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

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Horned sungem - A South American hummingbird, the horned sungem's beautiful crown looks like a fashionable cloth cap worn back-to-front.

 

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Bohemian waxwing - A black face, distinctive crest, and patterned wings of white and bright yellow help identify this resident of the northern forests of Eurasia and North America.

 

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Baltimore oriole - This is a small migratory bird that in winter can be found in southern Mexico and in some areas of the southern US. The deep flaming orange plumage is only seen in the male of the species. Females have a yellowish head and gray wings.

 

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Victoria crowned pigeon - This is the most beautiful pigeon species in the world. Native to New Guinea, it's named in commemoration of British monarch Queen Victoria.

 

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Raggiana bird-of-paradise -

The national bird of Papua New Guinea, this remarkable creature is identified by its peach-brown body and emerald-green throat.

 

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Ribbon-tailed astrapia -

Another member of the ornamental bird-of-paradise family, the fabulous ribbon-tailed astrapia features a pair of tail feathers that can reach over 1 m (3.28 ft) in length.

 

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King bird-of-paradise -

The bird-of-paradise species is known for its elaborate courtship rituals, and the acrobatic dance of this astonishing bird is among one of the most enchanting in the animal kingdom.

 

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Greater bird-of-paradise -

Another New Guinea stunner, this is the largest member of the bird-of-paradise family.

 

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Lesser bird-of-paradise -

No less attractive is this long-tailed and equally ornamental bird-of-paradise—lesser only in name!

 

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Asian paradise flycatcher - Catching flies and other insects in paradise is what this agile species with elongated tail feathers does very well.

 

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Whiskered treeswift - Found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, this nimble bird's characteristic eye mask gives it a somewhat shifty look.

 

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Northern carmine bee-eater -

Found munching on bugs in numerous African countries, this bird looks like it's dipped its head in ink.

 

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Magnificent riflebird -

An iridescent blue-green crown and a wide triangle-shaped turquoise breast shield distinguishes the male of this species. They are found in New Guinea and Australia's Cape York Peninsula.

 

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Violet-tailed sylph -

A gorgeous member of the hummingbird family, this solitary bird astounds with razor-like azure tail feathers.

 

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Violet Sabrewing - Native to southern Mexico and Central America, this hummingbird is the largest of its species found outside South America.

 

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Wood duck - One of the most colorful North American waterfowl, the wood duck does indeed waddle around in wooded swamps and is often seen perching in trees.

 

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Blue jay - In fact several shades of blue distinguish this jaunty member of the crow family, which is native to North America.

 

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Keel-billed toucan - This is the national bird of Belize, but is much loved across all of Latin America. Just look at that bill!

 

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Chilean flamingo - Closely related to American flamingo and greater flamingo, and endowed with the same beautiful rose-pink plumage, this particular species is classified as near threatened.

 

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Scarlet macaw - Its striking plumage and worldwide appeal has made this large red, yellow, and blue Central and South American parrot one of the most popular birds on the planet.