Have you just spotted a green–bellied bird in your yard? From tropical parrots and parakeets, to remarkably pigmented hummingbirds, there are plenty of magnificent green-bellied birds to be found around the Globe and in the Americas.

Spotting a wild, green bird in North America is perhaps most likely in the warmer states of Florida, Texas and California, but there are a handful of green-bellied species that can be found elsewhere in the U.S. too.

As well as these birds having remarkable green feathers, this list demonstrates many other commonalities between the species, from their native habitats to their foraging habits.

This list will aid eager birdwatchers in identifying and locating the remarkable colour displays of North American green-bellied birds.

Want help identifying birds? Try National Geography’s Guide to North American Birds

Which Birds Have Green Bellies?

1. Pelagic Cormorant

Andrew Spencer, XC165616. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/165616.

Along the Pacific Coast of North America, eager birdwatchers are likely to spot the glossy green-black seabirds, Pelagic Cormorant.

They can also be referred to as Violet-green Cormorant, due to the luscious coloured sheen on their plumages.

Breeding males also have white patches among their feathers and have distinctive red faces that extend down their long, thin necks.

These slender cormorants are somewhat small birds in comparison to others of their kind and can be found along the open Pacific Coast, from Alaska and Canada southwards into California, where they also spend their winters.

They prefer to reside in marine environments such as lakes and ocean shores, where they stretch their wings out wide to dry them whilst perching on rocks are cliffs after swimming.

Being creatures of water, they pursue marine creatures for food, namely fish, crustaceans and other water-based organisms.

2. Green Jay

Scott Gravette, XC609826. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/609826.

The brilliant green plumage of these jays is deserving of the name given to this species.

Washed in variations of blue, green and yellow feathers, they are indeed a colourful delight to see.

They have prominent lime-green bodies with hints of yellow lacing across the underparts and along the outer feathers.

They are largely tropical, noisy birds that range primarily across the tropics of Central America.

But the species is also known to reside in southern Texas, particularly during winter.

These jays usually travel in large flocks through open woodlands and brushes, working together to forage for fruit and small insects.

It is quite common for Green Jays to visit garden feeders for seeds and fruit, too, and feeders are great locations to spot the jays in refuge visitor centres or other wildlife parks in and around Texas.

Want to attract jays to your yard? Take a look at our article!

3. Anna’s Hummingbird

Ed Pandolfino, XC603659. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/603659.

Anna’s Hummingbirds are coated in emerald green feathers and are among the most striking hummingbirds found along the Pacific Coast.

They have glistening magenta throats that shine rosy pink in the sunlight, as well as hefty bodies and fairly large heads.

These hummingbirds are not known to migrate much, instead they prefer to reside along the west coast of Northern America and are the only hummingbirds to frequently winter in California, Washington and Oregon.

Their habitat does indeed vary from costal, open regions to more mountainous, desert terrain found in southern California into Texas.

In breeding seasons, these birds are commonly traced to large blossom trees and busy gardens feeding on nectar and insects.

They can also easily be attracted to backyards with a hummingbird feeder year-round, and they sing loudly from trees and bushes to declare their presence.

For the best hummingbird feeder for your yard – Take a look at our article!

4. Broad-billed Hummingbird

Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC612665. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/612665.

Despite appearing dark at a distance, these hummingbirds are in fact one of the most richly coloured birds in this list.

Breeding males have rosy bills, emerald bodies and remarkable sapphire throats, distinctive from other hummingbirds found in North America.

Finding a Broad-billed Hummingbird is rather easy – not only because of the vibrancy of the feathers, but because they are very much drawn to gardens and populated regions.

They are fond of flowers, feeding on nectar and miniature insects, therefore a bustling garden in spring is a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of them.

They may also visit hummingbird feeders, stocked with sugar water. In more rural landscapes, these birds are found in brushes of wildflowers, as well as cottonwoods and sycamores.

While most of the bird’s range is within the borders of Mexico, they travel North towards Arizona and New Mexico during breeding season.

Strays can sometimes be found in southern California too, preferring to reside within canyons.

