38 Colorful Birds You Didn't Know Exist

Found in eastern and southern Africa, the lilac-breasted roller has blue-green feathers, a lilac chest and dark green wings. Its tail feathers are often blue or black.

Native to China, the golden pheasant has bright yellow plumage, a fiery orange crest and shimmering golden back.

A tiny jewel of northern and eastern Australia, the splendid fairywren (sometimes spelled as "splendid fairy wren") lives up to its name with vibrant blue feathers. Males turn their most brilliant shades during the breeding season.

This bird looks like a living rainbow, displaying red, purple, green, yellow and blue colorful feathers. Native to northern Australia, this finch is highly sought after by bird enthusiasts.

Known for its striking red throat and deep green body, the red-bearded bee-eater is found in Southeast Asia. Its iridescent green feathers shimmer under the sunlight.

This large, regal bird from New Guinea sports an elaborate blue crest and soft pale brown or blueish-gray plumage. It also has an elegant, fan-like crown.

With a brilliant red-orange head and dark wings, this South American bird lives in the dense forests of the Andes.

A sacred bird of Central America, the resplendent quetzal is the most famous of the quetzal species. It dazzles with emerald-green feathers and a shimmering red chest, and its long tail feathers create a dramatic effect in flight.

A mesmerizing resident of Indonesia, this bird features an electric blue head, a deep red body and swirling black and yellow tail feathers.

One of the most colorful waterfowl, the Mandarin duck is native to East Asia and showcases a blend of bright blue, orange, purple and white feathers.

A South American icon, this intelligent and social bird stuns with its red body, blue feathers and yellow wing patches.

A common yet stunning bird, the blue jay has a bright blue head and black markings. Found in North America, it's known for its loud calls.

Sporting a brilliant mix of blue, orange and white colors, the common kingfisher is a small yet striking bird.

Often called the most beautiful bird in North America, the painted bunting features a stunning mix of red, blue and green feathers.

With its turquoise brow, long tail feathers and bright green and orange body, this Central American bird often perches motionless, swaying its tail like a pendulum.

This Indonesian beauty boasts golden plumage, iridescent green feathers and a long, flowing tail.

The Indian peacock's iridescent green feathers and massive tail make it a true spectacle. Note that "peafowl" encapsulates both males (peacocks) and females (peahens), and only the males display this exceptional coloring.

A tropical songbird of North and South America, the scarlet tanager sports a fiery red body and deep black wings. Its striking contrast makes it a breathtaking sight.

This African beauty boasts iridescent purple plumage on its back, contrasting with a white belly. Males shine brightest, especially under direct sunlight.

A wintertime wonder, the Bohemian waxwing features soft gray and brown feathers with a hint of red on the wingtips. Its pale brown body gives way to striking yellow and black markings on the wings.

A burst of orange, yellow and green, the sun conure is one of the most vibrant parrots from South America. Its bright yellow plumage makes it instantly recognizable.

With deep blue, green and violet tones, the purple gallinule is a marsh-dweller known for its striking color combination. It's often found in wetlands across the Americas.

True to its name, the superb starling dazzles with shimmering blue feathers and a fiery orange belly. Found in eastern Africa, this bird thrives in open woodlands and grasslands.

A pink-plumed beauty, the roseate spoonbill looks like a flamingo's cousin but is actually in the same family as the ibis. It wades through wetlands across the Americas, searching for food with its spoon-shaped bill.

This tiny bird sports a bright red body with contrasting blue and green markings. Native to Asia, it's often called the "jewel of the forest."

One of the largest pigeons in the world, this bird from New Guinea has a stunning blue crown and dark maroon body. Its deep coloration makes it stand out among other birds.

Draped in iridescent green feathers, the Nicobar pigeon is a dazzling relative of the extinct dodo. Its shimmering colors make it one of the most beautiful birds of Southeast Asia.

Despite its unusual name, this African bird is admired for its striking contrast of white, black and green plumage. It's known for its loud call that sounds like it's telling intruders to go away.

This stunning songbird from Asia is adorned with bright green feathers, an orange belly and an eye-catching blue throat. It thrives in lush forests.

With its electric blue head and contrasting black wings, the blue dacnis is a tiny and unforgettable sight. This tropical bird is found in South America's forests.

The male flame bowerbird is a fiery explosion of yellow and red, resembling a living flame. Found in New Guinea, it builds intricate bowers to attract mates.

This Australian parrot sports a brilliant red body and deep blue feathers on its wings and tail. Its bright contrast makes it a favorite among bird watchers.

Native to Africa, turacos come in various shades, but their green and blue varieties stand out the most. In some species, their red wing markings become visible in flight.

A tiny songbird with golden hues, this bird flits through grasslands in Australia, Africa and Asia. Its golden plumage glows in the sunlight.

This finch-like bird sports deep red feathers speckled with white, giving it a dazzling polka-dot effect. It's commonly found in South and Southeast Asia.

With bright turquoise feathers and a deep purple throat, the spangled cotinga is found in the Amazon rainforest. Its iridescent colors help it blend into dense foliage.

Although subtle at first glance, this warbler found in North and Central America has a hidden orange patch on its crown that flashes in sunlight.

A stunning mix of yellow, green, red and blue, this small Asian bird often sings melodic song that adds to its charm.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.