From the magnificent Purple Starling to the majestic Indian Peacock, behold 25 awe-inspiring bird species of exquisite purple coloration! Taking you around the world with these enchanting birds will leave your eyes fixed on their captivating shades and striking beauty. As they soar in the sky, we can’t help but marvel at this stunning array of colors that only nature can create!
Short Summary
Explore 25 spectacular purple birds from around the world, including the Purple Starling, Purple Martin, Varied Bunting and more.
Learn about their unique characteristics such as plumage coloration and diet preferences.
Discover how these birds contribute to their local ecosystems through feeding habits or other roles in nature.
25 Birds that are Purple in Coloring
1. Purple Starling (also known as Violet-backed Starling)
This little bird, the Purple Starling or also known as violet-backed starling and purple grenadier, is a typical inhabitant of Sub-Saharan Africa. With its remarkable shiny green wings that contrast with the deep shining purple plumage on head, body and tail along with striking yellow eyes – this marvel from nature becomes an incredible sight to witness.
Found in open woodlands and savannas, these birds feed mainly on fruits, insects and seeds while collecting them either from ground or trees/bushes during foraging, courageously confronting predators when their nest gets threatened despite being tiny.
| Bird Species | Purple Starling (Violet-backed Starling) |
|---|---|
| Diet | Primarily fruits, berries, and insects |
| Location | Africa (sub-Saharan areas) |
| Habitat | Woodlands, savannas, and suburban gardens |
| Size | Length 18 cm, weight 30-50 grams |
| Appearance | Males have violet back, head, and chest with white belly; females and juveniles are brown with a lighter belly |
2. Varied Bunting
The Varied Bunting is a beguiling purple bird belonging to the Cardinalidae family. During its breeding season, it’s adorned with vibrant red and deep purple plumage, which makes for an eye-catching sight. These birds are native to desert forests comprising of dense thorny shrubs, scraggly woodlands as well as thickets surrounding rivers and streams in the southwestern United States Mexico region. They sustain themselves primarily on seeds, fruits plus insects thereby playing a vital role in their natural habitat.
| Bird Species | Varied Bunting |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mostly seeds and insects |
| Location | Southernmost U.S., Central America, and northern South America |
| Habitat | Shrubby areas, especially near water |
| Size | Length 13-14 cm, weight 13-20 grams |
| Appearance | Male is vibrant with purple, blue, and red hues; female is a plain grayish-brown |
3. Purple Honeycreeper
The Purple Honeycreeper is a small bird with striking hues, seen in the forests of South America. Distinguished by its bright green wings and deep violet plumage on the male, along with its glossy dark green back, while females possess an upperpart that is dark green and underparts that are grey-hued. It’s been compared to another species called Violet Crowned Woodnymph for their resemblance in coloration.
This avian resides within Central as well as Southern Mexico, gaining sustenance through drinking nectar from flowers or eating insects they find beneath plant coverings. Occasionally these birds feed on seeds too.
| Bird Species | Purple Honeycreeper |
|---|---|
| Diet | Nectar, fruits, and insects |
| Location | Northern South America, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Habitat | Forests, woodland, and gardens |
| Size | Length 11.5 cm, weight 14 grams |
| Appearance | Male is striking with a purple body, yellow legs, and a black tail; female is greenish-brown |
4. Purple-breasted Cotinga
Source: eBird
The Purple-breasted Cotinga, adorned with turquoise to blue, purple and black plumage that shines especially vibrantly during the breeding season, is a native of several South American countries where it can be seen in moist lowland forests. This medium sized tropical bird obtains sustenance primarily from fruits growing naturally within its environment, allowing for successful survival in its habitat.
| Bird Species | Purple-breasted Cotinga |
|---|---|
| Diet | Primarily fruits |
| Location | Amazon Basin, South America |
| Habitat | Rainforests |
| Size | Length around 20 cm |
| Appearance | Males are deep purple with a blue crown; females are gray with darker wings and tail |
5. Violet Sabrewing
The Violet Sabrewing hummingbird is one of the biggest species in its group, apart from the giant hummingbird. This bird inhabits mainly Mexico and Central America and has a glittery violet-blackish coloring on their napes that becomes iridescent when hit by light. Combining blue, purple, and green shades. They are nourished primarily with flowers such as heliconia and banana, but occasionally will eat small insects too. Staying permanently in Southern Mexico & Central America, they feed off of nectar produced by plants for survival.
