences between seed-eating and insect-eating species
• Document seasonal plumage changes in the same individuals

Rare species protocol:

• Photograph immediately before behavior documentation
• Include reference objects for size comparison
• Capture multiple angles and postures
• Record environmental conditions and associated species

Conservation Awareness

Several red-headed species face population challenges in Ontario, making accurate identification important for conservation monitoring.

Red-headed woodpeckers have experienced a 79.8% decline across Ontario, highlighting the importance of habitat preservation and citizen science contributions. Your sightings help researchers track population trends and identify critical habitat areas.

Climate change affects migration timing and breeding ranges for many species. House finches continue expanding northward, while boreal species like pine grosbeaks may shift their ranges in response to changing forest conditions.

How you can help:

• Submit sightings to eBird and iNaturalist
• Participate in Christmas Bird Counts and breeding bird surveys
• Maintain bird-friendly landscaping with native plants
• Support organizations working on forest conservation
• Report unusual sightings to local birding communities

Identifying birds with red heads in Ontario connects you to the province’s diverse avian communities while contributing valuable data to conservation efforts.

Each species tells a story of adaptation, from the red-headed woodpecker’s specialized food storage to the house finch’s remarkable urban colonization.

Whether you’re watching a pileated woodpecker excavate carpenter ants or documenting a rare summer tanager, these encounters remind us why Ontario’s bird diversity deserves our attention and protection.

Start with the common species in your local area, then expand your search to different habitats and seasons. With practice, you’ll develop the skills to separate similar species and contribute meaningful observations to our understanding of Ontario’s changing bird populations.