The northern cardinal, or Cardinalis cardinalis, is a red arboreal bird whose range spreads throughout North America and Central America. This bird has bright red feathers all over its body. Northern cardinals are also songbirds. Forest edges and urban neighborhoods are two of the northern cardinal's native habitat. In forests, northern cardinals spend most of their time on lower tree branches and shrubs. As adults, the largest northern cardinals grow up to 9 inches.
Two species of macaws are red birds, the scarlet macaw and red-and-green macaw. Both birds have red plumage on their head, backs and breast. The scarlet macaw, or Ara macao, has bright red feathers, while red-and-green macaws, or Ara chloropterus, have dark red feathers. The wings and tails of these macaws are not red. Both macaw species live in tropical rainforests in Central and South America. Red-and-green macaws are the second-largest macaw species in the world; these birds grow up to 3 feet in length as adults.
The Scarlet ibis, or Eudocimus ruber, are wetland birds found in northern South America countries such as Venezuela and Brazil. This red bird has scarlet plumage all over its body except for the tips of its wings, which have black feathers. Scarlet Ibises also have red legs. Dietary items for scarlet ibises are vegetation, fish, small reptiles, insects and amphibians. The dcarlet ibis reaches lengths of 2.5 feet when it matures. Estuaries, lakes and streams are the bird's primary habitats.
Canada and the western United States are home to the red crossbill, or Loxia curvirostra. Male red crossbills have brick red feathers on head, back, tail and breast, while their wings are black. Coniferous trees, such as pines, spruces and firs, are the chief habitats for red crossbills. These birds nest in the forest's branches. The cone seeds of coniferous trees make up a large portion of the red crossbill's diet.
With the exception of a black wings and tail, the 'I'iwi has brilliant red plumage all over its body. This scarlet bird is native to the Hawaiian Islands. According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 'I'iwi birds are usually found on islands with high elevations such as Maui, Hawaii and Kaua'i. These birds are rarely found on Oahu and Molokai, which have lower elevations. As adults, 'I'iwi grow up to 6 inches. These birds may be identified by their curved beaks, which have a pinkish coloration.