| Bird Species | Violet Sabrewing |
|---|---|
| Diet | Primarily nectar, some insects and spiders |
| Location | Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama |
| Habitat | Rainforests, plantations, and gardens |
| Size | Length 15 cm, weight 11.5 grams |
| Appearance | Male is vibrant blue-violet with dark wings; female is green with a blue-violet rump and tail |
6. American Purple Gallinule
This majestic bird is the American Purple Gallinule, which has beautiful purple and dark green feathers as well as yellow legs and a striking red bill. Found near lakes, rivers or marshes in wetlands areas it feeds on an assortment of things such as seeds, leaves, fruits, aquatic plants, insects, frogs, spiders, etc. Its stunning features along with its variety of food make this species quite attractive to observe.
| Bird Species | American Purple Gallinule |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivorous, includes seeds, leaves, fruits, insects, snails, and fish |
| Location | Southeastern U.S., Central America, and northern South America |
| Habitat | Freshwater and brackish marshes |
| Size | Length 26-37 cm, weight 141-305 grams |
| Appearance | Bright purple-blue plumage with a green back, red and yellow bill |
7. Barn Swallow
These graceful birds, characterized by their deep purple back and wings with white bellies, can often be seen in open meadows, parks or towns. Known for their agility and acrobatic abilities, they glide through the air while looking out for insects to feed on. With its attractive features along with its adaptability to different places, it makes Barn Swallows an interesting species of bird to observe and appreciate.
| Bird Species | Barn Swallow |
|---|---|
| Diet | Flying insects |
| Location | Found worldwide, migrates between breeding and non-breeding ranges |
| Habitat | Open country, near humans, uses man-made structures for nesting |
| Size | Length 17-19 cm, weight 16-22 grams |
| Appearance | Deep blue back, wings and tail, with a red-orange throat, forehead and rump, pale or white underside |
8. Black-Capped Kingfisher
This unique and captivating bird, known as the Black-Capped Kingfisher, is often found in India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. It has a glossy black cap set against its stunning purple-blue feathers, making it easily recognizable. This medium sized avian frequents mangrove forests, coastal regions or wetland areas where they feast upon fish, frogs and crustaceans while contributing to their habitat’s stability.
Observing this beautiful creature with its striking plumage can be an enriching experience!
| Bird Species | Black-Capped Kingfisher |
|---|---|
| Diet | Fish, insects, and small amphibians |
| Location | South and Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Coastal and inland wetlands, mangroves, paddy fields |
| Size | Length 28 cm, weight 90-140 grams |
| Appearance | Bright blue upperparts, white throat and collar, black head and shoulders, red bill and feet |
9. Boat-Tailed Grackle
The Boat-Tailed Grackle is a type of blackbird characterized by its iridescent, blue-purple feathers which shimmer in the sunlight. These birds reside primarily in wetlands and coastal areas where they feast on insects, fruits, and grains, making them an important part of their native environment.
With distinctive looks combined with unique behavior patterns these creatures are nothing short of fascinating to observe!
| Bird Species | Boat-Tailed Grackle |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivorous, includes seeds, fruits, insects, fish, and eggs |
| Location | Southeastern and Gulf Coast regions of the U.S. |
| Habitat | Coastal salt and freshwater marshes, urban and suburban areas |
| Size | Length 37-43 cm, weight 165-250 grams |
| Appearance | Males are iridescent black all over, females are brown; both sexes have a distinctively shaped long tail |
10. Cape Glossy Starling
This strikingly beautiful purple starling, the Cape Glossy Starling, is found in tropical Africa. Characterised by its shimmering colors on its feathers with an azure head and green-blue upper body as well as orange eyes, this bird can capture any observer’s attention. It feeds mainly on insects along with fruits, nectar and occasionally some scraps of human food providing a wonderful experience to observe them in their native environment.
| Bird Species | Cape Glossy Starling |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivorous, includes fruit, insects, nectar, and small vertebrates |
| Location | Southern Africa |
| Habitat | Woodlands, savannas, suburban gardens, and parks |
| Size | Length 25 cm, weight 80-125 grams |
| Appearance | Bright, glossy blue-green plumage, pale yellow eye |
11. Common Scimitarbill
Source: eBird
The Common Scimitarbill, a tiny bird with distinctive purple-blue wings and an oddly curved bill, can be spotted in sub-Saharan African woodlands and dry thornbush environments. It is fascinating to observe due to its highly specialized way of foraging, it uses its decurved bill to extract larvae as well as insects from tree hollows or the crevices found on bark. This activity makes this small bird quite important within these ecosystems.
