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Ask someone to name an orange bird, and they will more than likely 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 or orange-ish in the right light or if you broaden the definition to include more  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 found throughout the eastern United States and Midwest during spring and summer months. Males sport brilliant orange plumage, while females wear more subdued yellow feathers. Preferring deciduous forests and open woods, orioles—and their impressive hanging nests—can reliably 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 migration and summer, 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 in open woods 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. Males 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 the species. As with other orioles, Bullock’s Orioles breed and nest in deciduous habitats and prefer open spaces such as forest edges, groves, and streamside woods. They are especially fond of cottonwood trees.

4.) Hooded Oriole 

A regional specialty of the Southwest, the male Hooded Oriole’s luscious yellow-orange plumage extends from its breast and sides to the top of its head, creating the hood for which the bird is named. Slightly slimmer than most other species of oriole, these birds are common everywhere from open dry woods to suburban spaces and backyards, where they will visit hummingbird and fruit 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 year-round home. The tropical bird’s dazzling orange plumage makes it easy to spot in open woods, forest edges, and tall trees near water. Orange wing accents are the Altamira's signature feature compared with other orioles, but its hanging nests are also the most impressive, 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 across the Lower 48. 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. While considered a sign of spring, most U.S. robins don't truly migrate, instead making more regional movements in large flocks.

7.) American Redstart 

With dabs of orange on its black wings, tail feathers, and sides, the male American Redstart looks as if it was painted. Just as alluring, 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 and along streams as they flycatch or hover 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 and breast on top of white-and-black plumage, 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, the Black-headed has a heavy, thick bill designed for cracking open shells, but it’s also happy downing insects. 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 across the East during summer breeding months; the Spotted calls much of the West home during summer. Thanks to their loud drink-your-teaaaa song and a foraging technique that involves scratching at leaf litter with their feet,  both birds are typically heard before being seen. 

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, bird baths, and bluebird nest boxes. 

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.