Birds With Tails

Just like birds themselves, birds’ tails come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. And some tails of course are more interesting and remarkable than others. The following are birds with tails that never fail to impress!

Long-Tailed Tit

The long-tailed tit, also known as the long-tailed bushtit, is one of the most common garden birds in the UK and while seen year-round they are most often spotted during the winter months. They are both tiny and adorable. And because they have an extra long narrow tail and a round body, they are often compared to looking like a flying lollipop!

Birds With Tails

 

 

Golden Pheasant

Male golden pheasants are brightly colored beautiful birds with long tails. In fact, their tails are so long that they make up around two-thirds of their entire length. They also sport an impressive golden yellow crest on their heads. While a native of western China, the stunning appearance of the golden pheasant has made it one of the most commonly kept pheasant species in captivity around the world.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Peafowl

Male peafowl are known as peacocks while females are called peahens. They are the largest member of the pheasant family and there are two species: the Indian peafowl (also called the blue peafowl) and the green peafowl. Peacocks are more dramatically colored and have longer tails, than peahens.

The elongated feathers that are attached to a peacock’s tail are known as a “train”. The train feathers are a metallic green and sport iridescent blue eyes. The train is displayed by the peacock to attract a mate.  Peahens prefer the males with the longest trains and biggest displays.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Cape Sugarbird

These South African birds with long tails are important pollinators. They mainly feed on nectar and have long specialized beaks and elongated brush-tipped tongues to help them reach it. They also eat insects such as aphids, flies, and grasshoppers. This species’ most distinguishing feature is the long tail of the male birds.

Their tail is about twice the length of their body. In contrast, the females only have tails that are about half the length of their bodies. Cape sugarbirds can be distinguished from other similar species by the spot of yellow under their tails.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Long-Tailed Glossy Starling

As its name suggests the long-tailed glossy starling has an exceptionally long tail. Both males and females are attractive iridescent birds with long glossy purple tails. Their tail is more than half the length of their entire body.

So while they average around 21 inches in length about 13 of those inches are made up of their tail. That long tail is used for balance as the birds forage for food. Long-tailed glossy starlings are native to sub-Saharan Africa.

Birds With Tails

Peterichman/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0

 

 

Greater Racket Tailed Drongo Bird 

At first glance, greater racket-tailed drongo birds may look like birds with 2 tails. That’s because they have 2 twisted tail extensions that look similar in appearance to rackets, from which they get their name. These Asian birds aren’t known only for their unique tail, but also for their highly-skilled mimicry. Greater racket-tailed drongo birds are able to perfectly mimic the calls of many other bird species in their environment.

Birds With Tails

 

 

African Paradise Flycatcher

While these noisy birds may have short legs and a medium size body, adult males are known for their highly elongated central tail feathers. Their tails are more than twice the length of their bodies.

And while their long streamers may have the added benefit of helping human observers to locate the birds when in thick foliage, their long tails are actually used to help attract a mate during their courtship displays. Females lack the long tail streamers as their tails are only moderate in length.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkeys are the wild ancestors of the domestic turkey. They are north America’s biggest upland game bird. In addition to having bald heads and beards, male turkeys have impressive fan-shaped tails that are made up of feathers of equal size.

Like many other birds with fan-shaped tails, the adult males referred to as “toms” will spread their tails in a display to attract females. Known as “strutting,” during this grand courtship display males will also drag their wing tips on the ground, gobble, and erect their body feathers.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo

This large black cockatoo hails from Australia and is often seen (and heard as they are quite noisy) in large flocks. Adult males have bright red tail panels which make for a stunning contrast to their black plumage. Because of their beauty and rarity this species is known for fetching high prices in the pet trade. In captivity with the proper care, red-tailed black cockatoos are known to reach the age of 100 years old.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Bald Eagle

In North America, there is no other bird as recognizable as the Bald Eagle. Adult birds can be differentiated immediately from other species. That’s because they are birds with white heads and white tails that contrast their darkly colored bodies not to mention their yellow legs and feet.

Luckily for the species today it has rebounded from its past population decline which was a direct result of ingesting fish contaminated by the pesticide DDT.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Superb Lyrebird

The superb lyrebird gets its name from its spectacular tail which looks similar to a lyre. However, both females and younger males lack that impressive tail.