This species truly stands out because of their physical characteristics coupled with their unique feeding behaviour. Observing them in nature will definitely leave one feeling intrigued!
| Bird Species | Common Scimitarbill |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mostly insects and spiders |
| Location | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Habitat | Dry woodland and savannah |
| Size | Length 25-30 cm, weight 30-50 grams |
| Appearance | Slender bird with a long, down-curved bill, black above and white below |
12. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird is a small bird with spectacular purple iridescence on the crown and throat. It mainly resides in Mexico and Southwestern United States, which makes it similar to Fork-Tailed Woodnymphs found there as well. This animal feeds on both nectar and tiny insects that are essential for its survival, thus playing an important role within their ecosystem.
Hence they have become quite attractive specimens due to this fascinating behavior of theirs. Making them a pleasure to witness up close in their own habitat!
| Bird Species | Costa’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Diet | Nectar from flowers and small insects |
| Location | Southwestern U.S., western Mexico |
| Habitat | Desert scrub, chaparral, gardens |
| Size | Length 9-10 cm, weight 2-5 grams |
| Appearance | Males have green back and flanks, an iridescent purple cap and throat; females are green above and greyish below |
13. Crinkle-Collared Manucode
Source: eBird
This attractive bird, the Crinkle-Collared Manucode, is found in New Guinea and Northern Australia. Noted for its vivid purple crest and tail feathers along with an eye-catching behavior when hunting insects or gathering fruit from trees or flowers, it plays a crucial role within their environment.
The fascinating nature of this species makes watching them highly entertaining. With an appearance unlike any other creature around.
| Bird Species | Crinkle-Collared Manucode |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mainly fruits and some arthropods |
| Location | New Guinea |
| Habitat | Tropical moist lowland forests and mountain forests |
| Size | Length 33 cm, weight 190-210 grams |
| Appearance | Black with an iridescent green, blue and purple sheen, distinctive crinkled neck feathers |
14. Crowned Woodnymph
The Crowned Woodnymph, known for its breathtaking violet, bronze and green feathers, adorns the forests of the northern tip of South America. It is often spotted fluttering around humid jungles as well as nearby cacao plantations and gardens where it searches for nectar from flowers or small insects to feed on.
This gorgeous bird plays an integral role within their ecosystem since they pollinate numerous kinds of plants while also providing a delightful view due to its hypnotic features that are easily recognizable by nature lovers everywhere.
| Bird Species | Crowned Woodnymph |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mainly nectar, some insects |
| Location | From western Panama south to northern Bolivia and northern Brazil |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, plantations, and gardens |
| Size | Length 10.2 cm, weight 4.5-7 grams |
| Appearance | Males have a violet-blue crown and throat with a golden-green belly; females are green above and grayish-white below |
15. Crested Quail-Dove
The Crested Quail-Dove, a small avian species that has striking purple-blue feathers on its head and chest, is native to both Central and South America. It can be found inhabiting temperate forests in Asia where it feeds mainly upon insects, snails, and worms – an important role which helps maintain the local ecosystem’s balance of life.
With this bird being notable for its unique colouring combined with interesting feeding habits – watching them makes for great viewing!
| Bird Species | Crested Quail-Dove |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mainly fruits and seeds |
| Location | Jamaica |
| Habitat | Mountain forests |
| Size | Length 33-36 cm, weight 225-325 grams |
| Appearance | Gray-brown dove with a pinkish hue, white belly, and a dark crest |
16. Formosan Blue Magpie
The Taiwanese native bird, the Formosan Blue Magpie, has a distinct look due to its captivating purple-blue head and wings. It is an essential part of its environment as it feeds on insects, reptiles and fruit.
