There are a few bird species that have distinctive fluffy feathers on top of their heads that resemble hair. The most well-known is likely the cockatoo. Cockatoos are recognizable by their tall, curved crests of feathers on their heads that make them look like they have big hairdos. Other birds like cormorants and cranes also have feather crests on their heads, though not as dramatically fluffy as cockatoos. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some birds with fluffy head feathers and what purpose they serve.
Cockatoos
Cockatoos are a type of parrot found in Australia and the south Pacific islands. There are over 20 species of cockatoo, but they all have in common a very large, flamboyant crest of feathers on their heads. The crest can be raised or lowered at will, and the cockatoos use it to communicate emotions and build social bonds. When a cockatoo is excited, happy, angry, or alarmed, the crest will stand up tall.
The crest feathers can range in color from pure white to dark grey or salmon pink depending on the species. The most well-known cockatoo species, the sulphur-crested cockatoo, has a forward-swept yellow crest. Major Mitchell’s cockatoos have a bright pink and white crest. Palm cockatoos have a more understated grey crest.
The crest serves multiple functions for cockatoos. It helps regulate body temperature by exposing more skin on the head when fanned upwards to release heat. Cockatoos also use their crests in courtship displays and communication. A cockatoo will fan out its crest and raise it high to appear bigger and show dominance or alarm. Crest position and movement conveys the bird’s mood and status in the social hierarchy.
Cormorants
Cormorants are diving water birds found worldwide near lakes, rivers, and coastlines. Several cormorant species have decorative feathers on their heads that form crests or plumes. Like the cockatoo, the cormorant’s head feathers are used for communication and courtship displays.
The most noticeable is the Neotropic cormorant found in the Americas. It has two long white decorative plumes that extend from the top of the head behind the eyes. The double crested cormorant of North America has shorter, darker plumes over each eye. During mating season, the skin under these feathers becomes intensely colored, creating a bright facial patch to attract mates.
Some types of cormorants like the pelagic cormorant have a small curled crest on the top of the head. Others like the imperial shag feature extravagant dreadlock-like plumes trailing from the top of the head. The feathers help differentiate species and play a role in ritual mating dances where the birds display the plumes.
Cranes
Cranes are very large, long-legged wetland birds. Several crane species are adorned with decorative plumes or bunches of feathers on their heads. These include the demoiselle crane, blue crane, wattled crane, and Siberian crane. The feathers are referred to as plumage.
The striking plumage takes different shapes amongst crane species. The demoiselle crane has two long feathers that stream off the back of the head. Blue cranes have a fan-shaped crest of golden feathers. Wattled cranes have a unique cluster of bristly feathers protruding from the top of the head.
As with other feather crested birds, the cranes use plumage for communication and mating displays. The feathers are usually longer and more vibrantly colored in males. When courting, the male cranes will spread their head feathers and strut to attract females. The head feathers help identify the species and signal fitness to potential mates.
Purpose of Feather Crests and Plumes
While feather crests serve important functions for birds, they do require extra energy to produce. So why have they evolved? The main purpose of decorative feathers is communication. They allow birds to signal vital information to potential mates and others in their social group.
During courtship, crests and plumes highlight the head and draw attention to displays. This lets the birds exhibit fitness and health to attract mates. The fluttering feathers also demonstrate advanced muscle control and coordination.
In day-to-day life, crest position relays the bird’s mood and status. Raised crests signal dominance, alarm, or excitement. Relaxed flattened crests indicate calmness and submission. This visual communication helps maintain social order and relay when threats are present.
Besides communication, crests play a role in heat regulation. By fanning out the head feathers, birds can release excess heat. The air spaces in the feathers provide insulation as well. There may also be a degree of sexual selection, where the elaborate plumes are seen as more attractive.
Other Birds with Head Crests or Tufts
While cockatoos, cormorants, and cranes boast some of the most dramatic feather headpieces, other birds have smaller crests or tufts:
– Cassowaries – These large flightless birds have a bony crest called a casque on their heads. Atop the casque are small feathers forming a short tuft.
– Western grebe – Small crests of dark feathers stand up on the backs of their heads.
– Tufted puffin – Long yellow feather tufts extend from above the eyes.
– Great crested flycatcher – This bird has a short bushy crest.
– Hoopoes – These unique birds have a tall crest of feathers they can open and close like a fan.
– Birds of paradise – Males have elaborate plumes on their heads in diverse shapes.
Conclusion
The birds with the most recognizable “fluffy hair” on their heads are cockatoos, cormorants, and cranes. Their crest and plume feathers serve key purposes like heat regulation, communication, and mating displays. While the fluffy feathers require extra energy to grow and maintain, they give the birds an evolutionary advantage by allowing them to better communicate and find mates. Next time you see a cockatoo or other crested bird, take a moment to appreciate the work that goes into maintaining their fabulous hairstyles!