Results: Color Me Purple

Costa's hummingbird males have a purple head and gorget. They're tiny desert hummingbirds of southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and southwestern Mexico. Many hummingbirds have interesting mating displays, but Costa's hummingbird males put on a truly dazzling display in pursuit of mates. Are you familiar with these hummingbirds?

Costa's hummingbirds are not the only hummers with purple-hued heads. The violet sabrewing features brilliant colors including blues, greens, and magnificent purples on their chests, backs, and heads. To see violet sabrewings, you'll have to travel to Central America. Before today's survey, have you ever heard of violet sabrewings?

For a look at a truly purple starling, we turn to the male violet-backed starling. The male sports bright purple plumage on much of its body, including its head. The only member of the Cinnyricinclus genus, violet-backed starlings reside in sub-Saharan Africa. Are you familiar with violet-backed starlings?

Purple gallinules live mostly in the wetlands of South America, the Caribbean, and Central America, though their range includes parts of the southeastern United States as well. The purple feathers of these birds stretch from their bellies up through their necks and heads, where they have bright yellow and red bills and a light blue forehead. Have you ever seen a purple gallinule?

Unlike the bright, shiny purple of some other birds, the male varied bunting's purple might appear in a more muted shade, flanked by red patches on their heads and throats. Most of the varied bunting's range is in Mexico, extending slightly into the Southwestern United States. Are you familiar with varied bunting?