5 Small Birds With Long Tails And Red Beaks

If you’re a bird lover or just enjoy spotting colorful wildlife, birds with long tails and red beaks are some of the most eye-catching species out there. These birds are not only stunning in appearance but also full of personality some are singers, others are sneaky nesters, and a few are bold foragers.

In this article, we’ll explore five fascinating small birds that flaunt both elongated tails and striking red beaks.

Table of Contents

**1. Pin tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)**

The Pin-tailed Whydah is a small bird with big attitude—especially the males during breeding season. They measure around 12–13 cm, but males grow extravagant tail feathers up to 20 cm long, giving them a dramatic flair.

Appearance: Males are bold with black backs, white bellies, and long trailing black tails. Their bright red beak adds the perfect pop of color.
Habitat: Native to sub-Saharan Africa, commonly found in grasslands and savannas.
Behavior: These birds are brood parasites, meaning females lay eggs in the nests of other finches and let those birds raise their young.

Despite their flashy looks, their sneaky parenting strategy makes them quite controversial among birdwatchers.

**2. Red Avadavat (*Amandava amandava***)

Also known as the Strawberry Finch, the Red Avadavat is a tiny, 10 cm long bird that looks like it’s dressed for a holiday party—especially the males in breeding plumage.

Appearance: Males turn bright red with white spots, a red tail, and a vivid red beak. Females are more brownish but still sport that signature beak.
Habitat: Found throughout the Indian subcontinent, usually in grassy fields and farmland.
Behavior: These birds are extremely social and cheerful, often seen chirping in flocks and foraging for seeds.

They’re also popular in the cage bird trade due to their size and plumage—but their charm is best appreciated in the wild.

**3. Long tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda)**

The Long-tailed Finch is a 16 cm Australian native with a neat look and a friendly nature. It’s one of Australia’s most attractive grassfinches.

Appearance: Features a grey head, black bib, and a long, sharply pointed tail. The eastern subspecies (Heck’s Grassfinch) boasts a red beak, while others have orange or yellowish tones.
Habitat: Inhabits northern Australia, especially woodlands and open grassy areas.
Behavior: These finches are highly social, feeding in pairs or small flocks. Their diet is mainly grass seeds.

Their calm demeanor and beauty make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts and aviculturists alike.

**4. Red billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythroryncha)**

The Red-billed Blue Magpie is arguably the flashiest bird on this list. Measuring up to 65–68 cm, including its striking tail, it’s a visual stunner and highly intelligent.

Appearance: This bird rocks a vivid blue body, black head, and a very long, graduated blue-and-white tail. Its red beak, legs, and eye rings make it unmistakable.
Habitat: Found in the Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia, typically in forests and dense woodlands.
Behavior: Smart and curious, magpies are known for their complex calls, playful nature, and foraging in family groups.

Despite their size, they’re nimble fliers and skilled survivors in a variety of environments.

**5. Sirkeer Malkoha (*Taccocua leschenaultii***)

The Sirkeer Malkoha may not be as famous, but it’s a beautiful and unique bird with a long tail and a striking red beak tipped with yellow. It grows up to 42 cm in length and has an almost prehistoric look.

Appearance: It has olive-brown feathers, a strong, slightly curved red-and-yellow beak, and a long, fanned tail.
Habitat: Found in dry scrub forests and open woodlands across the Indian subcontinent.
Behavior: Unlike many cuckoos, it is non-parasitic and prefers to forage on the ground, hunting for insects, lizards, and small reptiles.

It’s a quiet, solitary bird—more often heard rustling in the underbrush than seen clearly.

Final Thoughts

From flashy whydahs to elegant magpies, these small birds with long tails and red beaks showcase the incredible variety in the avian world. Whether they’re dancing through grasslands or flitting through forests, they’re a treat to spot and a joy to learn about.

If you’re into birdwatching, these species are well worth keeping an eye out for!