8 of the Smallest Birds on Earth

When it comes to birds, the ones that have big flashy feathers, like the peacock, or the fast tough-looking ones, like the eagle, usually have all the attention. However, there are a few bird species that are remarkably tiny, but can still awe you with their beauty.

Here are 8 of the smallest birds on earth.

Red-cheeked cordon-bleu

An African finch specie which is identified by a red spot on their cheek, the red-cheeked cordon-bleu looks like it’s always blushing. They grow at an average of 5 inches tall and weighs in at an average of.35 ounces. Found in east and central Africa, this bird is a popular amongst pet traders.

Verdin

Verdin is a common bird seen in Africa, southwest North America, and Mexico. A specie of penduline tit, they have yellow and blue feathers and grow to around 4.5 inches. These birds feed on insects and plants. Sometimes these birds even feed on sugar from hummingbird feeders.

Lesser Goldfinch

The smallest known North American finch, the lesser goldfinch grows to around 3.5 - 4.7 inches when matured and it weighs at 0.28 to 0.41 ounces. People often see these birds in their yards or near bird baths and feedings.

Goldcrest

These birds are proof that you don’t have to be huge to be a king. The goldcrest is referred to as “little king” and is one of the smallest birds in the European continent. Growing to a height of 3.3–3.7 inches and weighting in at 0.16–0.25 ounces, their small size has nothing on their ability to lay eggs, which often yields 10 to 12 eggs in one season.

Bee Hummingbird

The smallest bird on earth, you can easily mistake these birds as an actual bee flying near your ear. These hummingbirds only grow to an average of 2.4 inches and weigh in at 0.056–0.071 ounces. Their eggs are no bigger than a pea, and they’re native to Cuba and areas around it.

Willow tit

Despite their tiny size, these little birds can survive the coldest of climates. Thriving in northern Asia and sub-arctic Europe, they grow to 4.5 inches long and weigh in at 0.31-0.38 ounces. It looks very similar to its cousin, the marsh tit, but their different vocalizations help identify them.

Spotted Pardalote

Although small, these birds are flashy. They come in all different feather patterns and colors with while spots. Also known as diamond bird, they’re found in south and eastern Australia. They grow to a height of 3.1-3.9 inches and live amongst the eucalyptus trees.

Weebill

These birds got their name because they have a tiny beak. Growing to a length of 3-3.5 inches long, they’re recorded as Australia's tiniest bird species. The Weebill often lives in groups in wooded areas, although they’re also known to stay in eucalyptus forests.