In the vast world of bird species, one particular avian creature stands out with its unique and quirky appearance – the Bird With Hair On Top
These extraordinary birds not only boast vibrant plumage but also sport a stylish tuft of hair on their heads.
This unique creature can be found in the remote forests of Papua New Guinea. They are also known as the Crested Bird, their extravagant hairstyle has captivated scientists and bird enthusiasts alike.
So, grab your binoculars because, In this article, we will delve into the 16 fascinating bird world of this feathered trendsetter and explore how it maintains its iconic look.
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16 bird with hair on top
When we think of a bird with hair on top, the first thing that comes to mind is usually feathers, not hair. However, there are some fascinating avian species out there that boast a unique feature – they have hair on top!
These birds break the mold and add a touch of quirkiness to the animal kingdom.
These specialized feathers function as auditory devices, enhancing the bird’s ability to detect sounds and communicate within its dense forest habitat.
These unique features not only serve functional purposes but also add a touch of flair and personality to these creatures.
As we delve deeper into the world of birds with hair on top, we open our eyes to nature’s endless creativity.
1. Victoria crowned pigeon
One of the most fascinating birds with hair-like feathers on top is the magnificent Victoria-crowned pigeon.
Standing at approximately 30 inches tall and weighing around 7 to 8 pounds, found in the rainforests of New Guinea. The deep blue coloration of these crest feathers adds to the overall grandeur of this majestic creature.
This remarkable adaptation not only adds to the pigeon’s charm but also serves a purpose.
It acts as camouflage! The resemblance of these hair-like helps them blend perfectly into their rainforest habitat by making them less noticeable to predators
2. Eurasian hoopoe
Eurasian hoopoe birds are truly unique creatures with their distinct hair-like feathers on top of their heads. These short, thin feathers not only serve a decorative purpose but also play an essential role in communication among hoopoes.
Apart from their appearance, They are medium-sized birds measuring about 25-29 centimeters in length. Despite this relatively modest stature, hoopoes have an impressive wingspan, ranging from 44 to 48 centimeters. This allows them to soar gracefully through the sky.
Their unique call can be described as a rhythmic and resonant hoop-hoop-hoop that carries over long distances.
Overall, the Eurasian hoopoe captivates us not only with its picturesque appearance but also with its audial charm.
3. Grey-crowned crane
One of the most fascinating birds with hair on top is the grey-crowned crane. Sporting a unique crown of stiff golden feathers atop its head, Known for its vibrant plumage and striking appearance,
Grey-crowned cranes possess a size of around four feet tall, with a wingspan of nearly eight feet, they are truly majestic creatures.
They can Emit a wide range of vocalizations, including honks, purrs, trumpets, and rattling calls, they create a symphony that echoes through the African wetlands where they reside.
Grey-crowned cranes primarily feed on grasses, seeds, insects, frogs, reptiles, and small mammals found within their habitat
In conclusion, the grey-crowned crane is an awe-inspiring bird with its unique crest of golden hairs adorning its head.
4. Crested partridge
The crested partridge is a truly fascinating bird, distinguished by its unique feature of having hair-like feathers on top of its head.
These captivating birds primarily dwell in dense forests across East Asia, including countries such as China and Vietnam.
With a length ranging from 14 to 17 inches, the crested partridge showcases a moderate-sized body, allowing it to navigate through dense vegetation effortlessly.
Unlike other birds known for their chirping or warbling songs, crested partridges communicate through low-frequency clicks and whistles.
The foods include insects like beetles, ants, and caterpillars along with berries and seeds found in abundance within their natural habitat.
5. Sulphur-crested co*ckatoo
The Sulphur-crested co*ckatoo, also known as Cacatua galerita is a magnificent bird with a unique feature – it has a distinctive crest of fine hair-like feathers on top of its head.
This striking white parrot can grow to an impressive size of up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length.
One thing that sets this species apart is its incredible vocal range. They have the ability to imitate various sounds, including human speech and other bird calls.
Sulphur-crested co*ckatoos have a varied diet. They primarily feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, insects, and even tree bark.
Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in different environments such as woodlands and rainforests across Australia and New Guinea.
6. Dalmatian pelican
The Dalmatian pelican, with its stunning appearance and unique features, is truly a remarkable bird. While its hair-like feathers on the top of its head make it stand out among other pelican species.
