23 Beautiful Pink Birds

In the fascinating world of birds, there’s nothing more enchanting than the sight of pink-feathered beauties gracing the skies and perching among the trees. Pink coloration, often associated with love and beauty, truly brings a touch of magic to our avian friends. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey to discover 23 mesmerizing pink bird species from all corners of the world. So, let’s dive into the realm of these feathered wonders and learn about their habitats, sizes, life expectancies, and tips for spotting and attracting them.

watercolor painting of two pink birds in a tree

Importance of Pink Coloration

The pink coloration found in birds is not just a whimsical trait; it serves a vital purpose in their lives. Ranging from attracting mates to blending into their surroundings, these rosy hues make these birds both captivating and highly adaptable.

Overview of the 23 bird species

Our journey takes us through five continents, covering North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Each region is home to a variety of bird species that boast unique features, behavior, and habitats. So, let’s start our adventure with North American pink birds.

North American Pink Birds

American Flamingo

The American Flamingo is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable pink birds in the world. They are characterized by their long legs, curved neck, and vibrant pink feathers. Flamingos get their pink coloration from the carotenoids found in their diet, which consists mainly of shrimp and algae.

group of american flamingos in a pond with a waterfall
Habitat and geographic range

These elegant birds can be found in the Caribbean, parts of Central America, and along the coastlines of northern South America. In the United States, they are most commonly seen in Florida.

Size:

American Flamingos have an average length of 47 inches, a weight of around 6.2 pounds, and a wingspan of up to 60 inches.

Average life expectancy

These birds can live up to 40 years in the wild, but they often live longer in captivity.

Tips for spotting and attracting American Flamingos

Visit shallow wetlands and coastal areas to find American Flamingos. They are social birds, often found in large colonies. To attract them to your area, create a shallow water source with plenty of aquatic plants and insects for them to feed on.

Roseate Spoonbill

The Roseate Spoonbill is a unique wading bird with a long, spatula-shaped bill that it uses to sweep through shallow water to catch small fish and crustaceans. Its feathers display various shades of pink, ranging from pale to deep rosy hues.

Roseate Spoonbill at the top of a tree
Habitat and geographic range

Roseate Spoonbills are found in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Size:

These birds have a length of 28-34 inches, a weight of 2.6-4.4 pounds, and a wingspan of 47-52 inches.

Average life expectancy

Roseate Spoonbills have a life expectancy of around 15 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Roseate Spoonbills

Look for Roseate Spoonbills in shallow wetlands, mangroves, and marshes. They are more active during early morning and late afternoon. To attract them, create a shallow water source with aquatic vegetation and small fish.

Anna's Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird is a small, vibrant bird with iridescent pink and green feathers. The males are particularly striking, with a bright pink throat patch known as a gorget. These agile birds are known for their incredible hovering and flying abilities.

anna's hummingbird sitting on branch
Habitat and geographic range

They are found along the western coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California.

Size:

Anna’s Hummingbirds measure about 3.9-4.3 inches in length, weigh around 0.1-0.2 pounds, and have a wingspan of 4.7-4.9 inches.

Average life expectancy

These tiny birds have a life expectancy of 3-5 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Anna's Hummingbirds

To spot Anna’s Hummingbirds, visit areas with abundant flowers, shrubs, and trees. You can attract them to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers and providing hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water.

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch

The Brown-capped Rosy-Finch is a small passerine bird with a brown head and a pinkish body. The males are more vibrant in color than the females. These birds are well-adapted to living in high-altitude environments.

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch sitting on a wooden post
Habitat and geographic range

They are found in the alpine and subalpine regions of the central Rocky Mountains, in areas of Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

Size:

Brown-capped Rosy-Finches have a length of 5.5-6.3 inches, a weight of 0.8-1.1 ounces, and a wingspan of 13-15 inches.

