Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in a vast open world with a diverse array of wildlife. Throughout the game world, players can find and study a wide variety of bird species. Some birds are common, while others are elusive and count as rare finds for players who enjoy discovering all the secrets the game has to offer.
What birds can you find in Red Dead Redemption 2?
There are well over 200 species of birds that inhabit the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. Many are based on real-life birds native to America during the late 19th century when the game is set. The full list includes common birds like crows, robins, cardinals, vultures, ducks, geese, eagles, hawks, and owls. There are also less common but distinctive species like loons, herons, spoonbills, pelicans, turkey vultures, pheasants, quails, macaws, parrots, and more.
Birds can be found throughout the diverse ecosystems and regions of the game, including forests, mountains, deserts, wetlands, rivers, plains, fields, cliffs, and human settlements. Different species tend to be native to certain habitats and environments over others.
How are rare birds defined in Red Dead Redemption 2?
There are several factors that contribute to a bird being classified as rare in Red Dead Redemption 2:
- Limited geographic range – Birds only found in one or two remote areas of the map.
- Low population density – Bird species with very small total populations.
- Difficult to observe – Birds that are elusive, fast moving, camouflaged, or only active at certain times.
- Special conditions – Birds that only appear during specific weather events or certain times of day.
- Exotic origin – Non-native species imported from other parts of the world.
- Hand-detailed designs – Unique bird models that received extra attention from rockstar’s artists.
Birds that match one or more of these criteria offer special rewards to observant players that seek them out. Finding and studying rare birds unlocks unique responses and descriptions in Arthur Morgan’s journal.
What are some examples of rare birds in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Here are 12 examples of rare and exotic bird species that can be found across the world of Red Dead Redemption 2:
1. Carolina Parakeet
This brightly colored parrot is extinct in real life. In the game, it can only be found near the Kamassa River north of Saint Denis. It is one of the most rare and prized finds for any in-game ornithologist.
2. Scarlet Macaw
This tropical parrot lives far south of the US in real life. But in Red Dead 2, macaws imported from Central America can very rarely be spotted around the wealthy city of Saint Denis.
3. Great Blue Heron
These elegant waterbirds are hard to spot in the game. Your best chance is looking for them wading near the Lannahechee River east of Saint Denis during morning hours.
4. Red Footed Booby
Normally found on tropical islands far from the main story locations, this goofy looking seabird can occasionally be seen flying over Flat Iron Lake near Rhodes.
5. Snowy Egret
With dark legs contrasting white plumage, the snowy egret is a stunning sight. You’ll need to look in wetlands around Bayou Nwa during rainy weather to find one.
6. Little Egret
This all-white heron is even rarer than the snowy egret. It can be spotted around the southern coast of Lemoyne near Saint Denis under the right conditions.
7. Condor
This giant vulture has a huge wingspan of nearly 10 feet! Condors are tough to find, but can occasionally be seen soaring over the western Grizzlies region if you look up.
8. Wood Stork
This distinct large wading bird stands out with its bald head and spindly legs. It sticks to wetlands like Lagras and Bayou Nwa in southern Lemoyne.
9. Roseate Spoonbill
Recognizable by its odd spoon-shaped bill, this exotic pink bird can be found wading the shores of Bayou Nwa during the early morning hours.
10. Anhinga
Also known as the snakebird, the anhinga is a waterbird with a very long neck and pointed beak. Finding one diving for fish in the Lannahechee River is a memorable event.
11. Solitaire
This northern bird with complex patterning is right at home in the snowy Grizzlies. But it only appears during winter time snow storms in the higher elevations.
12. Wrentit
This tiny songbird prefers the forested northern parts of New Hanover. Listen closely to jumbled birdsongs in the woods near Brandywine Drop to identify the distinct wrentit.
Where are the best places to search for rare birds?
Some of the best spots to search for rare and exotic birds in Red Dead Redemption 2 include:
- Lagras – Wetlands and bayou south of Saint Denis.
- Kamassa River – Northern river near Van Horn with unique species.
- Bayou Nwa – Swampy bayou north of Saint Denis.
- Lannahechee River – River east of Saint Denis.
- Northern New Hanover woods – Forested plateaus and cliffs.
- Brandywine Drop – Mountain basin with temperate forests.
- Dakota River – Rugged western riverbanks.
- Flat Iron Lake – Vast lake near Rhodes.
- Southern coast of Lemoyne – Beaches south of Saint Denis.
- Grizzlies West – Mountain elevations and valleys.
In general, birds are more active and numerous in the early morning hours after sunrise. Rainy, overcast weather can also bring out certain rare species. And unique seasonal species appear only during certain months of the in-game year.
What is the best strategy for finding rare birds?
Here are some tips to increase your chances of observing the rarest bird species in Red Dead Redemption 2:
- Search habitats matching where a species lives – forests, wetlands, rivers, coasts.
- Look in secluded areas away from human activity.
- Equip the binoculars and study the tree canopies and skies.
- Listen for unique birdsongs and follow them to the source.
- Track down bait like berry bushes and predator kills to find scavengers.
- Return to spots during different times of day and weather.
- Use cover scent lotion to avoid disturbing easily startled birds.
- Crawl slowly and watch your step to sneak up on wading birds.
- Have patience and persistence. Rare species can take time to discover.
Conclusion
For avid birdwatchers, tracking down all the rare and exotic species Red Dead Redemption 2 has to offer will be a rewarding challenge. Some feat of patience, sharp eyes, and good tracking skills will be required. But exploring the diverse corners of the game world in search of unique birds can be a fun way to appreciate the incredible variety of wildlife present in Red Dead Redemption 2.