48 Enchanting Purple Birds: Overview And Identification

Purple Birds

Take a captivating voyage into the world of purple birds, where grandeur and uniqueness collide. Purple is a tint of regal distinction in the vivid tapestry of nature, fit only for the most exceptional bird gems. These avian marvels,

Table of Contents

which range from the magnificent Purple Martin to the secretive violet-backed starlings, enthrall with their shimmering feathers and captivating presence. With colors that change and shimmer according to the light’s angle, each bird is a living example of the subtle artistic ability of evolution.

Come along as we explore the mystery surrounding these uncommon bird gems and celebrate the amazing diversity and beauty of our natural environment.

1 Purple Starling

Scientific name: Lamprotornis purpureus
Weight : 91 to 140 grams
length: 22 to 23 centimeters

Members of the starling family of birds include the purple glossy starling , also known as estorninho azul melro metálico (Brazil), and other species.

Attribute	Description
Native to	Tropical Africa
Breeding Range	Senegal, Zaire, Sudan, Kenya
Plumage	Stocky bird with stunning metallic shades of purple on head and body, glossy green wings, and mesmerizing yellow eyes
Habitat	Open woodlands, agricultural fields

2 Purple Honeycreeper

Scientific Name: Cyanerpes caeruleus
Length: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)
Weight: 0.42 ounces (12 grams)

Attribute	Description
Family	Thraupidae (Tanager family)
Distribution	Mainly found in South America, particularly in the northern parts of the continent; also found throughout the New World, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil and Trinidad
Habitat	Forest canopies, plantations (especially cocoa and citrus), woodlands, gardens
Behavior	Social birds often found in small groups; feed on plant nectars, fruits, insects, and seeds
Plumage	– Male: Mostly purplish-blue with black wings and long black bill – Female: Bright green

3 Purple Martin

Average length: 20 cm (7.9 in)
Wingspan: Up to 38 cm (15 in)
- Measurement ranges:
  - Length: 7.5–7.9 in (19–20 cm)
  - Weight: 1.6–2.1 oz (45–60 g)
  - Wingspan: 15.3–16.1 in (39–41 cm)

Attribute	Description
Family	Hirundinidae (Swallow family)
Habitat	Open areas, often living close to humans
Migration	Migratory bird
Appearance	Male: Iridescent purplish-black plumage, lighter on head, back, and chest, darker on wings and tail Female: Duller in color, with heads, wings, and backs in a lilac shade; gray, white, and steel colors combined
Distribution	Summer habitat stretches from British Columbia to Mexico; observed on long-distance migrations to winter habitats in Ecuador and the Andean foothills
Diet	Consists mostly of insects and bees

4 Violet Sabrewing

Scientific Name: Campylopterus hemileucurus
Length: 13 to 15 cm (5.1 to 5.9 in)
Weight: 9 to 12 g (0.32 to 0.42 oz)

Attribute	Description
Habitat	Montane forests and ravines, from southern Mexico to western Panama
Size	One of the largest hummingbirds worldwide, surpassed only by the giant hummingbird
Plumage	Iridescent violet covering most of the body, greenish wings, white tails
Diet	Primarily survives on nectar, favoring heliconia and banana flowers
Distribution	Found in various parts of the Americas, from North to Central to South regions; includes Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama
Male Appearance	Colored violet in most areas except the back (which is green)
Female Appearance	Violet only on the throat; main colors are dark green and grey

5 Costa’s Hummingbird

Length: 3–3.5 in (7.6–8.9 cm)
Wingspan: 11 cm
Average weight:
- Males: 3.05 g
- Females: 3.22 g

Attribute	Description
Plumage	Bright purple head and neck in males, green and white plumage; females and juveniles have white underparts and gray-green upper parts
Habitat	Deserts, gardens, bushy deserts
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Family	Trochilidae (Hummingbird family)
Distribution	Found in deserted areas of the United States and Mexico, particularly abundant in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts; prefers gardens and bushy desert habitats; migrates southward when desert temperatures rise
Size	Tiny bird with an average length and weight
Diet	Feeds on nectar and insects; prefers desert plants such as agaves, fairy-dusters, desert honeysuckles, ocotillo, and chuparosa
Gender Differences	– Male: Purple crown and throat patch resembling a mustache – Female and juveniles: White underparts, gray-green upper parts
Behaviors	Capable of hovering mid-air and diving following a curved path while emitting a high-pitched sound

6 Violet- Backed Starling

Scientific name: Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Size: 6.5 to 7 inches (17 to 18 centimeters)
Weight: 1.3 to 2 ounces (39 to 56 grams), averaging 1.5 ounces (45 grams)

