The natural world is full of mysteries and wonders, and one of these is the presence of animals with red eyes at night. While some of these creatures have red eyes due to natural pigmentation, others reflect light in such a way that their eyes appear red when illuminated in the dark. In this article, we will take a look at 20 such animals and learn about their unique features and habits.
- Red-Eyed Tree Frog
The Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is a small, brightly colored species of tree frog native to Central and South America. As its name suggests, this frog has distinctive red eyes, which are surrounded by blue and green markings on its face and body. Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, and they are well adapted to life in the rainforest canopy.
- Red Panda
The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a small, arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Despite its name, the Red Panda is not closely related to the Giant Panda; it is actually more closely related to raccoons and weasels. The Red Panda has reddish-brown fur, a long, bushy tail, and distinctive red eyes. It is nocturnal and primarily feeds on bamboo shoots and leaves, but it will also eat insects and fruit.
- Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink
The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink (Tribolonotus gracilis) is a small, agile reptile native to New Guinea and surrounding islands. It gets its name from its scaly skin, which resembles that of a crocodile, and its bright red eyes, which are framed by black markings. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are nocturnal and are often found in humid, forested areas. They are skilled climbers and use their sharp claws and flexible bodies to move easily through the trees.
- Red-Eyed Vireo
The Red-Eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) is a small, migratory songbird found throughout much of North America. It has olive-green upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive red eye ring. The Red-Eyed Vireo is a common sight in wooded areas and is known for its loud, repetitive singing. It is active during the day and feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar.
- Red Kite
The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a large, graceful bird of prey found throughout much of Europe, as well as parts of Asia and Africa. It has a reddish-brown body, long wings, and a distinctive forked tail. The Red Kite’s eyes are bright red, and it has a sharp, hooked beak and talons for hunting small mammals, birds, and insects. Red Kites are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they are often seen soaring on thermals or perching on roadside wires.
- Red Squirrel
The Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a small, agile tree squirrel found throughout much of Europe and parts of Asia and North America. It has reddish-brown fur, a fluffy tail, and large, red eyes. Red Squirrels are active during the day and are known for their energetic, acrobatic behavior. They feed on a variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits and are adept at storing food for the winter months.
- Red-Eyed Lemur
The Red-Eyed Lemur (Eulemur rufifrons) is a small, arboreal primate native to Madagascar. It has a reddish-brown coat, long, bushy tail, and, as its name suggests, bright red eyes. Red-Eyed Lemurs are active during the day and are highly social animals, living in groups of up to 20 individuals. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, flowers, leaves, and insects.
- Red-Eyed Tree Snake
The Red-Eyed Tree Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous species of pit viper found in the southeastern United States. It has a slender, green or brown body, a triangular-shaped head, and, as its name suggests, red eyes. Red-Eyed Tree Snakes are nocturnal and are often found in trees, where they hunt for small rodents and birds. They are venomous, but their venom is not considered to be highly toxic to humans.
- Red-Eyed Damselfly
The Red-Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas) is a small, brightly colored species of damselfly found throughout much of Europe and Asia. It has a metallic green or blue body and bright red eyes, which are surrounded by black markings. Red-Eyed Damselflies are active during the day and are often found near water, where they lay their eggs. They feed on a variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and midges.
- Red-Eyed Bulbul
The Red-Eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus) is a small, stout songbird found throughout much of Southeast Asia. It has a reddish-brown body, a short, sharp beak, and bright red eyes. Red-Eyed Bulbuls are active during the day and are known for their distinctive, whistling call. They feed on a variety of fruits and insects and are found in a variety of habitat types, including forests, gardens, and urban areas.
- Red-Eyed Coot
The Red-Eyed Coot (Fulica atra) is a medium-sized, aquatic bird found throughout much of Europe, Asia, and North America. It has a black body, a distinctive white beak, and bright red eyes. Red-Eyed Coots are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including lakes, marshes, and swamps, and they are skilled swimmers and divers. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant material, insects, and small animals.
- Red-Eyed Dove
The Red-Eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) is a small, plump dove found throughout much of Africa and Madagascar. It has a brown body, a short, square tail, and bright red eyes. Red-Eyed Doves are active during the day and are often found in open, grassy areas. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects.