The Pink Birds of North America

Fact-checked by Kenn Kaufman, field editor, Audubon magazine. 

We don’t have a lot of pink birds in North America. In fact, even if we get generous with the definition of pink and count rare species or those with minimal pink plumage, we have fewer than a dozen. Fortunately, two of them are among the most remarkable birds you can see in the United States: the Roseate Spoonbill and the American Flamingo. But not to be outdone, the other species on this list include highly sought after finches, two feeder favorites, and three hummingbirds. 

Although they all feature some shade of pink, the below species get their coloration in varied ways. For the spoonbill and flamingo, the deepness of their hue is diet dependent (more on that later). For the hummingbirds, microscopic structures in their feathers create their pink iridescence. And those finches? Their reddish-pink plumage happens at the genomic level. Read on to learn more about North America's pink birds, and visit each species’ profile page to dive deeper.

How to Tell Apart American Flamingos and Roseate Spoonbills 

American Flamingo 

People are often surprised to learn that flamingos aren't a common Florida bird. Scientists aren't even sure if the state has ever had a stable breeding population. But that might be changing, with vagrant wild birds recently blown in by hurricanes taking up residence year-round and possibly establishing colonies in the Sunshine State. One of two long-legged pink waders we have in the United States—the other being the spoonbill—the long-necked flamingo stands apart thanks to its entirely pink body and black-tipped, heavily curved beak, which is used for inverted foraging under water. 

Roseate Spoonbill 

While not exactly abundant, this gorgeous wading bird is much more common than the flamingo, with a healthy population found year-round throughout the Gulf Coast and southern Florida.  Though suggesting a flamingo from afar, the Roseate’s long, oddly shaped bill quickly gives it away. Found foraging in coastal shallows, estuaries, and wetlands, the birds sweep their sensor-rimmed bills back and forth to detect small fish and crustaceans in the water and muck. Unlike flamingos, spoonbills feature a white neck and greenish head. Recently the species has been expanding its range northward, becoming more widespread.
 

Common Pink Birds You Can See in the United States 

Anna’s Hummingbird 

When the head of a male Anna’s Hummingbird catches the light, it gleams electric pink. Unlike most hummingbirds, male Anna’s have iridescent feathers on their crown, as well as their gorget, or neck feathers. A regular visitor to hummingbird feeders and gardens alike, this species lives year-round along the West Coast and down through southern Arizona. 

Calliope Hummingbird 

The male Calliope sports a distinctive, patchy gorget that flairs out around the bird's neck, shining anywhere from pink to magenta. Tiny by even hummer standards, the Calliope's summer range includes Northern California, the Intermountain West, and Pacific Northwest into western Canada.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

A familiar sight of the mountain west and southwestern states, Broad-tailed males sport a rose-pink gorget. The birds will visit feeders and gardens across their range, though they prefer high-elevation meadows and forests. In flight, this medium-size hummingbird's wings make a distinct metallic buzz. 

Purple Finch

Despite its name, the male Purple Finch's red plumage can range from deep maroon to light pink. While this largely brown species can be found year-round throughout the northeast, around the Great Lakes, and along the West Coast, many Purple Finches breed in Canada's boreal forest and overwinter across much of the east, making them a feeder favorite—especially during an irruption year. 

Cassin’s Finch 

Similar in appearance to the Purple Finch, the male Cassin’s also has red plumage that comes in various shades, ranging from a soft pink on the breast and face to bright red on its spiky cap. This nomadic forager can be seen year-round throughout much of the west, preferring higher elevations and conifers. They often sing from the top of trees. 

Less Common Pink Birds 

Black Rosy-Finch 

A year-round resident of the Great Basin’s highest elevations, this western finch is rare and endangered. The male’s black, brown, and gray feathers above and bold pink highlights on the wings and belly below create a stunning combination. This bird's rarity and beauty make it a grail species for intrepid birders. 

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch 

A more subdued version of the Black Rosy-Finch, the male Brown-capped has more brown than black or gray, and its pink is a touch lighter. Like the other two rosy-finches on this list, its range is also extremely limited, only inhabiting the highest points of the Rocky Mountains from Wyoming south to New Mexico. 

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch 

Very similar to the Black Rosy-Finch but with more gray on the head and less black and pink overall.  The most “common” of the Rosy-Finches, these birds nest from western Alaska south to highest elevations of California and northern Montana, overwintering throughout Intermountain West. 

Where to See Pink Birds 

Because North America’s pink birds are few and far between, it’s relatively easy to say where you can see them all. For the Roseate Spoonbill, head to reliable Gulf Coast gathering locations such as Florida’s Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or Smith Oaks Rookery in Texas. For Calliope and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, head to any mountain trail within their range during spring or summer to possibly catch a glimpse of their shimmering gorgets. Anna's Hummingbirds may show off their colors in any park or garden along the Pacific Coast at any time of year. Of course, a hummingbird feeder is always the safest bet wherever the three live. As for the Purple and Cassin's Finches, they'll readily show up to feeders with black sunflower seeds and safflower. 

For the less common birds on this list, to see them in the wild, you should do your research to find an exact location that guarantees a sighting. For American Flamingos, there are multiple spots throughout Florida where they can be seen regularly, with the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and the Florida Keys being the most reliable. And for each one of the rosy-finches, looking at eBird reports for where and when they are regularly seen is your best bet. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, head to Sandia Crest, New Mexico, to glance all three—the only place in America where you can regularly do so. 
 

How to Attract Pink Birds to Your Yard or Home

Let’s be real: Unless you live along the Florida or Gulf Coast and can turn your yard into a wetland, the only pink birds on this list that you are going to attract to your home are the two common finches and the three hummingbirds. For the hummers, a standard nectar feeder filled with a basic sugar water recipe will do the trick.  For the Cassin's and Purple Finches, feeders loaded with black oil sunflower seeds along with any other sunflower and safflower offerings will bring them in. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Birds 

Q: What is the most common pink bird in North America? 

The most common bird that is truly pink is probably either the Broad-tailed or Anna’s Hummingbird. There is no denying the intensity of those gorgets, and both are fairly widespread across the west. That said,  Cassin’s and Purple Finches have shades of pink plumage and are also abundant and common across their respective ranges. 

Q: Why are flamingos pink?

Flamingos—and Roseate Spoonbills, for that matter—get their pink coloration from shrimp and other animals that feed on carotenoid-laden algae, such as crab, crayfish, and small fish. Carotenoids are natural red, orange, and yellow pigments. The healthier their diet, the brighter they can be. 

Q: What pink bird has a weird bill? 

Both the American Flamingo and the Roseate Spoonbill have odd bills. The flamingo's bill is short and hooked downward, which enables it to better forage for food when dipping its head below the water. As for the spoonbill, its oddly shaped bill is also adapted for foraging: Spoonbills sweep their long bills back and forth through the water and muck in search of small fish and invertebrates. Their bills are loaded with sensitive nerve endings that help them quickly identify prey. 

Q: How do I identify a pink bird I just saw? 

Well, considering how few species we have that truly sport pink feathers, just consult the visual guide above. Save for the Cassin’s and Purple Finch, every other bird here looks distinctly different from the others. And even for those tricky species, we have a guide to help you out. To get further ID tips and clues, check out our free online bird guide, and don’t forget to also download the free Audubon bird guide app! 
 

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