Attribute	Description
Plumage	Bright purple head and upper sides in males; dull brown plumage in females
Habitat	Sub-Saharan regions, gallery forests, open woodlands
Diet	Fruits, insects, seeds, berries, arthropods (termites, ants)
Distribution	Sub-Saharan Africa, forests, wooded areas
Migration	Migrates north towards the Sahara during winter
Breeding Behavior	Monogamous pairs nesting together in cavities of trees, holes in the shoreline of rivers, or holes in fence posts
Nesting	Monogamous pairs nest together to raise their young; nests built in cavities of trees, holes in the shoreline of rivers, or holes in fence posts
Fun Fact	During termite swarms, violet-backed starlings gorge voraciously on these insects
Sexual Dimorphism	Great sexual dimorphism; males have iridescent violet hue on back, white belly, lemon yellow eye; females and immatures have white bellies with brown stripes and darker brown upperparts; both sexes have dark bill and lemon yellow eye
Habitat Preference	Open woodland, riverine forest, wooded parkland
Feeding Behavior	Feed on fruit, berries, insects (particularly winged termites and ants); effective mistletoe dispersal agent

7American Purple Gallinule

Scientific name: Porphyrio martinicus
Length: 26–37 cm (10–15 in)
Wingspan: 50–61 cm (20–24 in)
Male: 141–305 g (5.0–10.8 oz), averaging 257 g (9.1 oz)
Female: 141–305 g (5.0–10.8 oz), averaging 215 g (7.6 oz)

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	American Purple Gallinule
Diet	Omnivorous, includes seeds, leaves, fruits, insects, snails, and fish
Location	Southeastern U.S., Central America, and northern South America
Habitat	Freshwater and brackish marshes
Appearance	Bright purple-blue plumage with a green back, red and yellow bill
Family	Rallidae
Alias	Yellow-legged gallinule
Feathers	Purple-blue feathers
Distribution	United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America
Notable Features	Stout, bright red bill; long yellow legs; turquoise front; blue-purple head, neck, and underparts
Habitat	Freshwater marsh habitats
Range	Southeastern USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and tropical South America

8 Purple-Crested Turaco

Scientific name: Gallirex porphyreolophus

Feature	Description
Common Name	Purple-crested Turaco
Scientific Classification	Family: Turacos (Musophagidae)
Distribution	Found in African countries including Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Mozambique, and South Africa
Habitat	Various habitats in Africa
Diet	Mainly frugivorous; known to transport seeds back to nests
Physical Appearance	Purple-colored crest; various shades of purplish blue and violet blending with green and washed pink

9 Purple Grenadier

Scientific name: Granatina ianthinogaster
Size: 5.25 to 5.5 inches (13 to 14 centimeters)
Weight: 0.4 ounces (12 grams)

Characteristic	Information
Habitat	Tropical and subtropical lowlands
Distribution	Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia
Family	Estrildidae
Scientific Name	Purple Grenadier
Size	Up to 5.25 inches
Color	– Cinnamon-colored head – Purple-blue rump – Violet underparts – Red-orange beak – Black tail (all individuals) – Purple-blue (males) / Cinnamon brown (females)
Sexual Dimorphism	Males: Purple-blue feathers around eyes, chest, and abdomen; russet-colored head; light brown back; black tail feathers Females: Light blue feathers around eyes; brown body; white feathers scattered creating a spotted or striped pattern
Diet	Grass seeds, insects (termites, spiders, aphids)
Courtship Behavior	Extensive, showy courtship display
Nesting	Built in low shrub or bush; both parents involved in raising young
Social Behavior	Not typically found in flocks; may be aggressive towards closely-related species
Conservation Status	Least Concern (in Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania)
Fun Fact	Popular pet species among bird lovers; often kept in cages by bird hobbyists

10 Crowned Woodnymph

Male:
- Length: 9.5 to 11.5 cm (3.7 to 4.5 in)
- Weight: 4 to 5.5 g (0.14 to 0.19 oz)
Female:
- Length: 8.5 to 9.2 cm (3.3 to 3.6 in)
- Weight: 3.5 to 4.2 g (0.12 to 0.15 oz)

Characteristic	Information
Bird Species	Crowned Woodnymph
Diet	Mainly nectar, some insects
Location	From western Panama south to northern Bolivia and northern Brazil
Habitat	Forests, woodlands, plantations, and gardens
Size	Length: 10.2 cm, Weight: 4.5-7 grams
Appearance	– Males: Violet-blue crown and throat, golden-green belly
	– Females: Green above, grayish-white below
Unique Feature	Adorns forests of Northern Colombia and humid jungles; plays integral role in ecosystem; recognizable by nature lovers everywhere

11 Indian Peacock

Peacocks:
Weight: 4–6 kg (8.8–13.2 lb)
Peahens:
Length: Around 95 cm (37 in)
Weight: 2.75–4 kg (6.1–8.8 lb)
From bill to tail: 100 to 115 cm (39 to 45 in)
Including fully grown train: 195 to 225 cm (77 to 89 in)

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Indian Peacock (Indian Peafowl)
Diet	Omnivorous, includes seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals, and reptiles
Location	Indian subcontinent, introduced in many other parts of the world
Habitat	Forests, parks, and grasslands
Size	Length (male including “train”) 195-225 cm, weight (male): 4-6 kg
Appearance	Males have a brilliant blue crest and neck, with a fan-like display of feathers; females are more subdued in color. The national bird of India, the Indian peacock is one of the most spectacular purple birds with long tails. It is found in India and Sri Lanka, and is related to the Javanese peacock (found in Myanmar and Java) which is green.

