6 Most Colorful Birds That Redefine Nature’s Palette

Introduction

Perhaps nature is our first and greatest Picasso. When you look at the winged inhabitants of forests and parks, it's obvious why birdwatching is a revered activity. There are birds that look like M&Ms and those that resemble a splash of paint. In short, many birds boast vibrant and eye-catching colors that are worth discussing.

Looking beyond eagles and crows, it's the little birds that grab our attention. It's the parakeet, the parrot, or even the tiniest wren that sparks the biggest interest in what bold color combinations can be found on a single animal. In this article, we take a closer look at the extravagant birds with bold colors. Their habits, habitats, and unique features are laid out. We also understand why this colorful nature is more than just a bird fashion statement.

Why Are Birds So Colorful?

Actually, we all react differently to different colors, and the same can be said for birds possessing a mix of hues. Think of any color mix and there's probably one or a dozen birds with such a blend. But why are these birds so colorful?

Birds have been blessed with pigments in their feathers that absorb and reflect light, giving us the colors we see. Pigments such as carotenoids and melanin are responsible for the different hues found on birds. Carotenoids are responsible for the brighter shades, such as yellow and red. However, melanin helps produce darker colors like grey and brown.

These pigments, especially carotenoids, are enhanced by the birds' diet. Fruits, seeds, and berries all contribute to the final color combination of a bird. But sometimes, the colors on birds are merely reflections on their feathers. This is especially the case for birds with iridescent colors. Light scatters the microscopic structures on their wings or heads, resulting in colors like blue or green. Regardless, the birds are still fun to observe.

Bright And Entrancing: 6 Of The Most Colorful Birds 

1. Rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)

When a bird has "rainbow" in its name, is there really anything else we need to say? Spotting an M&M appearance, these birds are native to Australia, eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. They love feasting on fruits like apples, as well as blossoms from eucalyptus and bottlebrush.

They measure 10 to 12 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 6.7 inches. These birds weigh between 75 and 160 grams and can be found in rainforests, woodlands, or your local gardens.

These fruit skittles of the rainforest feature patches of deep blue and violet on their face. The curved beak is a daring orange-red that intensifies with age. As we examine further, a bright, reddish-orange breast is visible, and below it is a deeper patch of blue/violet on the belly. The back, wings, and tail of these birds are predominantly green, but they emit an iridescent glow as they fly in the sunlight. These bright and eye-catching colors help them attract mates and demarcate territory within their habitats.

2. Scarlet macaw (Ara macao)

One of the most easily recognizable parrots from South America. The Scarlet macaw is as bright as it is loud in the forests. Its predominant scarlet red colour can be found on its head, neck, upper body, while the underside of its tail and wings are also red but deeper. 

A big bird that's hard to miss, the primary wing and tail feathers are spotted with a deep blue hue. But you can also find shades of yellow and green on the tips of its upper wings. These bright colors not only help them stand out in the dense forest but also play a crucial role in mate selection during the breeding season. Some cultures, like the Aztecs and Mayans, depict them as sun gods.

A lovable native of Guatemala, southern Mexico, and Costa Rica, this tropical-layer-cake-looking bird stands at 32-38 inches with a wingspan of over 1 meter. The bird weighs over 2 pounds, but its most notable features are its powerful beak, long and elegant tail feathers, and deafening screeching calls. They also have a big appetite for fruits, nuts, leaves, and berries. 

Photo by Jairo Alzate on Unsplash

3. Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)

This East Asian bird has the elegance and exotic look to rival peacocks. Commonly found in freshwater like lakes or streams, this waterfowl showcases a wide range of hues on different parts of its plumage. Its face is reddish with a white stripe running along the eyes and an iridescent green head. The neck is predominantly chestnut, with golden-orange feathers running along the back and flanks, reminiscent of the sails of a ship. The brightly colored feathers of male mandarin ducks serve as critical visual signals during courtship, indicating to potential mates that they are healthy and possess excellent genes.

What you've just read is a description of the male mandarin duck, as the females are less flamboyant. They spot an overall brownish-grey plumage with a white ring around the eye. People in Southeast Asia have attributed this bird to love and fidelity. Considering they have one mate for life, they more than deserve such a symbol.

4. Wilson's Bird-of-paradise (Cicinnurus respublica)

You can find this little bird on forest floors or edges, either in Indonesia or West Papua province. It measures 6-8 inches and weighs 50-70 grams, making it relatively light. However, its small size doesn't mean you won't notice the artificial-looking turquoise crown on the male species. 

What's even more special is that the crown spots one of the brightest colors on a bird. In addition, this blue crown is completely featherless. The male also has unique, violet-blue, coiled, spiral-shaped feathers. 

By JJ Harrison, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

As for the females, they are mostly brownish but have a blue crown. The bird also has a velvety black neck and chest. This continues with a bright yellow cape at the nape and bright red wings. The belly is a dark emerald and loves to be filled with small insects and fruits. This living jewel bird is quite the enigmatic dancer. The arrival of mating season means it's time for the male to fan its wings, flip upside down, and flaunt its colors to attract the females.

