Exotic Birds | List of 25+ Exotic Birds and Fun Facts about Them
Understanding Exotic Birds Our planet hosts a remarkable array of avian species. While some birds are part of our daily encounters, others remain relatively unfamiliar, only observable in designated conservation areas such as zoos, nature reserves, or through documentaries. These less familiar avian species are often categorized as exotic birds.
In this post, we aim to introduce you to the world of exotic birds, offering a comprehensive list of their names and shedding light on some of the better-known species, along with a few lesser-known ones, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of these remarkable creatures.
Exotic Birds
What Are Exotic Birds?
Exotic birds, in general, are non-native species observed outside their natural habitats. Often characterized by their stunning beauty, these avian wonders typically originate from the lush rainforests of Australia, Latin America, or Africa. Additionally, there are selectively bred bird varieties that fall under the category of exotic avifauna.
List of Exotic Birds
- Bird of paradise
- Canaries
- Chickens
- Cockatoos
- Crowned crane
- Golden pheasant
- Goldfinches
- Gould diamond
- Guinea fowl
- Hens
- Hoopoes
- Lories
- Macaws
- Nymph cockatoo
- Parakeets
- Parrots
- Pheasants
- Pigeons
- Quails
- Quetzal
- Rainbow lorikeet
- Red macaw
- Red-cheeked cordon bleu
- Toucan
- Trochilids
- Turkeys
- Turtledoves
- Woodpecker
There are over 6,500 species of birds classified as exotic, distributed among various types:
Psittaciformes: This order encompasses 87 genera and 375 species, including macaws, parakeets, parrots, cockatoos, and lories. Passeriformes: Representing the largest bird group, this order boasts more than 5,700 identified species. It includes songbirds recognized for their melodious calls, such as canaries, hoopoes, and goldfinches. Columbiformes: Comprising 334 species, this order includes pigeons, turtledoves, and birds with similar morphological traits. Galliformes: With 284 species, this order consists of birds like chickens, hens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, and pheasants. Piciformes: This order of piciform birds is composed of seven families, 67 genera, and 339 species, featuring birds such as toucans and woodpeckers. Trochiliformes: This order is represented by a single family, that of the hummingbirds. Trochilids are distinguished from other birds by the unique structure of their wings and bones.
Exotic Birds and Fascinating Facts
Discover some of the world’s most exotic birds and intriguing details about each species:
- Rainbow Lorikeet
- Native to Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia.
- Renowned for its vibrant colors, predominantly green, blue, and orange.
- Thrives in tropical rainforests, coastal forests, and wooded areas.
- Golden Pheasant
- Originating from the Asian continent, it holds cultural significance in China.
- Distinguished by its brilliant plumage featuring white and yellow hues complementing its reddish chest.
- Quetzal
- The resplendent quetzal is often regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful birds.
- Inhabits tropical and mountainous forests in Central America, with a diet that includes fruits, insects, lizards, and small creatures.
- Bird of Paradise
- A medium-sized bird renowned for its striking beauty.
- Originating in New Guinea, its colors span from red to blue, depending on its specific habitat.
- Toucan
- A migratory bird found in regions spanning from southern Mexico to Colombia and Venezuela.
- Known for its large, colorful beak and striking appearance.
- Gouldian Finch
- A striking tropical bird native to Australia, measuring approximately 12 centimeters.
- Admired for its diverse and vibrant plumage.
- Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu
- Originating from Africa, it measures up to 11 centimeters in length.
- Typically adorned with blue and brown hues and features a pinkish beak. It dwells in savannahs.
- Red Macaw
- A large, brightly colored bird hailing from South America and eastern Panama.
- Prefers mountainous forests and tropical jungle environments. Known for its friendly nature.
- Nymph Cockatoo
- The smallest among Australian cockatoos, measuring 25 to 33 centimeters in length and weighing about 100 grams.
- Sporting gray plumage, with exceptions, and distinctive orange spots on the sides of their faces. Often kept as pets.
- Crowned Crane
- Indigenous to Africa, with a preference for the continent’s more humid regions.
- Notable for the unique golden crest atop its head and a distinctive behavior of perching on tree branches.