Although birds bring many benefits to our gardens, there’s no denying that we all love seeing beautiful birds because they’re pleasing to our eyes. There’s nothing wrong with being a little selfish about it. Here are 18 of our favorite, brightly-colored birds.
If you think we’ve missed any particularly vibrant birds off the list, then make sure you let us know.
1) Northern Cardinal
Location: Central US
Habitat: Woodlands, Gardens
Rarity: Common
Latin: Cardinalis cardinalis
The Northern Cardinal, with its vivid red plumage and iconic crest, is an absolute showstopper. This bird is like a living flame, bringing warmth and vibrancy to even the coldest winter days.
It’s not just the males that are stunning; the females, in their subtle shades of brown and red, have an elegance that’s truly captivating. Every time you spot one, it feels like a gift, a small piece of nature’s artistry right in your backyard.
2) Painted Bunting
Location: Southeastern US
Habitat: Shrublands, Thickets
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Passerina Ciris
Nature’s very own palette of colors comes alive in the Painted Bunting. This small bird dazzles with a mix of blues, greens, yellows, and reds that look as though they’ve been painted on by an artist’s hand.
Witnessing one is like stumbling upon a hidden gem, a breathtaking splash of color in the greenery.
3) Scarlet Tanager
Location: Eastern US
Habitat: Deciduous Forests
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Piranga Olivacea
If there were a bird that epitomized the fiery passion of nature, it would be the Scarlet Tanager. Its deep red body contrasted with jet black wings is an arresting sight.
It’s as if a piece of the sunset decided to take flight, gracing us with its resplendent presence.
4) Blue Jay
Location: Central US
Habitat: Woodlands, Gardens
Rarity: Common
Latin: Cyanocitta Cristata
The Blue Jay is nature’s loud and proud masterpiece. Its striking blue, black, and white plumage and assertive personality make it impossible to ignore. Their intelligence and charm are just the icing on the cake for this backyard favorite.
5) Indigo Bunting
Location: Eastern US
Habitat: Open Woodlands, Fields
Rarity: Common
Latin: Passerina Cyanea
Bathed in the deepest shade of blue, the Indigo Bunting is like a piece of the night sky come to life. Its color is so pure and intense that it seems to glow, especially when the sunlight hits it just right.
It’s a mesmerizing sight that makes you believe in the magic of nature.
6) Western Tanager
Location: Western US
Habitat: Coniferous Forests
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Piranga Ludoviciana
The Western Tanager is a symphony of colors. Its radiant yellow body, contrasted with a fiery red head and black wings, looks as if it has been kissed by the setting sun. Every glance at this bird feels like a fleeting moment of wonder.
7) Green Jay
Location: South Texas
Habitat: Tropical Thickets
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Cyanocorax Yncas
The tropical spirit of the Green Jay, with its mix of green, blue, and yellow, is a testament to nature’s creativity. This bird is a burst of joy, embodying the lively essence of the regions it calls home.
Its playful antics and vibrant colors can brighten up any observer’s day.
8) Eastern Bluebird
Location: Central US
Habitat: Open Woodlands, Meadows
Rarity: Common
Latin: Sialia Sialis
A symbol of happiness and hope, the Eastern Bluebird carries the blue of the heavens on its back. Its gentle nature and soft, melodious songs make it a beloved presence in many gardens.
Its beauty is a gentle reminder of nature’s simple pleasures.
9) American Goldfinch
Location: Across US
Habitat: Open Fields, Gardens
Rarity: Common
Latin: Spinus Tristis
Dressed in the brightest yellows, the American Goldfinch is like a drop of sunshine on wings. Its cheerful demeanor and playful flights are a joy to watch. Every flutter and chirp feels like a small note of happiness being shared with the world.
10) Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Location: Eastern US
Habitat: Deciduous Forests
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Pheucticus Ludovicianus
The contrast of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak’s deep black feathers with its vibrant rose chest is truly captivating. It’s as if it wears its heart on its sleeve, proudly displaying its passionate nature for all to see.
11) Mountain Bluebird
Location: Western US
Habitat: Open Woodlands, Alpine Areas
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Sialia Currucoides
The ethereal beauty of the Mountain Bluebird, with its soft blue hues, is reminiscent of clear mountain skies. This bird embodies the serenity and majesty of the highlands it calls home. It’s a sight that can make anyone’s heart soar.
12) Baltimore Oriole
Location: Eastern US
Habitat: Open Woodlands, Gardens
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Icterus Galbula
The brilliant orange and black of the Baltimore Oriole makes it a living emblem of vitality and energy. Its melodious songs and nimble movements are a treat to the senses, making every encounter a memorable one.
13) Lazuli Bunting
Location: Western US
Habitat: Brushy Areas
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Passerina Amoena
The Lazuli Bunting’s deep blue and rich chestnut colors are a feast for the eyes. This bird is like a precious gem, its colors shimmering and changing as it moves, captivating all who are fortunate enough to see it.
14) Purple Finch
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Forests, Woodlands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Haemorhous Purpureus
The soft purples and pinks of the Purple Finch are a testament to nature’s subtlety. It’s a gentle beauty, one that grows on you over time, making every sighting feel special and intimate.
15) Red-Winged Blackbird
Location: Across US
Habitat: Marshes, Wetlands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Agelaius Phoeniceus
The stark contrast of the Red-winged Blackbird’s glossy black feathers and its fiery red shoulder patches is a sight to behold. It’s a bird that commands attention, its presence echoing the wild spirit of the marshes it inhabits.
16) Yellow Warbler
Location: Across US
Habitat: Shrublands, Marshes
Rarity: Common
Latin: Setophaga Petechia
The sunny disposition of the Yellow Warbler, with its golden-yellow plumage, is infectious. This bird is a ray of light, bringing warmth and joy wherever it goes. Its sweet songs are the perfect accompaniment to a bright summer day.
17) Bullock’s Oriole
Location: Western US
Habitat: Open Woodlands, Gardens
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Icterus Bullockii
The Bullock’s Oriole, with its mix of orange, black, and white, is a vision of elegance. Its sleek appearance and graceful movements make it a bird that’s truly a pleasure to observe.
18) Vermillion Flycatcher
Location: Southwestern US
Habitat: Open Woodlands, Fields
Rarity: Less Common
Latin: Pyrocephalus Rubinus
The fiery red of the Vermilion Flycatcher is a sight that can ignite passion in any bird lover’s heart. It’s a small bird with a big presence, its colors burning bright against the backdrop of its habitat.
Spotted Any?
Have you come across any of these? Let everybody know by commenting at the bottom of this page.
