There are a few birds that have plumage or coloration that resembles the look of a mango fruit. Some key birds that come to mind are certain species of parrots, macaws, and even the elusive and rare Resplendent Quetzal.
Parrots
Many parrot species have vibrant yellow, orange, and red plumage that can resemble the color palette of a ripe mango. Here are some of the parrots that have “mango-like” plumage:
- Scarlet Macaw – This large macaw has bright red, yellow, and blue coloring. The vibrant red and yellow feathers on its wings and body can resemble mango skin.
- Red-lored Amazon – The bright red patch on the forehead and yellow feathers on the wings give this parrot a “mango vibe.”
- Yellow-headed Amazon – As the name suggests, this parrot has a bright yellow head and neck that matches the hue of a ripe mango.
- Yellow-crowned Amazon – Another parrot with yellow feathers on the head and wings that calls to mind the colors of a mango.
- Green-cheeked Parakeet – While mainly green, this parakeet has bright orange-yellow cheeks, giving it hints of mango color.
The bright plumage of these parrots that contain shades of yellow, orange, and red make them have a tropical, fruity appearance reminiscent of mangoes.
Macaws
Like parrots, certain macaw species also have “mango-colored” feathers due to their naturally bright plumage:
- Green-winged Macaw – This large macaw has vibrant yellow feathers under its wings and red on its wings and body.
- Blue-and-yellow Macaw – As the name denotes, this macaw’s blue back combined with bright yellow under its wings gives it a “mango look.”
- Red-bellied Macaw – Bright red plumage on its belly lends a “mango vibe” to this macaw species.
- Scarlet Macaw – As mentioned above, this macaw’s vibrant red and yellow make it resemble the colors of a ripe mango fruit.
The bright color combinations of red, yellow, orange, and blue on these macaws can evoke the colors found on mangoes when they’re ripe.
Resplendent Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal is an elusive and endangered species of bird found in Central America. While not a parrot, it has striking coloration that resembles a mango:
- Bright red breast
- Green wings and back
- Yellow neck and head
When seen together, the red, yellow, and green plumage of the Resplendent Quetzal can closely resemble the hue of ripe mango fruit. Unfortunately, habitat destruction is threatening this highly unique and tropical-colored bird.
Why Do These Birds Have “Mango” Coloration?
It is fascinating that these unrelated tropical bird species in Central and South America seem to mimic the color palette of local fruit like mangoes. There are a few possible reasons for this:
- Camouflage – Blending into a fruiting mango tree helps hide from predators.
- Attract Mates – Bright, fruity colors attract potential mates.
- Protect Territory – Vibrant plumage helps signal and defend territory.
- Co-evolution – Colors evolved to match local fruit to blend into environment.
By mimicking mangoes and other tropical fruit, these birds can better blend into their environments, attract mates, and protect their territories. The striking “mango” colors of these birds seem uniquely adapted for survival in the lush, fruit-filled jungles of Central and South America.
Examples of Tropical “Mango” Birds
Here are some specific examples of parrots, macaws, and other birds that have coloration similar to a ripe mango fruit:
| Bird Species | Photo | Description of “Mango” Coloration |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlet Macaw | Bright yellow and red plumage resemble mango skin and flesh. | |
| Red-lored Amazon | Red spot on forehead and yellow feathers have a “mango look.” | |
| Resplendent Quetzal | Red breast, yellow head, and green wings resemble a ripe mango. |
These are just a few examples. There are dozens more tropical American parrot species that mimic the color palette of ripe, juicy mangoes and other fruit using shades of red, yellow, orange, and green in their plumage.
Conclusion
In summary, species of parrots, macaws, and rare birds like the Resplendent Quetzal have brightly colored yellow, orange, and red plumage that closely resembles the skin and flesh of a ripe mango fruit. This “mango” coloration seems to be an evolutionary adaptation to help the birds blend into the tropical environments where mangoes and other fruit naturally grow. So next time you see a flash of red, yellow, and green in the rainforests of Central or South America, it just may be one of these spectacular and uniquely colored tropical birds!