This attractive magpie makes for interesting viewing with vivid colors adorning its body, from top to bottom! Its gorgeous hue sets it apart from other birds in the area, making this creature truly remarkable to watch.
| Bird Species | Formosan Blue Magpie |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivorous, includes insects, small reptiles, rodents, and fruit |
| Location | Taiwan |
| Habitat | Forests, especially in hilly and mountainous areas |
| Size | Length 64-65 cm, weight 254-260 grams |
| Appearance | Striking bird with blue and black plumage, long tail, and a red beak and legs |
17. Fork-Tailed Woodnymph
This captivating bird species, the Fork-Tailed Woodnymph (a purple hummingbird found in the Amazon Basin region) has an interesting way of feasting on nectar from plants that it visits regularly. Its striking look and its exceptional method of foraging make this small creature quite fascinating to watch.
| Bird Species | Fork-Tailed Woodnymph |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mainly nectar, some insects |
| Location | South America: from Columbia to northern Argentina |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, plantations, and gardens |
| Size | Length 11 cm, weight 4.5-7 grams |
| Appearance | Males have an emerald green body with a forked tail; females are duller with a bronze-green body |
18. Garnet Pitta
The Garnet Pitta is a stunning bird native to Southeast Asia, easily identified by its purple-blue head and wings. Not only is it pleasing to look at, it plays an important role in its environment due to being a source of food for insects, worms and snails.
This medium sized creature certainly captures attention with its beautiful colors. Observing the enchanting Garnet Pitta can make for an unforgettable experience!
| Bird Species | Garnet Pitta |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mainly insects and their larvae, small invertebrates |
| Location | Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra |
| Habitat | Lowland rainforests |
| Size | Length 16-19 cm, weight 42-46 grams |
| Appearance | Rich chestnut upperparts with a black head, wings, and tail, a white belly, and black legs |
19. Hartlaub’s Turaco
This fascinating species, the Hartlaub’s Turaco with its purple head and wings, is native to West and Central Africa. It feeds on insects, small reptiles, as well as fruits, forming an essential part of the local ecosystem.
Observing this stunning bird while it hunts for food makes a captivating sight!
| Bird Species | Hartlaub’s Turaco |
|---|---|
| Diet | Mainly fruits, some leaves, buds, flowers, and small invertebrates |
| Location | Kenya and Tanzania |
| Habitat | Montane forests |
| Size | Length 40-45 cm, weight 200-315 grams |
| Appearance | Glossy violet-blue plumage, greenish-yellow bill, crimson wing patches |
20. Hildebrandt’s Starling
Hildebrandt’s Starling is a small bird with purple-blue head and wings, native to East Africa. This captivating creature relies on fruits, grains and insects for food, which makes it an important member of its ecosystem. Not just visually stunning due to the vibrant colours adorning its body, but also fascinating to observe in general, this starling surely stands out from other species!
| Bird Species | Hildebrandt’s Starling |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivorous, includes fruits, insects, and other small animals |
| Location | Eastern Africa |
| Habitat | Open woodland, savanna |
| Size | Length 18-20 cm, weight 50-85 grams |
| Appearance | Glossy blue-black plumage, bright red-orange eye |
21. Indian Peacock
The Indian Peacock is a captivating species native to India and Sri Lanka with its lavender-blue hued head and wings. It feeds on insects, fruits, and grains. Thereby playing an important role in the local ecology.
Observing this bird is truly something special due to its magnificent features as well as interesting behavior when it comes to foraging for food.
| Bird Species | Indian Peacock (Indian Peafowl) |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivorous, includes seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals, and reptiles |
| Location | Indian subcontinent, introduced in many other parts of the world |
| Habitat | Forests, parks, and grasslands |
| Size | Length (male including “train”) 195-225 cm, weight (male) 4-6 kg |
| Appearance | Males have a brilliant blue crest and neck, with a fan-like display of feathers; females are more subdued in color |
22. Japanese Paradise Flycatcher
This small bird, with its purple-blue head and wings, is native to Japan and Korea, the Japanese Paradise Flycatcher. Not only does this gorgeous creature attract eyes, but it also plays an important role in their natural habitat. They feed on insects as well as tiny animals.
The beauty of these birds is remarkable due to the vibrant colors they display – making them quite a sight for anyone fortunate enough to spot one! Fascinating indeed are Japanese Paradise Flycatchers.
| Bird Species | Japanese Paradise Flycatcher |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insects |
| Location | East Asia; migrates to Southeast Asia in winter |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands |
| Size | Length 30-34 cm (male, including long tail streamers), weight 13-18 grams |
| Appearance | Males have a chestnut body, blue-black head, and elongated tail feathers; females have shorter tail and lack blue-black coloration |
23. Lilac-Breasted Roller
This magnificent bird, the Lilac-Breasted Roller, can be seen in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a purple blue head and wings that catch one’s attention when spotted. Its food consists of insects, small reptiles, and fruit, an important part of its ecosystem due to this feeding pattern.
