Some birds don’t just fly—they stun.
Purple birds look like they were dipped in royalty and sprinkled with stardust.
They flash through jungles, forests, and open skies like nature’s own precious gems.
And once you see one?
You never forget.
These aren’t your backyard robins or city pigeons.
We’re talking bold violets, deep plums, shimmering lilacs—colors that make you question if nature’s cheating with a filter.
From tropical rainforests to distant mountaintops, these 18 birds flaunt their feathers like it’s a high-stakes fashion show.
And honestly?
They win every time.
Let’s meet the showstoppers in purple.
Violet-backed Starling
The Violet-backed Starling, with its shimmering plumage, is a true spectacle. Males boast a vivid purple hue that glistens in the sunlight, while females prefer a more subdued brown. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, these starlings are often seen flitting through open woodlands. A lesser-known fact is their fondness for figs, which they pluck with precision. Interestingly, their melodic calls resonate through the trees, adding a symphonic touch to their environment. This starling’s playful nature and striking coloration make it a standout among birdwatchers.
Purple Honeycreeper
The Purple Honeycreeper is a small, vibrant jewel of the bird world. Males display an electric purple contrasted with bright yellow legs, while females sport a more subtle greenish hue. Native to the tropical forests of South America, they thrive on nectar, often seen darting between blossoms. Their curved bills are perfectly adapted for reaching deep into flowers. The honeycreeper’s lively energy and striking color palette make it a favorite among bird enthusiasts. Observing one up close feels like catching a glimpse of nature’s artistry.
Purple Gallinule
With a kaleidoscope of colors, the Purple Gallinule is a wetland wonder. Its feathers shimmer with purples, blues, and greens, creating a dazzling display. Found in warm marshes and swamps, these birds are expert swimmers. Their long toes allow them to navigate across floating vegetation effortlessly. A unique trait is their fearless attitude, often seen exploring areas with human presence. Whether wading through water or gliding above, the gallinule’s elegance is unmatched. Its presence in a habitat brings a burst of color and vibrancy.
Purple Sunbird
The Purple Sunbird, a tiny marvel, is a delight to the eyes. Males are adorned with deep purple plumage that glistens in sunlight, while females are more understated in olive tones. Native to the Indian Subcontinent, they are frequently found flitting about gardens and forests. These birds are adept at hovering, much like hummingbirds, as they sip nectar. Their cheerful presence and iridescent colors make them a garden favorite. Encountering a Purple Sunbird is like finding a little gem amidst the greenery.
Purple Martin
Purple Martins, North America’s largest swallows, are renowned for their aerial acrobatics. Their glossy purple-black feathers shimmer in the sunlight, mesmerizing onlookers. These sociable birds often nest in colonies, using man-made houses. A fascinating fact is their reliance on humans for nesting sites, which has created a unique bond. Once airborne, their agile flight patterns and cheerful chirps fill the skies. Observing them in motion is a testament to nature’s elegance and the birds’ communal lifestyle.
Asian Fairy-bluebird
The Asian Fairy-bluebird is a mystical presence in dense forests. Its deep purple and blue plumage stands out vividly against the greenery. Inhabiting Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests, these birds are often seen in pairs or small groups. Their melodious calls echo through the canopy, adding to the magical ambiance. Known for their agility, they flit swiftly through the trees, feeding on fruits and insects. The Fairy-bluebird’s enchanting appearance and sweet song make it a forest dweller like no other.
Purple-crowned Fairy
The Purple-crowned Fairy is a dazzling sight among hummingbirds. Its vibrant crown and iridescent feathers captivate the observer. Found in the lush forests of South America, this tiny bird hovers with precision as it feeds on nectar. Its rapidly beating wings create a gentle hum, a signature sound of hummingbirds. Despite its small size, the Purple-crowned Fairy leaves a lasting impression with its vivacious colors and graceful movements. Watching it hover is like witnessing a living jewel in motion.
Purple Finch
The Purple Finch, with its rosy-purple hue, is a charming winter visitor. Males boast striking plumage, while females have a more subtle appearance. Native to North America, they are often seen at feeders, bringing color to wintry landscapes. Their cheerful chirps offer a melodious accompaniment to the quiet season. A fun fact about these finches is their preference for seeds and buds, even in the coldest months. Their presence is like a touch of warmth, brightening the chill of winter days.
