Bird-of-paradise is one of the world’s best-known plants. It comes from the subtropical coasts of southern Africa and has been grown all over the world. It has also become wild in North, Central, and South America, and it is the national flower of Portugal. It is a favorite among horticulturists, designers, florists, and gardeners because it looks exotic, with flowers that look like the head of a bird and are very bright. The flower of the bird-of-paradise plant looks like several birds hiding in a clump of leaves, their heads and beaks turned in different directions and their necks craned up.
The most famous and noticeable part of bird-of-paradise is its flowers. The flowers grow on long stalks that can reach five feet tall. They have a complicated shape and lots of nectar for birds to eat so they can pollinate the plants. A modified leaf, also known as a spathe, in the shape of a canoe forms on the stalk. It opens along the top edge to reveal the flower petals, stamens, and prominent stigma that come out from inside the sheath. The flowers typically bloom from September through May.
The nectar is in the “nectary” at the base of the flower, where two petals meet. Birds go there to find it. A bird lands on the smaller, lower petal, and its weight pushes open the anthers. The anthers then cover the bird’s feet and chest with pollen. When it flies to a different flower, it lands on the sticky stigma and spreads pollen before jumping in for another taste of the nectar. Birds of paradise have different types of pollinators. However, some birds, like sunbirds, have been found to be “nectar robbers,” which means they avoid the flower’s pollinating parts and just eat the nectar.
A bird-of-paradise plant has thick, waxy, evergreen leaves that are arranged in a row to look like a fan. The color of the leaves varies from glossy, deep green, to blue-green, to muted gray-green. The leaves are paddle shaped, similar to banana plant leaves, and attached to a long, upright stalk. An exception is the narrow-leaved bird-of-paradise, which has leaves like pointed spikes on mature plants.
Bird-of-paradise plants are hardy, can handle drought, and are easy to grow, especially in warm climates. They are often used as ornamental plants in gardens. They can also be grown as indoor houseplants in cold areas. Flowers like these are used by florists all the time to make exotic and tropical arrangements because they look good and last up to two weeks.
This is the most well-known bird-of-paradise plant. Its flowers are very brightly colored, with blue base petals rising from a dark green spathe and an upright fan of bright orange sepals on top. These are called crane flowers in their home country of South Africa because they look like the head of a crowned crane. In Africa, weaver birds pollinate the plants. In the US, the yellow-breasted warbler is one of the birds that does the same job.
Some flowers seem to defy reality with their uncanny resemblance to birds in flight. Their fanciful petals, vivid colors and graceful forms create the illusion of feathers wings and beaks. These botanical wonders demonstrate nature’s boundless artistry and imagination. Let’s explore some of the most amazing flowers that look like birds.
Bird of Paradise
The bold and beautiful bird of paradise flower is aptly named for its resemblance to a bird in flight. Native to South Africa, its vibrant orange and blue blooms look like tropical birds soaring through the air Radiating from a central sheath, the flower’s vivid orange sepals form the bird’s crest while the brilliant blue petals resemble spread wings There are 5 species, including giant bird of paradise which can grow over 30 feet tall. These exotic beauties thrive in warm climates andTheir tropical allure makes bird of paradise extremely popular in floral arrangements and landscapes.
Parrot Flower
As its name suggests the parrot flower’s blooms strikingly resemble a parrot in flight. Ranging from red to purple, the flower’s wing-like petals and distinct beak-shaped stigma mimic a parrot perfectly. Native to Southeast Asia these rare beauties thrive in tropical climates. Their vibrant presence brings a true touch of the exotic to any garden.
Flying Duck Orchid
One of Australia’s most fascinating orchids is the flying duck orchid. Its intriguing blooms look exactly like a duck in flight, complete with a beak, head and wings. The small orchids are pollinated by male sawflies who are attracted to the “female” duck shape. Beyond its visual appeal, the flying duck orchid demonstrates the amazing interdependence between plants and pollinators.
Hummingbird Flower
Also known as the green bird flower, Crotalaria cunninghamii can grow up to 9 feet tall. Many associate the plant’s unique flowers with the hummingbird, since they’re shaped like one of the small birds in flight—there’s even a beak-shaped stem at the flower’s base. A native of Australia, its symbolic purity has earned it recognition in Aboriginal rituals. The rare hummingbird flower adds whimsy and cultural significance to any landscape.
