When it comes to the avian world, nature loves to show off her vibrant palette, and nothing embodies that better than the dazzling purple plumage of some truly fascinating birds. Whether it’s the majestic gloss of tropical birds or the subdued violet hues of forest dwellers, purple feathers catch the eye and captivate the imagination.
Here are 12 of the most beautiful purple birds worldwide that you absolutely need to know about!
1. Purple Martin (Progne subis)
The Purple Martin stands out as North America’s largest swallow and is a striking bird to behold. Males are adorned in iridescent deep purple feathers that shimmer with a hint of blue, contrasting elegantly against their dark wings and tail. Females are less striking but still sport a subtle mix of purple, gray, and white. (ref)
Known for their aerial acrobatics, Purple Martins dart through the sky to snatch insects mid-flight. They are highly sociable and roost in colonies, often relying almost entirely on specially built birdhouses in the eastern U.S. Conservationists encourage people to set up these “martin houses” to help the species thrive.
Historically, Native Americans hung hollow gourds to attract the birds, a practice that continues today. This species has an impressive migratory journey, traveling thousands of miles between North and South America, wintering primarily in Brazil.
2. Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
Small yet resplendent, the Purple Honeycreeper lives in the tropical forests of South America. The male’s dazzling purple-blue body is punctuated by a black mask and contrasting bright yellow legs. Females, on the other hand, are dressed in greenish-blue feathers.
Despite their name, Purple Honeycreepers aren’t exclusively after nectar. They also feast on insects and fruits, making them versatile foragers. Their long, curved bills are perfect for sipping nectar from flowers, and their energetic personality adds to their charm.
Often found in mixed-species flocks, purple honeycreepers are quick and active, flitting through the canopy in search of food. Thanks to their diverse diet and wide range across South America, they also play an essential role in pollination and seed dispersal.
3. Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus)
One of the most colorful marsh-dwellers, the Purple Gallinule sports vivid blue-purple plumage, a red and yellow beak, and long yellow legs. Often spotted in southeastern U.S. wetlands, this bird is known for its striking appearance and graceful movements.
These birds are highly skilled climbers, using their long toes to walk over floating vegetation with ease. Their diet includes seeds, leaves, and fruits, but they also won’t shy away from insects, snails, and even small fish.
They are strong fliers, known to occasionally stray far north of their usual range, sometimes even reaching Europe. Despite their striking colors, Purple Gallinules blend into their wetland habitats surprisingly well, especially among water lilies and other aquatic plants.
4. Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)
A dazzling jewel in the sunbird family, the Purple Sunbird is native to South and Southeast Asia. Males in breeding plumage flaunt a dark metallic purple that glistens under the sun. Females, however, are olive-brown with a yellowish underside.
These sunbirds are specialized nectar feeders with a penchant for flowers like hibiscus and coral tree blooms. Their rapid wing beats and zipping flight make them seem almost hummingbird-like. However, unlike hummingbirds, Purple Sunbirds also perch while feeding.
Outside the breeding season, males adopt an eclipse plumage resembling females, which helps them blend in better. They also supplement their diet with insects, particularly during the breeding season when feeding their chicks. Purple Sunbirds are known to build elaborate purse-shaped nests suspended from trees or shrubs. (ref)
5. Violet-Backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
Known as the amethyst starling for good reason, the Violet-Backed Starling boasts glossy purple feathers that cover the head, back, and chest of males. Females exhibit a more modest brown-and-white plumage.
Found across sub-Saharan Africa, this starling feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, and their musical calls add a melodic touch to their colorful presence. These birds are highly nomadic, following the availability of fruits and berries across the savannas and forests.
During the breeding season, they nest in tree cavities, and males attract females with their striking plumage and songs. Despite their beauty, Violet-Backed Starlings are often overshadowed by their more aggressive starling relatives.
6. Purple-Crowned Fairywren (Malurus coronatus)
Australia’s Purple-Crowned Fairywren is a charismatic bird with a crown of vivid purple feathers atop the male’s head. Females and non-breeding males don more muted brown and blue hues.
Living near rivers and wetlands in northern Australia, Purple-Crowned Fairywrens are social creatures often found in family groups. They forage for insects and occasionally seeds among dense vegetation.
This species is unique due to its cooperative breeding system, where several birds help raise the offspring of a dominant pair. Unfortunately, habitat loss has threatened their population, particularly in regions where invasive plant species have taken over their native habitats.
