You’re riding through the thick, foggy woods of Roanoke Ridge. It’s quiet. Maybe a little too quiet, given you’re in Murfree Brood territory. Suddenly, you spot a tiny flash of white on the forest floor. You hop off your horse, crouch down, and there it is: the rdr2 sparrow egg orchid.
Honestly, if you aren't doing the "Duchesses and Other Animals" quest for Algernon Wasp, you probably wouldn't even look twice at this thing. It looks exactly like its name suggests—a small, round, white flower that looks like a bird's egg nestled in the dirt. But for those of us trying to hit that elusive 100% completion mark, this little plant is a high-stakes treasure hunt.
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Where to Actually Find the Sparrow Egg Orchid
Most people mess this up by looking in the swamps. Don’t do that. While most of the exotic orchids in Red Dead Redemption 2 are tucked away in the humid, alligator-infested waters of Bayou Nwa, the rdr2 sparrow egg orchid is a different beast entirely. It likes the north.
Specifically, you need to head to Roanoke Ridge in New Hanover. Think north of Annesburg. Think Brandywine Drop. The flower thrives in damp forest grounds and along stream banks. You’ll find them scattered on both the east and west sides of the Kamassa River.
I’ve spent hours—literally hours—combing through the brush near the "Hermit" location. It’s frustrating because the foliage up there is so dense. Even with Eagle Eye active, the little yellow "scent" particles can get lost behind a thick fern or a fallen log.
Why Can’t I Find All 10?
Here is the thing that makes players want to throw their controllers. If you are a "pre-collector"—someone who likes to get all the items before the quest actually asks for them—the game is going to mess with you.
The rdr2 sparrow egg orchid is part of the fifth and final request for Algernon Wasp. You need 10 of them. But if you try to pick all 10 before you have that specific list in your hand, the game will often stop spawning them once you hit 9. It’s a built-in mechanic to prevent players from turning in quests too fast.
Basically, the game "soft-locks" the spawns. If you've been running in circles around Roanoke Ridge and the last few orchids won't appear, check your satchel. If you have 9, you’re stuck until you officially reach the final stage of the Exotics questline.
The Algernon Wasp Connection
Algernon Wasp is... a lot. He’s a high-society eccentric in Saint Denis who wants these "exotics" for his ridiculous fashion commissions. To even get to the point where you need the rdr2 sparrow egg orchid, you have to grind through four previous lists of plumes and other flowers.
By the time you reach the fifth list, you're usually exhausted. You've killed hundreds of Egrets and Herons. You've waded through swamps. Now, the game wants you to go way up north for these 10 orchids, along with 5 Dragon’s Mouth Orchids, 5 Queen’s Orchids, and 5 Clamshell Orchids.
The reward? A fancy hat and Algernon’s Revolver. Is it worth it? Probably not for the stats, but for the satisfaction? Absolutely.
Pro Tips for the Hunt
Let's get practical. Hunting these things isn't just about knowing the general area; it's about the methodology.
- Use Eagle Eye Constantly. This is obvious, but easy to forget when you’re just trying to move fast. Look for the floating gold dust.
- Watch for Murfree Brood. They love to ambush you while you're focused on the ground. Keep your shotgun loaded.
- The Brandywine Drop Shortcut. There’s a high concentration of spawns around the northernmost part of the river, near the legendary elk territory. Start there and work your way south toward Annesburg.
- Don't Forget the Birds. While you're up in Roanoke looking for orchids, keep an eye out for any rare birds you might need for other challenges. It saves travel time.
The rdr2 sparrow egg orchid technically has about 25 different spawn points in the game world. Even though you only need 10, knowing there are extras makes the search feel a little less like finding a needle in a haystack.
Common Misconceptions
People often think these grow on trees because so many other orchids in the game do. Nope. The rdr2 sparrow egg orchid is a ground-dweller. If you're looking up, you're looking in the wrong place.
Another weird thing? Some players swear they’ve seen them in New Austin. While there might be rare glitches or specific scripted moments, for 99% of players, Roanoke Ridge is the only reliable home for these flowers. Don’t waste your time in the desert.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re ready to finally clear this from your log, here is your game plan:
- Finish "The Gilded Cage" in Chapter 4 to unlock the Exotics questline if you haven't yet.
- Clear the first four requests. You cannot turn in sparrow egg orchids until you reach the fifth list.
- Ride to the Loft or Brandywine Drop. Start at the very top of the map in New Hanover and use a map guide to hit the specific clusters near the river.
- Pick only 9 if you aren't on the quest yet, then stop. Don't stress when the 10th won't show up.
Once you hand those 10 orchids to Algernon, you’re basically done with one of the most tedious (and strangely rewarding) tasks in the entire game. Good luck—you're going to need it in those Roanoke woods.