Why Pennsylvania Has the Best Red-Headed Birds in the Northeast

Pennsylvania hosts more than 400 bird species throughout the year, but few capture attention quite like the state’s magnificent birds with red heads.

From the brilliant scarlet of a male Cardinal to the striking crimson cap of a Red-headed Woodpecker, these colorful species showcase nature’s artistry in ways that consistently amaze both casual observers and dedicated ornithologists.

In this guide, you’ll discover the five most spectacular red-headed birds that call Pennsylvania home, learn proven identification techniques, and understand why the Keystone State provides exceptional habitat for these remarkable species.

The Commonwealth’s diverse ecosystems, from Appalachian forests to river valleys and suburban landscapes, create ideal conditions for red-headed birds to thrive.

Pennsylvania’s position in the Atlantic Flyway, combined with its varied topography and four distinct seasons, supports both year-round residents and seasonal visitors that bring flashes of red to backyards and natural areas across the state.

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal stands as Pennsylvania’s most beloved red-headed bird, earning recognition as one of the most photographed songbirds in North America. This approach helps bird enthusiasts appreciate the Cardinal’s remarkable adaptability and year-round presence throughout the state.

Male Cardinal Identification:

• Brilliant red plumage covering entire head and body
• Black face mask around eyes and beak
• Prominent red crest that can be raised or lowered
• Thick, cone-shaped orange-red bill
• Length: 8.5-9 inches

Female Cardinal Features:

• Warm brown plumage with red tinges
• Red-orange bill, tail, and crest
• Subtle red highlights on wings
• Same size as males

Cardinals demonstrate remarkable habitat flexibility, thriving in diverse environments from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. Their strong, seed-cracking bills allow them to exploit various food sources throughout the year, making them particularly successful in Pennsylvania’s changing landscapes.

Seasonal Behavior Patterns:

• Spring: Territory establishment and courtship displays
• Summer: Nesting and raising young (2-3 broods per year)
• Fall: Forming loose flocks for winter survival
• Winter: Increased feeder visitation and flock behavior

Pro Tip: Cardinals are most active during dawn and dusk hours. Listen for their distinctive “birdy-birdy-birdy” song or sharp “chip” call notes to locate them before visual identification.

Attracting Cardinals to Your Yard:

• Provide black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds
• Maintain dense shrubs for nesting sites
• Install ground-level or tray feeders
• Offer fresh water sources year-round

Learn more about Cardinal behavior and conservation through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

The Red-headed Woodpecker represents one of Pennsylvania’s most striking avian species, combining bold coloration with fascinating behavioral adaptations. The red-headed woodpecker is one of the most striking birds found in Pennsylvania. This species demonstrates remarkable intelligence and adaptability that sets it apart from other woodpecker species.

Adult Identification Features:

• Entirely red head and neck (both sexes)
• Stark white underparts and rump
• Solid black back and wings
• Large white wing patches visible in flight
• Length: 8.5-9.5 inches

Juvenile Characteristics:

• Brown head instead of red
• Mottled brown and white plumage
• Gradual transition to adult coloration over first year

Unique Behavioral Traits:

• Caches nuts and insects in bark crevices
• Catches insects on the wing like a flycatcher
• Highly territorial and aggressive toward other birds
• Social during fall migration and winter

Key Takeaway: Red-headed Woodpeckers are often social, found in family groups, and regularly seen caching nuts in the fall. This behavior makes them particularly interesting to observe during autumn months.

Habitat Requirements:

• Open woodlands with scattered large trees
• Agricultural areas with tree groves
• Parks and golf courses with mature trees
• Beaver ponds and wetland edges

Conservation Status: Red-headed Woodpeckers face population declines due to habitat loss, particularly the removal of dead trees (snags) essential for nesting. This bird is less common in the state, often considered rare due to habitat loss. Supporting conservation efforts helps maintain viable populations for future generations.

Common Mistake: Many observers confuse Red-headed Woodpeckers with Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Remember that Red-headed Woodpeckers have completely red heads, while Red-bellied Woodpeckers have red only on the crown and nape.

Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission for detailed information about woodpecker conservation efforts.

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

The Red-bellied Woodpecker demonstrates remarkable adaptability, expanding its range northward and becoming increasingly common in Pennsylvania. This species showcases how birds can adapt to changing environments while maintaining their essential ecological roles.

Identification Guidelines:

• Red crown and nape (both sexes)
• Males: Red extends to forehead
• Females: Red limited to nape area
• Grayish underparts with subtle red wash on belly
• Black and white barred back pattern
• Length: 9-10.5 inches

Dietary Adaptations: Unlike most other woodpeckers, the red-bellied prefers acorns, beechnuts, hickory nuts, and many kinds of berries to insects. This dietary flexibility contributes to their success in Pennsylvania’s varied habitats.

