10 Captivating Brown Coloured Birds

These brown coloured birds are sights to behold. Check out where they are found to see with your very own eyes their splendor colors.

House Wren

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The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a familiar backyard bird that occurs from Canada to southernmost South America. It is a small wren that lacks bold or characteristic markings. The House Wren head, nape, and back is almost uniformly brown with its throat and chest a uniform light grey. Fine brown bars appear on its flanks, tail, and wings. It has a long, thin, curved bill. Adults measure 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in) long, with a 15 cm (5.9 in) wingspan and weigh about 10 to 12 g (0.35 to 0.42 oz).

Common Myna

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The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a large, stocky starling native to southern Asia. Overall body plumage is chocolate-brown with a glossy black head and bare yellow patch behind the eye. It has a yellow bill and legs. The sexes are similar.

Oriental Turtle-Dove

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The Oriental Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) is a large, stocky dove that is very common in eastern Asia. Also known as the Rufous Turtle-dove, it has buff-brown overall with the distinctive patch of black and whitish stripes on either side of its neck. Some of the wing feathers having black centres and whitish or reddish edges. Tail is long, grey, and white-tipped. The bill and legs are red.

Black Kite

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The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized long-winged Raptor (birds of prey) with grey-brown upperparts, and faint streaks on grey-brown underparts. The plumage is dark brown, with scattered pale brown and Rufous markings, particularly on the head, neck and underparts. Head is paler than body, dark mark around the eye. The body feathers have dark shafts giving it a streaked appearance. The long tail is slightly forked and barred with darker brown. The sexes are similar. Adults can reach 55-60 cm (21.65-23.62 in) long, with a wingspan of 140-150 cm (55.11-59.05 in) and weigh 630-930 grams.

Hawaiian Owl

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The Hawaiian Owl (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) or Pueo is medium-sized owl that is endemic to Hawaii. Its feathered body is streaked with shades of brown and white. It has a big round head with buff facial disk, small ear tufts, and black bill. A dark mask surrounds large, yellow eyes. Full grown adults can reach 33-43.18 cm (13-17 in) in length. Females being slightly larger than the males. The sexes are similar.

Clay-coloured Thrush

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The Clay-coloured Thrush (Turdus grayi) is a common bird from eastern Mexico to northern Colombia. Also called Clay-coloured Robin, it is a large thrush with olive-brown upperparts, paler brown underparts and lighter on the flanks. The throat is faintly streaked. The bill is yellow-green and black-tipped. The legs are pinkish and feet are grey-black. It is 23–27 cm (9.1–10.6 in) long, and weighs 74–76 g (2.6–2.7 oz) on average. It is the national bird of Costa Rica.

Brown Noddy

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The Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus) is a very rare seabird in the New Zealand region. This medium-sized tern is brown with a white cap, a grey nape and a small white lower half-eye ring. It has a distinctive pale under-wing coverts and narrow, wedge-shaped tail. It has black legs and feet. The sexes are similar.

California Thrasher

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The California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) is a large thrasher found only in chaparral habitat in California and Baja California. It has dark brown upperparts and reddish brown underside. The bird's main distinguishable feature is its long, thick, down-curved bill. It has a finely streaked face, a dark cheek pattern and eye-line, and has dark eyes. The throat has small buff patch. it has a dark, fan-shaped tail with reddish-brown undertail coverts. It has grey-brown feet and legs. Adults measure about 30 cm (12 in) and nearly 85 g (3.0 oz).

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

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The Fulvous Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) is a large duck of shallow wetlands, widespread in the tropics of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It has mainly reddish brown plumage, long neck and dark brown wings with a silver-white stripe on the edges. It has a Rufous-brown crown and upper nape. It has long, bluish gray legs. adults measure 44–51 cm (17.3–20.1 in) in length and weigh 595–964 g (21–34 oz).

Chinese Hwamei

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The Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus) is a is a medium-sized songbird of eastern Asia. The plumage is mostly reddish-brown with dark streaks on the crown, back and throat. It has a blue-white eye ring which extends backwards as a white stripe. It has rounded wings, yellow bill, fan-shaped tail, buff-pink legs and feet. Adults measure 21 to 25 cm long. Sexes are similar.

