10 Most Beautiful Birds That Look Too Cool to Be Real

The resplendent quetzal of Central America lives in cloud forests, where its long, bluish-green tail feathers shimmer like polished jade. Males grow tail plumes longer than their bodies during breeding season to attract females.

These colorful birds eat fruits like wild avocados and nest in tree hollows.

Found in noisy flocks across northern and eastern Australia, the rainbow lorikeet sports a vivid rainbow of red, blue, green, and yellow feathers.

They're about the size of a small parrot and primarily feed on fruit and pollen. Its brush-tipped tongue lets it sip nectar from flowers, and its pointed wings help it zip through the forest canopy.

This stunning bird from the southeastern U.S. looks like someone painted it with in patches: blue head, red belly, green back. Males are especially vibrant during the breeding season, while females wear subtler green.

They eat grass seeds and insects, usually foraging low in the vegetation.

With a light green crest, golden back, and bright red feathers, the golden pheasant of western Asia is a terrestrial bird — meaning this beautiful bird spends most of its time on the ground.

Its long feathers and fiery hues make it one of the most beautiful birds in the world, especially during elaborate mating displays. Males use their colorful feathers to attract females of the same species.

Commonly called the peacock, the Indian peafowl is known for its dazzling tail display. Those long, iridescent feathers with eye-like patterns are used during courtship rituals.

Found across southern Asia, these birds also serve as the national bird of India and often catch insects and small snakes for food.

This blue-feathered giant from New Guinea looks like it belongs in royal court. It has a lacy crest and a bluish body that can weigh as much as a chicken.

Unlike most pigeons, it lives in forests and eats fruits and seeds on the forest floor. It often travels in small, noisy flocks.

Barely larger than a tree frog, the oriental dwarf kingfisher dazzles with bright orange and blue plumage.

Found in South and Southeast Asia, this bird uses pointed wings to dart through the forest, where it catches insects and small fish. Its bright colors help it stand out despite its tiny size.

Living high in the canopy of South American rainforests, the paradise tanager looks like a painter spilled every color on it. With a lime green head, black bill, and a body splashed with red, blue, and yellow, it's among the most colorful birds alive. These birds primarily feed on fruit and insects.

This iconic parrot from Central and South America wears bold red, yellow, and blue feathers.

Scarlet macaws live in the canopy and nest in tree hollows. Their strong beaks crack nuts and their noisy calls echo across the jungle. They're social birds that often fly in pairs or small groups.

Native to northern Australia, the Gouldian finch is a small bird with a face that can be red, black, or yellow depending on genetics. Its body blends purples, greens, and blues in a vivid display.

These gorgeous birds feed mostly on grass seeds and are often bred in captivity for their striking features.

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