Purple-colored birds are some of the most striking and visually captivating species in the avian world. Their dazzling plumage ranges from deep, velvety purples to shimmering violets and lighter lilacs. These vibrant hues not only add beauty to the ecosystems where these birds live but also serve as a means of species identification and communication.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or simply someone intrigued by the wonders of wildlife, understanding these birds’ unique traits and habitats can enrich your appreciation for their presence. This article explorfeaes 26 of the most notable purple birds, offering insights into their identification, habitats, and distinctive behaviors.
Birds with purple plumage are a breathtaking sight, showcasing hues ranging from deep, rich violets to lighter lilacs. Their unique color not only sets them apart visually but also aids in species identification. Here’s a guide to some well-known purple birds and their characteristics.
Table of Contents
1. Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Length: 7.5–7.9 inches (19–20 cm)
Weight: 1.6–2.1 oz (45–60 g)
Identification: The Purple Martin is North America’s largest swallow. Males are a striking deep blue-purple with a glossy sheen, while females and juveniles are grayish-brown with lighter underparts. Their long, tapered wings and forked tail help them glide gracefully through the sky. Their distinctive chattering call is a common sound near nesting sites.
Habitat: Purple Martins are commonly found in open areas near water, such as lakes, marshes, and coastal regions. They often nest in man-made birdhouses placed in open fields or residential areas. Historically, they used natural cavities like woodpecker holes.
Diet: They primarily eat flying insects, including dragonflies, flies, and beetles.
Behavior: Purple Martins are social birds that form colonies during the breeding season. They are known for their acrobatic flight and communal roosting in large numbers post-breeding.
Conservation Status: The Purple Martin is not currently threatened but faces habitat challenges due to competition with invasive species.
2. Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
Length: 7–7.9 inches (18–20 cm)
Weight: 1.4–1.9 oz (40–55 g)
Identification: Males have a stunning iridescent violet back and crown, contrasting with their white underparts. Females are brown with streaked underparts, lacking the vibrant color of the males. Both sexes have sharp, pointed beaks ideal for foraging.
Habitat: Found in sub-Saharan Africa, this starling prefers open woodlands, savannas, and forest edges. It often stays in areas with scattered trees and access to fruit-bearing vegetation.
Diet: Feeds mainly on fruits and insects.
Behavior: This species is known for its social and often noisy nature, commonly seen in pairs or small flocks. Males perform impressive displays during courtship.
Conservation Status: Considered of Least Concern, with stable population trends.
3. Purple Grenadier (Uraeginthus ianthinogaster)
Length: 5.1–5.5 inches (13–14 cm)
Weight: 0.4–0.6 oz (11–17 g)
Identification: Males display a striking combination of bright purple-blue plumage with a vivid orange mask and tail, while females are more muted with brownish and purplish hues. Both sexes have small, conical bills.
Habitat: This species inhabits dry savannas, bushlands, and acacia thickets in East Africa. They prefer open, dry areas with scattered shrubbery and tall grasses for cover.
Diet: Primarily seeds, supplemented with insects.
Behavior: Purple Grenadiers are typically seen in pairs or small family groups. They have a sweet, warbling song and engage in elaborate courtship rituals involving singing and feather displays.
Conservation Status: Not currently threatened, with a stable population.
4. Reddish-purple Sunbird Species
Length: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
Weight: 0.2–0.4 oz (5–11 g)
Identification: Males are notable for their metallic reddish-purple throat and chest, contrasting with darker wings and tail. Females are often duller, with olive or brownish plumage. Both have curved bills adapted for nectar feeding.
Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical regions with flowering trees and dense vegetation, such as forests, gardens, and scrublands.
Diet: Feeds on nectar, insects, and small arthropods.
Behavior: These sunbirds are active and fast, flitting from flower to flower with rapid wingbeats. Males often display their bright plumage during courtship.
Conservation Status: Most species under this category are not currently under threat.
5. Asian Fairy-bluebird (Irena puella)
Length: 9–10.6 inches (23–27 cm)
Weight: 1.6–2.3 oz (45–65 g)
Identification: Males exhibit deep cobalt-blue feathers with black wings and tail, while females are a lighter blue. Both sexes have striking red eyes and strong, pointed bills.
