In the beautiful state of Arkansas, a surprising array of purple birds can be found, adding a touch of vivid color to the natural landscape. While purple may not be a common hue for birds, this article highlights eight fascinating species that boast patches or feathers that appear purple under certain lighting conditions. Among these majestic creatures is the European Starling, an invasive species in the area. Additionally, Rock Pigeons reveal a captivating purple iridescence around their necks, while Purple Finch sport a head, breast, and back that range from raspberry to a vibrant purple. Purple Martins, on the other hand, exhibit a dark and iridescent plumage and utilize artificial nest boxes for their breeding colonies. Brewer’s Blackbirds shine with their glossy black feathers, subtly adorned by hints of blue, purple, and metallic green in the sunlight. Great-tailed Grackles, in their brash nature, display a mesmerizing purple and blue iridescence, often gathering in large flocks. The Little Blue Herons, with their striking purple-maroon heads and necks, stand out amidst their completely white juvenile counterparts. Finally, the awe-inspiring Purple Gallinules grace the wetlands with their beautiful purple plumage and iridescent feathers. With such a diverse and captivating collection of purple birds, Arkansas truly becomes a haven for avian enthusiasts.
European Starling
Description
The European Starling is a medium-sized songbird that is known for its beautiful iridescent plumage. While the bird itself is not entirely purple, it does have patches of purple feathers that are visible in certain lighting conditions. The bird has a glossy black body with a short tail and a slender beak. Its feathers have a metallic sheen to them, which can appear purple when the sunlight hits them just right. Overall, the European Starling is a striking bird with its purple accents.
Habitat
The European Starling is native to Europe but has been introduced to many countries all over the world, including Arkansas. In fact, it is one of the most common birds in the state. European Starlings can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, agricultural fields, and open woodlands. They are adaptable birds that are able to thrive in different environments, which is why they have been so successful in colonizing new regions.
Behavior
European Starlings are highly social birds that often gather in large flocks. They are known for their impressive murmurations, where thousands of birds fly together in synchronized patterns. These murmurations are a mesmerizing sight to behold and often attract the attention of birdwatchers. European Starlings are also talented mimics and can imitate the sounds of other birds and even human speech.
Rock Pigeon
Description
The Rock Pigeon, commonly known as the pigeon, is another bird found in Arkansas that displays a purple iridescence around its neck. Pigeons are medium-sized birds with stout bodies, short necks, and small heads. Their feathers can range in color from gray to a rich purple hue, especially on their necks. While not as vibrant as some of the other purple birds, the purple iridescence adds a touch of elegance to the pigeon’s appearance.
Habitat
Rock Pigeons are highly adaptable birds that can be found in a wide range of habitats. In urban areas, they often nest on buildings and ledges, while in rural areas, they may seek out cliffs and rocky outcrops. Pigeons are also commonly found in parks, plazas, and other areas where they can easily find food and shelter.
Behavior
Pigeons are known for their cooing calls, which are often associated with urban environments. They are social birds that typically travel in flocks. Pigeons are opportunistic eaters and will feed on a variety of foods, including seeds, grains, fruits, and even discarded human food. They are also skilled navigators and can find their way back to their nests from long distances.
Purple Finch
Description
The Purple Finch is a small songbird that exhibits a stunning purple coloration on its head, breast, and back. The male Purple Finch has a raspberry-red hue, while the female has a more subdued purple color. Their wings and tails are brown, providing a nice contrast to their vibrant plumage. The purple feathers of the Purple Finch add a touch of beauty to the Arkansas bird population.
Habitat
Purple Finches can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests and suburban areas with trees and shrubs. They have a preference for coniferous and mixed forests, where they can find an abundance of food sources. During the breeding season, Purple Finches are often found in higher elevations, but they can also be seen in lowland areas.
Behavior
Purple Finches are seed eaters and have a strong beak that is specially adapted to crush the tough shells of seeds. They primarily feed on tree seeds, especially those of conifers and maple trees. Purple Finches are also known for their beautiful melodious songs, which are often heard during the breeding season. They are monogamous birds and form pair bonds that last for a breeding season.
Purple Martin
Description
The Purple Martin is a large swallow with a broad chest and dark, iridescent plumage. While not entirely purple, the bird has a deep purple-blue sheen on its feathers that gives it a regal appearance. The male Purple Martin has a darker coloration, while the female is slightly lighter. These purple birds are a delight to observe, especially when their plumage catches the sunlight.
