17 Beautiful Orange Birds You Can See in the United States—Tips and Locations
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Ask someone to name an orange bird, and they’re more than likely going to say an oriole. That would be a good answer: Of the seven native species of orioles you can regularly see in the United States, five of them sport some combination of orange and black. But orioles aren’t our only birds with carrot-colored plumage; a variety of North American species are either predominantly orange or feature patches of the hue somewhere on their body.
In fact, there are many birds in North America that might be considered orange-ish in the right light or if you broaden the definition to include more cinnamon-flavored feathers. For that reason, we had to come up with some parameters for this list. The birds included here were chosen because they readily appear orange or have prominent orange plumage, though the shades vary widely. So while you’ll find the flaming head of the male Blackburnian Warbler and rich breast of the American Robin below, species with more subtle orange field marks—say, the Orange-crowned Warbler, Ovenbird, or female Belted Kingfisher—didn’t make the cut.
Now that we got that out of the way, get to know the birds below, and to learn more about each species’ range, behaviors, and vocalizations, visit its profile on our free online bird guide.
1.) Baltimore Oriole
Named for the black-and-orange family crest of Lord Baltimore, the Baltimore Oriole is a common and conspicuous migrant that can be found throughout the eastern United States and Midwest during the summer months. Males sport brilliant orange plumage, while females wear more subdued yellow feathers. Preferring deciduous forests and open woods and edges, orioles—and their impressive hanging nests—often can be found in elm trees. Attract them to backyards by making an orange feeder or putting out grape jelly.
2.) Orchard Oriole
Also found across the East and Midwest during breeding months, the male Orchard Oriole’s plumage is a much darker orange than the Baltimore’s. Some might consider the feathers to be more of a chestnut, but in full light this bird’s plumage appears a deep—and stunning—burnt orange. True to their name, they are readily found in orchards, as well as wood edges and in the canopy of deciduous shade trees. Orchard Orioles spend their winters in southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
3.) Bullock’s Oriole
The Bullock’s Oriole is a common and widespread summer resident of western states. Male are similar in color to the Baltimore, but an orange face, a large white patch on their wings, and a distinctive black throat easily differentiate these birds. Bullock’s Orioles breed and nest in deciduous habitats and in fairly open spaces, such as forest edges, isolated groves, and streamside woods. They are especially fond of cottonwood trees.
4.) Hooded Oriole
A regional specialty of the Southwest, the Hooded Oriole’s brilliant orange plumage extends to the top of its head to give the appearance of a hood, while black neck and face feathers create a mask effect. Slightly slimmer than most other species of oriole, these birds are common along streams and in suburban backyards, where they are more than happy to visit hummingbird feeders. Hooded Orioles are particularly partial to palms and will frequently attach their hanging nests to the underside of a palm frond.
5.) Altamira Oriole
A more recent arrival to the United States, the Altamira Oriole first appeared in the country in 1939. Since then, this common and permanent resident of Mexico has made the far reaches of southern Texas its home. The tropical bird’s striking orange plumage makes it easy to spot in open dry woods, forest edges, and streamside groves, and its orange wing accents make this bird stand out from other orioles. Their hanging nests are also the most impressive of the bunch, sometimes reaching two feet in length.
6.) American Robin
One of our most common and widespread U.S. species, the American Robin’s orange breast makes it impossible to miss as it seeks out worms everywhere from lawns and woodlands to urban spaces and local parks. When given the benefit of a fresh eye, these ubiquitous birds are actually quite striking, and if you lend them an ear, you’ll be treated to a rich, throaty song.
7.) American Redstart
With dabs of orange on its black wings and tail feathers, the male American Redstart looks as if it was painted. Just as striking, females sport lighter yellow patches. A neotropical migrant that can be seen throughout much of the eastern United States and up into Canada during spring migration and summer breeding months, redstarts are extremely active birds and can be easily spotted flitting about tree tops, flycatching or hovering to glean insects from foliage.
8.) Blackburnian Warbler
For many birders, a male Blackburnian sighting is enough to call their spring birding a success. With a blaze-orange head atop white and black feathers, the Blackburnian is a visual treat—when you manage to see one. Another neotropical migrant from South America, these birds spend their summers in the northern forests of Canada and the eastern United States, typically foraging and singing from the highest parts of the canopy. During migration, this species is a leading cause of warbler neck.
9.) Varied Thrush
A permanent resident of the Pacific Northwest, the Varied Thrush’s ethereal song provides a mysterious soundtrack to the region’s dense and humid forests. Birders patient enough to track down the elusive bird are treated to one our most distinct U.S. species: A bold orange eyebrow, throat, and breast set against dirty black feathers make this bird unmistakable. In the summer, migrant Varied Thrushes head further up into western Canada, and during winter, some populations retreat to Southern California.
10.) Black-headed Grosbeak
Perhaps our most underappreciated grosbeak, the Black-headed is a gorgeous bird with a contrasting orange breast and bold white wing bars. Wintering in Mexico, Black-headed Grosbeaks spend their breeding months across the West, residing everywhere from foothills and riverside woods to suburban spaces and backyards. Like other grosbeaks, this bird has a heavy, thick bill designed for cracking open shells, but it’s also happy downing insects and bugs. They can be attracted to feeders with sunflower feeders.
11.) Barn Swallow
Found throughout almost all of the United States during summer, the Barn Swallow cuts a stunning profile as it swoops and wheels across the sky while hunting insects. When the light catches the bird’s iridescent navy feathers, they gleam brightly and complement the male’s strong orange face and lighter shades of tan and brown on the breast. Barn Swallows do favor barns, but their ability to make any manmade structure home has helped them become one of the most widespread species in the world.
12. & 13.) Eastern Towhee & Spotted Towhee
Once collectively considered the Rufous-sided Towhee thanks to their rusty sides, these two species are both widespread and common across their respective ranges: The Eastern is a permanent resident of the southeast and found throughout the eastern U.S. during summer breeding months; the Spotted calls much of the west home during summer and winters in Texas. Both are just as likely to be heard before being seen as they busily scratch with both feet at fallen leaves to find their next meal.
14. & 15.) Eastern and Western Bluebird
Wait, blue birds on an orange bird list? Yep. While the bright-blue heads and backs of the male Eastern and Western Bluebird steal the show, just as eye-catching are their rusty bellies and breasts. Females for both species also have orange on their undersides, though the coloration is lighter. Across the country, both birds can be found in open woodlands—deciduous or coniferous— and fields and meadows. They are also popular backyard visitors, easily lured in by mealworms and bird baths.
16.) Rufous Hummingbird
When the gorget of the male Rufous Hummingbird catches the light, the bird’s iridescent neck feathers appear on fire. Its back, a warm brown, also glows orange. Found across the Pacific Northwest during summer breeding months, the Rufous migrates throughout much of the west during spring and fall, either returning to or coming from its breeding grounds in southern Mexico. Despite being a smaller hummingbird, these birds are notoriously territorial and feisty around flowers and nectar feeders.
17.) Allen’s Hummingbird
Very similar to the Rufous in coloration and size, the Allen’s Hummingbird is found only along the California and Oregon coasts during summer months. Look for them in scrub and chaparral habitat—though after breeding, females head to more protected thickets and forests to build their nests and raise the young on their own. Allen’s are regular visitors to California backyards with abundant flowers or nectar feeders.