It is in our nature to appreciate the diverse aesthetics in the world around us. And what better way to do that than enjoying nature’s most colorful birds? Next time you go birding or for a nature walk, look for these fifteen most colorful birds in the world.
15 Most Colorful Birds in The World
These birds have colored feathers, beaks, and spirits lending their great beauty, which we greatly appreciate. Let’s meet the world’s fifteen most colorful birds!
15. Venezuelan Troupial (Black & Orange Bird)
The Venezuelan Troupial is a large bird with a long tail and hefty bill. It has a black head with a blue marking around the eye and at the base of the bill. It has a bright yellow body and black wings with a white vertical stripe. The reason for its particular coloration isn’t known, but as with many birds it likely aids in identification and mating.
These colorful birds occur in Venezuela and Colombia—in fact, they are Venezuela’s national bird! They may also reside in the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Trinidad, and Puerto Rico.
- Preferred Habitat – dry areas like woodlands, gallery forests, dry scrub, and plains, and open savannas for foraging
- Unique Behavior – Venezuelan Troupials have two unique behaviors. First, they are thieves. They do not build their nests but kick other birds out of their carefully created nests and take over. Second, they have a unique feeding behavior. Their preference is juice, and they get it by piercing fruit with their bill to drink the fruit juice and leave the flesh behind
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
14. Painted Bunting (Most Colorful Cardinal Bird)
The Painted Bunting is a colorful species of cardinal. In French, it is referred to as ‘Nonpareil,’ which means ‘without equal’ and refers to its exceptional coloration. Its paint-like plumage is red, blue, yellow, green, and black. Males have blue heads, red throats and bellies, and greenish-yellow backs. Females are colorful but not as brightly-toned.
Its coloration comes from a combination of feather structure and pigmentation. Pigments include melanin, carotenoids, and porphyrins.
The Painted Bunting is found in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It often nests on the southern Atlantic Coast of Florida and winters in the northwestern Caribbean. Others nest further west, who typically winter in Mexico and Central America.
- Preferred Habitat – Low shrub areas, riparian vegetation, and open forests
- Unique Behavior – The western population of Painted Buntings time their migration with their molting. They fly to northern Mexico, where they take a break and finish their molting before completing the journey south
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
13. Crimson-Crested Woodpecker (Bright Red Head)
Of all the colorful birds, it’s safe to say the Crimson-Crested Woodpecker has the most colorful and eccentric head. Its crest is a fiery red and stands straight up on edge! It has a dark-as-night black body with two white stripes on its back and a white patch on its cheek.
The Crimson-Crested Woodpecker’s coloration is influenced by its diet, habitat, and geographic location. The coloration is used to communicate with other woodpeckers, attract mates, and defend territory.
This bird is found from Panama to Paraguay and every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay.
- Preferred Habitat – Lowland forests and edges
- Unique Behavior – The Crimson-Crested Woodpecker is one of the largest and most powerful woodpeckers in its range
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
12. Western Rosella (Beautiful Parrot)
The Western Rosella, or moyadong, is a species of parrot. Males’ heads, necks, and underbody are primarily red. This bird has a yellow or cream-colored cheek patch, green and black scalloping on its upper body, and red on its underbelly. Females are greenish below with drab red or green heads.
This bird’s red feathers come from pigments called psittacofulvins. This differs from other bird species, which typically get their red coloration from carotenoids in their diet.
The Western Rosella has only been sighted in the southwestern corner of Australia. It is isolated from its sister species in the north and east of the country.
- Preferred Habitat – Forests and other types of wooded country known as kwongan
- Unique Behavior – These birds are known for obliterating fruit in orchards. In fact, it once caused them to come near extinction as they were viewed as vermin and hunted
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
11. Mandarin Duck (Most Colorful Duck)
People consider the plumage of this East-Asian duck the most ornate of all the duck species. Males boast iridescent feathers of red, brown, orange, and green. Due to its beautiful coloration, the male Mandarin Duck is a popular specimen in oriental art. Its coloration isn’t only about beauty, however. Its bright coloration aids in attracting a mate- the brighter the plumage, the healthier the bird, the better the chances at mating!
The female’s plumage, on the other hand, is duller. This is due to sexual dimorphism, which means that the male and female specimens have varying appearances. This is common in many birds and other animal species, and primarily, the more eccentric coloration goes to the male specimen.
Mandarin Ducks typically reside in Korea, Japan, China, and eastern Siberia. However, due to the pet trade, they can now be found worldwide. Mandarin Ducks prefer the wild, and their chosen home is riparian habitats alongside rivers and streams.
- Preferred Habitat – Alongside rivers and streams
- Unique Behaviors – While Mandarin Ducks often reside at sea level, they sometimes venture as high as 5,000 feet above! No fears of height here- that’s washed out at hatching time when chicks must take a leap of faith from their tree-top nest
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
10. Flame-Colored Tanager (Bright Orange Bird)
The Central American Flame-Colored Tanager, formerly known as the Striped-Back Tanager, is a medium-sized songbird. Males are adorned with a red-orange hue, and females have a subdued yellowish-orange hue. Both sexes have heavily streaked upper parts and two bold white wing-bars on darkly colored wings.
