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 bird. Like a creature that stepped right out of a nightmare, it has an 8 foot (2.4 meters) wingspan and a monstrous looking bill. It uses its sturdy bill to help it catch fish, snakes, turtles, lizards, birds, and even baby crocodiles.
Emu
Just the sheer size of the emu is intimidating, that’s because it’s the second-largest bird in the world. These ostrich looking birds have long blue necks and are covered in feathers that look like shaggy hair. And to top it off, their three-toed feet have long claws. (An interesting emu fact is that these large birds actually lay big green eggs that look similar to avocados).
Long-Eared Owl
The long-eared owl has horn-like “ears,” and large eyes. However, the “ears,” of these scary looking owls are actually tufts of feathers on the top of its head. These tufts are believed to help this species blend into its surroundings. Its real ears are openings that are hidden under the feathers behind its eyes.
Bearded Vulture
Unlike other birds that look scary, in addition to a frightening appearance, the bearded vulture also has a terrifying diet. It’s the only vertebrate in the world that has a diet that is mostly made up of bones. This species even has a specialized tongue for removing the marrow inside of them.
Turkey Vulture
There aren’t many creatures as creepy as the turkey vulture. It has a bald red head and you can actually see directly through its nostrils when looking at it from the side. While its diet of carrion is disgusting to many people, like other vultures this species helps to keep the environment clean and stop the spread of harmful bacteria and diseases.
Marabou Stork
Because of its appearance, the marabou stork is sometimes called the “undertaker bird.” This species feeds on the flesh of decaying animals, feces, fish, baby birds, small mammals, frogs, and really almost any type of animal matter it can manage to swallow. And boy does it look frightful.
Cassowary
This scary looking bird is often compared to a modern-day Velociraptor because of the terrifying claws it has on its feet. These claws are used by the cassowary as a weapon to kick potential threats. And they have been responsible for the death of several people.
Greylag Goose
If you look closely at the beak of the greylag goose you will see that it is serrated. This gives it the impression of having fearsome teeth. However, these “teeth,” are used to help the goose cut one of its favorite foods: grass.
California Condor
The California condor is a bird so huge that it is believed to be the basis of the “thunderbird,” in many Native American legends. With a wingspan of around 10 feet (3 meters), a bald head, hooked beak, and talons, this species is intimidating to say the least. The California condor is actually the largest flying land bird in all of North America.
Raven
The raven’s black plumage and the fact that it eats carrion is the reason it is often associated with death and bad luck. And of course, it frequently plays a role in both movies and stories that are in the supernatural and horror genres. The raven is also associated with the spooky holiday of Halloween.
Secretary Bird
These scary looking birds have the appearance of an eagle set on the thin legs of a stork. And they stand over four feet tall. Unlike other birds of prey, they spend most of their time on the ground hunting for food and often in pairs. After chasing down their prey they will either strike it with their beak or use their feet to stomp it to death or stun it so that it can be consumed.
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