12 Japanese Paradise Flycatcher

Length: 30-34 cm (male, including long tail streamers)
Weight: 13-18 grams

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Japanese Paradise Flycatcher
Diet	Insects
Location	Japan, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia during migration
Habitat	Shady deciduous and evergreen forests
Appearance	Males have a chestnut body, blue-black head, and elongated tail feathers; females have shorter tail and lack blue-black coloration. With a short crest, neon blue eyelets, and long black streamers on the tail, the breeding male is purple-black on top and white on the bottom. Females and non-breeding males have dark gray heads and necks, paler eyes, shorter combs, and brown wings and tails without streamers.

13 Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch

The velvet-fronted nuthatch has the typical nuthatch shape.
It has a short tail and powerful bill and feet.
It is 12.5 cm long.

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
Family	Sittidae (Nuthatch family)
Location	Mainly in Asia, specifically in countries like India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
Habitat	Forests
Appearance	Violet-blue on the top part and white underneath. Orange bill, lavender cheeks, blue-violet upper parts, and beige undersides.
Diet	Insects and spiders

14 Purplish Jay

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Purplish Jay
Family	Corvidae
Location	Amazonian basin, southeastern Peru, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Bolivia, southern Brazil
Habitat	Lush tropical forests, subtropical or tropical dry forests, lowland forests
Appearance	Bluish-purple with a black mask; distinctive from the violaceous jay
Behavior	Forages in small groups; feeds mostly on insects, small vertebrates, eggs, reptiles, and fruits

15 Crested Quail-Dove

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Crested Quail-Dove
Diet	Mainly fruits and seeds
Location	Jamaica
Habitat	Mountain forests
Size	Length: 33-36 cm, weight: 225-325 grams
Appearance	Gray-brown dove with a pinkish hue, white belly, and a dark crest. Endemic to Jamaica, the crested quail-dove is a plump, ground-dwelling bird that inhabits the moist forests in mountains and foothills. Its name is owed to the interesting crest that ends right above the nape of the neck. This dove is covered in mostly gray plumage with a strong purple iridescence on the upper parts. It is one of the most common purple birds in Jamaica.

16 Formosan Blue Magpie

Length: 64-65 cm,
weight: 254-260 grams

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Formosan Blue Magpie
Diet	Omnivorous, includes insects, small reptiles, rodents, and fruit
Location	Taiwan
Habitat	Forests, especially in hilly and mountainous areas
Appearance	Striking bird with blue and black plumage
	Long tail
	Red beak and legs
	Captivating purple-blue head and wings
	Vivid colors adorn its body, making it truly remarkable to watch

17 Lilac-Breasted Roller

Lilac-breasted rollers are robust birds with large heads.
They perch alone in grassy clearings and are easily identifiable by their colorful plumage.
The lilac throat deepens into a darker lilac breast.
Olive crown to mantle, lilac-rufous cheeks and ear coverts.

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Lilac-breasted Roller
Distribution	Widely distributed in Southern and Eastern Africa, also a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula
Habitat	Prefers open woodland and savanna; mostly absent from treeless places
Behavior	Usually found alone or in pairs; perches at the tops of trees, poles, or other high vantage points to spot insects, amphibians, and small birds; nests in natural tree holes; clutch size of 2-4 eggs incubated by both parents; extremely aggressive in defense of nest; male performs aerial displays during breeding season
Appearance	Multicolored plumage; sexes do not differ in coloration; juveniles lack long tail streamers of adults
Other Names	Fork-tailed Roller, Lilac-throated Roller, Mosilikatze’s Roller
National Bird of	Kenya

18 Fork-Tailed Woodnymph

Length: 11 cm
weight: 4.5-7 grams

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Fork-Tailed Woodnymph
Diet	Mainly nectar, some insects
Location	South America: from Colombia to northern Argentina
Habitat	Forests, woodlands, plantations, and gardens
Appearance	Males: Emerald green body with a forked tail; iridescent hues of violet and blue.
	Females: Subtle elegance with a bronze-green body.
	Found in every mainland of South America except for Chile and Uruguay.

19 Hartlaub’s Turaco

Length: 40-45 cm
weight: 200-315 grams

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Hartlaub’s Turaco
Diet	Mainly fruits, some leaves, buds, flowers, and small invertebrates
Location	Kenya and Tanzania
Habitat	Montane forests
Appearance	Glossy violet-blue plumage
	Greenish-yellow bill
	Crimson wing patches
	Rounded crest of dazzling blackish-blue on its back, with a red ring around the eye, and a wide white patch next to the eye with a white line underneath
	Green torso and neck transitioning to bright purple-blue lower body, wings, and tail
	Feathers are light red on the inside of the wings

20 Garnet Pitta

The Garnet pitta is about 17 cm long.
It has a black head with a bright blue stripe at the eyebrows and a red cap.
The breast is dark blue at the top and carmine red beneath.
The back and wings are bright blue.
Juvenile pittas have a mostly brown color.