Average life expectancy

These birds have a life expectancy of around 3-5 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Brown-capped Rosy-Finchs

To spot Brown-capped Rosy-Finches, visit alpine and subalpine habitats during the summer months. You can attract them to your backyard by providing seed feeders, especially during the winter.

Black Rosy-Finch

 The Black Rosy-Finch is another small passerine bird with a striking contrast between its black head and pinkish body. Like the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, these birds are well-adapted to high-altitude environments.

Black Rosy-Finch standing on a branch
Habitat and geographic range

Black Rosy-Finches are found in the mountainous regions of the western United States, from Idaho and Montana down to New Mexico and Arizona.

Size:

These birds measure 5.5-6.3 inches in length, weigh around 0.8-1.1 ounces, and have a wingspan of 13-15 inches.

Average life expectancy

Black Rosy-Finches have a life expectancy of 3-5 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Black Rosy-Finchs

 Visit alpine and subalpine habitats during the summer months to spot Black Rosy-Finches. Attract them with seed feeders during the winter months.

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch

The Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is another passerine bird in the rosy-finch group. It features a gray head and a pinkish body, with males displaying more vibrant colors than females. These birds are also well-adapted to high-altitude environments.

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch on the ground
Habitat and geographic range

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches are found in the mountainous regions of western North America, from Alaska to the Sierra Nevada in California, and parts of the Rocky Mountains.

Size:

 These birds have a length of 5.5-6.3 inches, a weight of 0.8-1.1 ounces, and a wingspan of 13-15 inches.

Average life expectancy

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches have a life expectancy of 3-5 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Gray-crowned Rosy-Finchs

To spot Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches, visit alpine and subalpine habitats during the summer months. Attract them with seed feeders during the winter months.

White-winged Crossbill

The White-winged Crossbill is a small, unique bird with crossed mandibles, which allows it to extract seeds from conifer cones. Males have a pinkish-red plumage, while females are more yellowish-green. These birds are nomadic, often moving in search of food.

White-winged Crossbill in gravel
Habitat and geographic range

White-winged Crossbills are found in the coniferous forests of North America, from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to the northern United States.

Size:

These birds have a length of 6-7 inches, a weight of 0.9-1.3 ounces, and a wingspan of 10-11 inches.

Average life expectancy

White-winged Crossbills have a life expectancy of 8-10 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting White-winged Crossbills

To spot White-winged Crossbills, visit coniferous forests, especially during the winter months. Attract them with a variety of seeds, especially those from coniferous trees.

Pine Grosbeak

The Pine Grosbeak is a large, plump finch with a thick, stubby bill. Males have a rosy-pink plumage, while females are more grayish-brown. These birds are often found in flocks, feeding on seeds, buds, and fruits.

Pine Grosbeak in a tree
Habitat and geographic range

 Pine Grosbeaks are found in the coniferous forests of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Size:

These birds have a length of 8-10 inches, a weight of 1.8-2.8 ounces, and a wingspan of 13-14 inches.

Average life expectancy

 Pine Grosbeaks have a life expectancy of 9-10 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Pine Grosbeaks

To spot Pine Grosbeaks, visit coniferous forests, especially during the winter months. Attract them with a variety of seeds, including sunflower, safflower, and nyjer seeds.

Pink-eared Duck

The Pink-eared Duck is a unique and striking waterfowl species with a prominent pink patch behind the eye, a distinctive bill shape, and intricate patterning on its body. These ducks are filter feeders, sieving small invertebrates and algae from the water’s surface.

Pink-eared Duck in a pond
Habitat and geographic range

Pink-eared Ducks are native to Australia, found in a wide range of wetland habitats, including swamps, lagoons, and lakes.

Size:

These ducks have a length of 15-17 inches, a weight of 1-1.2 pounds, and a wingspan of 23-27 inches.

