We all know about the Indian Peafowl, or more specifically the Peacock, which just so happens to be the first entry in this beautiful list. But have you seen the bright colors of the Himalayan Monal or the pastel hues of the Lilac-Breasted Roller? They’re national birds for a reason! Let’s have a look at the most beautiful birds in the world and why they’re a sight to behold.
1. Scarlet Macaw
There aren’t many birds that can compete with the colorful Scarlet Macaw and they’re also Honduras’ national bird! They can reach an impressive height of up to 35 inches, while their wing spans can reach 43 inches. Their physical size really matches their big personalities, which is why they’re one of the large birds that make great pets. They’re not as popular as the Green-Winged Macaw, which is one of the birds that make the best pets. But Iago from Aladdin wasn’t inspired by Green-Winged Macaws, was he?
What’s interesting about these painted parrots is that they use their colors to blend in with bright trees and fruit. Who knew you could camouflage yourself if you can almost be seen from space?
2. Toco Toucan
A Toco Toucan is like a puffin with an overgrown beak, isn’t it? There are many Toucans, like the Keel-Billed Toucan, which is another gorgeous bird specimen, but my personal favorite is the Toco Toucan. Their massive beaks are painted in a bright shade of orange and the color even spreads to the feathers around their eyes. I’m a big fan of the bright orange and black and white combination!
3. Resplendent Quetzal
Next, we’re on to the green beauty with a red chest followed by a feathery train. The Resplendent Quetzal is very shy so if you combine this with the fact that they’re near threatened, they’re a pretty rare sight in the wild. Unless you’re in Guatemala, where the Resplendent Quetzal is the national bird.
4. Lilac-Breasted Roller
The name pretty much gives it away, right? But in case you didn’t take it literally, the Lilac-Breasted Rollers have big lilac patches on their breasts. They’re also patched up with different pastel colors, from yellow to teal, and their tails have traces of dark blue feathers. They actually look like a little cut-and-paste scrapbooking page. Lilac-Breasted Rollers are native to Africa, where they also hold the title of Kenya’s National Bird.
5. Indian Peafowl
Like I said before, I think we all know about this one. The Indian Peafowl, which also goes by Common Peafowl or Blue Peafowl, is native to the Indian subcontinent. The species is also India’s national bird. If you’ve been calling all Peafowls Peacocks, I’m sorry to say this but you’ve been wrong. Only the males are called Peacocks and they’re the more beautiful of the two sexes. In fact, Peahens are very dull and unattractive. On top of the Peacock’s glorious blue and green feather display, they also have a little crown on their heads.
6. Mute Swan
There’s just something about a snow white Swan that gives me a sense of peace. I love them so much that my daughter’s first birthday party was entirely swan-themed. The Mute Swan may be Denmark’s national bird, but they’re iconic right across the globe. With their long necks and spotless white feathers, they’re Insta-, Pinterest-, and wallpaper perfect. They usually feature on anything from nature photography to Valentine’s Day cards with glittering waters and an accompanying sunset. That’s because they’re one of the most romantic animals.
7. Golden Pheasant
I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Ndebele culture, but that’s the first thing that springs to mind when I see these birds. Golden Pheasants have iridescent feathers, so they look different from different angles. They also go by the Chinese Pheasant or Rainbow Pheasant and just like with many other species, the groom is prettier than the bride. They may not be national birds anywhere in the world, but they’ve got a cultural significance that other birds don’t have. In Chinese culture, they symbolize auspiciousness, happiness, luck, and prosperity.
8. Fiery-Throated Hummingbird
The Fiery-Throated Hummingbird is the first hovering little Hummingbird in our list of the most beautiful birds in the world. They’ve got the same body shape as the Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird, but it’s their chest colors that make them unique. This Hummingbird is painted with many different colors that give them a neon yet metallic rainbow appearance.
9. Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird
We won’t waste any time, so we’ll just jump straight into it with the next Hummingbird on our list. These aggressive little Hummingbirds live in forests all the way from Mexico to Nicaragua. They’re nectivorous, so their nutrition comes from the sweet, sweet nectar in flowers. When they can’t get enough nectar, they’ll settle for bugs. But what makes the Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird so beautiful? Their unique deep violet and metallic green coloration, of course!
10. Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Whether you like their appearance or not, there’s no doubt that the Victoria Crowned Pigeon is one of the most unique birds. Who said pigeons couldn’t make the cut for a list like this? Their name says it all, but they’ve got a prominent feathered crown on their beautiful pastel-colored heads. Their crowns remind me of those of the Indian Peafowl, but it’s not exactly the same. Unfortunately, since they’re pigeons, they’re one of the birds with the shortest lifespans.
11. Himalayan Monal
Kevin, is that you? The Himalayan Monal is Nepal’s national bird and the inspiration behind the tall, goofy bird in the movie Up. Their necks aren’t nearly as long as in the movie, but the colors are pretty accurate! Their crowns are somewhat different from the others that we’ve discussed, but it still adds to the Himalayan Monal’s beauty.
12. Blue-and-Yellow Macaw
In contrast to the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Macaws are one of the longest living bird species. This is one of the reasons why birds make great pets. Who wouldn’t want a best friend that sticks to your side for years and years? The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is exactly that: blue and yellow. Their big bodies are covered in sunny yellow feathers, and it looks like they’re wearing an even brighter blue cape draped over their shoulders.
13. Starlings
Starlings are pretty little birds that grace the African skies with their presence. There are many species but it’s safe to say that the majority of them are attractive. From the bright purple feathers of the Violet-Backed Starling to the blue hues of the Greater Blue-Eared Starling. Other beautiful starlings include Hildebrandt’s Starling, the Cape Starling, the Emerald Starling, and of course, the Purple Starling.