Habitat
Purple Martins breed in colonies and prefer open habitats such as fields, meadows, and urban areas with large open spaces. They are cavity nesters and traditionally used natural cavities in trees for nesting. However, they have also adapted to using artificial nest boxes provided by humans. These nest boxes are often erected in groups, called martin houses, where several pairs of Purple Martins can nest together.
Behavior
Purple Martins are highly social birds and form tight-knit communities within their breeding colonies. They are skilled flyers and often engage in aerial acrobatics, catching insects on the wing. Purple Martins are known for their distinctive chirping calls and are considered one of the most vocal species of swallows. They migrate to South America during the winter months and return to their breeding grounds in Arkansas during the spring.
Brewer’s Blackbird
Description
Brewer’s Blackbirds are medium-sized birds that are completely glossy black with hints of blue, purple, and metallic green in certain lighting conditions. While black is their dominant color, their feathers exhibit an iridescence that creates a beautiful purple sheen under the right lighting. This purple hue adds a touch of elegance to their overall appearance.
Habitat
Brewer’s Blackbirds are highly adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas. They are commonly seen in urban and suburban areas as well, where they take advantage of human food resources. Brewer’s Blackbirds are particularly abundant in areas with livestock, as they feed on the insects that are attracted to these animals.
Behavior
Brewer’s Blackbirds are social birds and often gather in large flocks outside the breeding season. They are known for their flocking behavior, where they fly together in synchronized patterns. Brewer’s Blackbirds have a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, fruits, and even small vertebrates. They are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any available food sources.
Great-tailed Grackle
Description
Great-tailed Grackles are brash blackbirds that display a beautiful purple and blue iridescence in their feathers. These iridescent colors are most visible in the males during the breeding season, while the females have a more muted appearance. The combination of the black and purple-blue hues creates a visually striking bird that stands out in any environment.
Habitat
Great-tailed Grackles can be found in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, wetlands, agricultural areas, and urban environments. They are highly adaptable birds that have successfully expanded their range across much of the United States, including Arkansas. Great-tailed Grackles often congregate in large flocks, making their presence known with their loud calls and active behavior.
Behavior
Great-tailed Grackles are highly social birds and are often seen in large groups. They are known for their vocalizations, creating a cacophony of calls that can be both entertaining and noisy. Great-tailed Grackles are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide range of foods, including insects, fruits, seeds, and even small vertebrates. They are also known to raid crops, making them a nuisance in some agricultural areas.
Little Blue Heron
Description
The Little Blue Heron is a medium-sized wading bird with a unique purple-maroon head and neck. The rest of its body is a slate blue-gray color, which provides a striking contrast to its purple plumage. Juvenile Little Blue Herons, on the other hand, are completely white and lack the purple coloration. The purple hue of the adult birds adds a touch of elegance to their appearance.
Habitat
Little Blue Herons can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and coastal areas. They prefer areas with shallow water where they can wade and feed on small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey. These birds are often seen standing motionless as they patiently wait for their prey to come within striking distance.
Behavior
Little Blue Herons are solitary birds and are often seen foraging alone. They use their sharp beaks to capture small fish and other aquatic creatures, displaying their skilled hunting techniques. When they are not hunting, Little Blue Herons can be seen perched in trees or on rocks, drying their feathers in the sun. They are also known to engage in courtship displays during the breeding season, where they perform elaborate mating rituals.
Purple Gallinule
Description
The Purple Gallinule is a beautiful purple bird that exhibits vibrant plumage and iridescent feathers. It has blue and purple feathers on its body, while its head and neck are a rich maroon color. These bright and vivid colors make the Purple Gallinule one of the most striking purple birds found in Arkansas.
Habitat
Purple Gallinules are typically found in wetland habitats, such as swamps, marshes, and freshwater wetlands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and open water, where they can forage for aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. The wetland habitats in Arkansas provide the perfect home for these colorful birds.
Behavior
Purple Gallinules are known for their loud vocalizations, which can often be heard emanating from the wetlands. They are agile birds that can walk on floating vegetation and even swim when needed. Purple Gallinules build nests in dense vegetation near the water’s edge, where they lay their eggs and raise their young. They are also strong fliers and can be seen flying short distances within their wetland habitats.
In conclusion, Arkansas is home to a variety of purple birds, each with its unique characteristics and colors. From the European Starling’s patches of purple feathers to the Purple Finch’s vibrant raspberry hues, these birds add a touch of beauty to the state’s bird population. Whether they are native species or invasive ones like the European Starling, these purple birds showcase the diversity and adaptability of avian life in Arkansas. Observing their behavior and admiring their plumage in the various habitats they inhabit is a true delight for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