Ever wondered how often do hummingbirds sleep? – take a look at our article!

5. Costa’s hummingbird

Paul Marvin, XC569975. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/569975.

Like many other birds in this list, these hummingbirds are bathed in royal green and purple colours.

Breeding males have rich, metallic purple crowns and emerald vests extending down their backs too.

They are small hummingbirds with hunched bodies and short, stocky tails.

They are very much birds of desert habitats, favouring states such as Nevada, Utah and California year-round.

Joshua Trees and other desert plants are great places for the eager birdwatcher to spot these hummingbirds, as well as being great nectar resources for the birds.

Aside from nectar, Costa’s Hummingbirds feed on insects and sap, often among desert shrub and other dry habitats.

Although they prefer to reside in the desert, they have also been known to visit dry, urban areas – particularly those at high elevations.

Want to earn about the best flowers to attract hummingbird?- take a look at our article!

6. Berylline Hummingbird

Manuel Grosselet, XC611100. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/611100.

Named after the sea-green gemstone Beryl, the Berryline Hummingbird rightly deserves its place on this list because its feathers are draped in a gem-like colour of green.

These birds are mainly green, with speckles of grey also running across the lower belly. Birds from the south tend to have a particularly greener belly than others in their species.

The tail and wings however are a complimentary rouge colour, giving these hummingbirds their unique appeal.

It is common to spot these hummingbirds in foothills and oak woodlands, as well as in shade-coffee plantations too.

They forage for nectar and insects whilst hovering and can be somewhat aggressive in their quest for food.

Although these birds are endemic to Mexico, strays also reside in Arizona among forested canyons, desert mountains and plantations.

7. Mexican Violetear

Isain Contreras Rodríguez, XC519637. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/519637.

Mexican Violetears are hummingbirds of rich green pigment that were formerly referred to as the Green Violetear.

They have luxurious blue-violet breasts and cheeks, from which they are given their name, as well as stark black wings.

They are rather large birds, with a jerky and persistent song, often heard in between trees.

These hummingbirds favour highlands, much of which containing pine-oak forests and overgrown vegetation along roadsides.

They stay hidden within flowers and shrubbery and are particularly cautious of their surroundings.

As their name suggests, they are most commonly found amidst the highlands of Mexico, as well as further into Nicaragua.

Though, they are notoriously nomadic birds, travelling north into Texas and other eastern regions of the U.S. such as Alberta.

Vagrant birds in the species can be spotted across several regions of North America in fact, and the sighting of one is a wonderful experience.

8. Green-breasted Mango

Frank Lambert, XC411356. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/411356.

Much like the Mexican Violetear, Green-breasted Mangos are endemic to the Central American tropics and Mexico, albeit particularly in coastal lowlands.

But they too are known to travel north into some areas of the United States, although those who migrate are mostly juveniles.

These birds are a gleaming, dark green with prominent purpleish chins and tails.

North American birdwatchers may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these birds residing in Texas, sometimes too they venture towards Georgia and even Wisconsin.

They favour open spaces, particularly near treelines and large gardens.

These hummingbirds are also drawn to feeders when possible, and otherwise forage for insects in concealed areas.

9. Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Manuel Grosselet, XC446192. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/446192.

The renowned characteristics of this species goes far beyond the iridescent green of the bodies of the birds.

In fact, these hummingbirds are distinctive from others alike because they have magnificent red bills and dark chestnut tails.

Their green feathers extend all over their bodies, with hints of cinnamon-brown across their namesake buff bellies.

Although this species has a limited range in North America, these birds have been known to visit forests in Southern Texas, as well as in coastal regions of Alabama and Louisiana.

In winter, some of these birds travel to Florida, too. They prefer to reside in warmer climates, namely Mexico, and are drawn to a variety of forestry, usually those contacting a wide range of flowers.

Hummingbird feeders are also known to attract this species, although the birds may be reluctant to visit them in areas outside of the warmer climates of Central America.

