Green birds dazzle with their vibrant plumage, showcasing shades from shimmering emerald to soft olive that mirror the lushness of forests and jungles. Their feathers, often iridescent or subtly muted, blend seamlessly with foliage or stand out in tropical canopies, creating a stunning visual effect. These birds, found across diverse habitats, embody nature’s artistry with their vivid green hues.
The green coloration of these birds serves multiple purposes, from camouflage among dense leaves to attracting mates with brilliant displays. Some sport glossy, metallic sheens that catch sunlight, while others have understated, earthy tones that harmonize with their surroundings. This range of green shades makes them a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
From tiny, agile species to larger, boisterous ones, green birds vary in size and shape, each with unique markings like colorful crowns or contrasting tails. Their forms range from sleek and streamlined to robust and stocky, adding to their diverse appeal. The green plumage often accentuates intricate patterns, enhancing their charm.
In habitats spanning rainforests, wetlands, and urban gardens, these birds thrive, their green feathers blending with or standing out against their environments. Whether flitting through dense canopies or perching in open woodlands, their vibrant hues create a sense of connection to the natural world, captivating observers.
Green Birds
Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris)
The Collared Sunbird is a petite bird with a glossy green back and head, shimmering with an iridescent sheen in sunlight. Its throat and upper chest glow with a metallic green hue, while a yellow belly adds a warm contrast. Measuring about 4 inches long, its slender, curved bill and compact frame give it a delicate, jewel-like appearance. The vibrant green plumage makes this sunbird a sparkling gem. Native Area: Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa, in woodlands and gardens.
Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea)
The Green Imperial Pigeon boasts a soft, metallic green back, wings, and tail, with a grayish-pink head and underparts. Its large, 16-inch body and rounded tail give it a stately, elegant look. The subtle green sheen on its feathers catches the light, creating a serene yet striking presence. Native Area: South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines, in lowland and hill forests.
Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus)
The Red-billed Parrot sports a vibrant green body with olive-green wings and a bright red bill that stands out vividly. Its face features subtle blue markings, adding depth to its plumage. Measuring about 11 inches long, this parrot’s compact form and glossy green feathers make it a lively presence. Native Area: Andes of South America, from Venezuela to Bolivia, in cloud forests and montane woodlands.
Green-backed Trogon (Trogon viridis)
The Green-backed Trogon is a stunning bird with a glossy green back, head, and chest, contrasted by a white undertail with black barring. Males feature a vibrant blue orbital ring, while females are slightly duller. Its 12-inch frame and long, square tail give it an elegant silhouette. The shimmering green plumage makes it striking. Native Area: Amazon Basin, from Brazil to Bolivia and Paraguay, in lowland rainforests.
Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis)
The Olive-backed Sunbird is a tiny bird with an olive-green back and wings, paired with a grayish-white belly in females. Males boast an iridescent green throat that flashes in sunlight. Measuring about 4.3 inches long, its slender, curved bill and petite frame add to its delicate charm. Native Area: Southeast Asia, from southern China to Australia, in forests, mangroves, and urban gardens.
Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis)
The Green Magpie is a striking bird with a vivid green body, red bill, and black eye mask framed by white markings. Its long, graduated tail and 15-inch length give it a sleek, dramatic look. The bright green plumage, often tinged with blue, makes it dazzling. Native Area: Himalayas to Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, and Malaysia, in dense forests and bamboo thickets.
Green-cheeked Parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae)
The Green-cheeked Parakeet features a bright green body with a darker green face and maroon tail. Its cheeks are accented with subtle red markings, and its grayish bill adds contrast. Measuring about 10 inches long, this parakeet’s vibrant green feathers make it a lively presence. Native Area: South America, from Bolivia to Brazil and Argentina, in forests and woodlands.
Emerald-chinned Hummingbird (Abeillia abeillei)
The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird is a tiny jewel with a glossy green back and crown, shimmering with iridescent flecks. Its white throat, bordered by a small emerald patch, adds a delicate touch. Measuring about 3 inches long, its needle-like bill and rapid wingbeats create a sparkling effect. Native Area: Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama, in cloud forests and forest edges.
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus)
The Green-tailed Towhee sports an olive-green back and wings, paired with a grayish body and a rufous crown. Its white throat and black-streaked face add contrast to its 7-inch frame. The muted green plumage blends with shrubby habitats, giving it a subtle charm. Native Area: Western North America, from the United States to northern Mexico, in scrublands and montane shrubbery.
Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus)
The Blue-headed Parrot is a vibrant bird with a green body and a striking blue head that contrasts with its red undertail coverts. Its 11-inch length and hooked gray bill give it a robust look. The glossy green feathers make it eye-catching. Native Area: Central and South America, from Costa Rica to Brazil and Bolivia, in rainforests and savannas.
Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus)
The Green-rumped Parrotlet is a tiny parrot with a bright green body, darker green wings, and a blue rump in males. Its 5-inch frame and short, pointed tail add to its compact charm. The vibrant green plumage makes it a pocket-sized gem. Native Area: Northern South America, from Venezuela to Brazil, in grasslands, forests, and savannas.
Olive Sparrow (Arremonops rufivirgatus)
The Olive Sparrow features a muted olive-green back and wings, paired with a gray head and brown streaks on its face. Its 6-inch frame and conical bill give it an earthy look. The olive-green plumage blends with dense thickets, creating a subtle presence. Native Area: Central America, from southern Texas to Costa Rica, in scrublands and thickets.
Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus)
The Green Violetear is a hummingbird with a glossy green body and vibrant, iridescent violet patches on its cheeks. Its 4.5-inch frame and straight black bill add to its sleek form. The shimmering green plumage sparkles with every flutter. Native Area: Central and South America, from Mexico to Bolivia, in highland forests and gardens.
White-bellied Emerald (Amazilia candida)
The White-bellied Emerald is a small hummingbird with a glossy green back, crown, and sides, contrasted by a snowy white belly. Its 3.5-inch frame and short, straight bill give it a delicate look. The bright green plumage sparkles in sunlight. Native Area: Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama, in forests and clearings.
Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)
The Green Peafowl is a majestic bird with a metallic green neck, chest, and back, accented by a shimmering blue-green train in males. Its 6-foot length (including the tail) and ornate crest give it a regal appearance. The vibrant green plumage is stunning. Native Area: Southeast Asia, from Myanmar to Java, in forests and grasslands.
Green Aracari (Pteroglossus viridis)
The Green Aracari is a small toucan with a glossy green back, wings, and tail, contrasted by a yellow belly and black throat. Its 12-inch frame and colorful, serrated bill add to its playful look. The vibrant green plumage is eye-catching. Native Area: South America, from Venezuela to Brazil, in rainforest canopies.
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
The Green Heron is a compact, stocky bird with a velvet-green back that shimmers in sunlight, paired with a rich chestnut neck and breast. Its dark cap, often raised into a short crest, adds a distinctive flair. Measuring about 18 inches long with a 26-inch wingspan, this heron has slender yellow legs and a sharp, dagger-like bill. The deep green plumage blends seamlessly with wetland vegetation, creating a striking yet subtle presence.
Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
The Turquoise-browed Motmot is a striking bird with a glossy green back and wings, accented by a vibrant turquoise eyebrow and crown. Its black face mask and long, racket-shaped tail with blue-green tips add a dramatic flair. Measuring about 13 inches long, its compact body and bright green plumage make it a dazzling presence. Native Area: Central America, from southern Mexico to Costa Rica, in forests, woodlands, and gardens.
Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis)
The Red-shouldered Macaw, also known as Hahn’s Macaw, boasts a bright green body with vibrant red shoulder patches and blue wingtips. Its white face and small, curved black beak give it a charming, compact look at 12 inches long. The glossy green feathers create a lively, colorful appearance. Native Area: South America, from Venezuela to Brazil and Bolivia, in savannas and forest edges.
Green-tailed Jacamar (Galbula galbula)
The Green-tailed Jacamar is a slender bird with a glossy green back, head, and chest, paired with a white throat and rufous belly. Its long, thin bill and 8-inch length give it a sleek, elegant form. The shimmering green plumage catches the light, making it a jewel-like sight. Native Area: Northern South America, from Colombia to Brazil, in lowland rainforests and river edges.
