Birds With Hair

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!