Ever wondered if some birds have “hair” on their heads? Though it may look like hair, these are, in fact, specialized feathers! Birds don’t have actual hair, but certain species flaunt feathered crests and tufts, giving them unique, eye-catching styles.
These feathery “hairdos,” called crests or tufts, add flair and beauty to the birds and play essential life roles. Crests aid in communication, signaling excitement or warnings to other birds.
They also serve a purpose in courtship displays, helping to attract mates, and can even deter predators by making the bird appear larger.
Look at 12 striking bird species with “hairstyles,” from wild mohawks to elegant curls.
1. Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria)
With a lacy blue crest atop its head, this pigeon’s plumage combines gray-blue tones with maroon accents, giving it an almost regal look. Native to northern New Guinea, the Victoria Crowned Pigeon enjoys swampy and forested lowlands, where it forages for seeds, fruit, and insects.
2. Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Known for its golden, spiky crest, this crane’s head sports a mix of black, white, and red features. Found across southern and eastern Africa, the Grey Crowned Crane thrives in grasslands, savannas, and wetlands. Its diet ranges from grasses and insects to small amphibians and reptiles.
3. Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata)
The Tufted Puffin’s slicked-back, yellow “hair” makes it one of the dapper puffins. During the breeding season, this bird’s body is jet black with a white face and vibrant orange beak. It breeds along rocky coastlines and spends winters on the open ocean.
4. Southern Crested Guineafowl (Guttera edouardi)
With its curly feathered “fro,” this guineafowl’s black and white speckling, red eyes, and blue-gray face make it an exotic sight in the woodlands of southern Africa. It forages for a diet of seeds, fruits, insects, and millipedes.
5. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
One of the world’s largest and rarest eagles, the Philippine Eagle sports a bushy, shaggy crest that flows down its neck. This critically endangered bird is found only in Philippine forests and preys on mammals, birds, and reptiles.
6. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
The Eurasian Hoopoe stands out in Europe, Asia, and Africa with an impressive orange crest tipped in black and white. It enjoys varied habitats and feeds mainly on insects and spiders.
7. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
A yellow retractable crest contrasts this Australian bird’s white feathers. Known for its intelligence and playful nature, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo can be found in woodlands and urban areas alike, feeding on seeds, fruit, and insects.
8. Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo)
Among the smallest cranes, the Demoiselle Crane’s elegance is highlighted by white “tufts” flowing from behind its red eyes. They breed in Central Asia and Europe, migrating to India and Africa for winter, feeding on grains, seeds, and small animals.
9. Blond-crested Woodpecker (Celeus flavescens)
This South American woodpecker boasts a striking blonde crest contrasting with its black body. It can be found in forests and savannas, where it feeds mainly on ants and termites, as well as berries and fruits.
10. Smew (Mergellus albellus)
This small diving duck is admired for its slicked-back crest. Found across northern Europe and Asia, the Smew has a diverse diet that includes small fish and aquatic insects.
11. Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
With curly black feathers crowning its head, the Great Curassow inhabits Central and South American forests. The bird’s diet includes seeds, fruit, and even small reptiles.
12. Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus)
Renowned for its vibrant golden-orange “hair,” the male Golden Pheasant is truly spectacular. Found in China and some parts of Europe, they feed on seeds, berries, and insects.
Conclusion: Nature’s most unique creatures are birds with dazzling crests and tufts. These feathered “hairstyles” serve critical roles in communication, mating rituals, and defense, showcasing the brilliance of evolution in the avian world.
While we’ve highlighted just a dozen of these unique species, there are countless more around the globe, each with its fantastic display.