The Most Colorful Birds You Can See in Oregon: Four birds that you can see this summer
Oregon’s birds are truly magnificent, with nearly 400 species across the state. While we love all our birds equally, we know that brightly colored birds bring a lot of excitement for new and experienced birders alike. Thankfully, Oregon is home to many beautiful, colorful birds—from yellows to reds to blues to pinks—and we’re going to introduce you to a few of them. Note: Most of our colorful birds are with us in the spring and summer, and then head south for migration
- Western Tanager (spring/summer): If someone asked you to name one of Oregon’s most colorful birds, the Western Tanager would be right at the top of the list. This neotropical bird has two different looks. The males have a bright yellow body, black wings with white streaking, and a flame orange/red head. The females are a little more mellow with yellow-green bodies and grey/black wings.
- Black-headed Grosbeak (spring/summer): This orange bird with the black head is an Oregon favorite, even visiting bird feeders. If you want to find one, try learning their song which is often described as a fast-moving (possibly inebriated) robin song.
- Lazuli Bunting (late spring/summer): Arriving usually in May from their journey North, the Lazuli Bunting is a small but mighty blue bird, black, and rusty orange bird. This bird is seen mostly to the east of the Cascades, but you can also find them in the Willamette Valley at places like Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge and Powell Butte.
- Anna’s Hummingbird (year-round): Arguably all of our hummingbirds in Oregon are packing some kind of color, but the gorget on an Anna’s Hummingbird is magenta, making them stand out amongst an already impressive crowd.
By Ali Berman & Tara Lemezis. For more information on this or other bird topics, visit www.birdallianceoregon.org
