Elegant pairing of red-crowned crane and Graphium agetes butterfly with black, white, and red tones

Flight Forms: Where Birds and Butterflies Align

By Anna Reikher Blog

Nature has a way of echoing its beauty across species. In my work, I’m often captivated by the striking similarities between birds and butterflies—two creatures that embody elegance, color, and movement in their own unique ways. Their patterns, palettes, and silhouettes seem to whisper to each other across branches and skies.

Here are a few breathtaking pairings that inspired me:

Red-Crowned Crane × Graphium agetes

A symphony of white, black, and red—like brushstrokes in motion. Both evoke grace and precision, with a minimalist palette that feels timeless.

Elegant pairing of red-crowned crane and Graphium agetes butterfly with black, white, and red tones

Gang Gang Cockatoo × Baeotus aeilus

Smoky greys meet fiery orange. The butterfly’s spotted wings mirror the cockatoo’s vibrant head, creating a bold contrast that feels both wild and refined.

Grey and orange harmony between Gang Gang Cockatoo and Baeotus aeilus butterfly

Southern Carmine Bee-eater × Marpesia zerynthia

Airy pinks and reds float across feathers and wings. These two feel like a love letter to sunset skies.

Airy pink and red tones shared by Southern Carmine Bee-eater and Marpesia zerynthia butterfly

Crested Partridge × Batesia hypochlora

Jewel tones of turquoise, crimson, and black. A rainforest palette that feels enchanted—like something out of a dream.

Jewel-toned rainforest colors of Crested Partridge and Batesia hypochlora butterfly

Spotted Towhee × Red Admiral

Bold patches of orange, black, and white. Graphic, high-contrast, and full of personality.

Bold orange, black, and white patterns of Spotted Towhee and Red Admiral butterfly

Wilson’s Bird of Paradise × Papilio krishna

Tropical color blocks of blue, yellow, and red. Avant-garde and unapologetically vibrant—like wearable art in flight.

Tropical color blocks of blue, yellow, and red in Wilson’s Bird of Paradise and Papilio krishna butterfly

Each pairing reminds me how nature repeats its motifs in unexpected places. Whether it’s plumage or wings, the design language is universal: bold contrasts, delicate symmetry, and a celebration of color.

Which one speaks to you most? Let me know in the comments—or explore my latest collection to see how these natural harmonies come to life in jewelry form.

This post originally appeared on my Instagram—follow @annareikherjewelry for more visual inspiration and behind the scenes stories.

Back to blog

Leave a comment