Indiana’s mix of Lake Michigan dunes, hardwood forests, and restored wetlands supports a strong variety of red-plumaged birds. Northern Cardinals are the state bird and present everywhere, Scarlet Tanagers nest in the mature forests, and Indiana Dunes attracts over 350 species during migration.
Red Birds Found in Indiana
| Species | Red feature | When to see | Habitat |
|---|
| Northern Cardinal | Males bright red all over | Year-round | Gardens, woodlands, suburbs |
| Scarlet Tanager | Males bright red with black wings | Spring and summer | Mature deciduous forests |
| Summer Tanager | Males red-orange all over | Spring and summer (southern IN) | Pine-oak woodlands |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Red throat patch (male) | Spring and summer | Gardens, forest edges |
| Red-headed Woodpecker | Entirely red head | Year-round | Open woodlands, dead trees |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | Red cap and nape | Year-round | Deciduous forests, suburbs |
| Pileated Woodpecker | Red crest | Year-round | Mature forests |
| House Finch | Red head, breast, rump (male) | Year-round | Suburbs, urban areas |
| Purple Finch | Raspberry-red wash (male) | Winter | Woodlands, feeders |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | Red breast triangle (male) | Spring and summer | Deciduous woodlands |
Best Birding Spots
| Location | Best species |
|---|
| Indiana Dunes National Park | 350+ species, Lake Michigan migration corridor |
| Goose Pond FWA | Restored wetland, 9,000+ acres, waterfowl |
| Eagle Creek Park | Urban birding, reservoir, woodlands |
| Hoosier National Forest | 200,000 acres, woodland species |
| Muscatatuck NWR | 280+ species, wetlands and forests |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | What to expect |
|---|
| Spring | Tanagers and grosbeaks arrive, peak migration at Indiana Dunes |
| Summer | Breeding season, hummingbirds active |
| Autumn | Southbound migration, waterfowl at Goose Pond |
| Winter | Cardinals, finches, woodpeckers at feeders |
Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan is one of the best migration spots in the Midwest, recording over 350 species. Northern Cardinals are the state bird and visible year-round, while Scarlet Tanagers nest in the hardwood forests of Hoosier National Forest.
