They shimmer like amethysts with wings—until they vanish before your eyes. Purple birds are nature’s most enchanting tricksters. One second, they’re glowing like living gemstones. The next? Gone, camouflaged in shadow or sky. You blink—and doubt they were ever real. Some species wear their color boldly, flaunting it in full sunlight. Others hide it under a cloak of darkness, only revealing their brilliance when the light hits just right. And the rarest ones? They make birdwatchers travel thousands of miles just for a glimpse. These birds aren’t just pretty—they’re mysterious, mesmerizing, and maddeningly elusive. Their feathers catch the sun like silk, but their habits are pure stealth mode. Meet 12 purple birds that steal the show— and 5 more that will make you question your own eyesight.
Violet-backed Starling
This striking bird, known for its dazzling violet plumage, calls Africa its home. The male Violet-backed Starling is particularly eye-catching, with iridescent feathers that shimmer in the sunlight. These birds are often found in savannahs and open woodlands, where they feed on fruit and insects. Despite their vivid appearance, they can be surprisingly hard to spot when nestled among foliage. One might ponder how such a radiant creature can blend so seamlessly into its environment. Truly, the Violet-backed Starling is a wonder of avian adaptation, a jewel of the African landscape.
Purple Honeycreeper
Sporting a vivid purple-blue hue, the Purple Honeycreeper is a sight to behold. Found in the tropical forests of South America, this small bird flits energetically among the trees. Its long, curved bill is perfectly adapted for sipping nectar, making it a frequent visitor to flowering plants. In the right light, its feathers gleam like polished jewels. Observing them is a visual delight, as their rapid movements and striking coloration captivate birdwatchers. The Purple Honeycreeper is a testament to nature’s artistry, a living masterpiece in the avian world.
Purple Swamphen
The Purple Swamphen is a majestic bird that graces wetlands across several continents. Its deep purple and blue plumage, combined with its red bill and frontal shield, gives it a regal appearance. Often seen wading through shallow waters, this bird feeds on aquatic vegetation. It cuts a striking figure against the greenery of marshes and lakes. Although common in its habitat, its vibrant colours make it stand out like a royal visitor in nature’s court. The Purple Swamphen’s elegance and beauty are a constant reminder of the splendour found in wetlands.
Purple Martin
The Purple Martin is North America’s largest swallow, famed for its aerial acrobatics. With a sleek, dark purple body, it cuts an elegant figure against the sky. These birds are often seen darting through the air, skillfully catching insects in flight. Their graceful movements and social nature make them a favourite among bird enthusiasts. Purple Martins are known to nest in colonies, often in man-made structures. Their presence is a testament to the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Observing them is truly a symphony of movement and colour.
Purplish-mantled Tanager
High in the cloud forests of Colombia, the Purplish-mantled Tanager dazzles with its unique coloration. This bird’s purple mantle is a stunning contrast to the lush greenery of its habitat. Known for its striking appearance, this tanager is often spotted in mixed-species flocks. Its vibrant plumage and lively songs add to the rich tapestry of the Andean forests. Despite its beauty, the Purplish-mantled Tanager is elusive, making sightings particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. A symbol of the Andean biodiversity, this bird is a precious gem among avian treasures.
Purple Finch
The Purple Finch, named for its raspberry-red and purple hues, is a common sight across North America’s woodlands. Males boast a striking blend of red and purple feathers, making them quite the spectacle. These cheerful songbirds are often seen flitting among trees, searching for seeds and insects. Their melodic songs fill the air, adding a musical backdrop to their colourful display. Despite their vibrant appearance, they can be difficult to spot among dense foliage. The Purple Finch is a delightful presence in any woodland setting, a splash of colour in the greenery.
Purple Crowned Fairy
The Purple Crowned Fairy, a tiny hummingbird with an enchanting name, resides in the lush Amazon rainforest. Its iridescent purple crown glimmers as it darts gracefully among flowers. This diminutive bird’s quick movements and shimmering feathers create a mesmerizing dance. Feeding primarily on nectar, the Purple Crowned Fairy plays a vital role in pollination. Its delicate beauty and vital ecological role make it a cherished subject among avian enthusiasts. Observing this hummingbird is like witnessing a delicate, aerial ballet, a testament to nature’s intricate design and vibrant colours.
Purple Roller
In the open savannahs of Africa, the Purple Roller stands out with its vivid plumage. This bird’s purple and blue feathers catch the eye, making it a standout among the greenery. Known for its distinctive rolling flight pattern, it is a joy to watch as it soars across the sky. The Purple Roller’s call is a familiar sound in the African landscape, echoing across the savannah. Its presence adds a splash of colour to the wilderness, enhancing the natural beauty of its surroundings. Truly, this bird is a vibrant jewel of the African skies.
