Many speculations are flying around about why we have flowers that look like birds. Some used to believe that these flowers came about as a test tube creation gone wrong, while others thought that they were just unusual specimens.
Flowers looking like birds are beneficial in attracting pollinators, and plant enthusiasts can indirectly support local bird populations by planting them.
What’s more? They will reward you with dazzling visual qualities by infusing life into your space.
Now, let’s see some of those stunning flowers that look like birds!
Jump to:
- 20 Flowers That Look Like Birds
- 1. Yulan Magnolias (Magnolia Denudata)
- 2. Bat Flower (Tacca Chantrieri)
- 3. Bird Head Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)
- 4. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
- 5. The Dove Orchid (Peristeria Elata Orchid)
- 6. White Egret Flower (Habenaria radiate)
- 7. Flying Duck Orchids (Caleana Major)
- 8. Birds Mouth Orchid (Orthoceras Strictum Orchid)
- 9. Crane-fly Orchid (Tipularia Discolor)
- 10. Green Bird Flower (Crotalaria cunninghamii)
- 11. Parrot Flower (Impatiens Psittacinna)
- 12. Western Bearded Greenhood (Pterostylis Barbara)
- 13. Angel Orchid
- 14. Red Birds in a Tree (Scrophularia macrantha)
- 15. Peacock Flower (Trigridia Pavonia)
- 16. Flamingo Flower
- 17. Wow Doves
- 18. Magnolia Liliflora
- Conclusion
20 Flowers That Look Like Birds
1. Yulan Magnolias (Magnolia Denudata)
This flower also goes by the name; Lily tree. They are small shrubs or trees native to the Chinese and are said to be among the first Magnolias cultivated many centuries ago.
Yulan Magnolias look just like a bird perching on a branch, but that is not something you are likely to notice if you take a look absent-mindedly.
Just before they bloom, they spot big, straight, immaculate white flowers shaped just like a cup.
Did You Know?
Early Chinese Monks held the Yulan Magnolia in high esteem. To them, they were a symbol of purity, and their stunning flowers were considered very worthy gifts.
2. Bat Flower (Tacca Chantrieri)
This flower spots huge and awkward-looking flowers (Well, bats are somewhat strange-looking birds, not so?)
Bat flowers are native to tropical Asia but can also be found in Vietnam, Thailand, India, and China.
They have a height size of about 12 inches and are available in colors cream, white and greenish-yellow.
3. Bird Head Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)
These are very pricey plants, plus they are, not in the least, easy to grow from seeds and maintain.
Bird Head Orchids were not one to be easily found for purchase in the past. However, with their growing popularity now, they have become more accessible to interested buyers.
Upon a closer look at this plant, you will observe a dove that seems arched downwards or a bird head and a moth which earned the plant the nickname; moth orchid.
Outstanding features of this plant are that it possesses a sturdy root system and they are capable of blooming all year long!
For best results, grow under low light conditions with temperatures of 68 - 95°F and average humidity levels of 60%. They would thrive still under less-than-ideal humidity and temperature levels.
4. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
This bird takes the major prize as the ultimate bird-looking flower. They are also known as Crane flowers, inspired by how their leaves are shaped.
They are native South African plants that feature huge leaves with showy blooms of blue and orange, white, etc., that forms the image of an exquisite bird fit only for a paradise hence the name; Bird of Paradise.
This plant is available in wide different varieties. If grown indoors, they can get up to 8ft high but grow even taller outdoors, up to about 20ft.
For best results, place plants under bright light conditions.
Did You Know?
Bird of Paradise plants are members of the Stretlitziaceae family and are the only member of the Strelitzia genus. They presently rank high as gardener’s favorite houseplants due to the compact size of their luxurious-looking foliage.
5. The Dove Orchid (Peristeria Elata Orchid)
These plants are seen grown in Venezuela and Ecuador, but they are native mainly to Panama.
This flower can be described as angelic, and the flowers are shaped like a clear depiction of a dove descending from the skies.
Late summer and early fall will see them flower graciously.
For best results and a faster growth rate, plant in rich, humus soil in warm/hot regions bearing temperatures of 65 - 70°F.
They require a low - medium level of light during their early growth phase but bright, indirect light as they mature.
Did You Know?
The dove Orchid plant is also called ‘Flor Der Espiritu Santo,’ which means; ‘Flower of the Holy Spirit.’ It goes by other names like ‘Holy Ghost Orchid’ and ‘Holy Trinity Orchid,’ all due to its angelic looks.
