The abundance of alligators, the iconic Everglades National Park, and the thriving citrus industry — make the beautiful Peninsula state we all know as Florida. But do you know Florida is way richer when we look beyond these famous factors specific to Florida’s identity? Yes, you may be wondering how much more prosperous this state could be; let’s wait a second and first have a look at the diverse ecosystem of this sunshine state. It’s remarkable, isn’t it? This diversity offers many spectacular sights to Florida, given the mild climate. From vibrant greenery to an array of mesmerizing creatures, the Sunshine State is a safe shelter for all.
However, when it comes to the avian species in Florida, one type of bird stands out – the red ones. These red birds in Florida are a striking addition to its ecosystem with their vibrant hues and captivating looks. If you are an avid birdwatcher or just a lover of nature, you will certainly love knowing more about this small and dazzling creature, boosting the beauty of this dynamic place. If so, let’s get started with us:
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Commonly known as cardinal, this bird tops the chart among the small red birds in Florida. These portray striking red colors with males that are even more captivating than females. In males, the color is intensely red, with a black mask around their beaks and larger crests, while females feature olive, red color and a grey mask around the beak.
They are perching songbirds with a body length ranging between 21 to 23 cm. When it comes to their habitat, they can be counted among backyard red birds in Florida, with gardens being their habitat. Other places include woodlands, shrublands and wetlands. You can see them year-round across Florida.
Talking about their behavior, the male establishes his territory with a melodious song and also attracts partners. You will often find them in pairs or groups, given their ability to thrive socially.
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)
The second on our list is a melodious American songbird, Summer Tanager. It is a flamboyant addition to the high trees of Florida, bringing the richness of red to this avian heaven. The males are of red rose color while females are a mix of olive and orangish hues. They are of medium size, with adult birds reaching 17 cm in length and 1.1 oz in weight. Their bills are large and blunt-tipped, and they have large heads. When they sing, they feel a lot similar to American Robin, but their song contains more single notes.
These small red birds in Florida are seen during the breeding season and prefer to make pine-oak or mixed forest their habitat.
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Although these Buteo birds are not exactly red in appearance, their magnificent color combinations with red make them a significant contender among red birds in Florida. In an adult red-shouldered hawk, the head is brown, the chest is reddish, and the belly is pale with red bars on it. When they perch, their red shoulders are visible.
When it comes to size, the female is dominant with a size of 47 to 61 cm, while males are 38 to 58 cm long. Birdwatchers can enjoy seeing them throughout Florida. They make their habitat in forests, suburbs, and swamps, more commonly near water sources.
Other characteristics include their high pitch calls and excellent skill to prey on their food.
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)
These warblers are not exactly similar in color to the small red birds in Florida; however, the adult ones are yellowish with red undertones, particularly in the breeding season. Although they are present year-round in Florida, they are hard to spot, given their habit of perching atop the high pine trees. As the name suggests, they make their habitat in pine trees but also occupy mixed forests. They have stout, pointed bills and musical trill.
They are the only warblers who like to feed on seeds a lot; hence, you can make them among backyard red birds in Florida by putting a suitable feeder in your garden or outdoor area.
Finishing Up!
In addition to the mentioned ones, there is an endless array of red birds in Florida, enhancing the vibrancy of this state’s biodiversity. From melodious songs to appealing visuals, they enrich Florida’s landscape with their mesmerizing characteristics.
Having said that, it is also noteworthy to mention that our modern world and practices are making challenges for these red wonders to thrive. Therefore, while enjoying their picturesque views, we should also remember to put in our efforts for a better and healthier environment for the avian diversity of Florida and across the globe. With a sustainable approach, we make a lasting bond with these birds and our environment, which is imperative not only for us but also for the generations to come.
