16 Bird With Hair On Top (with photo)
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your backyard, look no further! Introducing the 16 birds with hair on top that will make any garden come alive.
These birds bring an aura of charm and character to outdoor spaces while also providing necessary pest control services.
Not only can these amazing feathered friends provide natural beauty, but they can help limit mosquito populations in no time flat.
With their vibrant colors, sassy ‘doo’s, and melodic tunes, this 16 bird with hair on top is sure to brighten any home or family gathering. Learn more about why you should consider adding them to your landscape below.
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16 birds with hair on top
How fascinating a bird with hair! What could be the use of such an unusual feature? At first glance, the idea seems silly. After all, why would this creature need anything extra on its feathers?
But upon closer examination, one might realize that this bird might have its reasons for needing some extra fuzz on top.
The hair may be used as insulation, providing protection from harsh weather. It could also make a statement about gender or age, systemically demarcated by distinguishing patterns of plumage between species.
Moreover, perhaps the bird evolved its hairdo to act as camouflage in the wild; it could blend in with foliage or rocks and not be noticed so easily by predators.
Whatever the intention behind the hairy headpiece may be, it’s an extraordinary adaptation and a testament to how diverse avian species can truly be.
1. Victoria crowned pigeon
The Victoria-crowned pigeon is a majestic animal prized for its meek and gentle disposition. Few people know that the incredible species boasts large tufts of feathered hair atop its head, making them look like an ancient king or queen!
These pigeons can grow up to 30 inches in size and have a stunning shade of blue on their feathers. Unlike other types of birds, they make impressive “booming” sounds instead of traditional chirps, which has rooted them firmly in the collective reverence of their admirers.
The Victoria-crowned pigeon’s hair provides additional softness to the bird’s already elegant plumage and helps enhance its distinctive appeal.
All in all, the fascinating features of the Victoria-crowned pigeon help it stand out among other creatures!
2. Eurasian hoopoe
One of the most interesting aspects of animal life is often just how adaptable and maneuvering species can be in order to survive ever-changing circumstances.
As a prime example of this, the Eurasian hoopoe has developed an incredibly unique trait to ensure its continued success, a head crowned with hair.
This helps it stand out from similar birds, as the hoopoe is effectively camouflaged in habitats where its feathers match the colors of its surroundings.
While the hairstyle may look like a fashionista’s idea of a statement piece, its main purpose is to allow them to better blend into their environment and protect themselves against predators.
The Eurasian hoopoe truly serves as a reminder that nature often reveals some unbelievable feats, even among basic features such as hair on top of one’s head.
3. Grey crowned crane
This majestic bird stands erect with a tuft of feathery hair on top of its head. The grey-crowned crane is native to Africa, where it lives in wetlands and grasslands.
This species is especially adept at foraging for food, which consists of vegetation, insects, and small vertebrate prey like reptiles and amphibians.
The grey-crowned crane makes for an outstanding sight due to its impressive size and distinctive plumage. They are also known for their remarkable courtship displays and can even be taught how to dance by their human counterparts.
Although the exact reason why they have hair on top of their head is unknown, it’s likely that it helps distinguish them from other crane species as well as adds an ornamental flair to this gorgeous avian.
4. Crested partridge
The crested partridge is an amazing bird species featuring a tuft of hair on its head, giving it the captivating look of having a crest.
Crested partridges can be found in arid and semi-arid locations across the Old World, with variations in colors depending on the region where you spot them.
Typically around 28cm long, this eye-catching breed has brown and white wings, a chestnut neck, a black and white head pattern as well as a pointed tail.
It prefers to live in areas with low shrub cover and will feed by scurrying from cover to cover throughout the day, looking for grains and insects.
With their unique tufted look, these crested partridges are sure to add an exciting note to any nature lover’s day out!
5. Sulphur-crested cockatoo
The Sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of the most striking birds in Australia. Its white feathers are highlighted beautifully by its yellow crest, and its distinguishing feature is the collection of small hairs on the top of its head.
These unique strands have a soft mohawk-like appearance, adding to their mysterious beauty. Native to Australia, New Guinea, and some nearby islands, they are considered to be highly intelligent birds and can live up to 70 years with proper care. They have a powerful call that can easily pierce through any surrounding noise.
An interesting fact about them is that they can fly at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour, making them swift aerial predators!
They often form large flocks in their native habitats and can usually be found near water bodies or woodlands.
6. Dalmatian pelican
A sight for sore eyes, the dalmatian pelican’s distinguishing feature is the hair-like tufts on its head. Originally distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia, this magnificent bird can now mainly be found in wetlands of eastern Europe, Ethiopia, and India.
The pelican stands up to 1.3m tall when fully grown, and it is second only to the California Condor when it comes to wingspan, a length that ranges from 2.3m to an impressive 3.5m.
Although usually found in coastal regions, the dalmatian is a fast flyer, capable of reaching speeds close to 80km/h when gliding through the air at low altitudes.
This allows them to travel large distances during migratory periods and makes them truly a wonder of nature to behold.
7. Andean cock-of-the-rock
Andean cock-of-the-rocks are stunning birds that can be found in the central and northern South American mountains.
They have a unique appearance, with bright orange body feathers, a pointed crest of fur on their head, and an unmistakable disc-shaped face patch.
Its vibrant red color and unmistakable shape make it easily identifiable among the many different kinds of birds in the region.
