Quetzal
The quetzal bird lives in humid regions of Central and South America. The Aztecs and Mayans used to view them as being “gods of air.” Male quetzals have red, green, and blue coloring to attract the females. The females have a duller shade to them as they don’t need to have vibrant colors in order to attract a mate.
Hummingbird
Hummingbirds can fly at speeds of up to 61 miles per hour and are one of the only birds that can fly backwards. They are also some of the smallest birds but have some of the most colorful colors. Due to their unique wing movements, they make a unique whirling sound whenever they fly overhead.
Flamingo
These iconic pink birds earn their color from their diet. Since they regularly eat shrimp, a dye in the shrimp causes the birds’ feathers to turn a pinkish-red color. Unlike many birds, flamingos build their nests using mud. The flamingo’s signature one-leg-up pose can be held while they are sleeping, as they don’t need to lie down.
Kiwi
Kiwis are flightless birds that are indigenous to New Zealand. They are quickly becoming endangered — only 68,000 of them are left in the world, and roughly 20 of them die each week. With their sturdy legs being a third of their body weight, the kiwi can run as quickly as a human.