Bird eggs range in colors and can be ornately maculated with spots, blotches and scrawls. They vary in shape and size, and they must be thick enough to withstand the weight of an incubating parent but thin enough to allow the embryo to break through and hatch. Other than heat and protection, all the resources needed for a chick to grow and mature are packaged up cleanly and tightly in the eggshell surrounding it. Learn to identify bird eggs and discover how egg color, size and incubation change from species to species.
A kiwi lays the largest egg in relation to its body size, but hummingbirds come in a close second when you add up the total volume of their two eggs laid in each clutch. Nests are built and eggs are incubated by the females. Like all hummingbirds, this species lays immaculate white eggs, but the eggs sit so deep in the cup-shaped nest that predators don’t see them unless they stand directly above the nest. Learn everything you need to know about hummingbird nests.
Red eggs are a rare and fascinating trait found in certain bird species. While white and blue eggs are the most common, several types of birds lay eggs with beautiful reddish hues. Discovering a red egg in a nest can be an exciting experience for any birdwatcher or nature enthusiast. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most vibrant red egg layers across various regions.
What Causes Red Eggs?
The pigment that gives eggs their color is produced by the mother bird before the egg shell forms. Most birds apply blue or green pigments, but some species add extra reddish pigments. The red pigment found in colorful eggs is called protoporphyrin. It can create a spectrum of red tones from light pink to deep crimson. The amount of protoporphyrin deposited determines the vividness. Females consistently lay eggs with similar color intensities.
Red Egg Layers Around the World
Here are some of the most vibrant red egg producing birds across several continents
North America
- Northern Cardinal – Blueish eggs with reddish-brown spots
- Blue Jay – Pink eggs heavily speckled with reddish-brown
- Mourning Dove – Creamy white eggs occasionally with faint pinkish dots
Europe
- Common Guillemot – Extreme color variations from reddish-brown to bright red
- European Robin – Cream eggs with vivid red-brown patterns
- Cetti’s Warbler – Small chestnut red eggs
Africa
- Marabou Stork – White eggs with variable red spotting
- African Paradise Flycatcher – Pinkish eggs with dense red-brown blotches
Asia
- Red Junglefowl – Light cream eggs covered in speckles of deep red
- Red-whiskered Bulbul – Small pinkish eggs heavily marked with dark red
- Oriental Magpie Robin – Blue eggs with variable red spotting
Australia
- Superb Fairywren – White to pale blue eggs with red-brown splotches
- Variegated Fairywren – Pink eggs marked with reddish-purple
South America
- Andean Cock-of-the-rock – Small white eggs densely speckled with bright red
- Turquoise Tanager – Light blue eggs with variable red spotting
As you can see, red eggs arise in diverse species across many avian families They occur in both wilderness and urban settings
Spotting Red Eggs in Nests
When birdwatching, remain respectful of active nests. Don’t disturb incubation or handling eggs. Many species are protected by law. However, observing nests from a distance with binoculars can reveal exciting finds!
Forest birds often lay in thick vegetation. Search tangled branches for glimpses of nests. Cavity nesters may appear in holes or boxes. Scan tree trunks and man-made structures. Shrub nests can pop up in gardens or parks. Watch for parents flying to-and-fro.
Shorebirds nest on beaches and marshes. Look for shallow scraped depressions holding clutches. Seabirds breed in colonies on cliffs and rocky islands. You may spot their nests dotted along sheer faces.
Always enjoy nests at a distance. Never interfere with eggs or young. Respect wildlife and observe ethically. Red eggs offer a rare treat for avid birders!
Identifying Red Egg Species
When you encounter red eggs, clues like habitat, nest type, and parents can indicate the species. Regional field guides also aid identification. Here are some distinguishing features:
- Size – Larger eggs suggest bigger species like geese and gulls
- Spots – Marking variations help pinpoint species
- Nest – Cavity, cup, scrape, or platform nests hint at bird family
- Parents – Plumage and behaviors indicate egg layers
Familiarity with local bird diversity improves your chances of a correct ID. Joining birding groups also helps build identification skills.
Why Do Some Birds Lay Red Eggs?
Scientists aren’t certain why a small minority of birds produce reddish eggs. Here are some leading theories:
Camouflage – For some cavity nesters, red speckles against pale shells may help eggs blend into shadowy interiors. Dots and splotches can disguise outline.
Mimicry – Red markings might resemble speckles of blood from prey remains in a nest. This may deter potential egg predators.
