Many bird species can look as if they have hair on their heads. While that “hair” is really made up of feathers they are nevertheless fun to look at. So here are some of the most interesting and unique looking and birds with “hair,” you’ll ever see.
Silver Pheasant
This attractive pheasant species is mostly found in the forests of mainland Southeast Asia. And while its plumage is stunning, the red mask on its face and the black hair on top of its head grab most of the attention.
Grey Crowned Crane
No gel is needed for the spiky hair of the grey crowned crane. These rigid golden feathers stand up all on their own. They actually look very similar to the quills of a porcupine.
Red-Crested Turaco
In contrast to its yellowish-green body, the red-crested turaco has a red mohawk that stands up when the bird is excited. Along with its red crest, it also has red eyes. This fruit-eating bird with crazy hair is well-known in its native homeland of Angola for its call which sounds like that of a monkey or alternatively as if it’s saying, “go away.”
Polish Chicken
The crest of this European breed of chicken is often compared to the hair of a rock star. Because their hairdo can restrict their vision it can sometimes cause some funny behavior in these birds or even for them to be timider than other varieties of chicken.
Western Crowned Pigeon
There aren’t many birds with hair that look this fancy. Found in the rainforests of northwestern New Guinea the western crowned pigeon has a lacy crest on its head that gives it an extravagant appearance. Too bad street pigeons don’t look this high-class.
Red-Whiskered Bulbul
A stylish black faux hawk and distinct red face patch help to set the red-whiskered bulbul apart from other birds. But so does its loud call which sounds as if it’s yelling out “pleased to meet you.” In its native Asia, this species is a popular pet because of its looks and trainability.
Crested Partridge
Similar to other birds with hair it’s not the female crested partridge that sports the fancy hairdo. Instead, it’s the male that has a bright red crest. And while male birds are totally blue and black in color the female is mostly green with brown wings and a gray head.
Great Crested Grebe
The black spiked hair and chestnut mane of the great crested grebe makes it instantly recognizable. And it was those attractive head plumes that were popular in women’s hats that caused this species to be almost become hunted to extinction in the U.K. in the nineteenth century.
Great Curassow
It’s not every day you see a bird that looks like it has a mohawk made up of curls. Not only does the great curassow have the looks it has an attitude to match. This species is known for its tendency to attack predators and humans. It specifically targets the eyes of humans when launching its attack with its clawed feet.
Marabou Stork
These are large scary looking birds that have huge beaks. Many marabou storks also have a clump of hair on their heads which along with their height makes them seem almost human-like. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to be compared to a creepy-looking old man.
Crested Duck
That powder puff on the top of the crested duck’s head is actually the result of a genetic mutation that causes a skull deformity. It is a domestic breed of duck that is sometimes used for its meat and eggs but is more often kept as a pet or ornamental bird because of its remarkable hairstyle and friendly nature.
Emu
It’s not uncommon for an emu to look like it has, “bed head.” In fact, this Australian native has feathers with a special texture, and depending on where they are on the body they can look furry, hairy, or shaggy. The emu is a flightless bird species that also happens to be the second tallest bird in the world.
Demoiselle Crane
Demoiselle cranes are birds with long hair that stems from behind their eyes and continues down the back of their head. Those white plumes can actually be extended when the crane is displaying. It is a graceful species with a loud and high-pitched trumpeting call.
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
You can’t discuss birds with hair without bringing up the sulphur-crested cockatoo. With a striking yellow mohawk that it uses to communicate and incredibly high intelligence, it’s no wonder this Australian bird is a popular pet around the world.
Start Shopping for Birding Supplies!
What Do Crows Eat?
With roughly 40 different species, crows are a common sight in most places around the world. And while most of us are familiar with their appearance and harsh vocalizations, their diet is not as obvious. So what do crows eat? Here's what you'll want to know. What Do...
What Are Crows Good For?
Crows are widely considered to be pests. However, these large and highly intelligent black birds actually serve quite a few important functions in the environment. So what are crows good for? Here's what you'll want to know. Pest And Parasite Management Crows are...
How Long Do Swans Live?
