There are a few different bird species that are primarily yellow with red heads that could match this description. To identify the specific bird, we need to gather more details about its size, shape, behavior, geographic location and other distinguishing features. Some potential candidates based on the yellow and red coloration include various species of orioles, macaws, parakeets and tanagers. Quick research shows the most likely bird matching this description is the northern oriole. Orioles are medium sized songbirds found mostly in the Americas. The male northern oriole has a vivid yellow and orange body with black wings and a pointed red-orange beak. Let’s explore the northern oriole and other yellow and red headed birds in more detail.
Northern Oriole
The northern oriole (Icterus galbula) is a medium-sized songbird measuring 17–22 cm (6.7–8.7 in) in length with a wingspan of 29–32 cm (11–13 in). The adult male northern oriole has a bright orange body with black wings, tail and back. Its head is orange shading to reddish-orange on the face and throat. The beak is long, pointed and red-orange in color. The female northern oriole is duller yellow-orange on the body with darker olive-brown wings. The northern oriole breeds in open woods across much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains as far north as Canada and south to Mexico. It migrates to the tropics in Central America and northern South America for the winter. The northern oriole weaves an intricate hanging nest in the treetops to lay 3–7 eggs that hatch in 12–14 days. It feeds on insects, fruit and nectar. The northern oriole’s bright plumage and melodious song make it a welcome sight during spring and summer across eastern North America. Based on the description of a yellow and red headed bird, the male northern oriole is a prime candidate.
Appearance
The male northern oriole has vivid reddish-orange plumage on the head, throat, breast and underparts. The wings, back and tail are black. The feathers under the wings and tail are yellow. The eyes are reddish-orange and the pointed beak matches the red-orange head. Female northern orioles are yellowish-orange on the underparts with olive upperparts. Immature birds resemble adult females but with duskier plumage. The northern oriole is medium-sized for a songbird but with a larger head and strong pointed beak. In flight, look for broad, rounded wings and a long, tapered orange tail.
Behavior
Northern orioles are energetic and acrobatic as they forage high up in treetops. The male’s loud, fluty whistle can be heard proclaiming his breeding territory in spring. Northern orioles migrate at night in small flocks. Their winter range stretches from Mexico through Central America into northwestern South America. These sociable birds travel together in migration and roost communally in the tropics. During the breeding season, northern orioles are highly territorial. Males arrive first to claim nesting areas followed later by females.
Habitat
Northern orioles breed in open deciduous forests, river bottoms and wooded wetlands across central and eastern North America. They favor trees with loose, drooping leaves such as maples, willows and elms. During migration they stop in a wider variety of open and semi-open habitats. Northern orioles winter in tropical forests, plantations and parks from Mexico to South America.
Diet
Northern orioles forage actively high in the treetops. They mainly eat insects and caterpillars, spiders, fruits and nectar. Orioles use their pointed beak to pierce fruits and flowers. They drink nectar and enjoy oranges, berries and other fleshy fruits. Northern orioles hunt caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers and other large insects to feed their young.
Nesting
The intricately woven nest of the northern oriole hangs from the underside of a branch high in a tree. The female weaves plant fibers, strands of bark, hair and strings into a sturdy 6 inch pouch suspended by cords. Northern orioles nest solitarily but often in loose colonies. The female lays 3-7 eggs and incubates them for 12-14 days. Both parents feed the hatchlings for 2 weeks until they fledge. Northern orioles are occasionally victim to brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds.
Similar Yellow and Red Birds
While the northern oriole is the most likely yellow and red headed bird in many parts of North America, other birds share similar plumage. Depending on the geographic location and other details, here are some other potential bird species to consider:
Hooded Oriole
The hooded oriole (Icterus cucullatus) is a close relative of the northern oriole breeding in the southwestern United States south through Mexico. The male has a deeper orange body with a brighter yellow hood, black bib and white wing patches. Females are duller with an olive hood. Hooded orioles prefer palm oases and shade trees in arid regions.
Scott’s Oriole
Scott’s oriole (Icterus parisorum) overlaps with the hooded oriole in the southwestern deserts. Males have a solid yellow body with black bib, yellow head and black wings with white panels. Females are grayer with yellow underparts. Scott’s orioles nest in yuccas and Joshua trees.
Audubon’s Oriole
Audubon’s oriole (Icterus graduacauda) is found in south Texas and Mexico. The male has a bright yellow body with a black throat, reddish crown and eye line. Females are duller green-yellow. This oriole lives in thorn forests and scrublands.
Altamira Oriole
The Altamira oriole (Icterus gularis) occurs in southern Texas and Mexico. The male has bright orange underparts with a fiery orange head and black throat and wings. Females are olive above with dull yellow underparts. Altamira orioles occur in citrus groves and riparian woodlands.
Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s oriole (Icterus bullockii) can be confused with the northern oriole in the west where their ranges overlap. The male Bullock’s oriole has a deeper orange-red head and underparts. Females are identical and best told apart by range. Bullock’s orioles prefer scattered trees, riparian areas and suburban parks.
Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea) is an eastern forest songbird unrelated to orioles. Males are brilliant red with black wings and tail, while females are olive-yellow. The stout conical beak distinguishes tanagers from pointed-billed orioles. Scarlet tanagers winter in South America.
Identifying the Yellow and Red Bird
To confirm the identity of a mystery yellow and red headed bird, consider the following steps:
Note the Bird’s Size and Shape
Orioles are medium-sized songbirds with large heads and pointed bills. Tanagers are more evenly proportioned. Larger macaws or smaller finches can be eliminated by the size.
Listen for Distinctive Songs and Calls
The northern oriole’s fluty whistle and chattering call are recognizable with practice. The Scarlet Tanager has a repetitive chirp. Macaws have loud, raucous squawks.
Observe the Plumage Patterns
The male northern oriole has a bright orange-red body, black back and wings, with white wing patches. Similar oriole species vary in the bib, face and wing patterns. The Scarlet Tanager is all red with black wings and tail.
Note Behavioral Clues
Orioles feed high in canopy, tanagers in interior branches. Macaws fly in pairs or flocks. Orioles migrate long distances, tanagers winter in tropics.
Consider the Geographic Range
Northern oriole ranges across eastern and central North America, wintering in Central America and northern South America. Hooded and Scott’s orioles in the southwest. Scarlet tanagers breed eastern North America.
Conclusion
Based on the description of a yellow and red headed bird, the most likely species is the northern oriole. The male northern oriole’s bright orange and black plumage with pointed red bill distinguish it from similar species. To confirm the identification, listen for the oriole’s whistled song, observe its feeding and flight behavior, and consider the geographic location. Looking at the bird’s size, shape and plumage patterns will help rule out other potential yellow and red headed species. With careful observation and a process of elimination, ornithologists can identify birds initially distinguished only by their basic coloration.