Birds come in a stunning array of colors and patterns, but one trait that always captures attention is a bright red eye. Red eyes on birds occur across diverse species, from tiny songbirds to large waterfowl. While the reason behind red eyes isn’t fully understood, they add drama and flair to many avian species. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most spectacular birds sporting red eyes.
What Causes Red Eyes in Birds?
So why do some bird species have red eyes while others don’t? The red color comes from blood vessels and hemoglobin in the iris rather than pigment. As light enters the eye, the hemoglobin absorbs some wavelengths and reflects red hues back out. This is why albino birds with no melanin have red eyes.
Some theories suggest red eyes may help birds see better in low light conditions. This could benefit species that are nocturnal or catch prey underwater. However, many red-eyed birds aren’t night hunters or divers. More research is needed to determine if red eyes serve a visual function or are simply decorative.
When Do Birds Develop Red Eyes?
In some species, red eyes are present at hatching. But other birds transition from darker juvenile eye colors to red as adults. Getting red eyes can coincide with reaching sexual maturity. This may help attract mates and signal fitness.
Birds of prey are a great example. As juveniles, hawks and falcons have yellow orange or brown eyes. But as adults, sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and peregrine falcons sport piercing red eyes. Male ducks also commonly develop red eyes during breeding season plumage.
Widespread Red-Eyed Birds
Now let’s look at some of the bird species best known for flaunting red eyes. One of the most common is the red-eyed vireo. As its name implies this small North American songbird has bright ruby eyes. They contrast nicely with olive upperparts and white underparts.
Eastern towhees are another backyard red-eye. Males have jet black heads and wings with white belly spots. They also use red eyes to woo females. Northern cardinals don’t have exclusively red eyes, but many males show a striking red iris glow.
Waterfowl provide some of the flashiest red eyes. Male wood ducks have iridescent green-tinged eyes, while cinnamon teal drakes have glowing crimson surrounded by cinnamon plumage. Eared grebes are small diving birds with bright red eyes year-round.
But shorebirds like American avocets take the prize for most dramatic eyes. Their long thin bills and bold black-and-white plumage already stand out. Combine that with ruby red eyes on a slender head, and they’re absolutely captivating to behold.
Regional Red-Eyed Species
While some red-eyed birds like loons and mergansers span continents, others only occur in specific parts of the world. Australia and Oceania host the colorful Australasian figbird. Males are mostly iridescent black with vivid red eyes.
Papuan frogmouths are odd nocturnal birds named for their frog-like gapes These reddish-eyed creatures are rare outside New Guinea And South America boasts stunning tanagers like the red-eyed vireo relative known as the chivi vireo,
Africa is home to attractive species like the Abyssinian roller. Its turquoise wings and tail contrast dark eyes. Madagascar offers the spectacular pitta-like ground roller. This rainforest bird is adorned in bright blue, red, and green with piercing scarlet eyes.
Birds With Unique Eye Colors
While many species have red eyes, other eye shades also stand out. Orange or yellow eyes often look eerie on owls. Male mandarin ducks have stunning golden eyes with red skin around them. And the vibrant aqua eyes of spotted thick-knees seem otherworldly.
Some types of birds even change eye color as they mature. Young brown pelicans hatch with gray eyes that turn light yellow as adults. Baby great horned owls have dark brown eyes that become fiery orange-red with age. This eye transformation indicates the birds are ready for breeding.
Whether as a signal to potential mates or simply stunning decoration, red eyes leave an impression on any observer. They add drama to familiar backyard birds and transform exotic avian species into living works of art. If you have the chance to glimpse a red-eyed bird, take a moment to appreciate its visual splendor. Just don’t stare too long, or you might make it self conscious! The avian world is filled with amazing colors and traits we are still striving to fully understand.
The Four Keys to ID
- Size & Shape Red-eyed Vireos are large, chunky vireos with a long, angular head, thick neck, and a strong, long bill with a small but noticeable hook at the tip. The body is stocky and the tail fairly short.
Relative Size
Slightly larger than a Yellow Warbler; slightly smaller than a Tufted Titmouse.
sparrow-sized or smallerMeasurements
- Both Sexes
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- Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.9 oz (12-26 g)
- Wingspan: 9.1-9.8 in (23-25 cm)
© James Hully / Macaulay Library
- Color PatternRed-eyed Vireos are olive-green above and clean white below with a strong head pattern: a gray crown and white eyebrow stripe bordered above and below by blackish lines. The flanks and under the tail have a green-yellow wash. Adults have red eyes that appear dark from a distance; immatures have dark eyes.