Attribute	Description
Bird Species	Garnet Pitta
Location	Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand
Habitat	Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests
Diet	Mainly ants, wood grubs, cockroaches, and beetles
Threat	Near-threatened due to habitat loss
Reproduction	Pairs mate between March and August; lay a clutch of two eggs
Notes	One of the rarest purple birds, known for its shy nature
	Geographic range spans from Brunei to Thailand
	Once abundant, now near-threatened due to loss of habitat
	Form in Malaysian state of Sabah recognized as black-crowned pitta (Erythropitta ussheri)

21 Purple Swamphen

Attribute	Description
Common Name	Purple Swamphen
Scientific Name	Porphyrio species (various species based on geographic location)
Native Range	Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania
Notable Habitat	Freshwater and brackish wetlands
Feeding Habits	Primarily feeds on land, consuming plant matter and small prey
Adaptation in New Zealand	One of the most successful bird species due to appropriate responses to terrestrial predators

22 Purplish-Mantled Tanager

Attribute	Description
Family	Thraupidae
Distribution	Colombia and Ecuador
Natural Habitats	Subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, heavily degraded former forest
Threats	Habitat loss due to deforestation
Physical Characteristics	Fairly small, chunky tanager with stout bill. Almost entirely blue with darker indigo on head, paler cerulean towards tail. Bright lemon-yellow throat distinctive; also look for inconspicuous chestnut undertail coverts. Sexes alike.
Behavior	Uncommon around forests and edges in subtropical zone, usually in pairs or small groups. Tends to stay at lower or middle levels of trees and shrubs, often following mixed-species flock.
Diet	Omnivorous; joins mixed foraging flocks like the velvet-fronted nuthatch

23 Boat-Tailed Grackle

Male Boat-tailed Grackle:
Length: 37–43 cm (15–17 in)
Weight: 165–250 g (5.8–8.8 oz)
Plumage: Entirely iridescent black
Bill: Long and dark
Iris: Pale yellowish or brown
Tail: Long and keel-shaped
Wingspan: 39–50 cm (15–20 in)
Other Measurements:
- Wing bone: 13–20 cm (5.1–7.9 in)
- Tail length: 11–20 cm (4.3–7.9 in)
- Culmen (bill): 2–4.2 cm (0.79–1.65 in)
- Tarsus: 3.6–5.8 cm (1.4–2.3 in)
Female Boat-tailed Grackle:
Length: 26–33 cm (10–13 in)
Weight: 90–115 g (3.2–4.1 oz)
Plumage: Tawny-brown with darker wings and tail
Tail: Shorter than male’s

Attribute	Description
Family	Icteridae
Distribution	Permanent resident on the coasts of the Southeastern United States
Habitat	Coastal areas, saltwater marshes, inland waters (in Florida)
Plumage	Iridescent black, shining bluish-purple in sunlight; often described as a blackbird with a blue head
Foraging Behavior	Opportunistic feeder, not shy; forages in parking lots, trash bins, dumpsters
Nesting Habits	Well-concealed cup nests in trees or shrubs near water; average clutch size is just over three eggs
Diet	Omnivorous; eats insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, grain, and even small birds
Social Behavior	Often associates with least bitterns in salt marsh areas; establishes significant populations in Gulf Coast cities and towns
Call	Harsh “jeeb” song, along with grackle-like chatters and squeaks

24 Violaceous Euphonia

Adult length: 11.4 cm
Weight: 14 g

Attribute	Description
Family	True Finch (Fringillidae)
Distribution	Resident breeder from Trinidad, Tobago, and eastern Venezuela south to Paraguay and northeastern Argentina; also found in northern Brazil, the lower portion of the Amazon Basin, and adjacent Tocantins River drainage
Habitat	Forests, second growth, plantations of cocoa and citrus fruit
Nesting	Nest built on a bank, tree stump, or cavity; clutch size of four (sometimes three) red-blotched white eggs, incubated by the female
Physical Characteristics	Male: Glossy blue-black upperparts, deep golden yellow forehead and underparts; Female and immature: Olive green above, greenish yellow below
Diet	Mainly small fruit, occasionally insects; fruits include mistletoes, epiphytic cacti, Cecropia fruit; also consumes terrestrial snails in Brazil
Social Behavior	Social birds; song is a varied mix of musical notes, squeaks, chattering, and imitation
Conservation Status	Relatively inaccessible habitat provides protection from trapping; not currently considered threatened

25 Purple Finch

Overall length: 12–16 cm (4.7–6.3 in)
Weight: 18–32 g (0.63–1.13 oz)
Tail: Short and forked, brown in color
Wings: Brown

