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 about.
Emu
With shaggy brown plumage that looks similar to hair and long blue necks emus definitely have a bizarre appearance. These large flightless Australian birds can reach heights of up to over 6 feet (1.9 meters) tall and have toes armed with dangerously sharp claws.
White-Headed Vulture
It’s easy to tell white-headed vultures apart not just from other types of birds but other vulture species as well. Their contrasting black and white plumage is distinct but so is their white downy feathered head yet bare-skinned pink face. Unlike the majority of other vultures which strictly eat carrion, white-headed vultures are also predatory.
Tufted Puffin
Puffins are birds that at first glance look like penguins because of their black and white plumage. However, a closer look reveals they have a very thick beak which gives them a very unique look. Tufted puffins are perhaps the craziest looking of all puffin species with their distinct yellow tufts. These tufts actually molt off and are re-grown each year.
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper penguins are crazy-looking birds that have red eyes, pink feet, orange beaks, and yellow and black spiky feathers on their heads. In fact, they look similar to punks from the 1980s. The spiky feathers develop with age. And while this unique physical characteristic makes them easy to distinguish from other types of penguins, because both males and females have them in order to tell them apart a DNA test is required.
Spectacled Eider
Spectacled eiders have big circular eye patches which as their name suggests makes it seem as if they are wearing glasses. Both males and females have eye patches and these markings make it hard to confuse these large sea ducks with any other species.
Great Frigate Bird
Great frigate birds have mostly black plumage. However male birds also have a striking red gular sac on their throat. This is used during the breeding season in an elaborate mating display which includes the males inflating their pouches and vibrating their wings as female birds fly overhead.
Tawny Frogmouth
The tawny frogmouth has a big head and a wide flat beak that looks similar to the mouth of a frog when it’s opened. This crazy-looking bird has a fantastic method for keeping itself hidden. When afraid it will point its beak upwards and stretch out its body. In this position and with the help of its camouflaged plumage it looks exactly like a broken tree limb or stump.
Grey Crowned Crane
Grey crowned cranes get their name from their grey plumage and the crown of golden feathers which they sport on their head. While these are strange-looking birds they are at the same time quite regal. This species is well-known not just for its looks but also its courtship display which includes dancing.
Ground Hornbill
Ground hornbills are totally prehistoric-looking birds. In addition to having horn-like casques growing out of their heads, they have patches of bare blue skin around their eyes and on their throat. Males look even crazier since they also have an inflatable patch of red featherless skin on their throats as well.
Golden Pheasant
The golden pheasant is also known as the Chinese pheasant. Males have stunning plumage which includes a distinct golden crest and red body. During courtship displays, these crazy-looking birds can actually spread the rusty-colored feathers on their necks over their beaks and heads just like a cape. In contrast, female golden pheasants are very plainly colored and have brown-mottled plumage.
Start Shopping for Birding Supplies!
Crow Symbolism: Everything You Need To Know
Ever wondered why the crow has captured the imagination of so many cultures throughout history? Let's embark on a fascinating journey through the world of crow symbolism, unraveling its mysteries and discovering its significance across various cultures, religions, and...
Creepy Facts About Crows
Crows are highly intelligent birds that have thrived alongside us humans. However, while they are fascinating creatures, at the same time, there are many things about them that many people find quite unsettling. That being said here as some of the most creepy facts...
Why Are Crows So Loud?
As anyone who has heard their loud "caws," can tell you, crows are very noisy birds. In fact, they are considered one of the loudest of all bird species. But why are crows so loud? Read on to find out. The Importance Of Vocalizations Crows use vocalizations to pass on...
Do Crows Remember Faces?
Crows are known for their intelligence. But do crows remember faces? You bet they do! Here's what you'll want to know. Crow Intelligence Crows are brilliant birds. In fact, their level of intelligence is often compared to that of primates. They are so smart that they...
Why Are Crows Black?
American crows are birds with all-black plumage. But why are crows black? Well, there are several reasons. Read on to find out. Bird Color Basics Birds are some of the most colorful creatures on the planet. And they come in an amazing range of colors from white to...
Are All Crows Black?
When it comes to crows, most people are familiar with the image of a sleek-looking solid black bird. But are all crows black? No, they aren't. Here's what you'll want to know. The American Crow Is Not All Crows The American crow is found throughout most of North...
How Long Do Crows Live?
How long do crows live? That's one of the many questions people ask about these familiar all-black birds. Here's what you'll want to know about the lifespan of crows and what affects it. How Long Do Crows Live In The Wild? In the wild American crows have a lifespan of...
Enemies Of Crows
Crows are a common sight in many parts of the world. However, most of us don't realize that these distinctive jet-black birds face a range of threats even when they are in our own backyards. The following are the main enemies of crows. Natural Predators of Crows One...
Predators of Crows
In many places, crows are such a common sight that it can be easy to forget that they actually have many predators. And being "on the menu," for a range of other animals is actually why these birds are so wary. That being said, here is everything you'll want to know...
Are Crows Territorial?
Are crows territorial? The answer is yes. However, just how territorial they are can depend on several factors. Here’s what you’ll need to know. Territoriality In Birds Territoriality is the behavioral trait of defending and maintaining a specific area territory...
What Eats Crows?
Crows are large and highly intelligent birds that eat a wide variety of foods including many other animals. So, what eats crows? Here are the most common crow predators and what you’ll want to know about them. Birds Of Prey The birds of prey are a group of predatory...
Are Crows Friendly?
Crows are commonly seen, and heard, in close proximity to us in our towns and cities. But are crows friendly? The answer may surprise you. Crows Are Highly Social Birds Crows are social birds that live in family groups. And they are well known for forming close bonds...
Do Crows Mate For Life?
Do crows mate for life? Yes, they do. And this behavior is highly advantageous to them. Here's what you'll want to know. How Do Crows Attract A Mate? Crows are social birds; most of the year, they live in small family groups. During the breeding season, however,...
Birds With Talons
All birds have claws. However, only a few types have the scary-looking and dagger-sharp claws called, “talons”. So here are the birds with talons and what you’ll want to know about each of them. What Are Talons? Talons are the claws of a group of predatory birds known...
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...
Birds With White Heads
There's no doubt about it, birds with white heads really stand out. From small to large they are quite a unique bunch. So here are some of the most fascinating white-headed birds and what you'll want to know about them White-Headed Vulture The white-headed vulture is...
Birds That Look Like Flamingos
Flamingos are wading birds with long necks and legs. These social birds live in groups and have strongly hooked downward-facing beaks which they use to feed on shrimp and other small water creatures. And they are famous for their stunning pink color. With such a...
How To Attract Owls To Your Yard
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey that can be extremely helpful when it comes to controlling rodent populations in a natural way. That is of course if you can attract them to your property by creating an owl-friendly habitat. So keep reading to find out how to attract...
Why Would A Swan Be Alone?
It's widely known that swans are incredibly social and romantic creatures, so it can be disconcerting when you encounter a solitary swan. However, there are several reasons why this might be. So why would a swan be alone? Here's what you'll want to know. But first,...
How To Attract Crows To Your Yard
Crows aren’t always pests as many people believe. In fact, these super smart birds can actually help to rid your property of many common backyard and garden pests themselves. So here’s your step-by-step guide on how to attract crows to your yard! Step 1. Create A...