Green-winged Saltator (Saltator similis)
The Green-winged Saltator features an olive-green back and wings, with a gray head and buffy underparts. Its stout, conical bill and 8-inch frame give it a robust yet understated look. The muted green plumage blends with forest undergrowth, creating a subtle charm. Native Area: South America, from Brazil to Argentina, in forests and shrubby areas.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps)
The Violet-crowned Hummingbird sports a glossy green back and sides, contrasted by a striking violet crown in males and a white belly. Its 4-inch frame and straight, black bill add to its delicate form. The shimmering green plumage sparkles in sunlight, making it a radiant gem. Native Area: Southwest United States to Central America, in arid scrublands and oak woodlands.
Green-naped Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)
The Green-naped Lorikeet is a vibrant parrot with a bright green body, red forehead, and blue face. Its orange beak and 10-inch length give it a bold, colorful look. The glossy green feathers, accented by vivid facial markings, make it a striking presence. Native Area: Southeast Asia to Australia, including Indonesia and New Guinea, in rainforests and coastal woodlands.
Green-backed Sparrow (Arremonops chloronotus)
The Green-backed Sparrow features a muted olive-green back and wings, with a gray head and white throat. Its 6-inch frame and short, conical bill give it an earthy, compact appearance. The green plumage blends seamlessly with dense undergrowth, creating a subtle beauty. Native Area: Central and South America, from Mexico to Ecuador, in forest understories and thickets.
Emerald-bellied Puffbird (Nystalus radiatus)
The Emerald-bellied Puffbird is a plump bird with a glossy green back and wings, contrasted by a rufous belly and grayish head. Its large, rounded head and 7-inch frame give it a quirky, almost comical look. The vibrant green plumage adds a lively touch. Native Area: Central and South America, from Panama to Ecuador, in lowland rainforests.
Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula)
The Green-crowned Brilliant is a hummingbird with a glossy green body and a glittering emerald crown in males. Its white throat patch and 5-inch frame add to its elegant form. The shimmering green plumage, catching light with every hover, makes it a dazzling sight. Native Area: Central and South America, from Costa Rica to Ecuador, in cloud forests and montane areas.
Short-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon poortmani)
The Short-tailed Emerald is a tiny hummingbird with a glossy green back, crown, and sides, paired with a white belly. Its 3.5-inch frame and short, straight bill give it a delicate look. The bright green plumage sparkles, making it a radiant jewel. Native Area: Northern South America, from Colombia to Venezuela, in forests and savannas.
Green-throated Carib (Eulampis holosericeus)
The Green-throated Carib is a hummingbird with a glossy green back and a shimmering emerald throat in males. Its curved black bill and 5-inch length add to its sleek form. The vibrant green plumage, paired with a black belly, creates a striking contrast. Native Area: Caribbean islands, from Puerto Rico to Grenada, in forests and gardens.
Green-backed Firecrown (Sephanoides sephaniodes)
The Green-backed Firecrown is a hummingbird with a glossy green back and crown, accented by a fiery red throat in males. Its 4-inch frame and needle-like bill add to its delicate form. The shimmering green plumage makes it a dazzling sight. Native Area: Southern South America, from Chile to Argentina, in temperate forests and shrublands.
Green-barred Woodpecker (Colaptes melanochloros)
The Green-barred Woodpecker features a green back and wings, with a barred pattern and a red crown in males. Its 11-inch frame and chisel-like beak give it a robust look. The green plumage, accented by black barring, creates a striking appearance. Native Area: South America, from Brazil to Argentina, in woodlands and savannas.
Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna)
The Green-tailed Trainbearer is a hummingbird with a glossy green back and a long, forked tail that trails elegantly. Its 6-inch length (including the tail) and straight bill add to its graceful form. The shimmering green plumage sparkles in sunlight. Native Area: Andes of South America, from Colombia to Bolivia, in highland forests and grasslands.
Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas)
The Green Jay dazzles with a lime-green body, yellow tail feathers, and a vibrant blue and black head. Its back, wings, and tail glow with a yellowish-green hue, making it a standout in open woodlands. Smaller than other jays, it has a thick, straight bill and a rounded tail, giving it a sturdy yet elegant look. The bright green plumage and colorful head make this jay a lively, eye-catching delight.
Green Parakeet (Psittacara holochlorus)
The Green Parakeet, also known as the Mexican Green Conure, is a long, slim parrot with a predominantly green body that shades to a paler yellowish-green on its underparts. Its cheeks and throat feature subtle red speckling, and its light orange bill adds a soft contrast. Just smaller than an American Crow, this parrot’s vibrant green feathers and sleek form make it a lively presence in flocks.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny jewel with dark green feathers covering its wings and back, shimmering with a metallic sheen. Males sport a brilliant red throat that gleams in sunlight, while females have a whitish-gray belly. Measuring about 3.5 inches long, its petite frame, pointy bill, and rapid wingbeats create a dazzling display. The green plumage blends with foliage, making it a sparkling gem.
Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
The Green Kingfisher is a small, vibrant bird with a glossy dark green head, back, and wings, accented by white markings on the wings and tail. Its white chin, collar, and belly are laced with black patches, and its long, straight black bill adds a sleek touch. Measuring about 7.5 inches long, this kingfisher’s shimmering green plumage and compact form make it a stunning sight along rivers.
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)
The Violet-green Swallow dazzles with its mossy green head and blue-green back, complemented by a violet rump and white cheeks. Its long wings extend past its short tail, giving it a graceful, streamlined look. Measuring about 5.2 inches long, this swallow’s iridescent green plumage shimmers in sunlight, creating a vibrant contrast with its white underparts.
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina)
The Tennessee Warbler is a small songbird with a yellowish-green or olive body, a gray head, and whitish or yellowish underparts. Its compact 4.7-inch frame features a slender bill and subtle black streaking on the sides. The olive-green back blends seamlessly with forest foliage, while the gray head adds a soft contrast, making it a delicate presence in woodlands.
Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
The Rose-ringed Parakeet, also called the Ring-necked Parakeet, boasts bright green plumage with a yellowish underside and a vibrant green back, wings, and tail. Males feature a rose-pink and black ring around their necks, while females are plainer but equally vivid. Their orange-reddish beaks and 16-inch length give them a bold, elegant look.
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)
The Painted Bunting’s females and young males, known as “greenies,” are cloaked in solid green plumage, with a bright, olive-green body that blends into shrubby habitats. Measuring about 5.5 inches long, their compact form and soft green feathers create a serene, understated beauty, contrasting with the males’ vibrant blue, red, and green mix.
Red-lored Amazon (Amazona autumnalis)
The Red-lored Amazon is a tropical parrot with a bright green body, accented by a red forehead and yellow markings around the face. Its wings and tail feature subtle blue and green shades, adding depth to its vibrant plumage. Measuring about 13 inches long, this parrot’s bold green feathers and colorful head make it a striking rainforest inhabitant.
Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii)
The Green-breasted Mango is a hummingbird with a glossy green body and a vibrant, iridescent green throat in males. Its black bill and orange tail add striking contrasts, while females are slightly duller with white underparts. Measuring about 4.7 inches long, this hummingbird’s shimmering green plumage makes it a dazzling sight in tropical forests.
Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus)
The Great Green Macaw is a stunning parrot with a lime-green neck and breast, cerulean blue wings, and a crimson forehead. Its large, hooked black beak and white cheeks add to its bold appearance. Measuring up to 33 inches long, this macaw’s vibrant green plumage and colorful accents make it a majestic presence in tropical forests.
Olive-throated Parakeet (Eupsittula nana)
The Olive-throated Parakeet sports a muted olive-green body with a brighter green face and darker green wings. Its short, pointed tail and pale grayish bill add a subtle contrast. Measuring about 9.5 inches long, this parakeet’s understated green plumage blends with forest canopies, giving it a sleek, unobtrusive charm.
Shining Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes lucidus)
The Shining Honeycreeper is a tiny bird with a glossy, emerald-green body in females, while males sport a mix of green and blue with a black throat. Its slender, curved bill and compact 4-inch frame make it a delicate jewel. The shimmering green plumage catches the light, creating a vibrant glow in tropical forests.
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)
The Green-winged Teal is a small duck with a mottled brown body and a striking green patch on its wings, visible in flight. Males have a chestnut head with a green eye stripe, while females are plainer but retain the green wing flash. Measuring about 14 inches long, this teal’s green accents add a subtle vibrancy to its compact form.
Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus)
The Emerald Toucanet boasts a vibrant green body with a bright green throat and a large, multicolored bill featuring shades of yellow and black. Its short tail and compact 12-inch frame give it a stocky, colorful look. The glossy green plumage makes this toucanet a stunning presence in misty cloud forests.
Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
The Green Woodpecker is a robust bird with a bright green back, wings, and crown, accented by a yellow rump and red cap in males. Its sturdy, chisel-like beak and 13-inch length give it a bold appearance. The green plumage blends with grassy woodlands, making it a striking yet camouflaged sight.
Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota)
The Amazonian Motmot features a green back and wings, with a blue-green crown and a black eye mask outlined in turquoise. Its long, racket-shaped tail and 18-inch length add elegance. The green plumage, blending with forest undergrowth, creates a vibrant yet subtle presence in tropical habitats.
Green-headed Tanager (Tangara seledon)
The Green-headed Tanager is a small bird with a brilliant turquoise-green head and back, accented by a black face and orange underparts. Its compact 5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a jewel-like appearance. The shimmering green plumage makes it a dazzling sight in rainforest canopies.
Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
The Green Ibis is a wading bird with glossy, dark green plumage that shimmers bronze in sunlight. Its long, curved bill and slender legs add to its graceful 22-inch form. The deep green feathers, paired with a subtle sheen, create a striking, almost mystical appearance in swampy habitats.
Military Macaw (Ara militaris)
The Military Macaw is a large parrot with a bright green body, red forehead, and blue-tipped wings. Its massive, curved black beak and 28-inch length give it a commanding presence. The vibrant green plumage, accented by colorful highlights, makes it a bold, majestic bird in tropical forests.
Red-tailed Parrot (Amazona brasiliensis)
The Red-tailed Parrot sports a green body with a red forehead, purple throat, and red-tipped tail. Its hooked gray bill and 14-inch length add to its robust look. The bright green feathers, contrasted by vivid facial markings, create a striking appearance in coastal forests.
Emerald Tanager (Tangara florida)
The Emerald Tanager is a tiny bird with a glossy emerald-green body, accented by a black face and yellow markings. Its 4.5-inch frame and short, conical bill give it a delicate look. The shimmering green plumage makes it a radiant gem flitting through tropical forest canopies.
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
The Green Honeycreeper features a vibrant green body in females, with males sporting a turquoise-green hue and a black head. Its slender, curved bill and 5-inch length add elegance. The glossy green feathers catch the light, creating a sparkling effect in humid forests.
White-cheeked Turaco (Tauraco leucotis)
The White-cheeked Turaco boasts a glossy green body, crimson crest, and white cheek patches. Its rounded wings, long tail, and 16-inch length give it a regal look. The vibrant green plumage, paired with bold accents, makes it a stunning sight in African forests.
Green Catbird (Ailuroedus crassirostris)
The Green Catbird is a stocky bird with a rich olive-green body, spotted white underparts, and a pale bill. Its 12-inch frame and short tail give it a compact, robust look. The green plumage blends with rainforest foliage, creating a subtle yet striking presence.
Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)
The Emerald Dove is a small pigeon with a glossy emerald-green back and wings, accented by a grayish head and pinkish breast. Its 10-inch length and slender bill add elegance. The shimmering green feathers make it a delicate, jewel-like bird in forest undergrowth.
Shining Sunbird (Cinnyris habessinicus)
The Shining Sunbird’s females have a dull olive-green body, while males boast iridescent green upperparts with a metallic sheen. Its tiny 4-inch frame and long, curved bill give it a delicate look. The green plumage sparkles in sunlight, making it a vibrant forest gem.
Green Broadbill (Calyptomena viridis)
The Green Broadbill is a plump bird with a bright green body, darker green wings, and a tufted forehead. Its wide, flat bill and 6-inch length give it a quirky look. The glossy green plumage blends with forest canopies, creating a charming, almost cartoonish appearance.
Spectacled Parrotlet (Forpus conspicillatus)
The Spectacled Parrotlet is a tiny parrot with a bright green body, blue eye patches in males, and a yellowish face. Its 5-inch frame and short, pointed tail add to its compact charm. The vibrant green feathers make it a lively, pocket-sized gem in tropical forests.
Green Oriole (Oriolus flavocinctus)
The Green Oriole sports an olive-green body with a yellowish belly and grayish head. Its 10-inch length and slender, red bill give it a sleek look. The green plumage blends with forest foliage, creating a subtle yet elegant presence in tropical woodlands.
Green-backed Firecrown (Sephanoides sephaniodes)
The Green-backed Firecrown is a hummingbird with a glossy green back and crown, accented by a fiery red throat in males. Its 4-inch frame and needle-like bill add to its delicate form. The shimmering green plumage makes it a dazzling sight in temperate forests.