Last Updated on September 7, 2022 by prince lucky
The world has so many beautiful creatures, but we can’t ignore the fact that some animals are more colorful than others. These colorful animals are not just colorful – they also hold an important place in our list of the most endangered species on Earth. As such, we need to know as much about them as possible if we want to preserve their existence and save them from extinction. So let’s look at 10 of the most colorful animals on Earth!
10 most colorful animals on Earth.
1. Rainbow Lorikeet
Lorikeets live in flocks in Australia and New Guinea. There are more than 20 different lorikeet species. Still, all have bright, beautiful plumage and live together in large groups called flocks. Rainbow lorikeets gather red, orange, yellow, green and blue pigments from flowers for their feathers to make them extra vibrant. Their colours serve as visual markers that help members of their flock recognize each other.
2. Scarlet Macaw
If you’re lucky enough to see one of these brilliant birds in person, you won’t forget it. Large parrots like macaws and cockatoos have vividly colored feathers to attract mates and impress rivals. The striking blue-and-yellow plumage of male Scarlet Macaws (Ara Macao) – seen here perched on a branch in Costa Rica – helps them maintain their harems (groups).
3. Indian Peacock
Peacocks are known for their striking tail feathers, which, unlike other bird feathers, are iridescent. This colouring helps them attract mates—not to mention their attention. It also makes them rather visible when they take flight in tropical forests throughout Southeast Asia and India. They’re one of just four species (of roughly 10,000 total) that have such spectacular plumage, so it should be no surprise that some groups have worshipped peacocks throughout history.
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4. Chameleon
Yes, it’s true—the chameleon actually can change its colour! Chameleons are slow-moving reptiles native to Africa, Madagascar and southern Europe. Most species sport vibrant colour patterns (for camouflage) and range in size from 3 to 28 inches long. Some believe chameleons change colour to communicate with other chameleons. However, scientists are still unsure about why these reptiles do it.
5. Mandrill
This species of primate has blue, black and orange fur. You’ll find them in rainforests and protected areas throughout West Africa. The mandrill is in danger as its habitat shrinks at an alarming rate. However, it remains an important cultural symbol for indigenous peoples. For example, women wear masks similar to these monkeys during ceremonies and rituals throughout Central Africa.
6. Gouldian Finch
Gouldian finches are native to Australia and are one of our planet’s brightest birds. They’re so brightly coloured that naturalists consider them living flowers. The bird above can be found in Australia’s northern and southern regions. (via Audubon)
7. Red Panda
The red panda ( Ailurus fulgens), unlike other pandas, doesn’t eat bamboo but mostly eats eggs and leaves. But it has those same lovely black eye patches you see on giant pandas. They live in parts of Nepal, China and Myanmar. They are so rare that they are endangered. Experts believe only about 10,000 to 20,000 of them are left in the wild.
8. King Fisher
Brightly colored for a good reason, kingfishers like to hang out in trees and shrubs. They have excellent vision, so they fly away when you get close to them! Kingfishers look a lot like their cousin, brown thrashers. You can tell them apart by their voice, though—kingfishers have deeper voices than thrashers. You might also notice that kingfishers have no white feathers but are red all over with black wings and tails!
9. Mandarin duck
The mandarin duck, whose name reflects its striking colour, has been cultivated for nearly 1,000 years. They were initially bred in China to be kept as pets and for their meat. Today they’re raised primarily for decoration. What’s interesting about them (besides their decorative value) is that they prefer walking instead of swimming. This was originally seen as an indication that they weren’t purebred ducks—but now it’s known to be part of their personality.
10. Keel-billed toucan
The Keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) is large and colorful near the passerine bird. They have brightly colored feathered heads and necks, blue throats, and white undersides with an orange bill. Their habitat is open woodland and lowland rainforest in eastern South America, from southern Brazil to northeastern Argentina. The keel-billed toucan breeds throughout its range. It builds an unlined stick nest in a tree and lays two white eggs that hatch after 19–20 days.