It is quite fascinating to observe such an eye catching species with interesting dietary preferences like these. The lilac breasted roller would certainly make for some incredible sightseeing!
| Bird Species | Lilac-Breasted Roller |
|---|---|
| Diet | Arthropods, small amphibians, reptiles, and small birds |
| Location | Sub-Saharan Africa, and the southern Arabian Peninsula |
| Habitat | Open woodland and savanna |
| Size | Length 28-30 cm, weight 90-135 grams |
| Appearance | Bright blue and lilac plumage, long tail feathers, dark legs, and a robust bill |
24. Purple Cochoa
This exquisite bird, the Purple Cochoa, with its purple-blue head and wings, is native to South America. It has a unique look that catches attention as it flies around looking for nectar or occasionally feasting on insects, fruits, and berries. The small avian species plays an integral part in sustaining the area’s ecosystem.
The vibrant colors of this beautiful little creature makes it truly captivating when observed closely from afar!
| Bird Species | Purple Cochoa |
|---|---|
| Diet | Berries, insects, and other small creatures |
| Location | The Himalayas, Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Forests, especially mossy forests in the mountains |
| Size | Length 22-25 cm, weight 60-80 grams |
| Appearance | Males have a blue body with a purple head and breast; females are mostly green with a blue tail |
25. Purple-Crowned Fairy Wren
This exquisite bird, the Purple Cochoa, with its purple-blue head and wings, is native to South America. It has a unique look that catches attention as it flies around looking for nectar or occasionally feasting on insects, fruits, and berries. The small avian species plays an integral part in sustaining the area’s ecosystem.
The vibrant colors of this beautiful little creature makes it truly captivating when observed closely from afar!
| Bird Species | Purple-Crowned Fairy Wren |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insects and spiders |
| Location | Northern Australia |
| Habitat | Dense riverside vegetation |
| Size | Length 12-14 cm, weight 6-10 grams |
| Appearance | Males have a distinctive purple crown, ear coverts, and black bill; females are duller in color, with a brown crown and upper body |
Wrapping it up!
In conclusion, the mesmerizing world of birds offers a fascinating spectrum of species, each unique and awe-inspiring in their own ways. Among them, the purple birds stand out for their remarkable beauty and vibrant colors that enliven our skies and fill our hearts with admiration. Through this blog post, we’ve journeyed across the globe, from the woodlands of Sub-Saharan Africa to the forests of South America, exploring an array of 25 enchanting purple birds. It’s a fascinating reminder of the extraordinary biodiversity that our planet boasts and our duty to preserve these ecosystems. As we continue to explore and appreciate the avian wonders, may we always remember our role in nurturing the world we share with them. So, here’s to hoping that you find the allure of purple birds as captivating as I do, and may these species inspire your own adventures into the heart of the natural world. Happy Birding!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are indeed naturally purple birds. Their plumage may range from a deep violet to a lighter lavender. Bird species with purple plumage include the Purple Gallinule, Purple Martin, Violet-backed Starling, Purple Finch, Violet Sabrewing, and Violet-crowned Woodnymph.
Purple-colored birds have various names, often related to their unique characteristics, habitats, or behaviors. Some names of purple birds include the Purple Gallinule, Purple Martin, Violet-backed Starling, Purple Finch, Violet Sabrewing, Violet-crowned Woodnymph, and Purple Honeycreeper.
The most common purple bird in North Texas is the Purple Martin. This bird is the largest species of North American swallow. It is known for its glossy, dark-purple plumage. Additionally, the Purple Finch and the Purple Gallinule might be spotted, though they are less common.
Purple birds are found in a variety of habitats worldwide. For example, the Purple Martin is found across North America, while the Violet-backed Starling is native to Africa. The Violet Sabrewing lives in Central America, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph can be found in South America, and the Purple Honeycreeper is native to Trinidad, Tobago, and parts of South America.
One black bird that can appear purple in certain lights is the Common Grackle. Its glossy black feathers often shine with an iridescent purple or blue hue, especially in sunlight. The European Starling, although not entirely black, can also give off a purple sheen.
The Purple Finch is not particularly rare, but its numbers have been declining due to habitat loss and competition with House Sparrows and House Finches. In many parts of its range, it’s less commonly observed than it once was. However, they are still relatively common in the northern parts of North America and in forested habitats.
James has always been an avid outdoorsman. Since a kid, he kept a journal of all the different birds and species he saw. Now he wants to share his passion with other birders with Happy Birding!
