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

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Magnificent bird-of-paradise - Singular in looks and in plumage decoration, this is indeed a magnificent bird. It's noted for its sickle-like central tail plumes.

 

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Wilson's bird-of-paradise -

Another bird-of-paradise with sensational curved tail feathers is this one. Pictured is the male, with its naked blue head—so vivid it's visible at night!

 

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Red-bearded bee-eater - This delicate, predominantly green bee-eater is nonetheless named for its facial coloration, which makes it look like it's spilled wine down its front.

 

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Lady Gouldian finch - Also known as the rainbow finch for obvious reasons, the finch is in fact named after a man, the British ornithological artist John Gould (1804–1881) though he was often assisted by his wife, Elizabeth.

 

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Mandarin duck - Native to East Asia but today seen in open water across many parts of the world, this good-looking duck represents peace, affection, and fidelity in China, Korea, and Japan.

 

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Red-necked tanager - This dainty South American bird is tricolor in appearance, with an orange scarf wrapped around what appears to be a very cold crown.

 

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Spangled cotinga - Living high up in the Amazon rain forest canopy, these amazing bright-turquoise birds with their wine-red throats are rarely seen.

 

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Crimson rosella - This small but vibrant parrot is regularly spotted in the mountain forests and gardens of southeastern Australia and New Zealand.

 

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American purple gallinule -

A leggy beauty found in the southeastern states of the US, parts of Mexico and Central America, as well as in the Caribbean, this swamphen is named after its shimmering purple-blue plumage.

 

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Painted bunting - Only the male of this native North American species sports this exceptionally beautiful mix of colors. It's not called a painted bunting for nothing!

 

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Scarlet-chested parakeet - Despite its bright colors, this little charmer is secretive and easily overlooked. Head for Australia's Great Victoria Desert for a chance of spotting one of these shy creatures.

 

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Paradise tanager - Brilliantly multicolored, these delightful songbirds call the Amazon Basin home.

 

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Yellow-collared lovebird -

Does it get more romantic than this? These oh-so-pretty members of the parrot family simply melt your heart. They are native to northeast Tanzania.

 

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Violet-crowned woodnymph - Speaking of romance, this gleaming woodnymph is bound to catch your eye with its violet crown, shiny green throat, and blue-black tail.

 

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Turquoise-browed motmot - Another exotic bird with a tail to tell, this Central American native has tail feathers shaped like rackets, which it uses in a wonderful wag display during courtship.

 

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Indian pitta -

Even the keenest ornithologist will need a sharp eye to spy this jazzy little bird. It tends to hide in the undergrowth, foraging on insects in leaf litter.

 

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Rainbow bee-eater -

Sleek and psychedelic, this is the only species of bee-eater found in Australia.

 

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Nicobar pigeon - Who said pigeons were only gray and drab? The nicobar's incandescent plumage radiates a metallic copper-green hue. You'll have to travel to the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands, or Malay Archipelago to admire it.

 

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Stork billed kingfisher -

The stork-billed kingfisher takes no prisoners! If you end up skewered on the end of that crimson club-like bill, you're chick feed.