Males often use their crest of hair to mesmerize potential mates; they will perform a courtship dance by practicing circular motions while displaying their impressive mane of hair.
Andean cock-of-the-rock are incredibly playful and active animals, living together in small flocks while they search for food like fruit, seed, lizards, insects, and other small animals. They also sleep together in communal tree cavities at night time.
Although their plumage may look intimidating at first glance, Andean cock-of-the rocks are gentle creatures that bring life and beauty to the tropical rainforests they inhabit.
8. Great curassow
The great curassow, or Crax rubra, is an interesting bird that is native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Cracidae family of Galliform birds and stands out with its hairdo on top of its head composed of black feathers.
It is also known for being one of the largest members of the Cracid family, reaching a length of up to 75 cm from its beak to the tip of its tail.
This impressive bird can be identified by several features such as long legs, blue-black wings, a black arched crest, white belly, and thighs, as well as a bare redneck patch.
The diet includes fruits found in tropical forests, where it lives in small flocks. Although widespread throughout its range, their population size has declined due to unrestricted hunting and the destruction of their natural habitats.
Therefore, conservation efforts must start now, or else this species could soon disappear!
9. Silver Pheasant
Silver Pheasants are stunningly elegant creatures that add majestic beauty to any wildlife conservation area. With their flowing, metallic-toned feathers and bright red combs, they’re both visually striking and symbolically powerful.
Unlike most other pheasants, however, silver pheasants possess an unusual feature: Thick hair on top of their heads that stands upright like a tuft of grass.
Some speculate this evolutionary peculiarity is the birds’ way of showing off to potential mates or signaling potential predators, but ultimately its exact purpose remains a mystery.
Either way, the unique tuft gives these birds a style all their own and offers a reminder of how intricate and awe-inspiring nature can be.
10. Western Crowned Pigeon
The Western Crowned Pigeon is a large poultry bird originating from New Guinea and the surrounding islands and is easily recognized for its unique set of fully feathered headgear that gives it a regal look.
The highly structured crest of hair on top of its head adds an extra dash of regality to the already stunning bird.
The feathery crest resembles a royal crown that rises out of the blue-gray feathers and crests against bold white eye-stripes.
The Prince William-Esque coif matches perfectly with elegant powdery blue wings and swathes of darker grey plumage covering its body.
Though it appears majestic, the Western Crowned Pigeon is also incredibly skilled at camouflaging itself in its natural environment, allowing it to go unnoticed by predators.
All in all, the Western Crowned Pigeon stands as one of nature’s true beauties!
11. Red-crested Turaco
The Red-crested Turaco is an impressively handsome bird with its bright green feathers and striking red crest. It is native to the woodlands of central and southern Africa, where it eats mostly fruits and insects.
The most distinctive feature of the Red-crested Turaco is the tuft of small feathers on its head resembling a mohawk hairstyle.
It has been proposed that these unique tufts help them identify each other or even intimidate other species! Little is known about their social lives, but they are often seen in groups in the wild and have even been observed roosting together at night.
Clearly, this beautiful bird has captivated many for its unique looks, so if you ever find yourself in its natural habitat, be sure to keep an eye out for the peculiarly coiffed Red-crested Turaco!
12. Emu
Emus are remarkable creatures, and one unique aspect of them is a tuft of thin, mousy grey hair adorning the top of their heads.
Even more intriguing is that this feature is exclusive to the emu; it’s the only bird in its family, the struthionidae to have hair. Interestingly, this hair might actually serve a purpose beyond being an endearing quirk.
Emus have very strong eyesight, and experts think that the hair may help disperse light to protect their vision from the harsh sun.
From their signature hairdos to their long, powerful legs, these fascinating birds are truly one in a million.
13. Wood Duck
A Wood Duck is one of the most beautiful birds that exist in nature. Giving it an even more magical appearance, a Wood Duck bears soft fur-like feathers on top of its head and neck.
These special feathers are usually coated with vibrant hues of white, green, blue, and purple, giving the bird an iridescent look.
These decorative feathers help the Wood Duck stand out from the other species that share their habitat.
This unique trait also helps attract potential mates during mating season and serves as a warning sign to predators of the wood duck’s presence.
Even though small in size, the Wood Duck definitely stands proud with this wonderful hairdo.
14. Polish Chicken
Bringing a unique presentation to the dinner table, Polish chicken with hair on top offers a fun and flavorful experience. This cuisine is an excellent alternative for those looking for a unique taste that still follows traditional recipes.
Often served with potatoes or dumplings, the salt, and pepper spiced bird includes natural seasonings that bring out its juiciness for an unforgettable meal.
The perfectly browned skin adds an attractive finish and wonderful aroma to the plate that can entice even the pickiest eater. With its fun appearance and amazing flavor, Polish chicken with hair on top cannot be resisted.
15. Marabou Stork
The Marabou Stork is a surprisingly unique bird. Known for its messy wings, white and black coloring, and wobbly walk, it stands out from other species, even more so when you consider the fact that this enormous bird has hair on its head.
While this looks disheveled to some, the stork’s fabulous hairdo serves a purpose: to help protect its sensitive face from the sun’s rays while fishing in open waters.
Sure, they may not be as glamorous as their high-flying feathered friends, but these dapper creatures will certainly stand out in any flock.
Final Words
Though there are many different types of birds, the 16 birds with hair on top are a unique variety. These interesting creatures are sure to add some excitement to your life if you’re lucky enough to encounter one.
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