Reddish Egret
The Reddish Egret, despite its name, sports a purplish-blue hue that’s a treat to the eyes. Found along coastal lagoons in the Americas, it is known for its lively hunting dance. This egret’s unique foraging technique involves darting and leaping to catch fish, a spectacle to behold. Its striking coloration and elegant form make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Observing a Reddish Egret’s antics offers both entertainment and insight into its adaptive feeding strategies.
Varied Bunting
The Varied Bunting, a desert gem, dazzles with its vibrant plumage. Males are adorned with shades of purple and red, making them stand out against arid landscapes. Found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, these birds thrive in dry shrublands. A lesser-known fact is their penchant for seeds and insects, which they forage with agility. Their song, a melodic mix of chips and whistles, adds a musical note to their habitat. The Varied Bunting is a vivid splash of color amidst the desert.
Purple-breasted Cotinga
The Purple-breasted Cotinga is a vibrant spectacle of the Amazon rainforests. Males flaunt a bright purple breast, contrasting with their dark wings, creating a dazzling effect. These birds are often spotted perched high in the canopy, feasting on fruits. Their colorful appearance is matched by their lively behavior, often seen darting between branches. A fascinating aspect is their role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration. The cotinga’s vivid colors and unique habits make it a true jewel of the rainforest.
Purple Roller
The Purple Roller, with its rich plumage, is a stunning sight in the African savanna. Its purple and brown feathers create a striking contrast, especially in flight. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, these birds are often seen perched on branches, scanning for prey. Known for their acrobatic aerial displays, they are skilled hunters. A curious trait is their varied diet, including insects and small vertebrates. The roller’s vibrant presence and dynamic behavior make it a favorite among bird enthusiasts.
Purple-throated Fruitcrow
The Purple-throated Fruitcrow, with its brilliant throat feathers, is a captivating rainforest resident. Found in the Amazon basin, these birds are often seen in noisy flocks. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, which they pluck with precision. A notable characteristic is their communal behavior, often seen in mixed-species flocks. The fruitcrow’s vibrant throat and lively calls make it a standout in its habitat. Observing one is like catching a glimpse of the rainforest’s colorful tapestry in motion.
Purple-naped Lory
The Purple-naped Lory is a vibrant presence in the tropical forests of Indonesia. Its vivid purple nape contrasts beautifully with its green body, making it a visual delight. Known for their playful nature, these parrots are often seen in pairs or flocks. They thrive on a diet of fruits and nectar, using their brush-tipped tongues to feed. A charming aspect is their ability to mimic sounds, adding a whimsical touch to their presence. The lory’s colorful appearance and lively antics captivate bird lovers.
Violet-crowned Woodnymph
The Violet-crowned Woodnymph is a dazzling gem among hummingbirds. Its iridescent violet crown and shimmering body are breathtaking. Found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, these tiny birds flit gracefully through the forest. Their rapid wingbeats and agile movements are a marvel to behold. With a diet primarily of nectar, they play a crucial role in pollination. The woodnymph’s vibrant hues and delicate presence make it a treasured sight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Purple-winged Ground Dove
The Purple-winged Ground Dove is a rare beauty of the forest floor. Its subtle purple wing patches set it apart from other doves. Found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, this elusive bird navigates the underbrush with grace. Its quiet demeanor and soft coos create a serene atmosphere in its habitat. Unfortunately, deforestation poses a threat to its existence, making conservation efforts crucial. Encountering this ground dove is a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of preservation.
Purple Swamphen
The Purple Swamphen, with its striking plumage, is a bird of the wetlands. Its vibrant purple and blues create a vivid spectacle, especially under the sun. Found across the wetlands of Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe, it’s known for its bold demeanor. Their long, red legs and large feet enable them to walk deftly across marshes. An interesting behavior is their communal lifestyle, often seen in family groups. Encountering a swamphen is always a visual delight, adding a burst of color to its habitat.
Plum-crowned Parakeet
Meet the Plum-crowned Parakeet, a delightful burst of color amidst the tropical canopies of South America. This charming parakeet captivates with its contrasting plum-colored crown against a sea of vivid green feathers. Picture it flitting through the trees, its colors dancing in the dappled sunlight.
With an inquisitive nature, these parakeets are often heard before they are seen, their cheerful calls echoing through the forest. Watch as they nimbly navigate branches, always in search of ripe fruits and seeds.
Their playful antics and vibrant plumage make the Plum-crowned Parakeet a true delight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.