Attribute	Description
Family	Fringillidae
Distribution	Breeds in the northern United States, southern Canada, and the west coast of North America; migratory populations from northern Canada to the southern United States
Habitat	Mixture of open and semi-open areas, including suburbs; breeds almost exclusively in forests
Diet	Mainly seeds, especially during winter; in summer, also eats small fruits, berries, and some insects
Breeding Habitat	Coniferous and mixed forest in Canada and northeastern United States; various wooded areas along the U.S. Pacific coast
Behavior	Forages in trees and bushes, sometimes in ground vegetation; fond of sunflower seeds, millet, and thistle; nesting preference for lowland coniferous and mixed forests
Nesting Habits	Female builds nest on horizontal branches of coniferous trees, away from trunk or occasionally in tree forks; nest shaped like an open cup, made of rootlets, twigs, weeds
Cultural Significance	State bird of New Hampshire; historically described as “chiantototl” (chia seed bird) in Mexico

26 Santa Cruz Ground Dove

Attribute	Description
Family	Columbidae
Distribution	Southern Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
Habitat	Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests
Threat Status	Threatened by habitat loss
Former Genus	Alopecoenas (formerly), changed to Pampusana in 2019 due to priority
Physical Characteristics	Rotund, short-legged ground-dwelling dove; male: dark body with iridescent pinkish-purple shoulder patch, cream-colored chest, and gray head; female: ruddy head and chest with olive back and wings; juvenile: entirely dark brown
Behavior	Forages on the ground; perches on low branches; typically roosts in trees; usually runs rather than flies when startled
Diet	Berries and seeds
Habitat Preference	Mature primary forest, apparently up to 1000 meters elevation
Vocalizations	Poorly known, but include typical dove-like repeated and accelerating “whoot whoot whoot”

27 Barn Swallow

Length: 17–19 cm (6+1⁄2–7+1⁄2 in) including elongated outer tail feathers (2–7 cm or 1–3 in)
Wingspan: 32–34.5 cm (12+1⁄2–13+1⁄2 in)
Weight: 16–22 g (9⁄16–3⁄4 oz)

Attribute	Description
Distribution	Breeds across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas; migratory, with breeding range spanning Canada to southern United States; year-round presence in Central America
Subspecies	Six Northern Hemisphere subspecies, four migratory, wintering across Southern Hemisphere
Habitat	Open country, nests in man-made structures like barns
Physical Characteristics	Blue upperparts, deeply forked tail
Diet	Omnivorous, feeds on insects caught in flight
Cultural Significance	National bird of Austria and Estonia; cultural references in literature and religion due to close association with humans and annual migration; historically tolerated due to insect-eating habits and superstitions regarding nest
Conservation Status	Not globally endangered, but may experience local declines due to specific threats

28 Black-Capped Kingfisher

Species: Halcyon pileata
Length: Approximately 28 centimeters (11 in)

Attribute	Description
Distribution	Widely found in tropical Asia from India to Southeast Asia; resident in many areas, migratory in the north, wintering in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, and Java
Habitat	Coastal and mangrove habitats, occasionally inland
Characteristics	Distinctive black cap, purple-blue wings, coral red bill; juveniles duller with streaks on throat; large white patches visible in flight
Behavior	Easily disturbed, perches conspicuously, dives for fish, feeds on large insects; rapid flight with short rounded wings
Breeding Season	Summer
Nest	Tunnel in earth bank
Eggs	Single clutch of 4-5 round, white eggs
Subspecies	Monotypic with no clear plumage differences; subspecies palawanensis described
Distribution & Habitat	Coastal areas, mangrove forests, estuaries, rivers; from India to Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, Korea, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, and Sulawesi; occasional vagrants in Pakistan; inland movements due to rainfall
Cultural Significance	Feathers sought for millinery trade; used in Chinese fans; feathers glued onto ornaments in Hong Kong

29 Scrub Jay

Attribute	Description
Common Name	Scrub Jay
Distribution	Western North America, from British Columbia to western Nevada and throughout California
Habitat	Found in almost all wild habitats
Physical Characteristics	Bluish-purple hue on head and back; distinguished from blue jays by less intense blue color
Identification	Can be mistaken for blue jays at first glance

30 Southern Carmine Bee-Eater

Attribute	Description
Distribution	Sub-equatorial Africa, from KwaZulu-Natal to Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya
Movements	Migratory, breeding in Zimbabwe and Zambia (August-November), moving south to South Africa for summer, and migrating to Equatorial Africa (March-August)
Physical Characteristics	Predominantly carmine with blue crown and undertail
Diet	Primarily bees and flying insects; hunts from perches on vegetation or large animals, attracted to wildfires
Habitat	Low-altitude river valleys and floodplains, nesting in vertical banks or burrows on salt islands; highly sociable, gathers in large flocks, roosts communally in trees or reedbeds
Breeding	Nests at end of 1-2 meter burrow in earthen bank, lays 2-5 eggs

31 Western Violet-Backed Sunbird

Attribute	Description
Distribution	Mainly found in mainland sub-Saharan Africa, in regions not inhabited by other members of the superspecies
Habitat	Mesic woodland habitats
Behavior	Spends most of its time perched on trees or catching insects, including butterflies and bees
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; both males and females have purple feathers on head and back, but females’ colors are much duller, often tending to tawny-brown