By Doug Janson, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

5. Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae)

The tropical savannas of northern Australia are home to one of the world's most vibrantly colored small birds. The Gouldian finch is a 5-inch, 15-gram bird that looks like a rainbow spilled over it.

Its head consists of a bright red face, which can be yellow or black in other morphs. The back is green, the belly is yellow, its chest is purple, the rump is light blue, the beak is ivory tipped with red, and its tail is black. This bird should be a mess of colors, but somehow it works. The bird is appreciated for its beauty and is often dubbed the living rainbow. In group living, the feather colors and patterns of Gouldian finches contribute to individual recognition. They can recognize the faces of their companions, which is closely related to the unique colors of their feathers.

Despite taking its name from the wife of British ornithologist James Gould, the bird is depicted as shy. However, the Gouldian finch is quite social and can recognize the individual faces of other birds. They have an appetite for insects and grass seeds, and males have more vivid colors than females. In a way, male birds are typically the golden children of the bird species.

Image Source:

1. Red-headed male: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
2. Black-headed male: Photo by Robert Schwarz on Unsplash
3. Yellow-headed male: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

6. Fiery-throated hummingbird (Panterpe insignis)

The crown jewel of the cloud forests is a 4-inch medium-sized hummingbird. It's known for shifting colors as it moves in the light, displaying a high level of iridescence. This iridescence is most pronounced in its throat, where it initially appears black but can transition into fiery red, orange, or even yellow patches. Its crown and nape are blue, while its chest and belly are rich green with bluish tints.

A deeper shade of green is found on its back and spotted on the wings. But the tail is mainly dark blue. However, its most captivating feature remains its iridescent throat, which shifts colour in the right light. When the throat of the Gouldian Finch flickers, its frequency is similar to the warning coloration of predatory insects, thus serving as a deterrent.

The fiery-throated hummingbird loves to feed on the nectar of flowers like salvia and fuchsia, making it an important pollinator. The size of this bird is deceptive, as it's very aggressive, even towards larger birds. The bird can be found in Central American countries, western Panama, or Costa Rica.

Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

Honorable Mentions: Extra Colorful Bird Species

With thousands of species, it's impossible to list all the birds that are capable of stealing your gaze. However, certain birds must be mentioned for possessing vibrant, odd, and even extreme colors. The golden pheasant is a bright, colorful bird, known for its yellow head and lower belly, orange and black striped neck, red belly, and black wings – a truly golden color combination. Meanwhile, the keel-billed toucan is predominantly yellow and black, with a remarkably long beak that features green, purple, blue, and orange patches.

Other colorful birds include the common kingfisher and the Chilean Flamingo, in case you love a lot of pinks. Others are painted bunting, European bee-eater, lilac-breasted roller, golden-hooded tanager, and Oriental dwarf kingfisher.

Image Source:

1. Golden pheasant: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
2. The keel-billed toucan: Photo by Bernd  Dittrich on Unsplash
3. Common kingfisher: Photo by Stefan Mächler on Unsplash
4. The Chilean Flamingo: Photo by Thimo van Leeuwen on Unsplash
5. Lilac-breasted roller: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

Conclusion 

Contrary to some beliefs, birds aren't colorful just for the sake of our gaze. Their bright hues serve multiple biological and evolutionary purposes. For starters, male birds are the more colorful species, as it's a key factor for mating. Male birds are no better than us and will flaunt their qualities to attract the ladies. Meanwhile, female bird math is simple: The brighter the male, the better the genes and health. In conclusion, the better mate.

Birds are also thankful for their bold colors as they help escape predators. Some birds use their colors to blend into flowers and leaves, like the rainbow parakeet. Others use it as a "stay away" warning, like the northern cardinal. However, these colors are also tags that allow birds to recognize members of their own species. This ensures birds don't crossbreed with each other in a crowded area.

Bright bird colors aren’t just for show; they’re vital in courtship. Learn more about how birds use colors and dances to win mates in this detailed guide: How Do Birds Mate: Secrets of Their Love Lives Revealed.

Northern cardinal photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash

FAQs about the Colorful Birds

Do colorful feathers help with camouflage?

Yes, colorful feathers are useful in jungles with vibrant flowers and leaves, allowing birds to blend in.

Are colorful birds endangered?

Some species of birds-of-paradise and macaws are endangered for various reasons, including illegal pet trade and a loss of habitat.

Are the more colorful birds male or female?

In many species, such as peacocks and mandarin ducks, the male birds are more colorful to attract females during the mating season.

How do bird feathers get their color?

Bird feathers get their colors from pigmentation through the melanin and carotenoids, or iridescence when their microscopic feather structures scatter light.

Do bird colors change?

Surprisingly, yes. Bird feathers' colors will change as seasons do, during molting, and as the birds become adults.