Foraging Behavior:

• Excavates insects from bark and wood
• Stores food in bark crevices for winter
• Visits bird feeders regularly
• Gleans insects from leaves and branches

Vocal Characteristics:

• Rolling “churr” call
• Harsh “cha-cha-cha” territorial call
• Soft “kwirr” contact notes between pairs
• Drumming patterns on resonant surfaces

Nesting Requirements:

Backyard Attraction Methods:

• Offer suet feeders with high-fat content
• Provide peanuts and tree nuts
• Maintain dead tree branches (snags) when safe
• Install specialized woodpecker feeders

It has become a popular bird at backyard feeders in Pennsylvania. This adaptability makes Red-bellied Woodpeckers excellent subjects for backyard bird study.

Purple Finch (male) (Haemorhous purpureus)

The Purple Finch brings understated elegance to Pennsylvania’s red-headed bird collection, with males displaying subtle raspberry-red coloration that distinguishes them from more common finch species. This species represents the challenges and rewards of accurate bird identification.

Male Purple Finch Characteristics:

• Raspberry-red head, breast, and rump
• The male purple finch is maroon-red, sometimes described as raspberry-colored
• Brown-streaked back and wings
• Notched tail typical of finches
• Thick, conical seed-eating bill
• Length: 5.5-6.5 inches

Female Purple Finch Features:

• The female is brown with darker streaks
• Prominent white eyebrow stripe
• Heavily streaked underparts
• No red coloration

Distinguishing from House Finch:

• Purple Finch: Raspberry wash over entire head and breast
• House Finch: Red limited to forehead, face, and upper breast
• Purple Finch: Less streaking on sides and belly
• House Finch: Prominent brown streaking on underparts

Seasonal Occurrence in Pennsylvania: The Purple Finch is a species that nests in Pennsylvania. While some birds remain year-round, populations fluctuate seasonally based on food availability and weather conditions.

Feeding Preferences:

• Their favorite food at feeders are black oil sunflower seeds
• Tree seeds (maple, birch, elm)
• Conifer seeds during winter
• Buds and flowers in spring

Habitat Preferences:

• Coniferous and mixed forests
• Suburban areas with mature trees
• Parks and large wooded lots
• Forest edges and clearings

Pro Tip: Purple Finches often travel in small flocks during fall and winter. Finding one Purple Finch usually means others are nearby, so scan the area thoroughly for additional birds.

Breeding Behavior:

• Builds cup-shaped nests in coniferous trees
• Lays 3-5 blue-green eggs with dark spots
• Male assists with feeding young
• May raise two broods per season

Explore Badgerland Birding for comprehensive information about Pennsylvania’s finch species.

Scarlet Tanager (male) (Piranga olivacea)

The Scarlet Tanager represents the pinnacle of red-headed bird beauty in Pennsylvania, combining brilliant coloration with elusive behavior that challenges even experienced birdwatchers. This species highlights the importance of forest conservation and the rewards of patient observation.

Male Scarlet Tanager Identification:

• Blood-red bodies set off by jet-black wings and tail
• Completely red head, neck, and underparts
• Thick, pale yellow bill
• Dark eyes
• Length: 6.5-7.5 inches

Female Scarlet Tanager Features:

• Yellowish-green, dark-winged females
• Olive-green upperparts
• Yellow-green underparts
• Dark wings and tail similar to males

Seasonal Plumage Changes:

• In fall, males trade red feathers for yellow-green
• Winter: Males resemble females but retain black wings
• Spring: Males molt back to breeding plumage

Behavioral Characteristics:

• They stay high in the forest canopy singing rich, burry songs
• Primarily insectivorous during breeding season
• Forages by gleaning insects from leaves and branches
• Performs aerial sallies to catch flying insects

Habitat Requirements:

• Mature deciduous and mixed forests
• Forest interior rather than edge habitats
• Prefers oak, maple, and beech forests
• Requires large territory for breeding success

Detection Techniques:

• Key in on this bird’s chick-burr call note
• Listen for robin-like song with harsh quality
• Look for movement in upper canopy
• Most active during early morning hours

Conservation Concerns: Audubon’s newly-released Climate Report sounds the alarm for the Scarlet Tanager and other forest-dependent species. Climate change and habitat fragmentation pose significant threats to breeding populations.

