Buzz
Birds across the globe showcase unique crests, crowns, and plumes, serving purposes ranging from attracting mates to intimidating rivals.
1. Andean Cock of the Rock
Peru's national bird is a fascinating creature, recognized for its frog-like croaks and nests made of mud. While females exhibit a deep orange hue, males boast bright orange plumage and a distinctive disc-shaped crest. These birds spend their days croaking and flaunting their unique head feathers to woo females. Found in the Andean cloud forests, they live up to their name.
2. Guinea Turaco
This vibrant green bird, known for its sociable nature, thrives in flocks of up to 30 members. It sports a small, fluffy crest that expands when excited. Guinea turacos are monogamous; males feed females during courtship, and both collaborate to build nests. They share responsibilities, taking turns guarding the nest after eggs are laid.
3. Wilson's Bird of Paradise
These unique birds appear to don skull caps. Males are strikingly colorful, adorned with bright yellow, red, and green feathers, complemented by light yellow mouths and curly tail ringlets. Females, in contrast, display subdued brown plumage and plain tails. Both genders feature a turquoise head made of bare skin. Males prepare a performance area and dance to attract females.
4. Royal Flycatcher
At first glance, royal flycatchers may appear unremarkable, with their light brown upper feathers and pale yellow underbellies. However, their true allure lies in their crest, which typically lies flat on their heads. When raised, it forms a striking fan shape, showcasing dark red for males or bright yellow for females. The fan's edges are adorned with black and silver, enhancing the vibrant colors.
The crest is thought to rise when the bird feels stressed, threatened, or during courtship. They often sway their heads rhythmically, creating an almost mesmerizing effect, as shown above.
5. King of Saxony
Male King of Saxony birds are distinguished by their dramatic, eyebrow-like head wires. They use these unique features to attract females by fluffing their feathers and bouncing. To draw females closer, males perch high in their territory and emit distinctive calls. These calls resemble futuristic alarm sounds rather than typical bird songs.
6. Hoopoe
While the Hoopoe may not boast the vivid hues of other birds on this list, its striking black and white striped plumage is undeniably captivating. Named after its distinctive call—a soft "hoop, hoop"—the Eurasian Hoopoe holds the title of Israel's national bird. These birds enjoy dust baths and sunbathing, often spreading their feathers wide. Highly territorial, they nest in tree hollows or wall crevices. Females and young birds possess a gland emitting a foul odor resembling rotting meat, deterring predators and parasites.
7. Wire-Crested Thorntail
Wire-crested thorntails derive their name from the small, spiky feathers sported by males. Among the tiniest birds in existence, they weigh a mere 2.5 grams. Both genders exhibit shimmering, iridescent colors, but males are distinguished by their crests and elongated tails. Similar to other hummingbirds, they lead solitary lives and avoid flocking. Males and females often mate with multiple partners, and males play no role in nesting or rearing offspring.
8. Golden Pheasant
Golden pheasants, native to China, are also found in the United Kingdom. Males resemble miniature avian pharaohs with their striped, nemes-like feathers. They use their dazzling plumage to court females, who are cloaked in brown and black tones, by flaring their neck feathers. Although capable of flight, they are not skilled flyers and spend most of their time on the ground.
9. Parotia
Males of the Parotia genus are adorned with vibrant chest colors and striking blue eyes. Known as the six-plumed bird of paradise, they feature six elegant plumes extending from the back of their heads. During courtship, males meticulously prepare a forest clearing, removing debris and even using tools to clean branches. Once the stage is set, they perform an amusing dance filled with energetic shakes and head bobs to attract a mate.
10. Blue Crowned Pigeon
The blue crowned pigeon ranks as the world's second-largest pigeon species and is undoubtedly one of the most elegant. This sizable bird can weigh up to five pounds, showcasing a rich purplish-blue plumage and a fluffy head crest. While both males and females are equally ornate, males are slightly larger in size.
11. Black Crowned Crane
Black crowned cranes inhabit the African savannahs, showcasing a striking combination of black, white, and red plumage, along with a golden crown of feathers. Their distinctive red gular sac, located beneath their beak, inflates to amplify their resonant mating calls. These graceful birds nest in wetlands and feed on small animals and insects. Sadly, due to habitat loss, they are classified as a vulnerable species.
12. Great Hornbill
The great hornbill is a massive bird, standing up to four feet tall and weighing as much as seven pounds. With a wingspan of five feet, the sound of its wings flapping can be heard from half a mile away. Its remarkable beak features a hollow casque, and the rest of the beak is lightweight, filled with air pockets. While the casque's purpose remains unclear, some believe it aids in attracting mates. After courtship, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity, leaving a small opening for the male to deliver food. She remains there until her chicks develop feathers.
13. Cassowary
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These ancient-looking birds tower at six and a half feet tall, weigh more than 100 pounds, and can sprint at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour. They are the second-largest birds globally, surpassed only by ostriches. Like hornbills, they boast a striking casque atop their heads. Despite their generally calm demeanor, they are formidable, equipped with sharp claws and powerful kicks capable of harming even dogs.
14. Red-whiskered Bulbul
These edgy birds are known for their small, feathered mohawks. Both males and females possess these black crests, which they raise and lower during courtship, resembling tiny bows. Originally from India, they were introduced to Florida after some pet bulbuls escaped a Miami aviary in 1960.
15. Hawk-Headed Parrot
The captivating hawk-headed parrot hails from the Amazon Basin but is also available in pet stores. While they resemble typical parrots, they can raise their vibrant feathers into a colorful mane, making them appear more intimidating.