6. White Egret Flower (Habenaria radiate)
You might know them as ‘Fringed Orchids.’ This plant is native to Japan as well as Korea and Russia and hails from the Araceae plant family.
They are classy-looking plants with long, slim stems and vines that sprout from the center crown of leaves.
They depict an image of a flying white egret. The plant has a mature height of 12 inches and a width measuring about 1.5 inches.
Bloom time begins from September all through to January.
7. Flying Duck Orchids (Caleana Major)
You might need to look at this plant to know what a flying duck seems like if you have never seen one before.
This plant has a symbiotic relationship with a particular fungus that can be gotten only in Australia, which explains why they are indigenous and scarce to find outside of it.
A symbiotic relationship between two elements means that both mutually depend on each other, relying on each other for survival.
This explains why many plant lovers who have tried growing this plant in countries other than Australia failed.
8. Birds Mouth Orchid (Orthoceras Strictum Orchid)
The Birds Mouth Orchid has one intriguing feature: The plant is capable of growing a total of 5 straight leaves at its base at the same time. They can equally bear up to nine flowers.
The plant is native to Australia and New Zealand. They spot black, brown, or yellowish-green color.
If you closely look at the plant, you will see an infant bird waiting to be fed by its parent.
9. Crane-fly Orchid (Tipularia Discolor)
This orchid plant is a perennial belonging to the Orchidaceae family.
The plant features a dull to bright green at the top and purple underneath.
These herbaceous plant flowers possess pollen - a structure found in orchids that houses pollen.
Crane-fly Orchids are native to North America. They are just about the only cultivar belonging to the Tipularia genus found there. However, you can still see them littered everywhere in South Eastern parts of America too.
They have a height size range of 15-20 inches
10. 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.
They are native Australian plants with a height size of 10ft and with about 6ft.
11. Parrot Flower (Impatiens Psittacinna)
At the time when Joseph Dalton Hooker first discovered this plant, it was said to look just like a cockatoo flying, but most people will find it to resemble a small parrot, and that explains the name; Parrot flower and its nicknames ‘Parrot Balsam’ or ‘Parrot Palm.’
Parrot palms are native to Thailand and a few parts of India.
Did You Know?
The first pictures of this plant were said to be fabricated and concluded to be unreal. However, with its growing popularity, people have had a chance to see for themselves and believe that they genuinely exist.
They have now been marked as a protected specie in Thailand.
12. Western Bearded Greenhood (Pterostylis Barbara)
The Western Bearded Greenhood is a unique plant with a beautiful rosette of leaves at the bottom and a single translucent white flower springing out from its base.
This herbaceous perennial has a height size range of 2-3 inches and a 0.5 inches spread.
The plants are native to Western Australia.
13. Angel Orchid
The Angel orchid is native to Central America. They feature beautiful petals of white nicely decorated with purple spots with long sprouts that tilt upwards when they bloom.
You will agree that the shape of the flower looks like a bird in flight when you look closely.
14. Red Birds in a Tree (Scrophularia macrantha)
One significant benefit of this plant is that they are easy to grow and maintain by just about anyone.
This plant features uniquely beautiful flowers that resemble a gathering of red birds perching on a tree branch.
15. Peacock Flower (Trigridia Pavonia)
This plant features showy flowers in delectable colors of orange, yellow, pink, white, etc., with some bi-colored patterns. They are just as flashy as a peacock.
This bulbous perennial also goes by the name; ‘Tiger flower.’ They have a height size of about 50cm.
They prefer full sun, mild watering, a temperature level of 70°C and are hardy in USDA zone 11b.
16. Flamingo Flower
As you must have rightly guessed, this plant shares a striking resemblance with flamingos.
17. Wow Doves
Wow Doves spot sparks charming white flowers that envelopes your space with a certain kind of calmness.
18. Magnolia Liliflora
Yet another flower that looks like a bird with a sizeable beak. Magnolia Liliflora comes in color white and light pink.
Conclusion
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see a flower that looks just like a bird?
Do you think it’s magic? Or is it perhaps not a flower but something unrecognizable?
Relax. Your mind is not playing tricks on you. There are so many flowers, new and old, popular and not so famous, common and rare, that look just like a bird.
We had a lovely time compiling the list above for you, and we hope you also enjoy reading it.
