Birds of gold are a unique species of birds found in the tropical rainforests of South America. They are renowned for their brilliant, shimmering gold feathers, which have made them some of the most sought-after birds in the world.
These birds are difficult to spot in the wild and are often seen in captivity, where they can be studied and appreciated. Their remarkable beauty has made them one of the most beloved animals in the world, with their presence bringing joy to many people.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating history and biology of birds of gold.
1. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is an iconic bird of prey found throughout the northern hemisphere. It is a large, powerful raptor with dark brown feathers and lighter golden-brown plumage on its nape.
Immature eagles have white patches around their beaks, tails and wings which they lose as they mature.
Its diet consists mostly of small mammals such as rabbits, hares and marmots but can also include birds or reptiles depending on where it lives.
These majestic creatures are known for their remarkable strength in flight; using thermal updrafts to soar high into the sky searching for food or simply enjoying the view below them.
They are often seen soaring alone over open expanses looking out for potential threats from other predators like wolves or foxes that may encroach upon their territory.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. chrysaetos |
2. American Golden Plover
The American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica) is a medium-sized bird, part of the genus Pluvialis which translates to “relating to rain”.
It was named after Santo Domingo in the West Indies and believed that when they flocked, it predicted an upcoming rainfall.
Their nests are lined with spores picked up from their habitat – this also helps protect eggs against predators or parasites.
The birds have distinctive yellow and black plumage, allowing them to stand out amongst other species and making them easier for predators to spot.
They can fly great distances during migration season and inhabit open grasslands as well as arctic tundra regions all over North America throughout different times of year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. dominica |
3. Golden Plovers
The Golden Plover is the most widely distributed species of plovers found in the genus Pluvialis. It has a striking black and gold plumage, with golden upperparts and black underparts during breeding season.
They have relatively short bills that they use to feed on insects, worms or other invertebrates which are obtained through their specialty run-and-pause technique as they forage across open habitats such as tundra, meadows and fields.
Nonbreeding adults tend to be browner above and white below with dark markings around their faces.
The female lays four eggs at a time in an unlined scrape nest near water sources such as ponds or streams. Their chicks are precocial leaving them soon after hatching ready to fend for themselvesScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Subfamily | Charadriinae |
| Genus | Pluvialis Brisson, 1760 |
4. European Golden Plover
The European golden plover is a large bird that breeds in temperate Eurasia. It has an attractive golden-brown plumage, with black and white markings on its wings and back.
Its long legs are yellowish at the base of their tarsi, while its bill is light grey or pinkish in colour.
During winter months it migrates to Africa where it can be spotted along grasslands and dry plains near water sources such as lakes and rivers.
The species feeds mostly on insects, seeds and small invertebrates found on the ground during breeding season but also eats some berries when available.
They form flocks which help them protect against predators like hawks by providing better visibility for each other from above.
These birds make loud calls upon arrival at their nesting grounds before performing spectacular courtship displays involving flying high into the sky then rapidly diving down again.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. apricaria |
5. Golden-Winged Warbler
The golden-winged warbler is a beautiful bird, found in southeastern and south-central Canada as well as the Appalachian Mountains of the United States.
It is most abundant in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Manitoba where around 70% of its global population resides.
Unfortunately though, despite expanding northwards their numbers are declining overall due to habitat loss from development and farming practices.
This species nests on the ground amongst dense vegetation such as shrubs or grasses near wetlands but they feed high up in forest canopy trees which makes them difficult to spot with binoculars.
Their plumage consists of greyish wings and back with yellow face markings along with a white breast speckled black flecks across it making for quite an impressive sight when seen at close range.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Vermivora |
| Species | V. chrysoptera |
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6. Pacific Golden Plover
The Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva) is an attractive migratory shorebird known for its breeding habits in Alaska and Siberia.
During the nonbreeding season, these medium-sized birds migrate widely across the Pacific.
It was formally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as part of his revised edition of Carl Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae.
The species has a unique yellowish colouration with dark markings on their wings and back which gives them splendid camouflage against coastal rocks or sand beaches during migration periods.
They are omnivorous feeders who primarily eat insects, small crustaceans, worms and plant material like seeds or berries found along coastlines while migrating through various islands such as Hawaii, New Zealand etc.. A remarkable bird that possesses both beauty and resilience.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. fulva |
7. Golden-Crowned Kinglet
The Golden-crowned Kinglet is a small songbird native to North America. It has an olive-gray top and white underparts, with thin bills and short tails.
The most distinguishing feature of this bird is its yellow crown, surrounded by a black patch that extends through the eyes.
Males have an additional orange patch in the middle of their yellow crowns. They are active birds, often seen flitting from branch to branch as they search for insects or other food sources in trees or shrubs.
During winter months when there’s less insect prey available, Golden-crowned Kinglets will join mixed species flocks searching for berries on bushes and trees throughout forests across North America.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Regulus |
| Species | R. satrapa |
8. Golden-Crowned Sparrow
The golden-crowned sparrow is a large New World bird found in the western part of North America. It belongs to the genus Zonotrichia, made up of five species and has no subspecies.
This bird is closely related to the white-crowned sparrow as studies show their mitochondrial DNA evolves at a similar rate.
The most recognizable feature on this beautiful creature are its distinctive yellow stripes near its forehead that appear almost like an orange crown when seen from afar.
Its plumage can range from grey browns in winter months, to dull yellows and oranges during breeding season which typically occurs between April and July.
These birds are often seen foraging through leaf litter or along grassy fields looking for seeds, insects and berries to eat while they sing sweet melodies throughout their habitat.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. atricapilla |
9. Blue-And-Yellow Macaw
The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is a vibrant and eye catching bird native to South America. It has beautiful blue top parts, light orange underparts, and green on its head.
This large parrot lives in the tropical forests of varzea, terra firme or unflooded forest areas.
They are social birds that live in small flocks which can range from two to twenty birds during breeding season when they look for mates.
They feed mainly on seeds, nuts and fruits but sometimes also eat insects like beetles and caterpillars as well as tender shoots from trees & plants.
These macaws have an impressive call with loud screams used both to attract mates and communicate between members of their flock while flying long distances across open fields together.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Ara |
| Species | A. ararauna |
10. Sudan Golden Sparrow
The Sudan golden sparrow is a small and beautiful bird belonging to the family of sparrows. It inhabits sub-Saharan Africa, where it has earned its fame as one of the most beloved cage birds due to its lovely song.
Its scientific name is Passer luteus and some people refer to it as the “golden song sparrow”. Martin Lichtenstein first described this species in 1823, with Fringilla lutea being used for its Latin name.
At times these golden sparrows are considered part of Arabian Golden Sparrow which makes them even more special.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. luteus |
11. Golden Pheasant
The golden pheasant is a beautiful bird of the Galliformes family and Phasianidae order. It has an exotic look thanks to its bright feathers and crest that have golden hues.
Native to mountainous areas of western China, it can be found in forests there. Its scientific name Chrysolophus pictus reflects this, as “Chrysolophos” means “with a golden crest”.
While “pictus” refers to being painted or decorated with colors such as gold, red, yellow and green on its body.
The male’s colorful plumage makes for an impressive sight.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Chrysolophus |
| Species | C. pictus |