Wisconsin spans the Great Lakes shoreline, northern boreal forests, and southern farmland with hardwood forests. Northern Cardinals are common in the south, Scarlet Tanagers nest in the deciduous forests, and the northern counties hold boreal species like crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks. Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the US.
Red Birds Found in Wisconsin
| 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 |
| 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) | Year-round | Mixed forests, feeders |
| Red Crossbill | Males brick-red all over | Year-round (north) | Coniferous forests |
| White-winged Crossbill | Males rose-pink to red | Year-round (north) | Spruce forests |
| Pine Grosbeak | Males rose-pink head and breast | Winter | Boreal forests |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | Red breast triangle (male) | Spring and summer | Deciduous woodlands |
Best Birding Spots
| Location | Best species |
|---|
| Horicon Marsh | Largest US freshwater cattail marsh, 300+ species |
| Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest | Northern forest birds, boreal species |
| Devil’s Lake State Park | Baraboo Range, woodland and water birds |
| Crex Meadows WA | Prairie and wetland migration hotspot |
| Wisconsin Point | Lake Superior migration stopover |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | What to expect |
|---|
| Spring | Tanagers and grosbeaks arrive, Horicon Marsh migration |
| Summer | Breeding season, hummingbirds active |
| Autumn | Southbound migration, hawk watches |
| Winter | Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks in north, feeders active |
Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, recording over 300 bird species. Wisconsin’s northern boreal forests hold Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, and Pine Grosbeaks - species rarely seen in the southern half of the state.