Habitat: Found in the dense forests and tropical woodlands of South and Southeast Asia, these birds prefer canopy layers where they can forage for food.
Diet: Consists mainly of fruits, especially figs, and some insects.
Behavior: The Asian Fairy-bluebird is typically solitary or seen in pairs. Males produce loud, melodic calls, especially during the breeding season.
Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern, though habitat loss poses a risk in some regions.
6. Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)
Length: 3.9–4.7 inches (10–12 cm)
Weight: 0.2–0.4 oz (5–10 g)
Identification: Males exhibit deep, metallic blue-purple plumage during the breeding season, while non-breeding males and females have olive-yellow underparts and a darker back. Both sexes possess slender, curved bills for nectar feeding. Their small, agile bodies are built for quick movements and hovering.
Habitat: Found across South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and nearby areas, in gardens, forests, and open woodlands.
Diet: Nectar, supplemented by small insects.
Behavior: Highly active, frequently darting from flower to flower and known for their buzzing wingbeats. Males sing and perform visual displays during courtship.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern with stable populations and a wide range.
7. Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
Length: 4.3–4.7 inches (11–12 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.4 oz (9–12 g)
Identification: Males are a vivid violet-blue with a black mask and wings, and bright yellow legs. Females are greenish with subtle blue tints. Their slender, down-curved bills are adapted for sipping nectar. Both sexes have a compact body with agile wings for rapid movement.
Habitat: Inhabits tropical forests, woodlands, and secondary growth in Central and South America, particularly in the canopy.
Diet: Nectar, fruits, and insects.
Behavior: Active and social, often seen in small flocks. Known for rapid, acrobatic flight and their high-pitched calls.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, although deforestation could impact local populations.
8. Splendid Sunbird (Cinnyris coccinigaster)
Length: 5–5.5 inches (13–14 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.5 oz (8–14 g)
Identification: Males have metallic green plumage with a deep violet throat and chest, highlighted by a striking red band. Females are olive with lighter underparts. Both sexes have slender, curved bills adapted for extracting nectar. Their eyes are dark, complementing their bright body colors.
Habitat: Found in West Africa, especially in open woodlands, savannas, and coastal forests rich with flowers.
Diet: Feeds primarily on nectar, with insects as a protein source.
Behavior: Agile and fast, capable of hovering at flowers. Males often display their colors while singing to attract mates.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, with populations stable due to adaptation to a variety of habitats.
9. Purple-crowned Lorikeet (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala)
Length: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
Weight: 1.1–1.4 oz (30–40 g)
Identification: A small parrot with bright green plumage, a distinctive purple crown, red forehead, and yellow streaks on the cheeks. Its underparts are yellowish-green, and its strong bill and long tail are adapted for maneuvering in trees.
Habitat: Inhabits open forests and woodlands of southern Australia, particularly where eucalyptus trees are common.
Diet: Primarily nectar and pollen, supplemented with fruits and seeds.
Behavior: Highly social, often seen in noisy flocks. Its flight is fast and direct, and it roosts communally at night.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, but habitat loss may impact regional populations.
10. Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor)
Length: 4.7–5.5 inches (12–14 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.5 oz (9–14 g)
Identification: Males display a beautiful mix of purples, reds, and blues, creating a vibrant plumage, while females are brownish with subtle purple tinges. Both sexes have a conical bill for eating seeds and a compact body structure suited for their arid environment.
Habitat: Found in arid regions, scrublands, and thorny forests of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Prefers dry, open areas with dense shrubs.
Diet: Seeds, with occasional insects and berries.
Behavior: Shy and often hidden in thick vegetation. Males sing melodious songs during the breeding season to attract mates.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, though habitat loss poses a potential threat in some regions.
11. Purple Roller (Coracias naevius)
Length: 14–15 inches (35–38 cm)
Weight: 5.6–7.7 oz (160–220 g)
Identification: The Purple Roller is recognized for its robust body, brownish-purple plumage, and white streaks on the breast and underparts. Its wings display vivid blue patches that are especially noticeable in flight, and its tail has white-edged feathers. A strong, hooked bill and striking orange or yellow eyes complement its bold look.
