Birds come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Many birds have distinctive features that help identify them, like a certain type of beak or colorful feathers. One unique bird trait that stands out is a crown of feathers on top of the head. There are a few different bird species that sport feather crowns. Let’s take a look at which birds have crowns and what makes their head feathers so special.
Birds With Crown-Like Feather Tufts
Some birds have small tufts or crests of feathers on their heads that resemble tiny crowns. These feathers are often raised or lowered as part of the bird’s displays or communication. Here are a few birds with crown-like tufts:
- Cardinal – The northern cardinal has a short crest of red feathers on its head that stands straight up. The crest is more prominent on males than females.
- Tufted titmouse – This small songbird has a pointed crest that makes it look like it’s wearing a gray fedora.
- Blue jay – Blue jays have a subtle feather crest that is usually hard to see. When alarmed or excited, the crest becomes more visible.
- Cedar waxwing – The sleek cedar waxwing has a small cluster of feathers that stand up from the back of its head.
While these feathers may resemble miniature crowns, they are technically just crests or tufts rather than a full crown covering the head.
Birds With Full Feather Crowns
Other birds take their head feathers to the next level and have a full crown circling their head. These eye-catching crowns are made of elongated feathers and serve as a distinctive feature of these regal-looking birds.
Bushy Crested Jay
The bushy crested jay is a pale blue Central American songbird with a pronounced bushy crest of feathers encircling its head. Both males and females have this crown, which is yellow-white with blue tips. They can raise and lower the crest to signal alarm or as a mating display. When the crown is laid flat, it disappears into the rest of the bird’s feathers.
Palm Cockatoo
This large, stocky black parrot from Australia and New Guinea is aptly named for its unique crown of feathers that sits upright on its head. The palm cockatoo’s crest is red with yellow tips and makes the bird look like it’s wearing an expressive fiery hairdo. The crest is used to communicate different emotions and signals to other palm cockatoos.
Gouldian Finch
The Gouldian finch is a tiny rainbow-colored bird from Australia with a circular head crest used for signaling. Their crown feathers can lie flat or be erected, changing the finch’s silhouette substantially. Females have a smaller, less dramatic crest than males.
Bare-throated Bellbird
The bare-throated bellbird from Central America has an eye-catching crown made of wiry, upright feathers extending far above its head. This spike-like crest is more prominent on males. The crowns vary in color, from jet black to silvery white.
What Purpose Do Feather Crowns Serve?
Feather crowns like those seen on the birds above serve a few different functions:
- Visual signaling – The crowns provide a visual signal other birds can see easily at a distance or through foliage. Raising or lowering the crown conveys information.
- Identification – The unique shape of feather crowns allows birds of the same species to recognize each other.
- Attracting mates – Many crested birds use their crown in mating displays to attract females.
- Intimidating rivals – Crests may be erected to make a bird look larger and more imposing to rivals.
By evolving these specialized feathers on their heads, crested birds can better communicate, defend territories, find mates, and avoid predation in their environments.
Notable Feather Crowns in Bird Species
Here are some of the most iconic and visually striking feather crowns found in different bird groups:
Birds of Paradise Crown Feathers
Male birds of paradise are famous for their wildly elaborate plumage, including some unique head crests. Examples include:
- The twelve-wired bird of paradise has a spiky crown created by six wire-like feathers extending from each side of its head.
- The King of Saxony bird of paradise has two ribbon-like feathers that extend from its crown over 1.5 feet long.
- Wilson’s bird of paradise has a bright red crown formed by specialized feathers called curls.
Cockatoo Crests
Cockatoos are well known for their expressive crown feathers that can be raised and lowered to convey the bird’s mood. Some cockatoos with great crests include:
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo – Yellow recumbent feathers form this cockatoo’s namesake crest.
- Gang-gang cockatoo – The male has a red head crest, while the female’s crest is smaller and gray.
- Philippine cockatoo – It has a backward curving creamy crest often held raised.
Gamebird Crests
Many gamebirds in the pheasant family have feather crests used for mating displays. Examples include:
- Golden pheasant – Long golden feathers tipped with red radiate from its head.
- Indian peafowl – The iconic peacock’s crest fans out into a dazzling train to attract peahens.
- Crested partridge – This partridge has a gray crown of feathers edged in red.
These unique pheasant crest feathers evolved to help the males stand out and compete for mates in their forest habitats.
Other Notable Birds With Feathered Heads
While not full crowns, these other birds have flamboyant feather adornments on their heads worth mentioning:
- Bald eagle – The distinctive white feathering on its head makes it easily recognizable.
- Resplendent quetzal – Spiky elongated green feathers extend from its crown.
- Hoatzin – Its spiky blue-tipped crest gives it a punk rock look.
- Andean cock-of-the-rock – Bright orange feathers stand vertically from its head.
- Grey crowned crane – Golden radiating feathers resemble a crown on this iconic African crane.
From eagles to birds of paradise, feather crowns and head crests have evolved many times independently in birds and serve as beautiful examples of nature’s infinite forms.
Conclusion
So which bird has a true crown of feathers atop its head? While many birds have small tufts or raised feathers, the most pronounced full crowns encircling the head belong to species like the palm cockatoo, Gouldian finch, bare-throated bellbird, and certain exotic birds of paradise. These birds use their unique crests and crowns to communicate, attract mates, and identify their own kind. Next time you see a feathery circlet adorning a bird’s head, you’ll know it has an important purpose beyond just looking regal.