This is another species of bird that uses color manipulation for its benefit. In winter, molting season, males appear closer in coloration to females. When their colored feathers come back in, it is a confusing mess temporarily, but it keeps them safe during their time of vulnerability. It can be presumed that coloration also aids in mate selection, as is the case with most sexually dimorphic species.
They live in the lush, green treetops of mountainous forests ranging from southern Mexico to Panama. They are occasionally spotted in large trees of non-forested areas such as pastures, coffee plantations, and gardens.
- Preferred Habitat – Humid mountain forests
- Unique Behavior – This is one of the only species known to eat army ants. They eat the soldiers and the wasp pupae and larvae they are carrying
- Conservation Status – Least-concern Species.
9. Scarlet Macaw (Bright & Colorful Parrot)
Unlike Mandarin Ducks, there is no discernable difference between male and female Scarlet Macaws. Even juvenile Scarlet Macaws bear resemblance to their adult counterparts except for the color of their eyes- bright blue for juveniles and a washed-out yellowish hue for adults.
The Scarlet Macaw landed on our most colorful birds list for a reason: its brilliantly colored plumage! Their heads, shoulders, and upper tail feathers are a beaming red. Blue plumage dazzles on their wings and lower tail feathers. They have a large yellow stripe below their shoulders and a hint of iridescent green below that. They additionally adorn a white eye patch and have a thick black band just before their white and black beak.
The Scarlet Macaw’s coloration may seem flashy to us, but in its home, it is camouflage. The rainforests of Central and South America are vibrant places lushly covered in colorful fruits, flowers, and other plants. The bird’s coloration helps it blend in to avoid predators.
- Preferred Habitat – Tropical rainforests and humid evergreen forests
- Unique Behavior – Scarlet Macaws are adept at mimicking human speech
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
8. Peacock (A Well-known Colorful Bird)
Peacocks are well-known, colorful birds, technically pheasants, originating in South China and parts of Africa. They are known for their brightly colored, uniquely adorned, and shimmering tail feathers- particularly the males’. These fan-like tail feathers comprise sixty percent of the bird’s body and are the easiest way to identify this most colorful bird.
Their unique coloration is a result of structural coloration. The color we see is iridescent only because of the microscopic structure of the feather itself interfering with light waves. For what purpose is the peacock so colorful? The flashy tail feathers are used to attract mates. This is paired with a fancy dance of tail feather shaking and foot stomping!
Peacocks are commonly kept as farm animals and pets. However, Peacocks originated in the wild. And there are still plenty of them there! Wild Peacocks roam across Asia and Africa in forests. Yet, they still like to pay a visit to the local farmer’s field to help pick up any leftover grains.
- Preferred Habitat – Open tropical seasonal forests with trees for roosting
- Unique Behavior – These birds have big appetites. In addition to leftover grains, they feed on grasshoppers, insects, and even mice
- Conservation Status – Unknown.
7. Rainbow Lorikeet (Most Colorful Parrot)
The Rainbow Lorikeet is a striking parrot species with deep and contrasting coloration. Both sexes have a blue belly, green wings, tail, and back, and an orange breast. They are difficult to spot during the day as their flocks move quickly, but luckily, they are noisy enough to alert you that they are there. At night, they roost in a community in the trees.
This bird’s coloration helps it evade predators by blending in with its surroundings. It also plays a hand in mating rituals. During these rituals, males put on quite a show for the females, which includes dancing, hanging upside down, prancing, bobbing from side to side, and more.
The Rainbow Lorikeet is indigenous to Australia and its surrounding islands. It is commonly found on the eastern seaboard. Due to the release of captive birds of this species, there is a striking population in Perth.
- Preferred Habitat – Rainforest, coastal bush, and woodland areas
- Unique Behavior – Rainbow Lorikeets are so accustomed to humans that you can hand-feed them in most areas! Make sure to use a safe food for this species if you choose to partake
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
6. Golden Pheasant (Lucky Colorful Bird)
The Golden Pheasant has many names, including the Chinese Pheasant and Rainbow Pheasant. These colorful birds have plumage of red, orange, and blue coloration. They have extraordinarily long tail feathers light enough to blow in the wind, and males have a distinctive long, flowing crest. Females have a muted coloration and are brown and buff in appearance. They do not have a crest.
This bird’s coloration has various roles. It aids in courtship, camouflage, and predator deterrence and even depicts a specimen’s ranking in the social hierarchy. The brighter an individual’s plumage, the higher its status.
This is a dazzlingly colored Chinese gamebird that lives in China’s western and central mountainous forests. It thrives in coniferous and mixed forests. In China, the Golden Pheasant is a sign of good luck and prosperity.
