A Redbone is a member of an ethnic group similar to that of the Melungeons While Melungeons are sometimes considered a sub-group of Redbones, it is usually accepted that Redbones are located in Louisiana, while Melungeons are located further east in the United States.

While it is difficult to pin down a firm definition of what ethnic groups combine in a Redbone, or even to come to a consensus on a common appearance, they often have characteristics similar to those of Native American and African descent.