10 Popular Purple Bird Species (With Pictures)

Purple birds are a beautiful and fascinating group known for their unique coloration and striking appearance. These birds can be found in various parts of the world, and several popular species are well-known for their purple plumage. This article will discuss 10 popular purple bird species that captivate birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

List of Popular Purple Bird Species in the world

  1. Purple Gallinule
  2. Purple Finch
  3. Purple Martin
  4. Violet Sabrewing
  5. Purple Heron
  6. Purple Sunbird
  7. Purple Swamphen
  8. Purple-naped Lory
  9. Purple-throated Mountain-gem
  10. Purple Turaco

American Purple Gallinule

The Purple Gallinule is a colorful bird found in the wetlands of the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This bird is known for its striking purple-blue plumage and bright red and yellow beak. The Purple Gallinule is a medium-sized bird that feeds on aquatic plants and insects.

American Purple Gallinule

Purple Finch

The Purple Finch is a beautiful songbird that is found in North America. This bird is known for its striking purple-red plumage, which is more pronounced in males than females. The Purple Finch feeds on seeds and insects and can be found in various habitats, including forests, parks, and gardens.

Purple Finch

Purple Martin

The Purple Martin is a popular bird species found throughout North America. This bird is known for its deep purple-blue plumage, as well as its acrobatic flight and melodious song. The Purple Martin feeds on insects, often nesting in artificial structures like birdhouses.

Purple Martin

Violet Sabrewing

The Violet Sabrewing is a beautiful hummingbird found in Central and South America. This bird is known for its striking violet plumage and long, curved bill. The Violet Sabrewing feeds on nectar and insects and can be found in forests and gardens.

Violet Sabrewing

Purple Heron

The Purple Heron is a wading bird in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This bird is known for its dark purple plumage and long, slender neck. The Purple Heron feeds on fish, frogs, and insects and can be found in wetlands and marshes.

Purple Heron

Purple Sunbird

The Purple Sunbird is a small, brightly colored bird in Asia and Africa. This bird is known for its vibrant purple-blue plumage and its long, curved bill. The Purple Sunbird feeds on nectar and insects and can be found in gardens and forests.

Purple Sunbird

Purple Swamphen

The Purple Swamphen is a colorful bird in Europe, Africa, and Asia. This bird is known for its deep purple-blue plumage, as well as its bright red bill and legs. The Purple Swamphen feeds on plants and insects and can be found in wetlands and marshes.

Purple Swamphen

Purple-naped Lory

The Purple-naped Lory is a stunning parrot in parts of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. This bird is known for its bright purple plumage, as well as its red beak and yellow eyes. The Purple-naped Lory feeds on nectar and fruit and can be found in forests and gardens.

Purple-naped Lory

Purple-throated Mountain-gem

The Purple-throated Mountain-gem is a beautiful hummingbird that is found in Central America. This bird is known for its vibrant purple-blue plumage and long, curved bill. The Purple-throated Mountain-gem feeds on nectar and insects and can be found in high-altitude forests.

Purple-throated Mountain-gem

In conclusion,

Purple birds are a diverse and beautiful group in various parts of the world. From hummingbirds to wading birds, each species has unique characteristics that make them stand out in the avian world. Whether you are a birdwatcher or appreciate the beauty of nature, these 10 popular purple bird species will surely capture your attention and leave you in awe.

How rare are purple birds?

Purple birds are not necessarily rare but are not as common as birds with other plumage colors. The color purple in birds is often caused by the presence of specific pigments called carotenoids and melanins, which are less common in the feather structure of birds than other pigments like red, yellow, and brown. As a result, birds with purple plumage are often more unusual and striking in appearance.
Additionally, some species of birds with purple plumage may have limited distributions, making them rarer in certain areas. For example, the Purple Gallinule is relatively common in wetlands in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Still, it is considered rare in other parts of the world.
While purple birds may not be as common as other birds, they are not necessarily rare, and several species can be found in different parts of the world. However, their striking appearance and limited distribution can sometimes make them highly sought after by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.