Dalmatian pelicans primarily rely on fish such as carp, mullet, and eel. However, their diet is not limited to just fish; they also feed on amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans when available.
These majestic birds can mainly be found in several regions across Europe and Asia. They particularly favor large lakes and wetlands with plenty of open water and small rocky islands for nesting purposes.
With an average height of around 1 meter (3 feet) and weighing up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds), the Dalmatian pelican is the largest species among all pelicans worldwide.
Moreover, if you ever have the fortune of hearing a Dalmatian pelican’s call, you will be astounded by its deep booming sound that resonates far across its habitat.
7. Andean co*ck-of-the-rock
The Andean co*ck-of-the-rock, with its unruly tuft of hair-like feathers on top of its head, is truly a sight to behold. With vibrant plumage varying from fiery oranges to brilliant reds, they are truly nature’s showstoppers.
Found in the dense tropical forests of the Andes Mountains in South America.
In terms of size, the males are larger than females and can grow up to a foot long from beak to tail. They use their impressive size and flamboyant appearances to attract mates during courtship.
The call of the Andean co*ck-of-the-rock is often described as a combination of clacking sounds mixed with shrill notes resembling laughter. It can be heard for quite some distance through the thick vegetation.
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, but they also consume insects like beetles and caterpillars along with small reptiles, when available.
Their beaks are perfectly adapted for feeding on various fruits found throughout their habitat.
8. Great curassow
The Great Curassow is a fascinating bird species that has captured the attention of many wildlife enthusiasts. One of its most distinctive features is the elegant crest of curly hair on top of its head, which adds to its overall majestic appearance.
This remarkable hairstyle not only enhances its beauty but also serves as a display during courtship rituals. These stunning birds are primarily found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
From Mexico all the way down to Brazil, these birds are lucky enough to inhabit some of the most breathtaking landscapes our planet has to offer Curassows have a varied diet consisting mostly of fruits, seeds, insects, and small reptiles.
Measuring approximately 3 feet in length and weighing up to 10 pounds, these avian creatures are truly impressive in size.
The Great Curassow emits an array of sounds ranging from deep booming calls used for territorial defense to soft hoots during social interactions within family groups.
9. Silver Pheasant
The Silver Pheasant is a mesmerizing bird that is also included in the category of bird with hair on top with its distinctive hairstyle. This splendid creature has hair-like feathers on top of its head, creating a unique and charming appearance.
These elegant tufts are often longer in males than in females, serving as a symbol of dominance and attractiveness during courtship displays.
This enchanting bird is native to the mountainous regions of Asia, including China and Vietnam. It thrives amidst dense forests and bamboo thickets, finding solace among the tall vegetation from predators.
Interestingly, Silver Pheasants are primarily herbivores but occasionally indulge in insects and berries found in their surroundings.
Despite being relatively large birds with a length reaching up to 100 centimeters (39 inches), they possess incredible grace when moving through their environment.
It produces surprisingly soft calls that are melodic yet barely audible from a distance — adding an alluring aura of mystique to its presence.
These calls serve not only as communication signals among themselves but also as territorial markers warning off potential threats or rivals.
10. Western Crowned Pigeon
The Western Crowned Pigeon, with its luxurious crest resembling a regal hairstyle, is truly a sight to behold. This stunning bird is native to the lowland rainforests of New Guinea and surrounding islands.
Its vibrant blue plumage, contrasted by an intricate pattern of maroon and black feathers, sets it into the species of a bird with hair on top.
Growing up to 29 inches in length, the Western Crowned Pigeon stands out as one of the largest pigeon species in the world. Despite their impressive size and striking appearance, these birds are known for being timid and elusive creatures.
Western Crowned Pigeons primarily feed on fallen fruits found on the forest floor. Their strong beaks are adapted for cracking open seeds and swallowing small fruits whole.
They have a unique ability among pigeons – they can eat fruit without having to perch on trees! Instead, they grab them while standing or walking on the ground.
Their call resembles deep grunts followed by soft cooing sounds. These elegant birds rely heavily on vocalizations for communication within their flock or when defending territory against intruders.
Additionally, if you want to know about their Male and Female pigeon difference this post will help you.
