Purple birds are a rare and fascinating sight in the avian world, with their vibrant plumage adding a touch of elegance and mystique to their surroundings. While there aren’t many bird species that are predominantly purple, there are a few notable examples.
Here is a list of purple birds:
- Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica) – This medium-sized bird, found in the Americas, exhibits a striking combination of purple, blue, green, and red plumage. Its vibrant colors make it a standout species in wetland habitats.
- Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) – The male Purple Finch displays a reddish-purple hue on its head, breast, and back. These birds can be found in North America and are known for their melodious songs.
- Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Native to Central and South America, this small bird sports a brilliant turquoise-blue plumage with shades of purple on its head, wings, and tail. Males have more vibrant colors than females.
- Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) – Also known as the Purple Moorhen, this bird features a rich purple-blue plumage, bright red beak, and a distinctive red frontal shield. It can be found in wetland areas of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
- Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) – Found in India and parts of Southeast Asia, this sunbird species exhibits a striking metallic purple color on its rump and lower back, contrasting with its green upperparts.
- Purple Roller (Coracias naevius) – This African bird showcases a unique combination of deep purple-blue plumage on its head, neck, and back, which contrasts with its bright blue wings and tail.
- Purple-naped Lory (Lorius domicellus) – Endemic to the island of Seram in Indonesia, this parrot species features a deep purple plumage on its nape and head, fading to green on its body.
- Purple Martin (Progne subis) – While not entirely purple, the male Purple Martin displays a dark, glossy purple-blue plumage on its head, wings, and back during the breeding season. They are common in North America.
- Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) – Native to sub-Saharan Africa, this starling species has a glossy purple plumage on its back, contrasting with its white underparts.
- Purple Grenadier (Granatina ianthinogaster) – Found in tropical regions of Africa, this small finch exhibits a beautiful purple plumage on its body, with hints of blue and red on its head and breast.
- Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) – As its name suggests, this wading bird displays a predominantly purple coloration on its neck and upper body during the breeding season. It can be found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti) – Endemic to the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama, this hummingbird species showcases a deep purple crown on its head, which contrasts with its emerald green body.
- Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpurata) – Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, this bird features a striking combination of purple plumage on its throat and breast, along with iridescent blue and black feathers.
- Purple-crowned Lorikeet (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala) – Found in Australia, this lorikeet species displays a vibrant purple crown on its head, which fades to green on its body.
- Purple-bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini) – Endemic to the Andean cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador, this hummingbird species exhibits a brilliant purple bib on its throat, along with a green and bronze body.
Please note that the extent of purple plumage may vary depending on factors such as lighting conditions and individual variations within the species. Observing these magnificent purple birds in their natural habitats is a delightful experience for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.