10. Yellow-chevrons Parakeet

Yellow-chevrons Parakeet by Derek Keats – CC BY-NC 2.0

Dante Buzzetti, XC580175. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/580175.

Parakeets in general are truly magnificent creatures and are some of the brightest green animals found in North America.

Yellow-chevrons Parakeets are no exception, with vibrant yellow bars on otherwise bright green wings that make for a mesmerising sight.

These birds are mainly green overall, baring particularly bright green plumages, and have white eye rings.

Yellow-chevrons Parakeets are known to be active, noisy birds, most commonly found in groups with several others of their kind.

Although native to South American countries such as Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia, there are now established populations of the Yellow-chevrons in parts of North America, namely California and Florida.

The number of resident birds in such states however is declining overtime, but can be found occasionally among woodlands and even urban areas, foraging for seed and fruit.

11. White-winged Parakeet

GABRIEL LEITE, XC591730. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/591730.

Another remarkable Parakeet is the White-winged Parakeet, renowned for the distinguished yellow and white patches on their wings.

Their bodies are a striking green pigment, with long and pointed emerald tails. These Parakeets also have pink bills and legs and are likely to be heard rather than seen due to their harsh, high-pitched calls.

Being somewhat of a tropical species, these birds are native to South American climates – namely places such as Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil. However, much like others of their kind, these birds have also been attributed to some of the warmer U.S. states, such as Florida and California – although their numbers are declining rapidly.

They tend to appear in small flocks in wooded areas, often too in suburban locations or parks with tropical plants.

12. Monk Parakeet

jesus carrion, XC622769. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/622769.

Most commonly known as a house pet – Monk Parakeets are small, noisy parrots with bright green feathers.

They have grey and green plumages and lime coloured bodies, as well as flakes of blue on their wing tips, making them a wonderful colour display and a great addition to the home.

Despite being native to South America, these birds have now established themselves in the wild in some North American states.

In Texas, Florida and Washington, these birds are commonly found in urban environments and in towns and parks.

These are the only Parakeets that nest in groups, often assembling enormous nests out of sticks and shrubbery on the tops of poles and trees.

They are also the only Parakeets that reside in North-Eastern states such as Chicago and New York in the winter.

13. Red-crowned Parrot

Paul Marvin, XC320571. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/320571.

Parrots are wonderful creatures, and the Red-crowned Parrot is one of the most beautiful of them all.

They are fairly large birds and are bright green with red crowns and a contrasting sunshine-yellow bill.

Occasionally, this species may otherwise be referred to as the Red-crowned Amazon, Green-Cheeked Amazon or Mexican Red-headed Parrot. They are a particularly social species, often flying in pairs or groups voicing loud cries.

Only in humid lowlands could one be lucky enough to spot one of these birds.

They are endemic to Mexico, although the species is at an alarming decline in the area.

Recently, they have been introduced to some of the warmer American states, namely Florida, California and Hawaii – those in the wild often spotted amongst tall trees and forests near fruit and flowers.

14. Nanday Parakeet

Jeremy Minns, XC234868. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/234868.

Formerly known as the Black-hooded Parakeet, this species is similar to several other Parakeets on this list as it is native to the tropical climates of Southern America.

They are similar too in their vibrant green pigments, that extends over their bodies and down to their bellies.

They do, however, have distinctive black heads, and rich blue tints on their throats which resembles a scarf or a hood (where the species acquires its name). These birds also have bright orange legs and a distinct, high-pitched call.

They most commonly reside in countries such as Paraguay and Brazil, but these birds are also known to travel north into California, Texas, Florida and even New York.

Preferring warmer climates, these birds are also drawn to palm trees and dry lands and canyons, where they are most frequently found.

These Parakeets feed on fruits, seeds and palm nuts and are also very popular pets in North America.

15. Dusky-headed Parakeet

Dusky-headed Parakeet by Felix Uribe – CC BY-NC 2.0

Mauricio Cuellar Ramirez (@Birding.travel), XC582809. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/582809.

Another green-bellied Parakeet is the Dusky-headed Parakeet, known for its bright yellow-green body and blue tail feathers.