Swans are graceful and beautiful creatures and as such, people have many questions about them. They want to know about their mating rituals, their diet, their preferred habitats, and even their lifespans. How long do swans live for anyway? Swan lifespans actually vary...
Are Crows Good Pets?
People all around the world see and hear crows on a daily basis. Although these intelligent and dark birds are practically ubiquitous, most people don't think of them as being household pets. Are crows good pets? The general consensus is that crows do not make...
Are There Crows In Australia?
Crows are remarkably smart birds that also happen to be extremely adaptable. They navigate unfamiliar circumstances via observation and interaction. Crows reside in locations all over the globe. While they do not live in certain parts of South America, they do reside...
What Do Swans Eat?
Swans are famously long-necked birds that are symbols of romance, love, beauty, and purity. Since these waterbirds have so many admirers, people often wonder about their eating habits, behaviors, and more. What do swans eat, anyway? Swan Basics Swans typically live in...
Birds That Look Like Owls
Owls are typically solitary and mainly nocturnal birds. And although these well-known hooting creatures have a rather distinctive physical appearance, there are actually various other kinds of birds that resemble owls closely. And people sometimes mix them up. So...
Why Are Swans Protected?
Swans are graceful and gorgeous creatures. They also happen to have protection in the United Kingdom, interestingly enough. Why are swans protected there, anyway? And does the Queen own all the swans? Yes, she actually owns any mute swans that are unclaimed in both...
Birds With Teeth
Birds do not have teeth. However, there are quite a few that really look like they do! These birds have evolved special beaks which help them to perform important functions. So here are some of the most amazing birds with “teeth,” and what you’ll want to know about...
Do Geese Fly?
Although geese are clearly birds, there are many individuals who do not necessarily associate them with flying. So, do geese fly? The honest answer is that these waterfowl do. They do not exactly slouch in the flying department, either. Many people are pleasantly...
Are Geese Dangerous?
Geese, in brief, are waterbirds that are quite substantial in size. Since they're often spotted on golf courses, at schools, and in community parks, people understandably tend to wonder whether they're safety threats. Are geese dangerous? Why Geese Attack...
Do Swans Mate For Life?
Swans are famously elegant waterbirds that are known for their sizable bodies, webbed feet, and lengthy necks. People often associate them with romantic imagery and monogamy. Do swans mate for life? You can find the response to that common and rather fascinating...
When Do Cicada Killers Come Out?
Whether you dread them each year or are waiting for them to emerge and control the cicada population you may be wondering, “When do cicada killers come out? The answer is they come out each summer in late June or July. Here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer...
Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?
One look at one of these huge wasps buzzing around, your yard, and it’s only natural to ask, “Are cicada killers dangerous?” Fortunately, these wasps are mild-mannered. But here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer Wasps Basics Cicada killers emerge from the...
What Are Black Swans?
What are black swans? Black swans (Cygnus atratus) are sizable waterbirds. This species primarily appears in Australia's southwestern and southeastern portions. The black swan is nomadic in its homeland. This bird, true to its name, is mostly black. Although the bird...
What Do Cicada Killers Eat When There Are No Cicadas?
What do cicada killers eat when there are no cicadas? Well, while cicada killer wasps do hunt cicadas, the adults don’t actually eat them or kill them, their young do. Read on to learn more! The Cicada Killer Diet While you may have seen cicada killer wasps flying...
Do Cicada Killer Wasps Sting?
As one of the biggest species of wasp in North America the cicada killer wasp can be intimidating. And because of their size, appearance, and scary-sounding name, many people wonder, “Do cicada killer wasps sting? The answer is yes and no, and here’s what you’ll want...
Emu Facts
Did you know? One emu egg can make an omelet that can feed up to six adults. Did you know that the emu is the only bird with calf muscles? Can an emu walk backward? Let us find out by exploring some of the most jaw-dropping emu facts. Emus Have Amazingly Powerful Legs...
Rhea Facts
Doting dads, did you know the male rhea builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and takes care of the young? The rheas are paragons of parental care. It’s a bird like no other, and you will be surprised by the following rhea facts. Rheas Are One Of The Best Dads In The...