Migration Patterns:

• Each of these two tanagers actually spends more time in the rainforests of South America in winter than they spend in Pennsylvania
• Arrives in Pennsylvania: Late April to early May
• Departs for South America: August to September
• Remarkable journey of over 3,000 miles each way

Why Pennsylvania Excels for Red-Headed Birds

Pennsylvania’s exceptional diversity of red-headed birds results from several key factors that create ideal conditions for these species:

Geographic Advantages:

• Position along the Atlantic Flyway migration route
• Diverse topography from mountains to valleys
• Extensive forest coverage (approximately 60% of the state)
• Varied elevation zones supporting different species

Habitat Diversity:

• Appalachian Mountain forests for species like Scarlet Tanagers
• River valleys and wetlands for woodpeckers
• Suburban and urban areas for adaptable species like Cardinals
• Agricultural landscapes providing edge habitats

Climate Benefits:

• Four distinct seasons supporting year-round residents and migrants
• Moderate temperatures allowing extended breeding seasons
• Sufficient precipitation supporting diverse plant communities
• Winter conditions that don’t exclude temperate species

Conservation Efforts:

• Extensive state park and forest system
• Active Audubon chapters throughout the state
• Citizen science programs like eBird and Christmas Bird Count
• Habitat restoration projects targeting key species

Food Resource Availability:

• Diverse native plant communities producing seeds and berries
• Abundant insect populations during breeding season
• Widespread bird feeding culture supporting winter survival
• Agricultural areas providing supplemental food sources

Key Takeaway: Pennsylvania’s combination of geographic position, habitat diversity, and conservation awareness creates conditions that support exceptional red-headed bird populations compared to other northeastern states.

Maximizing Your Red-Headed Bird Observations

Best Times for Observation:

• Early Morning (5:30-9:00 AM): Peak activity period for most species
• Late Afternoon (4:00-7:00 PM): Secondary activity period
• Spring Migration (April-May): Highest diversity and activity
• Fall Migration (September-October): Good for seeing juvenile birds

Essential Equipment:

• Quality binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended)
• Field guide specific to Pennsylvania birds
• Notebook and pen for recording observations
• Camera with telephoto lens for documentation
• Comfortable walking shoes for various terrains

Prime Locations in Pennsylvania:

• Presque Isle State Park: Excellent during migration
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Fall migration hotspot
• Bushkill Falls: Diverse forest habitats
• Ricketts Glen State Park: Old-growth forest species

Identification Tips:

1. Note overall size and shape before focusing on color details
2. Listen for vocalizations – many species have distinctive calls
3. Observe behavior patterns – feeding, flight, and social interactions
4. Consider habitat context – different species prefer different environments
5. Document with photos when possible for later confirmation

Common Identification Mistakes to Avoid:

• Confusing Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers
• Mistaking female Cardinals for other brown birds
• Overlooking female Purple Finches due to lack of red coloration
• Expecting to see Scarlet Tanagers in open areas instead of forest canopy

Seasonal Observation Strategies:

Spring (March-May):

• Focus on returning migrants like Scarlet Tanagers
• Listen for increased singing activity
• Watch for courtship behaviors and nest building
• Early morning hours most productive

Summer (June-August):

• Observe family groups and juvenile birds
• Look for feeding behaviors around nest sites
• Dawn and dusk provide best viewing opportunities
• Focus on water sources during hot weather

Fall (September-November):

• Watch for migrating species preparing to depart
• Mixed-species flocks provide multiple viewing opportunities
• Fruit trees attract various species
• Migration timing varies by species

Winter (December-February):

• Concentrate on resident species like Cardinals and woodpeckers
• Bird feeders attract multiple species
• Reduced leaf cover improves visibility
• Sunny days after storms often produce increased activity

Pennsylvania’s red-headed birds represent some of the most captivating wildlife viewing opportunities in the northeastern United States. From the familiar Cardinal brightening winter feeders to the elusive Scarlet Tanager gracing spring forests, these species showcase the remarkable diversity and beauty of the Commonwealth’s avian life.

Understanding identification techniques, seasonal patterns, and habitat preferences transforms casual bird watching into rewarding wildlife observation. Whether you’re a beginner learning to distinguish different species or an experienced birder seeking to document behavior patterns, Pennsylvania’s red-headed birds provide endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation of natural beauty.

The key to successful red-headed bird observation lies in patience, preparation, and persistence. Each species presents unique challenges and rewards, from the Cardinal’s year-round presence to the Scarlet Tanager’s brief but spectacular breeding season appearance. By applying the techniques and information presented in this guide, you’ll develop the skills necessary to identify and enjoy these remarkable birds throughout Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes.

Start your red-headed bird journey today by visiting eBird to explore recent sightings and connect with the Pennsylvania birding community for the most current information and local hotspots.