10 Elegant and Graceful White Birds

These birds are simply elegant, graceful and dazzles in their pure white plumage. Check them out and learn interesting facts about them as well.

1. Trumpeter Swan

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Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) is the largest swan native to North America. The species preferred habitats include large rivers, lakes, and ponds. The adult Trumpeter Swan is all white in plumage with a long, straight neck. Legs, feet and wedge-shaped bill are black. Fully grown usually measure 138–165 cm (4 ft 6 in–5 ft 5 in) long and weighs typically 7–13.6 kg (15–30 lb).

2. White Tern

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White Tern (Gygis alba) is a medium-sized seabird with white overall plumage. The species is found across the tropical oceans of the world. They build their nests on coral islands, usually on trees with small branches and on rocky ledges. White terns, also called the Fairy Tern has dark eyes and black eye rings and a long black bill. It has a notched tail, blue-gray legs and blackish feet with yellow webs between the toes. Adults measure 28-33 cm long with a wingspan of 66-78 cm and weigh 100-140 g.

3. Philippine Cockatoo

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Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), also known as sometimes called the Red-vented cockatoo or Katala, is a critically endangered species of cockatoo that is endemic to the Philippines. The species are found in lowland, mangrove forests, and often seen in forest edge and open fields. This beautiful parrot has perfect creamy white plumage with red and yellow feathers around the vent. Adults have a grayish-white bill, short erectile crest, pinkish-washed ear-coverts and lores. The Philippine Cockatoo typically measures 28-33 cm (11-13 in) in length with a wingspan of 70-87 cm (27.5-34 in).

4. Great Egret

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Great Egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, is a large all-white heron widespread in North American wetland. This tall, long-legged wading bird has yellow eyes and a yellowish-orange dagger-like bill. A dazzling sight to see, the elegant Great Egret has long, S-curved neck, black legs and feet. The adult can measure 80 to 104 cm (31 to 41 in) in length and have a wingspan of 131 to 170 cm (52 to 67 in) and can weigh from 700 to 1,500 g (1.5 to 3.3 lbs).

5. American White Ibis

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American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a medium-sized wading bird found from the mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast of the United States and also occur in the Caribbean. The species habitat includes coastal freshwater, saltwater and brackish marshes, lagoons, mangrove swamps, mudflats and rice fields. This elegant and graceful bird has overall white plumage with pink facial skin, long, down-curved, bright red bill and long red legs. Adults measure 53 to 70 cm (21 to 28 in) with a 90 to 105 cm (35 to 41 in) wingspan and weighs from 592.7 to 861.3 g (1.307 to 1.899 lbs).

6. Red-tailed Tropicbird

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Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) is a medium-sized seabird that nests across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has silky white plumage, a coral red bill and a small but conspicuous black eye stripe. It has black legs and feet and white tail. The elongated tail has red central streamers.

7. Masked Booby

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Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) is a large seabird which breeds on islands in tropical oceans, except in the eastern Atlantic. The masked booby lives on the open ocean. It only comes on land to breed and raise its young. It has a white body and dark grey facemask. Pointed orange-yellow bill, a brownish-black wings and a pointed black tail. Adult measures from 74–91 cm (29–36 in) long, with a 137–165 cm (54–65 in) wingspan and weighs about 1.2–2.35 kg (2.6–5.2 lb).

8. Snowy Owl

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Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) is a large, white owl with variable black bars and spots. The elegant snowy owl is North America's only all-white owl. It is easily recognizable by its bright yellow eyes and blackish beak. Full grown measure 52–71 cm (20–28 in) long, with a 125–150 cm (49–59 in) wingspan and can weigh anywhere from 1.6 to 3 kg (3.5 to 6.6 lbs).

9. Ivory Gull

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Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) is a pure white gull which spends most of its entire life living on floating pack ice. In North America, it only breeds in the Canadian Arctic. It has black eyes, thick, blue bill with a yellow tip and black legs and feet. Adults measure 44 – 48 cm long with a 106 – 118 cm wingspan and weigh about 520 – 700 g.