Recognition – Unique egg colors might help parents distinguish their own eggs from brood parasites or others in a clustered colony setting.
Attraction – Vivid red eggs could draw the attention of choosy females evaluating male fitness during courtship.
Antioxidants – The protoporphyrin pigment may boost antioxidant levels and confer advantages to embryos.
More research is needed to determine the evolutionary origins of this rare quirk. We still have much to learn about the lives of birds!
While most bird eggs come in shades of white, blue or brown, red eggs stand out as special anomalies. Spotting vibrant reddish eggs in an active nest gives bird enthusiasts a unique thrill. Some species consistently produce red eggs while others show high variability. Identifying the red egg layers requires regional knowledge and close observation. Scientists are still uncertain why certain birds utilize red pigments. With a bit of luck, you may encounter one of these avian wonders during your own birdwatching adventures.
American Robin Bird Eggs Clutch size: 3 to 4 eggs
The spotless, bright blue-green eggs in the American robin’s mud-lined nest are a sure sign that spring has arrived in North America—and sometimes they appear before the season itself. In places where trees are very sparse, robins may nest on the ground. Many eggs don’t make it to hatching because of the diverse predators, including squirrels, snakes and crows, that easily rob the robin clutch. In response to adversity, robins quickly build their nests again, but the later clutches might contain fewer eggs. Learn more about robin nests and eggs.
Yellow Warbler Eggs Clutch size: 4 to 5 eggs
Yellow warblers are popular targets of brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds. When both species’ eggs are present in a nest, the warbler eggs often fail to hatch or the chicks might not make it to fledging. When cowbirds are near the nest, yellow warblers emit alarm calls and the female may sit on the nest with wings spread out to keep other birds at bay. If the warblers find a cowbird egg in their nest, they may bury it by building a new layer of nest on top of the intruder’s egg.
Why are Birds Eggs different Colours?
FAQ
What kind of bird lays red eggs?
It is easier to say what makes peregrine eggs red than to say why they lay red eggs instead of white ones. Peregrine eggs vary from a creamy color overlaid with red blotches to a deep overall red as shown here. The intensity of red varies among female peregrines and from egg to egg within the clutch.
What to do if you find a cardinal egg?
Basically, if you find a wild bird egg, leave it alone. Egg abandonment is extremely common, and the Mama bird is the best judge of which eggs will have the best chances of survival. Trust her judgement. The mother has moved on, and so should you.
Are falcon eggs red?
Egg Description: Pale creamy to brownish, dotted or blotched with brown, red, or purple.
Do cardinals lay red eggs?
The eggs of these birds come in hues of off-white, such as grayish white or greenish white. Then check the pattern. Cardinals lay eggs that have brown speckles. Their eggs are about 1 inch in length and an eighth of an inch wide.
What do bird eggs look like?
Bird eggs are similar to eggs from other animals. They have egg white, also called albumen, and a yolk. The egg yolk color ranges from yellow to dark orange for all the birds. Eggs have characteristics related to the birds who lay them; hence, bird eggshell identification tells us which bird the egg belongs to.
How do you identify a bird egg?
Explore the Bird Egg ID Chart for easy species identification based on egg shapes, colors, patterns, sizes, and breeding seasons. When we think about birds, certain species often come to mind first. For instance, do you recognize a cardinal by its vibrant red feathers or a blue jay with its striking blue and white plumage?
Which hummingbird lays the largest egg?
Photo by John Weinstein Clutch size: 2 eggs A kiwi lays the largest egg in relation to its body size, but hummingbirds come in a close second when you add up the total volume of their two eggs laid in each clutch. Nests are built and eggs are incubated by the females.
Do birds have egg shells?
It’s interesting to find egg shells when you are out and about. The various forms of egg shells differ in size, color, and even shape. Bird eggs are similar to eggs from other animals. They have egg white, also called albumen, and a yolk. The egg yolk color ranges from yellow to dark orange for all the birds.
What is the largest bird egg in Australia?
To know more about North American bird eggs, consult the bird egg identification chart below. Australia has a broad diversification of birdlife with variations in the size, color, and shape of eggs. The largest bird in Australia is the Southern Cassowary which lays the largest egg, 138m long and 95mm wide.
Do bird eggs have speckles?
Bird eggs come in a variety of colors, including blue, gray, brown, and white. Most of us are probably familiar with the white or brown chicken eggs at the store, or the bright blue eggs of a robin. But eggs can also be speckled. The full reason for why some eggs have speckles and some don’t is unknown, although there are some theories.