There are a few different bird species that have a red head and black chest. To identify the specific bird, we need to consider other physical characteristics and behaviors as well.
Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a common songbird found in North America. The male cardinal has vivid red plumage on its head, throat, crest, wings, and tail. Its chest is black. The female cardinal is tan/brownish with some red in the wings and tail.
Some key facts about the Northern Cardinal:
- Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Length: 8.3-9.1 inches
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 inches
- Mass: 1.5-1.7 oz
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Diet: insects, spiders, snails, fruit
- Range: eastern North America, south-central Canada, parts of Mexico
- Habitat: woodland edges, thickets, suburban parks and gardens
- Distinctive features:
- Bright red plumage on head, throat, crest, wings, tail (male)
- Reddish brown plumage with some red highlights (female)
- Black face mask that covers eyes and bill
- Thick red conical bill
- Cheerful melodic songs
The male cardinal’s red plumage stands out starkly against its black face mask. The black chest plumage contrasts with the brilliant red head. Cardinals are non-migratory, so they can be spotted year-round in their range.
Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized songbird native to eastern North America. The male has bright red plumage on its head, throat, and body, with black wings and tail. The female is yellowish with olive-green wings and tail.
Key characteristics of the Scarlet Tanager:
- Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
- Length: 6.3-6.7 inches
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.0 inches
- Mass: 0.8-1.3 oz
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Diet: insects, fruit
- Range: eastern North America; winters in South America
- Habitat: mature deciduous and mixed forests
- Distinctive features:
- Male has bright red head, throat, and body; black wings and tail
- Female is yellowish-olive with olive-green wings and tail
- Dark bill with hooked tip
- Melodic song
The male scarlet tanager’s crimson red head and throat stands out against its black wings. Its stout conical bill is darkened. The female is a distinctive yellow-olive color. Scarlet tanagers migrate to South America for winter.
Red-headed Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker is found in open woodlands, forests, and scrublands in parts of North America. As its name suggests, it has a striking red head, throat and upper breast. Its wings are black with white patches.
Here are some key features of the Red-headed Woodpecker:
- Scientific name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Length: 7.5-9.1 inches
- Wingspan: 15.8-18.1 inches
- Mass: 2.0-3.2 oz
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
- Diet: insects, nuts, fruit, tree sap
- Range: parts of eastern North America, midwestern to western US, parts of Canada
- Habitat: open woodlands, forests, scrublands, swamps
- Distinctive features:
- Bright red head and throat (male and female)
- Black upper wings with white patches
- White lower back and rump
- Black tail with white outer feathers
- Black triangular bill
- Melodic warble interspersed with rattling calls
The red-headed woodpecker has the most extensive red plumage of all North American woodpecker species. Its striking two-tone pattern makes it easy to identify. Though previously declining, its populations have rebounded in recent decades.
Identification Tips
When trying to identify a bird with red on the head and black on the chest, consider these helpful tips:
- Note the extent and location of the red coloration – is it restricted to just the head or does it cover the throat, wings or tail as well?
- Look at the shape and color of the bill – thick conical bill vs. long pointed bill can indicate different species.
- Check for any distinctive facial markings like eye rings or stripes.
- Note the plumage color on the wings, back, belly and tail.
- Observe behavior and habitat – is the bird skulking on the ground or high up in the canopy?
- Listen for any distinctive songs, calls or drumming.
- Consider range maps – some species have limited distributions.
- Use a field guide to compare similar species and nail down the identification.
Paying attention to size, proportions, plumage colors, patterns, bill shape, habitat, behavior and other characteristics will help pinpoint the species.
Conclusion
The cardinal, scarlet tanager and red-headed woodpecker all have the striking red and black color pattern. Closely observing the extent of red plumage, facial patterns, bill shape, flight style, habitat, and other features helps distinguish between them. Proper identification requires patience and an eye for subtle details. With practice, birdwatchers can get better at spotting and identifying birds even with similar field marks.