10. American White Pelican

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American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is one of the largest North American seabirds. It breeds in interior North America, moving south and to the coasts, as far as Central America and South America, in winter. It has snowy white plumage with black flight feathers visible only when the wings are spread. This majestic pelican has a massive bill, a long neck, and very broad wings. Short legs, and short, square tails. An adult American white pelican measures 130–180 cm (50–70 in) long, a wingspan of about 240–300 cm (95–120 in) and weighs between 3.5 and 13.6 kg (7.7 and 30 lbs).

Meet the Seven Kingfishers Endemic to the Philippines

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 18 species occur in the Philippines. Furthermore, seven species of kingfisher are endemic to some of its islands.

If you are planning on a birding trip to the Philippines, then the country’s seven endemic kingfishers is a must-see experience. We have Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher for the major islands, Indigo-banded Kingfisher and Spotted Wood Kingfisher in Luzon, while Mindanao and its satellite islands have Silvery Kingfisher, Rufous-lored Kingfisher, and the Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher.

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1. Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher

The Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx melanurus) is a tiny, colorful, forest-dwelling kingfisher recognizable by its striking bright red bill and bright red legs. The species is found in the islands of Luzon, Polillo, Alabat, Catanduanes, Tablas, Samar, Leyte, Mindanao and Basilan. It prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The species is threatened by habitat loss.

This shy kingfisher measures 12 cm (4.72 in) and weighs 16·4 g (0.58 oz). Three subspecies are recognized, each of which differs in its range and appearance. (Ceyx melanurus melanurus) has reddish-brown plumage with washed lilac breast, rump, on the crown, and ear-coverts. A blue and white neck blaze, the throat and belly are white. The wings are glossy bluish-black, and black "V" mark on back.

(Ceyx melanurus samarensis) differs from Ceyx melanurus melanurus by having a darker back, a more lilac-washed head, and a slightly larger bill and wings. (Ceyx melanurus platenae) is larger, lacks any blue on the neck, more lilac, and less black in the wings.

2. Indigo-banded Kingfisher

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The Indigo-banded Kingfisher (Alcedo cyanopectus) is one of the most-striking kingfisher endemic to the Philippines. It is found in the islands of Luzon, Cebu, Mindoro, Negros and Panay. Its natural habitats include tropical or subtropical dry forests and tropical or subtropical mangrove forests. The species prefers clean freshwater rivers and streams where it hunts small fish, crabs and aquatic insects.

This colorful and also among the smallest kingfisher endemic to the Philippines measures 13.97 cm (5.5 in) in length. The Indigo-banded Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern.



3. Spotted Wood Kingfisher

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The Spotted-wood Kingfisher (Actenoides lindsayi) is endemic to Luzon and Negros and Panay. It is strictly a forest kingfisher found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and usually seen near bodies of water. It feeds on insects, other invertebrates as well as small vertebrates.

One of the most colorful endemic kingfishers in the Philippines, the species is sexually dimorphic (the male looks different from the female).



4. Silvery Kingfisher

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The Silvery Kingfisher (Alcedo argentata) locally called kasay-kasay is found in Samar, Leyte and Bohol. A shy and inconspicuous kingfisher, it prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. The species is threatened by habitat loss due to extensive lowland deforestation throughout its range.

This small yet distinctive kingfisher has mainly black and white plumage with silvery-white rump and blaze on back. There are two subspecies of the silvery kingfisher; (Alcedo argentata argentata) easily recognized by its black head with silvery white spots, black wings and a silvery white back; and the smaller (Alcedo argentata flumenicola) with purple-washed underparts, and a creamy-colored throat. Silvery Kingfisher measures 14 cm (5.5 in) in length.



5. Brown-breasted Kingfisher

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The Brown-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon gularis) is a large kingfisher found in the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, Panay and Samar. The species is found near coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and lakes. Adults measure 28 cm (11.02 in) long and sports bright blue back, wings and tail. Its has white neck and throat.

6. Rufous-lored kingfisher

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The Winchell's Kingfisher or the Rufous-lored Kingfisher (Todiramphus winchelli) is endemic to the Philippines widely distributed throughout the Visayas, and Mindanao. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The species is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss.

A medium-sized kingfisher, males measure 25 cm (9.8 in) long and weigh 60–64 g (2.11-2.25 oz). The male has white underparts and dark blue upperparts. A rusty-orange 'collar on the neck and shining blue on crown and rump.