These medium-sized birds have dull grey heads and yellow eyes, however, which may help in identifying the species.

They are commonly found in wooded areas in South America along the Amazon river.

This species can also, however, be attributed to specific regions of Florida – mostly near swamps and in trees.

They are often found in towns and in forests, likely travelling in pairs and foraging for fruit, seeds and insects.

16. Green Parakeet

Nick Komar, XC391780. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/391780.

Deserving of their name, these Parakeets are washed in a striking green colour. Some birds have speckles of orange and red in their feathers, as well as some yellow details on the feathers.

Often heard rather than seen, these Parakeets are rather nosy – with high-pitched screeching calls.

They are typically found in flocks, often in woodlands and suburban areas foraging for seeds and fruit.

The native range of these birds is habitually in Mexico and other areas of Central America.

However, some of the birds have established populations in Texas and they can frequently be seen in flocks in residential areas. They are known to inhabit most kinds of forests.

17. Mitred Parakeet

Sue Riffe, XC578512. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/578512.

Mitred Parakeets are mainly olive green with glaring red heads.

Those spotted in North America are likely those who have escaped captivity as cage birds.

They often coexist in the wild with Red-masked Parakeets, a species that shares many attributes with the Mitred, but has a somewhat brighter red face.

Much like other Parakeets on this list, they are native the tropics of South America. But they are also large numbers established in Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as in much of Florida.

In flocks with Red-masked Parakeets they reside in cultivated areas with tropical plantings, as well as in grasslands near suburban areas. They are often identified by their loud calls from exposed tree branches.

17. Blue-crowned Parakeet

Rosendo Manuel Fraga, XC605437. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/605437.

One of the most colourful Parakeets in this list is the Blue-crowned Parakeet.

With green bellies, rich blue heads, pink and black bills and red-orange tails, they truly are a sight to see.

They are sometimes called the Blue-crowned budgie and are commonly travelling in small flocks across vast distances to find suitable feeding locations.

Although native to southern countries like Colombia and Paraguay, this species has also been introduced to Hawaii, California and Florida – namely the warmer North American states.

They prefer lowland forests and mainly dry conditions and grasslands.

Much like others of similar species, Blue-crowned Parakeets that are found in the U.S. are likely those who have escaped captivity, and there aren’t vast majorities of wild birds found in North America.

18. Red-masked Parakeet:

Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado, XC513934. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/513934.

Despite looking similar to the Mitred Parakeet, these birds bare much brighter red faces.

Their green bodies are fairly large and prominent, and their green wings show flakes of red in flight.

Often, they are found in mixed flocks with the Mitred Parakeet, which might make it difficult to distinguish between the two.

They are, however, remarkable looking birds and can be found mainly in California and Florida.

Again, these are likely to be escaped strays who have established new populations in warm locations in North America.

This species is also native to South America, where the species is now in fact threatened – particularly in Peru and Ecuador.

Nevertheless, these birds are very common as household pets, and are known to feed on seeds and insects. Near urban areas, they are expected to reside in dry forests and near cacti.

19. Rose-ringed Parakeet

Albert Lastukhin, XC621040. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/621040.

One of the most distinctive features of this species is its rosy-red ring around the neck.

They are large, green Parakeets with elongated long, blue and green tails.

These are social birds, often found in large, noisy flocks. However, they can be very inconspicuous and difficult to spot among greenery that camouflages their feathers.

These birds are found in woodlands and parks, and forage for buds, fruit and seeds among trees. They are native to South Asia and Africa, but have also been introduced to Europe and warmer states in the U.S. such as Florida and California.

Notably, these birds also breed during winter, and are frequent visitors to bird feeders during such seasons.

20. Yellow-headed Parrot

Manuel Grosselet, XC618615. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/618615.

These Parrots are stocky, green birds with bright yellow heads. Some of their feathers are also dipped in red and blue, particularly on the wings.

They can be trained to imitate human speech – and are captured from the wild and become household cage birds.

Unfortunately, this also means that wild Yellow-headed Parrots are endangered in their native lands in Central America.