Average life expectancy

Pink-eared Ducks have a life expectancy of 6-8 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Pink-eared Ducks

To spot Pink-eared Ducks, visit wetlands and water bodies in Australia. Look for them in pairs or small groups, often swimming in tight circles to create whirlpools that bring food to the surface. To attract them, provide a shallow water source with plenty of aquatic plants and insects.

South American Pink Birds

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The Greater Flamingo is the largest and most widespread flamingo species. With their long legs, curved necks, and unmistakable pink plumage, these birds are a sight to behold. Their color comes from the pigments in the organisms they feed on, such as shrimp and algae.

greater flamingo in a pond
Habitat and geographic range

These birds inhabit the shallow waters of lakes, lagoons, and mudflats in parts of Africa, southern Europe, and South Asia. In South America, they can be found in the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.

Size:
  • Length: 110-150 cm
  • Weight: 2-4 kg
  • Wingspan: 140-165 cm
Average life expectancy

Greater Flamingos have a life expectancy of 30-40 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Greater Flamingos

Visit their natural habitats, like shallow lakes or lagoons, during the breeding season (from March to June). Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to observe them from a distance. Avoid getting too close, as it may disturb the birds.

Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

The Hoopoe is known for its striking appearance, with a long, curved bill, a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern on the wings and tail, and a pinkish-brown body. The most remarkable feature is the crest on the head, which can be raised when the bird is alarmed or excited.

Hoopoe on a mossy tree
Habitat and geographic range

Hoopoes inhabit a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and farmlands across Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are also found in parts of South America as vagrants or accidental visitors.

Size:
  •  Length: 25-32 cm
  • Weight: 46-89 g
  • Wingspan: 44-48 cm
Average life expectancy

Hoopoes have a life expectancy of 5-10 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Hoopoes

 Look for them on the ground, where they forage for insects, or perching on trees and fences. They can be attracted to gardens by providing nesting sites, such as tree cavities or nest boxes, and by maintaining a pesticide-free environment.

Pink-headed Warbler (Cardellina versicolor)

The Pink-headed Warbler is a small, striking bird with a bright pink head and chest, and a deep red body. They are known for their beautiful, warbling song, which they use to communicate and defend their territory.

Pink-headed Warbler in a tree
Habitat and geographic range

These birds are found in the highlands of southern Mexico and Guatemala, where they inhabit pine-oak and cloud forests.

Size:
  • Length: 12-14 cm
  • Weight: 8-10 g
Average life expectancy

Pink-headed Warblers have a life expectancy of 3-6 years in the wild.

Tips for spotting and attracting Pink-headed Warblers

Visit their natural habitat during the breeding season (from March to July) and listen for their songs. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe them as they forage in the canopy or on the ground. Be patient, as these small birds can be elusive.

European Pink Birds

Western Rosella (Platycercus icterotis)

The Western Rosella is a small, colorful parrot native to Australia, characterized by its striking red and green plumage and a bluish-pink patch on the cheeks. Males have a more vibrant coloration than females.

Western Rosella in a tree canopy
Habitat and geographic range

Found in the southwestern regions of Australia, they inhabit eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and farmlands.

Size:
  • Length: 25-30 cm
  • Weight: 80-120 g
Average life expectancy

Western Rosellas can live 10-15 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivity

Tips for spotting and attracting Western Rosellas

Look for them feeding on seeds, fruit, and insects in trees and shrubs. They can be attracted to gardens by providing native plants, bird feeders with seeds, and a birdbath for drinking and bathing.

Himalayan White Browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus thura)

The Himalayan White Browed Rosefinch is a beautiful, medium-sized finch with a pinkish-red body, a white eyebrow stripe, and black markings on the wings and tail. Males have a more vibrant coloration than females.

Himalayan White Browed Rosefinch at the top of a pine tree
Habitat and geographic range

They are native to the Himalayas, inhabiting montane forests, shrublands, and alpine meadows in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.