Habitat: Prefers dry savannas, thorny scrublands, and open woodlands in sub-Saharan Africa. Often seen perched on trees or posts, scanning for prey.
Diet: Feeds on insects, small reptiles, and small mammals.
Behavior: Typically solitary or found in pairs, this bird perches in open areas to hunt, diving swiftly to catch prey. It emits harsh croaking calls.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, though habitat destruction could pose future risks to some populations.
12. Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpura)
Length: 11–12 inches (28–30 cm)
Weight: 3.5–4.6 oz (100–130 g)
Identification: Males of this species have a striking black body with an iridescent purple throat patch, while females are matte black. Their stout body, short tail, and large wings aid in their maneuverability through the forest. Their large bill is well-adapted for fruit consumption.
Habitat: Inhabits tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America, preferring the dense canopies and forest edges.
Diet: Primarily frugivorous, with occasional insects.
Behavior: Known for their loud calls, Purple-throated Fruitcrows are social and often seen in small groups, emitting simple, repetitive vocalizations.
Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern, though habitat loss could affect specific populations.
13. Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps)
Length: 4–4.3 inches (10–11 cm)
Weight: 0.1–0.2 oz (3–5 g)
Identification: The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is characterized by a vibrant violet crown, white underparts, and metallic green upperparts. The tail is rufous-copper, and the bill is red with a black tip. Its sleek, small body is designed for rapid, agile movement, allowing it to hover expertly at flowers.
Habitat: Found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, often near water sources, gardens, and open woodlands.
Diet: Nectar and small insects for protein.
Behavior: Solitary and territorial, these hummingbirds fiercely defend their feeding grounds and use high-pitched vocalizations to mark their territory.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern with stable populations.
14. Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus)
Length: 13–14.6 inches (33–37 cm)
Weight: 7.3–10.2 oz (208–290 g)
Identification: The Purple Gallinule has a striking mix of purple-blue feathers and a green back. It features a bright red bill tipped with yellow, yellow legs, and a blue frontal shield. Its long toes allow it to walk gracefully on floating vegetation. The bird’s eyes are red, adding to its vivid appearance.
Habitat: Found in freshwater marshes, swamps, and wetlands across the southeastern U.S., Central America, and parts of South America.
Diet: Eats aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates.
Behavior: Often seen striding on lily pads or reeds, it exhibits a confident, deliberate movement. The bird’s call is a series of clucks and whinnies.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, but habitat loss may impact regional populations.
15. Superb Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus superbus)
Length: 8–9 inches (20–23 cm)
Weight: 1.5–2.5 oz (40–70 g)
Identification: Males are noted for their colorful purple crown, bright orange chest band, and green body. Females are mostly green with paler underparts. Both sexes have white-tipped tails and strong, compact bodies adapted for forest life. Their bright eyes and short, sturdy bills make them well-suited for fruit consumption.
Habitat: Found in the rainforests and dense woodlands of Australia and Southeast Asia, particularly in areas with abundant fruit-bearing trees.
Diet: Primarily consumes fruits and berries.
Behavior: Shy and often concealed in dense canopy, it is usually spotted alone or in pairs. Their cooing calls are soft and low.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, but deforestation poses threats to specific populations.
16. Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
Length: 15–19 inches (38–49 cm)
Weight: 25–30 oz (700–850 g)
Identification: The Purple Swamphen is a large, water-loving bird with vivid blue-purple plumage and a distinctive red frontal shield and beak. Its long, red legs have large toes adapted for walking on marsh vegetation. It has a robust body, a long neck, and bright eyes that give it a bold appearance.
Habitat: Prefers wetlands, marshes, and swamps with dense vegetation across southern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
Diet: Consists mainly of reeds, shoots, leaves, and small invertebrates.
Behavior: Known for its loud, clucking calls and social nature, it often lives in groups. It forages by using its strong beak to pull up plants and catch prey.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, but habitat loss and water pollution pose threats to certain populations.
17. Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)
Length: 4.7–6.3 inches (12–16 cm)
Weight: 0.6–1 oz (18–28 g)
Identification: Males have a raspberry-red head, breast, and back with brown streaks on the wings and tail, while females are streaked brown with a distinctive facial pattern. The thick, conical bill is adapted for seed eating, and their bodies are compact with a notched tail.
Habitat: Found in coniferous and mixed forests, often in northern North America. During winter, they migrate to areas with more abundant food sources.
Diet: Seeds, berries, and small insects.
Behavior: Typically seen in small flocks, Purple Finches are social and emit cheerful, warbling songs. Males use their vibrant color and songs for courtship.
Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern, though competition with the House Finch has impacted its range.
18. Purple-breasted Cotinga (Cotinga cotinga)
Length: 7.5–8.3 inches (19–21 cm)
Weight: 1.6–2.3 oz (45–65 g)
Identification: The male displays striking deep purple plumage on the breast and underparts, contrasted by a bright blue back and wings. Females are brownish with less distinctive markings. Both have stout bills adapted for fruit consumption and dark eyes that accentuate their colorful appearance.
Habitat: Found in the tropical rainforests of northern South America, particularly in the canopy and middle forest levels.
Diet: Primarily fruits and berries.
Behavior: Males are known for their solitary displays on perches to attract females, while both sexes emit low, simple calls. Often found in pairs or alone.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, but deforestation poses potential habitat threats.
19. Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica)
Length: 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm)
Weight: 0.1–0.2 oz (3–6 g)
Identification: Males have a shimmering violet crown and a metallic green body with a dark, forked tail. Females are primarily green with lighter underparts. Both sexes have slender, slightly curved bills and rapid wing movements suited for hovering at flowers.
Habitat: Common in tropical and subtropical forests of Central and northern South America, typically found in humid understory and at forest edges.
Diet: Nectar, supplemented by small insects.
Behavior: Highly territorial, they chase away intruders from their feeding areas. Males perform aerial displays during courtship.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, with stable populations, though habitat loss could pose localized issues.
20. Purple-naped Lory (Lorius domicella)
Length: 10–11 inches (25–28 cm)
Weight: 5.6–7.8 oz (160–220 g)
Identification: This parrot has striking green plumage with a bright purple patch on the nape and vivid red underparts. The face is red with a blue or purple crown, and it has a strong, hooked orange beak and dark eyes. Its long, graduated tail adds to its elegant appearance.
Habitat: Native to the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, primarily on the islands of Seram and nearby areas.
Diet: Feeds on fruits, nectar, and flowers.
Behavior: Social and often seen in small flocks, it’s known for its loud, chattering calls. It uses its strong beak for climbing and foraging.
Conservation Status: Classified as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction and capture for the pet trade.
21. Purple-collared Woodstar (Myrtis fanny)
Length: 3–3.5 inches (8–9 cm)
Weight: 0.07–0.1 oz (2–3 g)
Identification: This tiny hummingbird features a brilliant purple collar around its neck, contrasting with its green back and white underparts. Males are more vivid, with a metallic sheen, while females are more subdued with greenish-gray plumage and a smaller collar. Both have slender, slightly curved bills ideal for nectar feeding.
Habitat: Found in arid and semi-arid areas of Peru and Ecuador, typically in open woodlands, gardens, and scrublands.
Diet: Primarily nectar, with occasional small insects.
Behavior: They are agile, hovering at flowers and engaging in rapid, darting flights. Males perform aerial displays during the breeding season to attract mates.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, but habitat changes due to deforestation could impact specific populations.
22. Purple-bellied Lory (Lorius hypoinochrous)
Length: 10–11 inches (25–28 cm)
Weight: 5.6–7.8 oz (160–220 g)
Identification: The Purple-bellied Lory showcases a vibrant green body with a distinctive purple belly and a red face. The head often has splashes of blue or purple. Its beak is strong and orange, suited for feeding on fruit, while its eyes are dark and expressive. Its wings are broad, aiding in strong, fast flight.
Habitat: Inhabits tropical rainforests of the Bismarck Archipelago and nearby regions, thriving in forest canopies and edges.
Diet: Primarily fruits, nectar, and some seeds.
Behavior: These lories are social and often travel in flocks, producing loud, chattering calls. They use their strong beaks for climbing and foraging.