7. Blue-capped Kingfisher

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The Blue-capped Kingfisher (Actenoides hombroni) is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its habitat includes undisturbed rainforest, montane and mossy forest. This species qualifies as Vulnerable because it has a small, fragmented population, which is undergoing a rapid decline due to deforestation.

The blue-capped kingfisher is a stunning bird, known for its dark purple-blue crown and ‘moustache’. Blue-green upperparts and rufous-orange cheeks and underparts. Off-white throat, rest of underparts rufous-orange. It has a distinctive dagger-shaped, red bill. Blue-green upperparts of the same colour, and a prominent, dagger-shaped, red bill. The male measures 27 cm (10.62 in) long and weighs around 108–124 g (3.80-4.27 oz).

10 Intriguing Black Birds

If I ask you to name three black birds, then without thinking you'll give these names; crow, raven and hawk. You're absolutely right. But what if I asked for a list of 10 intriguing black birds. So sure you will scratch your head. Am I right?

To help you out, here is my list of 10 intriguing black birds. Go check it out and learn some interesting facts about them as well.

Anhinga

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The Anhinga (Anhinga Anhinga), sometimes called snakebird, American darter, or water turkey, is a large, dark waterbird with long tail found in freshwater ponds and swamps in the warmer parts of the Americas. Like other darters, the Anhinga hunts by spearing fishes and other small prey using its sharp, thin beak.

It is a dark-plumaged piscivore with an S-shaped, thin neck; a long, thin, pointed bill, a long tail and yellow webbed feet. Adult measures 85 cm (33 in) in body length, a wingspan of 117 cm (46 in), and a mass of up to 1.35 kg (3.0 lb)

Anhingas are sexually dimorphic; males have brighter colors than females. Males have greenish-black plumage overall, with a cluster of silver/white feathers on his wings. They also have black crests. Females are distinguishable by their buff-tan head, neck, and upper chest.

Rusty Blackbird

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The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a medium-sized blackbird, closely related to grackles. The species forages on ground of wet forested areas, breeding in the boreal forest and muskeg across Canada and Alaska. These birds migrate to the eastern and southeastern United States. Formerly abundant, the species are experiencing rapid population decline.

Males have glossy-black plumage, a thin, pointed bill and a pale yellow eye. Females sports grayer plumage.

Adults measure 22–25 cm (8.5–9.8 in) body length, wingspan of 36 cm (14 in)and weigh 60 g (2.1 oz). The tail is around 8.5–9.45 cm (3.35–3.72 in).

Black Vulture

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The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) also known as the American black vulture, is a large raptor found in the southeastern United States to Central Chile and Uruguay in South America. The species prefers relatively open areas which provide scattered forests or shrublands.

This New World vulture has sooty black plumage, a bare grayish-black head, and wrinkled neck; a short, hooked beak, white-tipped wings, and broad, rounded wings.

Adults measure 55-68 cm (22-27 in),a wingspan of 1.3-1.5 m (4.5-5 ft), and weigh 0.9-1.8 kg (2-4 lbs).

Smooth-billed Ani

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The Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) is a medium-sized near passerine bird of the tropical savannas in the Caribbean and South America. The species prefers open fields, pastures, or marshes.

Adults have glossy black overall plumage, thick bill, short wings and long tail.

Northern phainopepla

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The Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) or Northern Phainopepla is a small, flycatcher-like bird with glossy black body found as far north as the United States and south to central Mexico. The species is considered birds of the desert scrublands, oak foothills, mesquites, and mistletoe clumps.

Males have glossy black overall plumage, distinct crest, and short, slender black bill. White wing patch, long tail and black legs and feet.

Pelagic Cormorant

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The Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), also known as Baird's cormorant, is a small, slender cormorant of the Pacific Coast found in inshore coastal waters. It breeds from the Bering Sea south to northern Baja California. It winters south of southern Alaska. It nests on sea cliffs and rocky islands. It feeds mainly on eating fish and crustaceans.

Adults have glossy black plumage with white patches on flanks. They have a long, slender neck and a dark, curved bill and a long, slender neck. Males and females look alike, though the latter is a bit smaller.

Adults measure 64-89 cm (25-35 in) long, with a wingspan of 100–121 cm (39.4–47.6 in) and weigh 1370–2440 g 1,474–2,438 g (48.3–86.1 oz ).