32 Purple Sunbird

Relatively short bill
Dark and short square-ended tail
Distinctive sexual dimorphism
Less than 10 cm long
Down-curved bill
Brush-tipped tubular tongues aiding in nectar feeding

Attribute	Description
Distribution	Mainly found in South and Southeast Asia, extending west into parts of the Arabian Peninsula
Physical Characteristics	Males have iridescent plumage shining in shades of purple, appearing essentially black in harsh sunlight; females are brown with yellow underside
Behavior	Feeds mainly on nectar but also takes insects, especially when feeding young; has fast and direct flight; can hover like a hummingbird to take nectar but often perches at the base of flowers

33 Varied Bunting

Rounded bill:11–14 cm long
Wingspan of 21 cm
Weighing 11–13 g

Attribute	Description
Family	Cardinalidae
Range	Southern parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States, extending into Mexico
Physical Characteristics	Stocky bird with short tail
Plumage	Breeding males are purple-red with red patch on nape, females are plain light brown
Habitat	Deserts, xeric shrublands, thorny brush thickets, scrubby woodlands
Diet	Forages on ground for insects, fruit, and seeds
Nesting	Builds open-cup nests of grass and spider webs in outer branches of thorny shrubs
Reproduction	Females lay 2–5 bluish-white to bluish-green eggs, incubated for about 14 days. Young leave the nest after 10 days

34 Purple-breasted Cotinga

It’s the least common and one of the smallest cotinga species. It is not only a subject of much discovery, but sightings are infrequent.

Attribute	Description
Common Name	Purple-breasted Cotinga
Habitat	Tropical moist lowland forests
Distribution	Found all over South America
Size	Approximately 18 cm (7 in)
Plumage (Male)	Deep blue upperparts, deep purple throat and underparts
Plumage (Female)	Brown overall with bold black scales on underparts
Foraging Behavior	Forages in canopy of forests with nutrient-poor soils
Similar Species	Blue Cotinga, Plum-throated Cotinga, Spangled Cotinga

35 Shiny Cowbird

Shiny cowbird adults vary in appearance by subspecies.
Mass ranges from 31-40 grams to 55-65 grams .
Length ranges from 18 cm to 22 cm .

Attribute	Description
Common Name	Shiny Cowbird
Scientific Name	Molothrus bonariensis
Family	Icteridae (New World family)
Habitat	Breeds in most of South America except dense forests and high-altitude areas; also found in disturbed land from agriculture and deforestation
Range	Originally from South America, but since 1900 has shifted northward to the Caribbean islands and southern Florida in the United States
Plumage (Male)	All black with a purple-blue iridescence
Plumage (Female)	Dull brown plumage, sometimes paler on underparts; smaller size; longer, finer bills and flatter heads compared to female brown-headed cowbirds
Foraging Behavior	Mainly forages in the afternoon in small flocks; diet consists mainly of insects, other arthropods, seeds, and grains found in cattle troughs
Reproduction	Obligate brood parasite; lays eggs in nests of other bird species such as the rufous-collared sparrow; different host species show varied responses to parasitism

36 Hildebrandt’s Starling

Length: 18 cm (7.1 in)
Weight: 50 to 69 g (1.8–2.4 oz)

Attribute	Description
Family	Sturnidae
Habitat	Open woodlands and thornbush country at elevations between 1,600 and 7,200 feet
Range	Naturally occurs in south-central Kenya and north Tanzania
Distribution	Found in open country between 500 and 2,200 meters (1,600 and 7,200 feet) in Kenya and Tanzania; habitat includes open woodland and thornbrush country
Diet	Primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects such as grasshoppers and bees; often joins mixed foraging flocks
Status	Not considered threatened; listed as Least Concern by the IUCN

37 Purple-Crowned Fairy Wren

Size: Approximately 14 cm (5.5 in) in length
with a wing-span of approximately 16 cm (6.3 in)
Weight: 9–13 g (0.32–0.46 oz)

Characteristic	Description
Family	Maluridae
Endemic To	Northern Australia
Distinctive Feature	Breeding males sport a distinctive purple circle of crown feathers. They also have cheek patches and deep blue tails.
Social Behavior	Socially monogamous with low rates of extra-pair paternity.
Nesting Behavior	Build small dome-shaped nests and lay 2–3 eggs, with up to three clutches per year.
Diet	Mainly insectivorous, supplemented with seeds.
Habitat	Riparian habitat with dense vegetation. Less adapted to urbanized habitats.
Conservation Status	Overall considered of least concern, but the western subspecies is listed as endangered.