11. Red-crested Turaco
The Red-crested Turaco is a fascinating bird with its unique feature of having hair on top of its head. This crest made up of long, glossy feathers, gives the bird an elegant and regal look. Found in the forests and woodlands of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The vibrant plumage of their body – crimson feathers mixed with shades of green and blue – makes them stand out against the lush green backdrop of their natural habitat.
The Red-crested Turaco primarily feeds on fruits, flowers, leaves, buds, and occasionally insects. They have even been known to snatch small vertebrates like lizards or tree frogs if they get the opportunity!
Measuring around 15 inches in length with a wingspan spanning over two feet, the Red-crested Turaco is not only visually striking but also moderately sized.
Their distinctive call is described as a soft cooing sound followed by loud bursts that resemble an accelerating car engine or an enchanting flute solo.
In conclusion, encountering a Red-crested Turaco is no ordinary experience; it is like stepping into another world where beauty meets curiosity.
12. Emu
One of nature’s most intriguing creatures, the emu is not your typical bird with its unique characteristic of a bird with hair on top. Found primarily in Australia, this flightless giant stands tall as the second largest bird on Earth, reaching an impressive height of up to six feet.
Despite being covered with feathers all over, it is the patch of stiff hair-like feathers on their heads that truly sets them apart. This unusual feature helps emus regulate their body temperature during extreme weather conditions.
Emus are not picky eaters; they feed on a variety of plant matter, insects, and small animals they come across during their foraging expeditions.
Interestingly, they have specific digestive adaptations that allow them to digest a wide range of plant material including fruits and seeds that would be toxic to other animals
People often associate birdsong with melodic tunes and cheerful melodies, the sound produced by an emu can be quite unexpected.
Rather than chirping sweetly like many other avian species, emus produce booming drum-like sounds that echo through their surroundings.
While many admire emus for their distinctive hair-like feathers and impressive size, it’s worth noting how adaptable they are in terms of habitat and diet.
13. Wood Duck
The Wood Duck, also known as Aix sponsa, is a mesmerizing bird with vibrant colors and unique features and can be found inhabiting various parts of North America.
One of its most arresting characteristics is the iridescent crest on its head that resembles hair. This distinctive tuft of feathers gives the Wood Duck an almost regal appearance as it gracefully glides through the water.
But here’s a fascinating fact: that hair isn’t actually hair at all! The tuft on top of the Wood Duck’s head is made up of elongated feathers called hackles.
These charming creatures can produce melodic calls echoing through wetlands during the breeding season.
14. Polish Chicken
The Polish Chicken, known for its captivating appearance, is often mistaken for a bird with hair on top of its head. In reality, the fluffy and feathery crest adorning their small skull gives them a unique and eye-catching hairstyle.
Unlike hair found on mammals, these crest feathers are made of keratin, similar to the rest of their plumage. However, it’s hard not to compare their striking crests to stylish hairstyles like mohawks or even retro pompadours.
This distinct characteristic sets Polish Chicken apart from other poultry breeds.
Polish Chickens aren’t very picky eaters. They happily indulge in a well-balanced diet consisting of grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits, and insects. Research shows that providing specific nutrients such as biotin can enhance the beauty of their crests.
Polish Chickens feel right at home in various settings around the world due to their adaptable nature. Although they originated in Poland (hence the name), these birds thrive in different climates and environments worldwide.
15. Marabou Stork
The Marabou Stork, also known as the undertaker bird, possesses a unique physical feature that sets it apart from other birds – a hair-like crest on top of its head.
This striking feature resembles thick tufts of hair and is actually made up of delicate feathers.
In terms of its diet, the Marabou Stork is classified as a scavenger, although it doesn’t shy away from hunting small prey like rodents and lizards either.
While the Marabou Storks are native to Africa, they have been spotted elsewhere across the globe due to their vast migration routes.
They typically prefer habitats close to water bodies such as marshes, lakes, or rivers.
These birds emit distinctive sounds during courtship rituals which involve loud bill clattering and grunting-like calls resonating throughout their environment.
Final Words
Among the numerous species of birds, the 16 birds with hair on top possess a truly distinctive charm.
Should fortune smile upon you and grant you an encounter with one of these intriguing beings, rest assured that they will inject excitement into your existence.