Great-tailed Grackle

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The Great-tailed Grackle or Mexican Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is a medium-sized, passerine bird native to North and South America. The species preferred habitats include farmland, irrigated fields, marshes, and suburban lawns.

The male Great-tailed Grackle have jet-black and purple plumage overall. Long tail, yellow eyes and black bill and legs. Females sport brownish-black feathers.

Adults measure 43 cm (18.1 in), with a wingspan of 58 cm (22.8 in), weigh 230 g (8.1 oz). Females are smaller than males.

California Condor

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The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is the largest flying bird in North America. This intriguing black bird lives in rocky, forested regions, including canyons, gorges and mountains. These excellent gliders travel widely to feed on carcasses of cattle, deer, pigs, sea lions, whales, and other animals. It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 60 years.

Adults are black with patches of white under the wings and exceptionally long and broad wings. The bare-skinned head and neck are red- orange; brownish red eyes, an ivory-colored bill, gray legs and feet. Adult coloration is reached at 6-8 years of age.

The overall length can range from 109-140 cm (43-55 in) and a wingspan from 2.49-3 m (8.2-9.8 ft). Their weight varies from 8-9 kg (18-20 lb).

Common Hill Myna

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The Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) is a common bird in hilly regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species prefers areas where rainfall and humidity are both high. It is a popular cage bird, renowned for its ability to mimic the sounds of their surroundings.

It is overall green-glossed black plumage with a prominent white wing patch. It has purple-tinged on the head and neck; bright orange bill and yellow legs and feet. Males and females are similar in appearance. This intriguing bird The averages 27-30 cm (10.62-11.81 in) in length.

Eurasian Coot

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The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) is a noisy bird found in Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of Africa. The species preferred habitats include vegetated lagoons and swamps.

The Eurasian Coot has black plumage and red bill with cream-white tip. White frontal shield, orange-red head and bright red eye.

Adults measure 32–42 cm (13–17 in) long and weigh 585–1,100 g (1.290–2.425 lb).

10 Strikingly Odd Backyard Chickens

Chickens are just great to have in a farm or backyard. Some chicken breeds are picked for their tender meat, while others are chosen for their great egg-laying traits. A number of breeds are excellent in both of those fields. But how about selecting chickens that are weird-looking!

So, if you go for the weird-looking ones, then here's a list of 10 strikingly odd backyard chicken.

Check them out, and learn a few things about them as well.

Silkie

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The Silkie is a breed of chicken named for its unusual fluffy plumage. Some breeders often called this chicken a "walking cotton ball". The breed traces its origin in ancient China. The breed features some odd qualities such as blue earlobes, black skin and bones, and five toes on each foot, whereas most chickens only have four.

Silkies are such cute chickens, since you can hardly see its eyes, and only a glimpse of its beak is visible. And yes, even a portion of its legs and feet is concealed by its silky feathers.

They are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only 1.8 kg (4 lbs) pounds, and females weighing 1.36 kg (3 lbs).

These strikingly odd chickens are often kept as ornamental fowl and are considered an ideal pet by backyard keepers. Silkies appear in two distinct varieties: Bearded and Non-bearded.

Frizzle

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The Frizzle looks as if it has just stepped out of a beauty parlor; wearing a peculiar curled or frizzled plumage. The breed is thought to have originated in Asia.

The Frizzle developed from a mutation which makes the chicken’s feathers curl upwards curve outward instead of the normal look where feathers are straight and going downward.

Some chicken breeders consider the Frizzle a totally unique breed; and are kept mostly for its ornamental value.

Araucana

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The Araucana or South American Rumpless is a breed of chicken originating in Chile. A rare chicken breed, partly due to being difficult to breed because a high percentage of the chicks die in their shells.

The Araucana breed is characterized by the feather tufts around the ears, absence of tail or rump, and the breed is known for laying blue eggs!

Onagadori

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The Onagadori known for its striking long tail, is a breed of chicken which traces its roots in Japan. These chickens can achieve tail lengths from 3.65 - 8.2 m (12 - 27 ft). Under good housing and special care, these feathers never molt, thus can continue to grow through the life of the rooster.

If you’re looking for an easy-maintenance chicken, then this breed isn't for you. Just imagine keeping their tails clean!