Size:
  • Length: 16-18 cm
  • Weight: 25-35 g
Average life expectancy

Unknown

Tips for spotting and attracting Himalayan White Browed Rosefinch

Visit their natural habitat, such as high-altitude forests and meadows, during the breeding season (from May to September). Look for them foraging on the ground or in the trees, and listen for their distinctive songs. Be patient and use binoculars to observe them from a distance.

Asia and Australia

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri)

The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, also known as the Pink Cockatoo, is a striking bird native to Australia. It is characterized by its soft pink plumage and a large, red-and-yellow crest that it raises when excited or alarmed.

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo on branch
Habitat and geographic range

Found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, they inhabit woodlands, scrublands, and farmlands.

Size:
  • Length: 35-40 cm,

  • Weight: 450-600 g

  • Wingspan: 80-100 cm

Average life expectancy

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos can live up to 40-60 years.

Tips for spotting and attracting Major Mitchell's Cockatoos

 Look for them feeding on seeds and fruits in trees and shrubs or foraging on the ground. They can be attracted to gardens by providing native plants, bird feeders with seeds, and a birdbath for drinking and bathing.

Rose-Breasted Cockatoo (Galah) (Eolophus roseicapilla)

The Rose-Breasted Cockatoo, also known as the Galah, is a medium-sized, charismatic parrot native to Australia. It has a rose-pink head, chest, and belly, with a silver-gray back, wings, and tail.

Rose-Breasted Cockatoo
Habitat and geographic range

Found throughout Australia, they inhabit open woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas.

Size:
  • Length: 35-38 cm
  • Weight: 270-350 g
  • Wingspan: 85-95 cm
Average life expectancy

Rose-Breasted Cockatoos can live 25-30 years in the wild, up to 60 years in captivity

 

Tips for spotting and attracting Rose-Breasted Cockatoos

Look for them feeding on seeds, fruits, and insects in trees and on the ground. They can be attracted to gardens by providing native plants, bird feeders with seeds, and a birdbath for drinking and bathing.

Moluccan Cockatoo (Salmon-crested Cockatoo) (Cacatua moluccensis)

The Moluccan Cockatoo, also known as the Salmon-crested Cockatoo, is a large, eye-catching parrot native to Indonesia. They have a predominantly white plumage with a pinkish hue, and a striking salmon-pink crest that they raise when excited or alarmed.

Moluccan Cockatoo with corn
Habitat and geographic range

They are endemic to the Seram archipelago in Indonesia, inhabiting lowland forests and mangroves.

Size:
  •  Length: 50-52 cm
  • Weight: 850-1,000 g
  • Wingspan: 110-120 cm
Average life expectancy

Moluccan Cockatoos can live 40-50 years.

Tips for spotting and attracting Moluccan Cockatoos

Although they are not found in Africa, they are included here due to their beautiful pink coloration. To spot them, visit the Seram archipelago during the breeding season (from May to October). Look for them in the tree canopy, where they forage for seeds, fruit, and insects. Be patient and use binoculars to observe them from a distance.

Bourke's Parakeet (Neopsephotus bourkii)

The Bourke’s Parakeet is a small, charming parrot native to Australia. They have a predominantly brownish-pink plumage, with a blue forehead and a white stripe on the wings.

Bourke's Parakeet on a branch together
Habitat and geographic range

Found in the arid and semi-arid regions of central and western Australia, they inhabit grasslands, scrublands, and woodlands.

Size:
  • Length: 18-23 cm
  • Weight: 40-55 g
Average life expectancy

Bourke’s Parakeets can live 5-8 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivity.

Tips for spotting and attracting Bourke's Parakeets

Look for them feeding on seeds, fruit, and insects in trees and on the ground. They can be attracted to gardens by providing native plants, bird feeders with seeds, and a birdbath for drinking and bathing.

Pink Robin (Petroica rodinogaster)

The Pink Robin is a small, captivating songbird native to Australia. Males have a striking deep pink chest and throat, with a dark gray head and wings, while females have a duller pinkish-gray chest.

