Flights of fancy: the most colorful and exotic birds on the planet

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he animal kingdom never ceases to amaze us with its stunning diversity. The variety of birdlife enriching the planet is particularly breathtaking. Research suggests that there are around 18,000 bird species in the world. Many of these represent some of the snazziest and most flamboyant wildlife out there. But who's got the brightest beak, or the flashiest feathers?

 

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Golden pheasant - These colorful birds are native to western China but can also be found in other countries, including the United Kingdom.

 

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Rainbow lorikeet - A species of parrot found in Australia, this dazzling bird certainly lives up to its name and is one of the most colorful creatures in the animal kingdom.

 

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Resplendent quetzal - One of the most beautiful birds featured in this gallery, the quetzal is found in the tropical forests of Central America. The national bird of Guatemala, this species is classified as near threatened due to habitat loss.

 

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Hoopoe - This handsome bird is widespread and is often spotted on golf courses throughout southern Spain and Portugal.

 

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Hyacinth macaw - Native to central and eastern South America, this is the largest parrot by length in the world. And like many of its species, the hyacinth macaw is blessed with vibrant plumage.

 

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Atlantic puffin - This comical-looking sea bird feeds mainly on fish, and its bright red feet and colorful beak are its most distinctive features. This is the only species of penguin found in the Atlantic Ocean.

 

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Common kIngfisher - This sleek, super-fast bird is distinguished by its brilliant green-blue coat. It's widely distributed across Eurasia and North Africa.

 

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Malabar pied hornbill - Common in India and Sri Lanka, this large bird is easily recognized due to the unique shape of its beak. Some indigenous tribes believe that possessing a skull from the Malabar pied hornbill attracts wealth.

 

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Rainbow lorikeet - A species of parrot found in Australia, this dazzling bird certainly lives up to its name and is one of the most colorful creatures in the animal kingdom.

Wow lucky Australia got so impressive looking bird.

 

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Northern cardinal - Found as far north as southern Canada and as far south as Guatemala, it's the male northern cardinal that has the characteristic salmon-colored coat.

 

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Grey crowned crane - Native to eastern and southern India, these graceful birds birds boast a crown of stiff golden feathers.

 

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Curl-crested aracari - A resident of the Amazon rain forest, this large bird is known for its curly crest of feathers, as if recently permed at the local hairdressers.

 

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Indian peacock -

Instantly recognized for its extraordinary train of eye-spotted feathers, the peafowl (to give its correct name) is found around the world, often roaming wild in zoological gardens. Show-off, or what?

 

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D'Arnaud's barbet - The bristles that fringe its bill give this small East African bird its name (barbet). It nests in tunnels burrowed out from the ground.

 

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European bee-eater - This bird loves to feasts on bees, but also snaps up other insects. Found in southern Europe and in parts of North Africa, it is a richly colored species, as are most other bee-eaters.

 

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Lilac-breasted roller - This technicolor bundle is known for its array of color, hues that include turquoise, green, black, lilac, blue, and white. It's extremely agile and aerobatic in the air.

 

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Inca tern - Both male and female of the species sport a white mustache—a unique feature of this seabird that's found along the coasts of Peru and Chile.

 

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Splendid fairywren - A resident of Australia, this is one of the most peculiar birds in the country. Only males have this vibrant blue plumage, and only when breeding. Otherwise both male and female are rather drab in hue.

 

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Long-tailed widowbird - Resembling an elaborate kite in flight, adult breeding males are distinguished by white and orange shoulders. The bird is a resident in several African countries, including Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, and Swaziland.