Birds that have escaped from said cages can be seen in regions of California and Florida, as well as Texas in some instances.

These birds are likely to be seen in pairs, mainly in deciduous forests with warm climates and big trees. They feed on fruit, seeds and buds.

21. Orange-winged Parrot

Mauricio Cuellar Ramirez (@Birding.travel), XC617916. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/617916.

Another remarkable bird is the Orange-winged Parrot, sometimes also referred to as the Orange-wing Amazon.

These are small, colourful parrots that rightly deserve a place in this list because of their prominent green bellies.

The namesake red-orange wings are an attractive feature to this species.

They also have sunshine-yellow heads and sea-blue eyebrows, as well as an eye-catching strip of yellow on their green tails.

Preferring warm, dry climates – these birds are widespread in South American countries such as Brazil and Peru.

Like many others in this list, those seen in North America are likely to be those who have escaped from captivity – with a small population of residents recorded in Florida.

They are particularly attracted to open areas and wooded habitats, namely humid forests. Sometimes too they may venture into towns and rural gardens.

22. Budgerigar

Marc Anderson, XC609336. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/609336.

The Budgerigar – also known as the common Budgie, is a small species of green Parakeet.

The wild birds, as opposed to those who are caged birds, are the greenest of the species, and they have speckles of blue, yellow and white in their feathers too.

These are social, outgoing birds that are very playful and talkative – which is why many households now have them as pets.

There have, however, established populations in some U.S. states such as Florida, New Mexico and Arizona, and these birds may very well be spotted among grasslands, farms and roadsides. They undeniably love food, and feed chiefly on grass seeds.

23. Lilac-crowned amazon

Paul Marvin, XC622004. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/622004.

Sightings of the Lilac-crowned Parrot are rare but are indeed extraordinary.

These parrots, endemic to Mexico, are bright green with lilac crowns and rusty foreheads. The lilac pigment is often difficult to spot at a distance, making these birds a little harder to identify.

These long-tailed birds tend to inhabit mountainous regions and much of the coast of Mexico.

The Lilac-crowned Parrot is in fact an endangered species, as increases in bird pet trades along with deforestation is proving a vast threat to the birds.

In states like California, Texas and Florida, these parrots that have escaped cage captivity join others on this list in residing in forests and warm areas in pairs and small groups.

24. Red-lored Parrot

Simon Elliott, XC597424. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/597424.

When someone envisions a parrot, it is likely the Red-lored Parrot.

These colourful birds are highly renowned and are in fact recognised as the Amazon’s prettiest bird.

They are the most common type of bird pets because they are social, friendly and very intelligent – especially when imitating humans.

Deserving of their place on this list, these birds have luscious green bellies.

They also have distinguished red patches on the fronts of their bodies, as well as deep blue crowns and yellow pigment on their cheeks and tails.

These are tropical birds, and are native to Southern regions of Costa Rica, Mexico and Ecuador where they inhabit tropical forests.

Like similar species, there are populations of these birds in Florida and California, albeit mainly those who have escaped cages and zoos.

Eager birdwatchers may see these birds in North America around areas with exotic trees and fairly humid climates, they are often in pairs or groups and feed among the trees they inhabit.

25. Rosy-faced lovebird

Simon Elliott, XC590480. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/590480.

This is another attractive species with a green belly, as well as a complexity of other remarkable colours.

Rosy-Faced Lovebirds have soft-red faces and pink necks, which is why they may also be referred to occasionally as the Rosy-collared Lovebird or the Peach-faced Lovebird.

They have stocky tails and pointed wings and are very social creatures found in groups singing in loud chirpers.

These are notably the most popular Lovebird species in North America and are in fact common household pets.

The species is native to Southern Africa; however, strays have accumulated in the U.S., namely in Arizona and Hawaii – which have similar climates to Africa.

They are attracted to dry forests and valleys, but can also appear in cities, often in states such as Florida.

26. White-eyed Parakeet

Dante Buzzetti, XC580180. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/580180.