38 Rufous-Vented Ground Cuckoo

Length: 45 to 51 cm (18 to 20 in), with about half being its tail
Weight: Approximately 300 to 400 g (11 to 14 oz)

Attribute	Description
Distribution	Patchily distributed from Brazil to Honduras
Conservation Status	Vulnerable in its own habitat
Habitat	Almost exclusively terrestrial, occasionally flying on low branches to escape predators
Diet	Primarily insects, including other arthropods, small vertebrates, and sometimes fallen fruits
Breeding Season	Varies latitudinally, nesting in the northern summer in Central America and in the austral summer in most of South America
Nest	Sturdy nest of large sticks with a flatish cup of dry grass and fresh leaves, placed in the fork of a tree or shrub about 2 to 3 m (7 to 10 ft) above the ground
Incubation	Believed to be done by both parents, with the incubation period and time to fledging unknown
Vocalization	Characterized by a low, drawn out, moaning coo: ooooooooooooooooop

39 Purple Cochoa

Attribute	Description
Description	Dark appearance with silvery blue crown, black mask over the eye, prominent wing patch
Distribution	Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam
Habitat	Moist lowland and montane forests
Behaviour	Mainly found in canopy, breeds May-July, builds cup-shaped nest, shy at nest, sings low whistle
Diet	Berries, insects, molluscs; behaves like flycatchers when picking fruits from trees

40 Common Scimitarbill

Attribute	Description
Family	Phoeniculidae
Distribution	Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Description	Dark blue plumage; black beak in adults, grey in juveniles
Habitat	Wooded savannas, dry thornbush country, occasionally in thicker woodlands
Behavior	Feeds on larvae and insects by digging with its long, decurved bill

41 Crinkle-Collared Manucode

Medium-sized, up to 36 cm long
Greenish blue, black, and purple-glossed plumage
Long graduated tail
Red iris
Iridescent green breast feathers
Both sexes are similar, with the female slightly smaller and less purple
Resembles the Jobi manucode but distinguished by bronzed yellow-green neck feathers

Attribute	Description
Habitat	Lowlands and hill forests of mainland New Guinea and Misool Island of West Papua
Distribution	Widespread in its habitat range
Diet	Mainly feeds on fruits and figs; occasionally eats insects
Plumage	Iridescent black with purple notes on the wings
Conservation	Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; Listed on Appendix II of CITES

42 Cape Glossy Starling

Adult length of about 25 cm (10 in)
Weight of about 100 grams (3.5 oz)

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Cape Glossy Starling
Other Name	Red-shouldered Glossy Starling
Physical Characteristics	Mainly green-bluish purple starling with metallic colors on plumage
	Small red spots on the shoulders
	Color palette includes various shades of metallic blue, purple, and green
	Individual color appearance changes based on light reflections
Habitat	Found in Southern Africa
	Primarily inhabits woodlands
	Also found in rural and suburban areas

43 Tricolored Heron

Length: 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in)
Wingspan: 96 cm (38 in)
Male Weight: Average of 415 g (14.6 oz)
Female Weight: Average of 334 g (11.8 oz)

Characteristic	Description
Coloration	Mixes pastel shades of lavender, white, and blue-grey; features a white stripe along the sinuous neck and a white belly
Distribution	Coastal parts of the Americas, including the northeastern United States and through the Gulf of Mexico
Habitat	Coastal estuaries, lagoons, saltmarshes, and mangroves
Diet	Mainly feeds on fish and crustaceans, but also eats amphibians and insects

44 Purple Gallinule

Feature	Description
Habitat	Extreme southeastern U.S., particularly in marshes
Size	Similar to a chicken
Body Shape	Small body, conical beak, short tail
Legs	Very long legs
Feet	Long toes
Plumage Colors	Purple head and neck Greenish wings and back Red bill with a yellow tip Azure blue face shield Light yellow legs and feet
Juvenile Colors	Mainly brown above Khaki below Dull colored bill, legs, and thighs
Behavior	Walks gingerly across water lilies and floating vegetation while hunting frogs, invertebrates, or picking at tubers
Color Palette	Cherry red, sky blue, moss green, aquamarine, indigo, violet, and school-bus yellow, blending well with tropical and subtropical wetlands

45 Splendid Sunbird

Feature	Description
Species	Splendid sunbird (Cinnyris coccinigastrus)
Group	Sunbirds
Size	15 cm long
Diet	Primarily feeds on nectar; also consumes insects, especially when feeding young
Flight	Fast and direct flight on short wings
Feeding Behavior	Can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird; usually perch to feed most of the time
Breeding Range	West and central tropical Africa
Nest	Oval suspended nest in a tree; typically contains one or two eggs
Migration	Seasonal migrant within its range
Bill	Medium-long thin down-curved bill
Tongue	Brush-tipped tubular tongue, adapted for nectar feeding
Male Plumage	Mainly glossy purple; dark green back and wing bar; crimson breast patch
Female Plumage	Greenish-brown above; yellowish below
Habitat	Wet savannah and woodland, often with oil palms (Elaeis guineensis)
Relationship with Oil Palms	Oil palms provide sap from trunk incisions, which is collected to make palm wine; splendid sunbirds commonly breed in areas with oil palms

46 Violaceous jay

Species: Violaceous jay
Length: 33–38 cm (13–15 in)
Weight: 262 grams (9.2 ounces)