© Alix dEntremont / Macaulay Library
- BehaviorThey forage in deciduous canopies where they can be difficult to find among the green leaves. They move slowly and methodically, carefully scanning leaves above and below for their favored caterpillar prey. However, their habit of near-incessant singing in summer, even in the heat of midafternoon, helps draw attention to them.© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay Library
- HabitatLarge expanses of deciduous forest, particularly deciduous trees with large leaves (such as maples), typify Red-eyed Vireo habitat during the breeding season. On migration, look for them in nearly any type of forest, woodland, or woodlot (particularly in deciduous stands). It is often the commonest of vireo migrants.
© Anonymous / Macaulay Library
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21 Types of Birds with Red Eyes (with Pictures)
FAQ
What kind of bird has red eyes?
“Canvasback, Red-eyed Vireo, and Bronzed Cowbird are all fairly common North American species with bright red eyes, but the chemical mechanism that creates …Feb 7, 2023
Why are some bird’s eyes red?
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Pigmentation:The color of a bird’s eye (usually the color of the iris) results from both pigments and phenomena such as the diffraction of light.
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Structural Coloration:Some birds have red eyes due to structural coloration, where the physical arrangement of cells or tissues in the iris creates the red color.
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Vascular Network:Birds have a rich vascular network in their eyes, which can contribute to the reddish or pinkish coloration.
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Thermoregulation:This adaptation aids in thermoregulation, helping these birds manage their eye temperature, which is particularly vital for species frequenting sunny and open habitats.
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In some cases, the bright color of the eyes may function to attract and signal potential mates.
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Red, swollen, watery, or crusty eyes in birds can also be a sign of House Finch eye disease (also called Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis) or avian conjunctivitis, which is a respiratory infection.
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Examples of Birds with Red Eyes:
- Red-eyed vireo
- Male Wood Ducks
- Common Loon
- Australasian Figbird
- Bronzed Cowbird
- Canvasback
- Red-eyed vireo
What bird looks like a crow but has red eyes?
From a distance, the White-winged Chough may be confused with one of the Crows or Ravens, Corvus sp., but the curved bill and red eye distinguish it from these birds. Crows and Ravens also lack the white wing patch.
What predatory bird has red eyes?
Adult. Adult Cooper’s Hawks have gray backs, reddish-barred chests, and reddish eyes. Note the sharp division between the black cap and gray nape (neck).
What birds have red eyes?
Birds that have red eyes are quite common. From Spotted towhees to American coots and Wood ducks, red eyes can be seen in many types of birds. Below we have thirteen common birds that have red eyes and specifics about their species. 1. American Coot Fulica Americana Length: 15 in Weight: 1.5 to 2 lbs Wingspan: 22.8 to 28 in
What could be the cause of a painful reddish eye?
Eyes can turn painful and reddish due to an allergy or due to trauma. It can also happen due to infection of one or both the eyes which happens due to dilatation of small blood vessels in the eye hence making it reddish in color.
Why do birds have red eyes?
Red eyes can be common on birds throughout the year or a mark of their breeding season. Specific species change their plumage and the color of their eyes going into the breeding season. Red eyes are mostly an attribute of males but plenty of species show different red eye nuances both for males and females.
What bird has red eyes at a pond?
A black bird with red eyes at the local pond is likely to be the American Coot. Many water birds have red eyes. The odd-looking coot is one you are most likely to encounter anywhere in North America. This relative of rails and cranes has green legs and feet with odd lobes on the toes, similar to grebes. It makes a loud grunting call.
Why do lovebirds have red eyes?
The ino gene limits the formation or growth of melanin among lovebirds, whereas the fallow genes diminish melanin to variable degrees. Inos and fallows have a variety of exquisite red eyes due to a lack of or greatly decreased melanin in practically every area of the body.
What color are birds eyes?
If you ever have the opportunity to look into a bird’s eyes, you will be treated to a rainbow of hues. Greens, oranges, browns, whites, yellows, and reds range in intensity from white to black. Birds’ eyes stand out because they lack the whites that humans possess surrounding their irises.