7. Purple Roller (Coracias naevius)
A member of the roller family, the Purple Roller may not appear entirely purple at first glance. However, its brown and white body is splashed with a deep violet hue, particularly noticeable on the wings and rump.
Residing in the savannas and dry forests of sub-Saharan Africa, the Purple Roller is known for its distinctive, harsh calls and dramatic aerial displays during courtship. Unlike other rollers, it prefers solitary living or moving in pairs. They often perch on high vantage points like trees and poles, scanning the surroundings for insects, small reptiles, and amphibians.
Despite their solitary nature, Purple Rollers can be aggressive defenders of their territory, chasing off intruders with a combination of calls and swooping flights. Their striking courtship rituals involve elaborate displays of rolling flights and wing flicks to attract mates.
8. Splendid Sunbird (Cinnyris coccinigaster)
Native to West Africa, the Splendid Sunbird lives up to its name with an iridescent purple back and head. Males sport a metallic green throat and a crimson chest band, while females are more subdued in color.
Splendid Sunbirds are nectar specialists with a diet supplemented by small insects and spiders. Their rapid movements, coupled with stunning plumage, make them a spectacle in the flowering trees of West Africa’s savannas and forests. Males often sing to attract females while performing display flights. They are territorial and aggressively defend their feeding grounds from rivals.
During breeding, they build intricate nests from leaves, moss, and spider silk, suspended from tree branches. Despite their territorial behavior, they often share their habitat with other sunbird species.
9. Violet-Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica)
A tiny but dazzling hummingbird, the Violet-Crowned Woodnymph is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. Males are brilliantly colored, with a violet crown and chest offset by an emerald-green back.
Despite their small size, Violet-Crowned Woodnymphs aggressively defend their feeding territories. Their rapid wingbeats and fearless demeanor ensure uninterrupted access to nectar sources. They also play a crucial role in pollination, transferring pollen from flower to flower while feeding.
The species is particularly abundant in Costa Rica and Panama, where they can be seen zipping around forest edges and clearings. Their nest, a tiny cup made of plant fibers and spider silk, is often camouflaged with moss and lichens.
10. Purple-Rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica)
Another South Asian gem, the Purple-Rumped Sunbird, is a small bird with iridescent purple feathers that adorn the male’s upper back. A vibrant green crown, yellow belly, and maroon breast complete its palette. Females are less colorful but charming in their olive-brown shades.
These sunbirds are energetic nectar feeders, often seen zipping from one flower to another. They can hover like hummingbirds but prefer perching. Gardens with flowering plants attract them in droves, and their sweet, high-pitched calls add to the lively ambiance.
Purple-rumped sunbirds are also opportunistic feeders, supplementing their diet with insects, particularly during the breeding season. They build compact, hanging nests using cobwebs, bark, and leaves, often camouflaged among foliage. The male and female share parental duties, with both sexes feeding the chicks.
11. Violet-Capped Woodnymph (Thalurania glaucopis)
The Violet-Capped Woodnymph is a South American hummingbird that delights birdwatchers with its shimmering violet crown and green upper body. Males are particularly stunning, with a deep violet chest and a forked tail.
Living in the tropical forests of eastern South America, these woodnymphs are important pollinators, often seen darting between flowers in search of nectar. They are territorial and will fiercely chase off any intruders, no matter how large.
The species is relatively common in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil, where it thrives in gardens, secondary forests, and forest edges. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flashing their iridescent feathers to attract mates. They build delicate nests on tree branches using plant fibers and spider silk.
12. Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor)
The Varied Bunting is a striking North American bird found in the scrublands and deserts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Males are awash in shades of purple, red, and blue, creating a truly varied and mesmerizing appearance.
During the breeding season, their plumage becomes even more vibrant, while females maintain a consistent brown. They sing from high perches to attract mates and establish territories.
Despite their striking beauty, Varied Buntings are relatively elusive and prefer staying hidden in dense shrubbery. They often nest in thorny bushes or low trees, constructing cup-shaped nests from grass and leaves. Their diet primarily consists of seeds and insects, and they are known for their distinctive song, a sweet, melodic series of whistles and trills.
These 12 purple birds show how diverse and stunning the avian world can be. From sunbirds and hummingbirds to rollers and buntings, each one brings a unique flair that makes birdwatching an ever-fascinating hobby.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.