This is a small list of 10 beautiful birds, in no particular order. Some are quite rare, while others can be found in many places in Europe and North America.
Painted Bunting
Latin name : Passerina ciris
Mostly found in the south of the United States, and in northern Mexico. Currently facing threats due to a loss of natural habitat.
Photo : Dan Pancamo (https://www.flickr.com/photos/pancamo/)
Blue Jay
Latin name : Cyanocitta cristata
Stable population, can be found in most of the United States, and in southern Canada.
Photo : Birds Flight (http://birdsflight.com/blue-jay-facts-what-blue-jays-eat-where-blue-jays-live/)
Scarlet Tanager
Latin name : Piranga olivacea
Not easy to find, they usually remain near the tops of trees. Medium-sized song bird, found in the eastern United States, and during the winter in South America.
Photo : Journeys with Judy (http://journeyswithjudy.blogspot.com)
Gouldian Finch
Latin name : Erythrura gouldiae
Northern Australia is a well known location for these rather small birds. Their nests are often located no more than 1 km from a water source.
Photo : Herman Tse (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hermantyc/)
Golden Pheasant
Latin name : Chrysolophus pictus
The adult male can be over 1 m in length. The females are not as long at about 60 to 80 cm. Originally from western China, small populations can now be found in England as well.
Photo : Alpha Coders (http://wall.alphacoders.com/)
(Common) Kingfisher
Latin name : Alcedo atthis
The Kingfisher can be found in most of Europe, India and China. The bird flies low over water at high speed, with its wings showing high frequency motion.
Photo : 7 Themes (http://www.7-themes.com)
Rainbow Lorikeet
Latin name : Trichoglossus moluccanus
Australian parrot. The species has also been introduced to New Zealand and Hong Kong. Visually, the male and female Rainbow Lorikeet are hard to distinguish.
Photo : Echidna Walkabout (http://echidnawalkabout.wordpress.com)
(Common) Peacock
Latin name : Pavo cristatus
It is hard not to include the Peacock, certainly one of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. Part of the pheasant family.
Photo : Wallpaperssfree (http://wallpaperssfree.com)
Greater Striped Swallow
Latin name : Cecropis cucullata
A large swallow that mostly breeds in the south of the African continent. It prefers dry land, hills and mountains. Its diet consists of insects, and the occassional small fruits.
Photo : Linda de Volder (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lindadevolder/)
Inca Tern
Latin name : Larosterna inca
Yes, that is a real moustache. The Inca tern breeds in coastal areas, prefering rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. It is most commonly found on the east coast of South America.
Photo : Alpha Coders (http://wall.alphacoders.com)
