The Most Colorful Birds in the World

The bird world is home to some of the most spectacular colors in nature. From electric blues to blazing oranges — these birds look like living jewels.

Peacock — The King of Feathers: The male peacock's train (not technically his tail) contains up to 200 iridescent feathers that shimmer between green, blue, and gold. When he fans them out in a display, it's one of nature's most breathtaking sights.

Flamingo — The Pink Icon: Flamingos get their stunning pink color from the carotenoid pigments in the algae and shrimp they eat. Baby flamingos are actually white — they turn pink as they mature.

Toucan — The Rainbow Bill: Toucans have disproportionately large, colorful bills that can be longer than their bodies. Despite looking heavy, the bill is hollow and lightweight. Different species have bills in red, yellow, orange, and green.

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Toucan — The Rainbow Bill: Toucans have disproportionately large, colorful bills that can be longer than their bodies. Despite looking heavy, the bill is hol…

Kingfisher — The Jewel of the River: The Common Kingfisher is electric blue and orange, and so bright it looks almost artificial. They hunt by diving into water with incredible precision to catch fish.

Macaw — The Flying Rainbow: Blue-and-Yellow Macaws, Scarlet Macaws, and Green-winged Macaws are among the most strikingly beautiful birds. Their bold, contrasting colors are used to communicate and recognize each other in the dense rainforest.

Bird of Paradise — The Most Extravagant: Found in Papua New Guinea, Birds of Paradise have evolved the most extraordinary plumage of any bird. Males perform elaborate dances displaying their incredible feathers to attract females.