- Preferred habitat – Dense underbrush or forested areas
- Unique Behavior – The Golden Pheasant prefers staying grounded and spends very little time flying. It is most often spotted running on the ground
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
5. Kingfisher (Various Species)
The Kingfisher is a small to medium-sized colorful bird. It is found worldwide, but most species are found in the tropical regions of Asia and Europe. This is a blue bird with an orange underbelly. It also has an exceptionally long blue beak!
Fun fact: About ninety species of Kingfishers are comprised of only three families. Their most notable and admirable characteristic is their spectacular dives into water.
4. Quetzal (Endangered Colorful Bird)
Quetzales claim their fame with their iridescent, varied coloration and exceptionally long and flowing tail feathers. They have bright green plumage that changes to blue depending on the light. Males have bright red chests. Females also have colorful plumage but may have brown and grey tones included. Both males and females have two long, flowing, bright green-blue tail feathers.
Like many birds on this list, Quetzales’s coloration serves a purpose. Their green, shimmering upper wings blend in with the wet overgrowth of their habitat during or after a rain—which is often.
This bird is found in the forests and humid highlands of Central America (mainly Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras) and southern Mexico. They select their habitat based on the availability of dense foliage and abundant fruit trees used for both food and shelter.
- Preferred Habitat – Cool, moist, high-altitude forests with dense canopies
- Unique Behavior – Quetzales are not social birds and spend their lives alone. They only come together to breed and then go back their separate ways
- Conservation Status – Near-threatened species.
3. Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Beautiful Amazonian Parrot)
As the name suggests, the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is a blue and yellow Neotropical parrot. It is also known as the Blue-and-Gold Macaw. Its back and wings are sky blue, and its belly and underwing are yellow. Its extended tail feathers take on the same configuration. It has remarkably fluffy feathers at its crown and a white face with black stripes below the eyes. People often consider it the most beautiful of all the parrot species, but we’ll leave that for you to decide.
Some of the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw’s coloration comes from genetics. But some of it comes from what they eat! They eat a diet rich in fruits, seeds, and nuts that contain carotenoids. When absorbed, these carotenoids turn into pigment and lend these parrots their beautiful coloration! For this reason, each bird’s plumage is unique as its access to and preference for certain foods influences its plumage- specifically the brightness of each hue.
These smart birds use the color they earn from their genes and diets. They use coloration to attract mates, hide from predators, communicate, and establish social hierarchies.
The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw lives in swampy tropical forests in South America, ranging from Panama to Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. They exist in exceptionally high numbers in the Amazon Rainforest.
- Preferred Habitat – Swampy tropical rainforest
- Unique Behavior – The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is one of the most trainable and intelligent parrot species
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
2. Bali Mynah (Bright White Bird)
The Bali Mynah, also known as the Rothschild’s Mvnah, is a member of the warbler species. This bird species doesn’t have an array of colors. However, It has one striking and rare coloration that landed it on our last: white. It has gleaming white plumage, completely undisturbed save for a bright blue mask outlining its jet-black eyes.
White birds are rare. Their coloration, or lack thereof, is due to an unusual lack of pigmentation caused by certain genetic conditions. There aren’t many benefits associated with this coloration, but because of its rarity, white birds hold high spiritual significance. They represent purity, innocence, guidance, enlightenment, and peace.
As the name suggests, the Bali Mynah is from Bali, Indonesia. Due to human interference, its range is restricted to only a few areas of Bali.
- Preferred Habitat – Dry forest, shrublands, tree and palm savannas, and flooded savanna woodland
- Unique Behavior – The Bali Mynah is monogamous, having only one mate for each breeding season
- Conservation Status – Critically endangered.
1. Gouldian Finch (Australia’s Colorful Grassfinch)
The Gouldian Finch, also called the Rainbow Finch. It is Australia’s most colorful grassfinch. Both sexes have assorted colored patches, including red, black, blue, white, green, and yellow. Interestingly enough, not all birds in this species are identical. Only 75% of the population have black faces, while the remaining 25% have red faces. Beyond that, yellow-faced birds occur occasionally, the yellow coloration due to a lack of pigmentation in a naturally red-faced bird.
As we have discovered, there are a variety of reasons to have colorful plumage. However, the main benefit this species reaps is the skill of location. The bright multi-colored plumage helps the birds find one another in the dark. It is especially useful when mom is finding her way back to the nest to feed her babies. It even helps her see where their mouths are to ensure no cleanup is required!
As mentioned, this bird is native to Australia, particularly northern Australia and the Kimberley region of western Australia.
- Preferred Habitat – tropical savannah, thickets, and woodlands with grassy plains
- Unique Behavior – It nests exclusively in tree hollows or holes in termite mounds
- Conservation Status – Least-concern species.
Want to see some more beautiful birds? Check out the Top 25 Most Beautiful Birds in the World.