Purple Gallinule
The Purple Gallinule is a vibrant inhabitant of wetlands, with iridescent feathers that change hue with the light. Its bright purple and blue plumage make it unmistakable as it strides across lily pads. This bird’s long toes allow it to walk on floating vegetation with ease, a remarkable adaptation to its environment. Often found in marshes and swamps, observing a Purple Gallinule is akin to discovering a living rainbow. Its striking appearance and unique behaviour make it a favourite among birdwatchers, a true embodiment of wetland beauty.
Purple-breasted Cotinga
The Purple-breasted Cotinga is a visual spectacle in the Amazon rainforest, boasting a vibrant purple breast that stands out against the lush backdrop. This bird is known for its striking plumage and unique courtship displays. Males perform acrobatic flights to attract females, a captivating sight for any observer. Despite its vivid colours, the cotinga blends into the dense canopy, making it a challenging find for birdwatchers. A symbol of rainforest diversity, the Purple-breasted Cotinga is a testament to the intricate beauty of tropical ecosystems.
Varied Bunting
The Varied Bunting is a small, colourful bird inhabiting arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its mix of purple, red, and blue feathers create a vibrant tapestry of colour. Often found in desert scrubs and thorn forests, this bird is a lively addition to arid landscapes. The male’s song is a cheerful melody, a joyful accompaniment to its vivid appearance. Although brightly coloured, the Varied Bunting can be surprisingly elusive, blending into its habitat. Its presence is a delightful surprise, a splash of colour in the desert.
Purple-naped Lory
Endemic to the Indonesian islands, the Purple-naped Lory is a parrot with striking plumage. Its bright purple nape is a standout feature, complemented by vivid red and green feathers. These lories are sociable creatures, often seen in flocks, their calls echoing through the forest. They feed on fruit and nectar, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal and pollination. Observing a Purple-naped Lory is akin to witnessing a colourful celebration in the treetops. This bird’s vibrant presence is a testament to the rich biodiversity of Indonesia’s forests.
Purple Starling
With its glossy purple feathers, the Purple Starling is a true spectacle of the African savannah. This bird’s vivid plumage gleams in the sunlight, a breathtaking sight against the dry landscape. Known for its social nature, Purple Starlings are often seen in flocks, foraging for insects and fruit. Their calls fill the air, a harmonious addition to the savannah’s natural chorus. Despite their conspicuous appearance, these starlings blend seamlessly into their habitat. The Purple Starling is a vibrant part of Africa’s avian diversity, a jewel in its ecological crown.
Purple-bellied Lory
The Purple-bellied Lory, native to New Guinea, is a parrot with a striking appearance. Its purple belly is a standout feature, contrasting with vibrant green wings. These birds are often seen in flocks, their lively calls resonating through the forest canopy. Feeding on fruit and nectar, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Observing a Purple-bellied Lory is like witnessing a burst of colour in the treetops. Despite their vivid appearance, these lories can be elusive, blending into the dense foliage. A true testament to New Guinea’s rich biodiversity.
Purple-capped Fruit Dove
The Purple-capped Fruit Dove is a colourful denizen of tropical forests, known for its striking purple cap. This bird’s vibrant head contrasts beautifully with its green body, making it a visual delight. Often found in forest canopies, these doves feed primarily on fruit, contributing to seed dispersal. Their gentle cooing adds a soothing melody to the forest’s sounds. Despite their vivid colours, Purple-capped Fruit Doves can be surprisingly hard to spot in the dense foliage. A symbol of tropical avian beauty, they are a true treasure in the treetops.
Violet-crowned Woodnymph
The Violet-crowned Woodnymph, a jewel of Central American rainforests, enchants with its iridescent plumage. Its violet crown and green body create a dazzling display as it flits among flowers. This hummingbird’s rapid movements and shimmering feathers are a dance of colour and light. Feeding on nectar, the woodnymph plays a vital role in pollination. Observing this bird is like witnessing a living gemstone in flight. Despite its radiant appearance, the Violet-crowned Woodnymph can be a challenge to spot. Its presence is a fleeting glimpse of nature’s splendour.
Purple-winged Roller
The Purple-winged Roller, native to Southeast Asia, is a bird of striking beauty. Its vibrant purple wings and blue body create a stunning contrast against the green foliage. Known for its acrobatic flight displays, this roller is a joy to watch as it soars through the air. Its call, a series of harsh notes, echoes through the forests, a signature of its presence. These birds are often seen perched high in trees, scanning for insects. The Purple-winged Roller is a vivid addition to Southeast Asia’s avian diversity, a true flying jewel.