Feature	Description
Plumage	Large, dark bird with vivid violet plumage; black head and bib
Habitat	Common in various open settings including forest edges, gardens, and agricultural areas; especially common along rivers and streams
Distribution	Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela; found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest; mainly a lowland bird but ranges up to elevations of 500–1,400 m
Behavior	Omnivorous, consuming mainly fruits, insects, bird and reptile eggs, and small lizards; forages in middle and upper canopy of mature tropical evergreen rainforest; often forages in flocks and frequently mob potential predators

47 Grey-headed Swamphen

Feature	Description
Species	Grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus)
Distribution	Middle East, Indian subcontinent, southern China, northern Thailand
Taxonomic Status	Formerly considered a subspecies of the purple swamphen; elevated to full species status in 2015
Courtship Display	Male performs an elaborate courtship display by holding water weeds in his bill and bowing to the female with loud chuckles
Introduction to NA	Introduced to North America in the late 1990s due to avicultural escapes in Pembroke Pines, Florida area
Establishment in NA	Despite attempts by state wildlife biologists to eradicate them, the birds have multiplied and can now be found in many areas of southern Florida
Impact in Florida	Ornithological authorities anticipate that the swamphen will become an established part of Florida’s avifauna
Listing	Added to the American Birding Association checklist in February 2013

48 Purple-throated Mountain-gem

Species: Purple-throated mountaingem
Length: 10 to 11.5 cm (3.9 to 4.5 in)
Weight: 4.5 to 6 g (0.16 to 0.21 oz)

Feature	Description
Species	Purple-throated mountaingem (Lampornis calolaemus)
Distribution	Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama
Behavior	Feeds mostly on nectar – Males defend flower patches; females less territorial – Primary pollinator of certain flowers
	-Also feeds on insects – Females have longer bills – Niche differentiation in flower preferences
Breeding	October to April (rainy season) – Female builds nest, incubates eggs, cares for nestlings Clutch size: 2 eggs – Fledging occurs 22-23 days after hatch
Vocalization	Song: high, thin, dry; complex medley of sputtering, warbling notes – Common call: “trrrt” or sharp, buzzy “zeet” – Other notes during interactions with other hummingbirds

Summary

In summary, the enthralling realm of avian life presents an intriguing array of species, all distinct and breathtaking in their own right. The purple birds are particularly beautiful among them, with vivid hues that light up the sky and make us feel admiration for them. With the help of this blog article, we have

traveled the world, seeing different fascinating purple birds—some with eye-catching color combinations—from the woods of South America to the woodlands of Sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as an enlightening reminder of the remarkable biodiversity that exists on Earth and our responsibility to protect these

ecosystems. Have any of these birds ever caught your eye? If so, you should count yourselves lucky. They add beauty to the natural world and make it worthwhile to spend time in it. So let’s hope that you are as enthralled with purple birds as I am and that these species will encourage you to go on your own

naturalist expeditions. Cheers to your birding! Please feel free to mention any other species of purple birds that we may have overlooked.

FAQs

Why would a bird be purple?
- Because of pigmentation in their feathers, birds can seem purple. This pigmentation can be brought on by pigments like melanin or carotenoids or by certain structural characteristics of the feathers.
Where are the purple birds?
- Purple birds can be found all throughout the world, from temperate forests to tropical jungles. Because different species may have distinct ranges, it is important to investigate each species’ specific habitat.
Do all purple birds have the same color?
- No, not every purple bird has a completely purple color. Some might have purple streaks or patches mixed in with other colors, while others might have iridescence, which makes them appear purple in specific lighting situations.
Are purple birds particularly significant or symbolic?
- Purple can represent a variety of concepts in various cultures and traditions, including mystery, mysticism, and royalty. Purple birds’ significance, however, can differ based on cultural perspectives.
Purple birds consume what?
- Like other bird species, purple birds have a variety of diets. Depending on their species and habitat, they may consume insects, fruits, seeds, nectar, or tiny vertebrates as food.
Are birds that are purple endangered?
- A few purple bird species might be in danger of going extinct because of pollution, habitat loss, climate change, or other human actions. Depending on a species’ conservation status, different conservation efforts may be made for it.
Is it possible to draw purple birds to my backyard or garden?
- Purple birds and other bird species can be drawn to areas with adequate habitat features, such as food supplies, water, and cover. You could try putting in bird baths and feeders, along with native flowering plants, to draw birds to your backyard.
How Do I Recognize Purple Finches?
- It may be necessary to pay attention to particular physical traits, such as plumage hue, beak shape, size, and habitat preferences, in order to identify purple birds. Identification of bird species can be aided by field guides, online resources, and birdwatching applications.
Are purple birds migratory?
- While some species of purple birds migrate, others remain permanently in their natural environments. A number of variables, including climate, breeding habits, and the availability of food, might affect migration patterns.
Can a purple bird be a pet that I own?
- Verifying local laws and ordinances pertaining to pet bird ownership is crucial. In addition, it could not be morally or legally acceptable to keep many purple bird species as pets because they are protected by conservation regulations.