Conservation Status: Considered Near Threatened, with habitat loss and capture for the pet trade posing risks.
23. Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)
Length: 3.9–4.7 inches (10–12 cm)
Weight: 0.2–0.4 oz (5–10 g)
Identification: Males display striking metallic blue-purple plumage during the breeding season, while females are olive-yellow with paler underparts. Both have slender, curved bills perfectly suited for extracting nectar. Males have a blackish underpart outside of the breeding season. Their eyes are dark, complementing their vibrant appearance.
Habitat: Found throughout South Asia in gardens, forests, and scrublands. They are adaptable to urban and rural areas with flowering plants.
Diet: Primarily nectar, with insects for protein.
Behavior: Purple Sunbirds are agile and active, flitting from flower to flower with rapid wingbeats. Males perform singing and visual displays during courtship.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, with a stable and widespread population.
24. Purple-winged Ground Dove (Paraclaravis geoffroyi)
Length: 7.5–8.3 inches (19–21 cm)
Weight: 2.5–3.5 oz (70–100 g)
Identification: The Purple-winged Ground Dove has soft, violet wings that stand out against its grayish-blue body. The head and breast are a soft blue-gray, with darker wing markings. Males have more vibrant purple patches, while females are more subdued. The bird has a slender body and short, pink legs.
Habitat: Found in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests of South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina.
Diet: Seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates.
Behavior: Typically elusive, it forages on the forest floor and emits soft cooing calls. It’s often seen alone or in pairs, blending into dense vegetation.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered due to extensive habitat loss and deforestation.
25. Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica)
Length: 3.9–4.3 inches (10–11 cm)
Weight: 0.2–0.4 oz (5–10 g)
Identification: Males feature a metallic purple crown and back with yellow underparts and a maroon back patch. Females are olive above and yellowish below, with subtle plumage. Both have long, curved bills for nectar feeding. The small, compact body and shimmering feathers make this sunbird visually captivating.
Habitat: Commonly found in gardens, forests, and open woodlands of South India and Sri Lanka, thriving near flowering plants.
Diet: Nectar, supplemented with small insects.
Behavior: Fast and active, often seen hovering at flowers or perching on thin branches. Males engage in song displays during breeding season.
Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern, with populations well-adapted to various environments.
26. Lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus)
Length: 14.5–15 inches (37–38 cm)
Weight: 3.4–4.9 oz (96–140 g)
Identification: The Lilac-breasted Roller is one of the most colorful birds in Africa, displaying a mix of vibrant colors: a lilac breast, turquoise belly, and green and blue wings. The tail is adorned with long, pointed outer feathers. Its robust bill and dark eyes complete its distinctive look. The roller’s striking plumage is unmistakable during flight.
Habitat: Found in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, inhabiting open savannas, woodlands, and grasslands with scattered trees for perching.
Diet: Primarily feeds on insects, small reptiles, and amphibians.
Behavior: Often seen perched high on trees or poles, scanning for prey. It performs impressive aerial displays, including rolling dives during courtship and territorial displays.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern, with a stable population across its range, although habitat loss could pose future threats.
Identification Tips:
– Plumage Shine: The iridescence in some birds (like Purple Martins) can make their color vary based on light conditions.
– Habitat and Behavior: Knowing a bird’s natural habitat and distinctive behaviors, such as flight patterns and calls, can aid in proper identification.
– Size and Shape: Note the bird’s silhouette, including beak shape and tail length.
With their vivid and eye-catching feathers, these purple birds are truly spectacular members of the avian world. Observing them in their natural habitats or through birdwatching expeditions can be both a rewarding and educational experience.
Conclusion
The world of purple birds is as diverse as it is beautiful, showcasing an array of species that thrive in varied habitats, from tropical rainforests to suburban gardens. Their stunning plumage serves not just as an aesthetic wonder but also plays essential roles in their survival and mating rituals. By recognizing and appreciating these birds, we not only become more attuned to the wonders of nature but also remind ourselves of the importance of preserving the habitats that sustain such unique species. Whether observed in the wild or studied from afar, these purple birds offer a glimpse into the splendor of avian biodiversity.