The Laced Polish

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The Laced Polish is a unique breed of chicken characterized by its V-shaped comb and its huge bouffant crest of feathers, which virtually covers the whole of the bird's head! It is the most popular of the crested breeds. Polish chickens come with or without beards on their faces.

The range of colors is quite extensive. The most popular are the White Crested variants: these come in black, blue and cuckoo. Originally, these funny looking chickens were bred and kept as egg laying chickens, but today the breed is primarily bred for ornamental value.

La Fleche

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The La Flèche is a rare breed of chicken whose roots originates from France. The breed's main distinguishing feature is its unusual V-shaped comb that looks like horns. Thus, this strikingly odd chicken is also called the Devil Bird!

The breed was once famous for its fine meat; but are now kept as ornamental birds.

A medium-sized chicken with black plumage, white earlobes; La Fleche also are found as bantams.

Naked Neck

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The Naked Neck, also called the Turken, is a peculiar breed of chicken that is characterized by its 'featherless' neck and vent. The breed originates from Hungary but was largely developed in Germany.

This breed has approximately half the feathers of other chickens, making it resistant to hot weather and easier to pluck.

Despite its highly odd appearance, the Naked Neck breed is not considered as an exhibition bird, but as a dual-purpose chicken. They are good layers of brown eggs, and are good for meat production.

The Naked Neck can be found in several different color variants including black, white, buff, blue, red and cuckoo.

Sultan

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The Sultan is a breed of chicken originating in Turkey. The breed has always been kept for its ornamental value. They are wonderful for show, because their "attire" is so impressive and outlandish.

Sultans have a great deal of decorative plumage, including large, puffy crests, a V-shaped comb, beards, muffs, long tails, and abundant foot feathering. The breed is also one of a few chicken breeds to have five toes on each foot.

The smallest of the large breeds of chickens, males weigh around 2.7 kilos (6 pounds) and hens 2 kilos (4 pounds. Sultans also come with bantam version.

Sultans appear in three color variants: Black, Blue, and White.

Sebright

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The Sebright is a breed of chicken named after its developer, Sir John Saunders Sebright. Sebrights are a very special breed of bantam chicken in that the males and females have exactly the same feathering. Males are devoid of the long, sickle–shaped feathers common in most roosters that appear at the tail, neck and saddle.

Furthermore, it is considered a 'true' bantam (meaning there is no standard (large) version of the breed).

There are two types of Sebright bantams; the gold-laced and the silver-laced bantam.

Ayam Cemani

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The Ayam Cemani is a relatively new and a rare breed of chicken originating in Indonesia. These chickens sport a 'completely black' appearance! Black plumage, black skin, black beak and tongue, black comb and wattles, black legs and toe nails; even their meat and internal organs appear dark black.

Ayam Cemani get their black coloring from a generic trait known as ‘fibromelanosis’, that promotes the proliferation of black pigment cells.

One of the most beautiful chickens in the world; Ayam Cemani takes ‘black’ into an entirely different realm. The breed is referred to as the “Lamborghini of poultry.”

10 Striking Purple-colored Birds

Below is a list of purple-colored birds, where the color purple/violet is the more prominent color of its plumage. It is interesting to note that most of the purple/violet colored birds seen are male species of that bird type, whereas the females of the same species may be of any other color.

Violet-Backed Starling

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The Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), also known as the plum-colored starling or amethyst starling, belongs to the family of birds classified as Sturnidae. The species is the smallest of the Southern African starlings found widely in the woodlands and savannah forest edges of mainland sub-Saharan Africa.

The sexes are sexually dimorphic; males are brilliantly colored while females appear comparatively drab. The male is brilliantly colored with a deep iridescent violet along the length of is back, wings, face and throat. It has a bright white breast and the rest of the The eyes are brown and the bill and legs are black. The female sports brown head and back; and white underparts streaked with dark brown.

Adult measures 17.8 cm (7.0 in) in length and weighs 33-56 g (1.2-2.0 oz.)

Purple Grenadier

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The Purple Grenadier (Uraeginthus ianthinogaster) is common and widespread throughout east Africa. The species is found in subtropical and tropical (lowland) and dry shrubland. Adult averages 13.3 cm (5.25 in)in length and weighs 15 - 16 g (or approx. 1/2 oz.)

