Incredible Bird Species That Captivate the Eye!
Gouldian Finch
Gouldian Finches have become rare birds in their native habitat, leading the IUCN to classify them as an endangered species. They are kept as decorative birds worldwide due to their colorful plumage.
Gouldian Finches are remarkably vibrant birds, with the color of their head feathers varying greatly. In the wild, you can find black-headed, red-headed, and yellow-headed variants. The color of their heads is gray in young birds and changes as they reach sexual maturity.
The plumage color around the beak of Gouldian Finches reflects their temperament. Most of these birds have black-colored feathers around their beak. The individuals with red plumage are less common but display much more aggression, driving away their “black” counterparts from food sources. However, the black-headed birds exhibit more curiosity, for example, approaching unfamiliar objects fearlessly.
The length of these birds is approximately 11 cm for both males and females. From the head to the tips of their two central tail feathers, their length ranges from 13 to 15 cm.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Among the four species of hummingbirds in British Columbia, Anna’s Hummingbird is the only one that winters there. A couple more species migrate to the region for the summer, while another couple spend the summer in the desert and warmer parts of the province near Okanagan Lake.
They have a body length of up to 11 cm and weigh around 4 grams. The population of Anna’s Hummingbird consumes more insects than any other hummingbird species.
Painted Bunting
Widely distributed in the southern United States, Mexico, and also found in Cuba, Painted Buntings are easily recognizable due to their vibrant and distinctive plumage. The males have a bluish-purple head, red-pink feathers on the throat and lower body, and green wings and back. The primary flight feathers and upper tail coverts are brownish-green. The females have a more monotonous appearance with green upper body and predominant yellow color on the lower body, lacking the characteristic stripes seen in most finches.
Resplendent Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal derives its name from the beautiful golden crown-like crest on its head. It also features a prominent bright red wattle under its beak. This majestic bird measures 91 to 104 cm in height, has a wingspan of 183-198 cm, and weighs between 3.9 and 5.2 kg. The Resplendent Quetzal is distinguished from other birds not only by its vibrant crest but also by its long hind toe, which allows it to easily perch on branches.
Resplendent Quetzals are direct descendants of the earliest known birds, whose remains date back to the early Eocene epoch, more than fifty million years ago.
Quetzal
Resplendent Quetzals are native to the cold mountainous forests from southern Mexico to Panama. According to the IUCN Red List, the population of Quetzals is close to being vulnerable, meaning they are at risk of extinction in the near future.
Paradise Tanager
The Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis) is found from eastern Colombia to northern Bolivia, as well as in the Amazonian regions of Brazil, French Guiana, and Guyana. In its homeland, within the humid tropical forests east and north of the Amazon Basin, it is better known as the “Seven-color bird,” a name that perfectly describes its vibrant, iridescent plumage.
The Paradise Tanager is one of the most brightly colored birds on Earth. It has a blue-violet throat, bright blue belly, red rump, and black wings. There is no noticeable sexual dimorphism, meaning both males and females have the same plumage. The rump of young birds is not as intensely red as that of adults. These birds measure about 14 cm in length and weigh around 20 grams.
Long-tailed Widowbird
Also known as the Velvet-mantled Drongo or Velvet-mantled Widowbird, the Long-tailed Widowbird is a small bird with black feathers and an extremely long tail. During flight, its tail fans out like a ribbon.
They reach a length of only 16 cm and possess sandy-black plumage, with males displaying more vibrant colors.
Amazon Kingfisher
A small bird with a crest, which males develop during the mating season to attract a mate. It can be found in South and Central America. Although not vulnerable, this species is rarely observed due to its secretive nature.
Shining Sunbeam
The Shining Sunbeam, also known as the Sparkling Violetear, is a small bird with bright turquoise-blue plumage.
It has a body length of about 19 cm and weighs between 65 and 75 grams. Like all hummingbirds, the Shining Sunbeam exhibits sexual dimorphism. Males are usually smaller than females and display a specific blue and ultramarine structural coloration of their feathers.
These bird species truly captivate with their stunning beauty and vibrant colors. Their unique characteristics and remarkable plumage make them a sight to behold in the avian world.