Pink Robin in foliage of trees
Habitat and geographic range

They inhabit dense, wet forests and rainforests in southeastern Australia and Tasmania.

Size:
  • Length: 12-14 cm
  • Weight: 10-12 g
Average life expectancy

Pink Robins live 5-7 years on average.

Tips for spotting and attracting Pink Robins

Visit their natural habitat during the breeding season (from September to January) and listen for their melodious songs. Look for them foraging in the understory or on the ground. Be patient, as these small birds can be elusive.

Pink-headed Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus porphyreus)

The Pink-headed Fruit Dove is a small, exquisite dove native to Indonesia. They have a vibrant pink head and chest, with a green body and dark blue wings. Males have a more vivid coloration than females.

Pink-headed Fruit Dove
Habitat and geographic range

They inhabit montane forests, rainforests, and fruit gardens in Sumatra, Java, and Bali in Indonesia.

Size:
  • Length: 20-24 cm
  • Weight: 100-120 g
Average life expectancy

Unknown

Tips for spotting and attracting Pink-headed Fruit Doves

To increase your chances of spotting Pink-headed Fruit Doves, visit their natural habitats in Sumatra, Java, and Bali during the breeding season (April to September). Focus on fruiting trees where they are likely to feed on fruits and berries.

African Pink Birds

African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)

The African Spoonbill is a wading bird characterized by its long, spatula-shaped bill, white plumage with a pinkish hue, and reddish-pink legs. They use their unique bill to sift through the water, capturing small aquatic animals.

african spoonbill in a grassland
Habitat and geographic range

Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, they inhabit wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes.

Size:
  • Length: 85-90 cm
  • Weight: 1.2-1.5 kg
  • Wingspan: 120-135 cm
Average life expectancy

African Spoonbills typically live 15-20 years.

Tips for spotting and attracting African Spoonbills

Look for them wading in shallow waters, sweeping their bills from side to side in search of food. Visit wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes during the breeding season (from August to December) for the best chance of spotting them.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicoides)

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater is a stunning, brightly colored bird with a predominantly carmine-pink body, a turquoise-blue forehead, and a black eye stripe. They are skilled aerial acrobats, catching insects, especially bees, in mid-flight.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater in a tree
Habitat and geographic range

They inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and riverbanks in southern Africa.

Size:
  • Length: 25-29 cm
  • Weight: 35-45 g
  • Wingspan: 40-45 cm
Average life expectancy

Southern Carmine Bee-eaters typically live 6-8 years.

Tips for spotting and attracting Southern Carmine Bee-eaters

Look for them perched on branches or in flight, as they catch insects in the air. Visit their natural habitat during the breeding season (from September to November) and listen for their distinctive calls.

Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus)

The Northern Carmine Bee-eater is similar in appearance to its southern counterpart, with a predominantly carmine-pink body, a turquoise-blue forehead, and a black eye stripe. They are also known for their aerial acrobatics and bee-catching skills.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater in a dead tree
Habitat and geographic range

Found in sub-Saharan Africa, they inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and riverbanks.

Size:
  • Length: 25-29 cm
  • Weight: 35-45 g
  • Wingspan: 40-45 cm
Average life expectancy

Northern Carmine Bee-eaters typically live 6-8 years.

Tips for spotting and attracting Northern Carmine Bee-eaters

Look for them perched on branches or in flight, catching insects in the air. Visit their natural habitat during the breeding season (from August to November) and listen for their distinctive calls.

Conclusion

In this captivating journey through the world of pink birds, we’ve explored 23 beautiful species, each with its unique features and habitats. From the iconic Greater Flamingo to the elusive Pink Robin, these feathered beauties remind us of the incredible diversity of the avian world.

As we appreciate and marvel at these stunning birds, let’s not forget the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their survival. By learning more about these birds and sharing our passion for birdwatching, we can contribute to their appreciation and protection for generations to come.

Happy birding!