These striking purple-colored birds are sexually dimorphic (the male and female look different). Both sexes have a red beak and black tail. The male has a cinnamon (upperparts) with purplish-blue feathers around the eyes; and vibrant blues (face and underparts) feathers. The female is mostly cinnamon brown; breast and belly are spotted or barred white. She also has some purple on her tail feathers.

Purple Martin

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The Purple Martin (Progne subis) is the largest North American swallow. The species' breeding range is throughout temperate North America. Purple Martins are very large, broad-chested swallows. They have a black bill, legs and feet; stout, forked bills, and long, tapered wings. Adults average 20 cm (7.9 in) long from bill to tail.

Adult males are iridescent, dark blue-purple overall with brown-black wings and tail. Adult females are gray on the head and chest with some steel blue sheen, and a whitish lower belly.

Purple Gallinule

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The Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) is a brightly colored marsh bird found in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. It is also found in Central and South America and the West Indies. The species prefers swamps, lagoons, ponds and freshwater marshes, with floating vegetation.

Adults average 26–37 cm (10–15 in) in length, with a wingspan spanning 50–61 cm (20–24 in) and weighing 141–305 g (5.0–10.8 oz.)

The adult Purple Gallinule sports a stunning purple-blue plumage with a glossy green back. It has a dark purple head, neck, and underside. Red eyes and bill with a yellow tip, white undertail coverts, and long yellow legs.

Varied Bunting

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The Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor) is a stocky, medium-sized songbird common and widespread in the southern parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States and throughout most of Mexico. These brilliantly colored birds inhabit thorn forests, streamline thickets, and scrubby woodlands.

Breeding males have purple-red body with a red nape; blue crown and rump. Wings and tail are purple-blue. Females have grayish-brown plumage overall with buff underparts.

Adults average It is 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 21 cm (8.3 in), and weighs 11–13 grams (0.39–0.46 oz).

Purple Honeycreeper

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The Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus), also called the Yellow-legged Honeycreeper, is a small bird of northern South America. This is a forest canopy species, but also occurs in cocoa and citrus plantations. The sexes are sexually dimorphic; Male and female are very different in color.

The adult male has purplish-blue plumage overall with black wings, chin throat and belly. Blue tail shows two black central feathers. It has brown eyes, and bright yellow legs. Adult female has lime green upperparts, and green-streaked yellowish-buff underparts.

Purple Honeycreeper measures 11.5 cm (4.5 in) in length long, weighs 12 g (0.42 oz).

Violet-crowned Woodnymph

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The Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica), also known as the purple-crowned woodnymph, is a medium-sized Central and South American hummingbird. The species inhabits wet lowlands and foothills up to 2500 meters (~8,200 feet). It is a small hummingbird averaging 10.2 cm (approx.4 inches)long and weighs 4.5 grams (0.16 oz).

The adult male has a violet crown, upper back, shoulders and belly. It has green throat, breast, and lower back. The female is bright green above and duller green below, with a grey throat and breast.

Purplish-mantled Tanager

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The Purplish-mantled Tanager (Iridosornis porphyrocephalus) is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitats are humid mossy rainforests, second-growth woodland, and heavily degraded forest borders.

The species average 14 cm (5.5 in) long and weigh 20-23 g (0.7-0.8 oz). It feeds on berries and insects.

Purple Starling

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The Purple Starling (Lamprotornis purpureus), also known as the purple glossy starling, is a common passerine bird common and widespread in tropical Africa. The species is typically found in scrublands, open woodlands, savannas, and cultivated areas.

Adults have a metallic purple head, crown and body. Lores are black and glossy green wings. They large yellow eyes, black beak and short tail.

Purple Starling measures around 22-27 cm (8.7-10.6 in) long, including the short tail and weighs around 91–140 g (3.7-4.9 oz).

Splendid Sunbird

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The Splendid Sunbird (Cinnyris coccinigaster) is a small passerine bird found in west and central tropical Africa. This species is a common breeder in wet savannah and woodland.

Splendid sunbirds measure 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. The species is characterized by its medium-long thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues.

The adult male has glossy purple head and a crimson breast patch. It has dark green back, black wings and tail. The female is greenish-brown above and yellowish below.