Regal Birdflower
The regal birdflower is another Australian native whose fascinating blooms resemble a bird. With a long protruding pistil, its bird-like flowers are sometimes described as a cross between a hummingbird and a crane. A unique addition for warm climate gardens, this plant’s uniqueness celebrates the diversity of Australia’s exotic flora.
Vegetable Hummingbird
Aptly named, the vegetable hummingbird produces vivid blooms that look just like hummingbirds feeding on nectar. A native of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, this tree-like plant has edible flowers, adding ornamental and culinary value. Its presence brings a taste of the tropics, along with the illusion of hummingbirds hovering in your garden.
Other Bird-Like Blooms
Beyond these famous flowers, there are other botanical beauties with bird-inspired blossoms:
- Butterfly pea – Resembles a pigeon in flight
- Dove orchid – White blooms look like doves
- Moon orchid – Versatile orchid flowers resemble songbirds
- Rowo Cucak – Prolific succulent with green bird-like blooms
- White egret orchid – Ethereal white blooms mimic egrets in flight
The Allure of Flowers That Look Like Birds
Flowers with avian attributes have captivated people for centuries. Their fanciful forms allow our imaginations to take flight and marvel at nature’s ingenuity. They create a magical escape where the line between fauna and flora blurs beautifully. If you love birds, appreciating flowers that mimic their grace and beauty takes admiration for nature to new heights. Adding these singular blooms to your garden allows you to appreciate the poetry of plants on a whole new level.
Giant bird-of-paradise Strelitzia nicolai
This plant is much bigger than Strelitzia reginae. It grows huge clumps of stems that can get up to 30 feet tall when they are fully grown. It also has different flowers. The top part of the sepals is white or slightly pink, and the petals form a blue “tongue” that grows from a dark purple-black bract. One flower spathe sprouts out of another, which gives them a double-decked appearance. From early spring to late summer, the flowers bloom and make a lot of nectar that sunbirds in their native Africa and orioles in the US like.
Narrow-leaved Bird-of-paradise Strelitzia juncea
This is the most drought tolerant of the bird-of-paradise varieties. As it grows in a thick clump, its leaves are very thin and almost reed-like. It makes a beautiful accent plant. The flowers are slightly smaller than those of Strelitzia reginae, but are the same color.
Strelitzia juncea is only found in six places along the Eastern Cape in its native Africa. It is considered Vulnerable because of illegal collection for the horticultural trade, invasive plants, and quarrying and industrial development. Also, the number of birds that pollinate plants naturally has gone down, and the plants don’t make many seeds, which makes their survival even more vulnerable.
Flowers look like birds.
FAQ
What’s the name of the flower that looks like a bird?
What flower is disguised as a bird?
What is the plant that resembles a bird?
What flower looks like a bird?
The Bird of Paradise is one of the most well-known flowers that looks like a bird. Bird of Paradise (bird) is a striking bird with a long beak and vibrant plumage. The flower of the same name is just as eye-catching with its orange, blue and yellow petals.
What is a green bird flower?
Green Bird Flower (Crotalaria cunninghamii) The Green Bird Flower is a short-lived perennial that can be traced to the legume family, Fabaceae. The plant takes on the shape of several hummingbirds gathering to feed on flowers. This plant has a long list of nicknames that they go by, among which are Regal Birdflower, Parrot Pea, etc.
What does a parrot flower look like?
Scientific name: Impatiens psittacina A gorgeous purple flower that looks like a bird, the parrot flower belongs to a species of balsam tree native to Southeast Asia. As you can imagine, it owes its name to the peculiar shape that looks like a parrot flying. Depending on where it grows, the tree can be an annual or evergreen perennial.
What flowers replicate a bird’s head?
The bird of paradise offers long leathery leaves like a banana tree. Its beautiful flowers have blue petals and orange sepals on rigid stems that replicate the head of an exotic bird. 2. Bird Head Orchid Also called as the pink moth orchid, this exquisitely beautiful flower replicates a bird’s head.