As a top-notch mimic, this species not only copies the songs of other birds but can also accurately reproduce the sounds of anything from a ringing phone to a barking dog. These large brown pheasant-like birds can be found in southeastern Australia and southern Tasmania.

Birds With Tails

 

 

Barn Swallow

Barns swallows are recognizable small birds with forked tails and blue upper parts. They are actually the most widespread of any swallow species. And they like to nest in open structures such as barns and stables, but also under wharves and bridges.

The birds’ long forked tails enable them to be fast and agile enough to catch insects in the air. The tails of the male barn swallows are longer. And in some subspecies, the females are more attracted to males with longer streamers, as they tend to be healthier and live longer than those with shorter tails.

Birds With Tails

 

Start Shopping for Birding Gear!

 

The Most Dangerous Birds In The World

The Most Dangerous Birds In The World

Most bird species are harmless, although there is a handful that can seriously injure or even kill you.  And while the chances you’ll have a run-in with an aggressive winged beast is low, for safety’s sake (or your own curiosity) you’ll want to know more. So here’s a...

Iridescent Birds

Iridescent Birds

Iridescent birds have plumage that can appear to change color depending on the angle at which you are looking at them. This makes these special birds not only unique but also oftentimes amazingly beautiful. So here are the top iridescent bird species you’ll want to...

Flightless Birds

Flightless Birds

There are many bird species that have lost the ability to fly due to evolution. While you may be familiar with some of them already, the odds are that there are quite a few which you aren’t. So here are some of the top flightless birds and what you’ll want to know...

Birds With Hair

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...

Bearded Birds

Bearded Birds

Birds with beards are always an interesting sight. And while they may not have real facial hair like us humans, it can often look like it. So here are some of the top bearded birds and what you’ll want to know about them. Wild Turkey The male wild turkey has a beard...

Cool Looking Birds

Cool Looking Birds

With so many different bird species on the planet, they really come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and other physical characteristics. And some bird species are just much more interesting in appearance than others. The following are some cool looking...

Birds With Huge Beaks

Birds With Huge Beaks

There is an enormous variety of bird species on the planet. And while many have stunning colors or plumage, there are only a handful of birds with huge beaks. The following birds have some of the largest beaks on the planet. Toucan Toucans can have beaks that are as...

Ostrich Facts

Ostrich Facts

The ostrich is a unique bird that is famous for its enormous size. But there are many more things you’ll want to know about this unusual-looking species. So here are some of the most amazing ostrich facts. Ostriches Live In Groups With more eyes on the lookout for...

Pink Bird Species

Pink Bird Species

There’s just something special about pink plumage. Not only does it stand out visually, but the fact that it’s quite rare in the world of birds makes it even more extraordinary. So here are some of the coolest-looking pink bird species you’ll want to check out. Galah...

Birds That Look Like Penguins

Birds That Look Like Penguins

Penguins are flightless birds that typically have black and white plumage. They are top-notch swimmers that are only found in the Southern Hemisphere. However, there are quite a few other birds that are often confused with them. So here’s a list of birds that look...

Scary Looking Birds

Scary Looking Birds

There are many bird species that are known for their incredible beauty. Yet there are a few that are instead famous for their frightening appearance. So here are some scary looking birds you’ll want to check out. Shoebill The shoebill is a truly prehistoric looking...

Crazy Looking Birds

Crazy Looking Birds

There is an unbelievable number of bird species on the planet. And that means that there are a few that are bound to stand out in terms of their looks. So here are some crazy-looking birds, that you’ll not only be shocked to see but that you’ll want to learn more...

Prehistoric Looking Birds

Prehistoric Looking Birds

The birds we see today evolved from dinosaurs. Many species have changed so much that they don’t really resemble their ancestors much at all. Yet there are still a handful of birds that look as if they have stepped right out millions of years in the past. So here are...

Golden Eagle Facts

Golden Eagle Facts

The golden eagle is a large bird of prey. And there are many amazing things you’ll want to know about this species. So here are some of the top golden eagle facts. It's A Highly-Respected Species In The World Of Falconry Falconry is the sport of hunting animals using...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This