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30 Extraordinarily Beautiful Birds You Might Not Have Heard About

Most bird watchers and scientists say that there are roughly 9,000 to 10,000 species of birds. One of the main ways to identify them is physical appearance and once you start looking closer, it becomes obvious that birds come in many shapes and colors. And some are absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. From those with incredible eyelashes to the ones that look like tiny cotton balls, continue scrolling and check out some of the most beautiful birds from around the world.

 
#1 

The Secretary

The Secretary

 

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Daria B 3 years ago 

Maybe it’s Maybelline ♡

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Understanding the differences between bird plumages is vital to everyone who want to identify them. The term refers to a bird’s feathers, including the color and pattern those feathers produce.

Birds have developed intricate plumages due to various aspects, including protection from predators, via camouflage, and sending sexual signals to potential mates. Birds usually lose and replace their feathers at least once a year through molt and regrowth.

“Each feather on a bird’s body is a finely tuned structure that serves an important role in the bird’s activities,” Mya Thompson, the co-director for Engagement in Science and Nature for the Cornell Lab, wrote. “Feathers allow birds to fly, but they also help them show off, blend in, stay warm, and keep dry.”

#2 

Blue Crowned Pigeon

Blue Crowned Pigeon

 

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varwenea 3 years ago 

What an incredible blue shade.

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“Some feathers evolved as specialized airfoil for efficient flight. Others have been shaped into extreme ornamental forms that create impressive displays but may even hinder mobility. Often we can readily tell how a feather functions, but sometimes the role of a feather is mysterious and we need a scientific study to fill in the picture,” Thompson explained.

A good example of one of these mysteries are feather tufts on the heads of Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) which are often mistaken for ears. These modified contour feathers are completely separate from the ear and do not help owls hear, yet scientists can’t explain the function of these tufts. Some think the horns are for display, others suggest that owls use them for more complete camouflage while roosting in daylight, but no one knows for sure.

#3 

Long Tailed Tit

Long Tailed Tit

 

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varwenea 3 years ago 

What a cute fur ball.

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#4 

Malaysian Large Frogmouth And Her Baby

Malaysian Large Frogmouth And Her Baby

 

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Jeremy 3 years ago 

Thats some amazing camouflage

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#5 

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebird

 

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R L 3 years ago 

Looks like the colour of a glacier.

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#6 

Secretary Bird

Secretary Bird

 

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Emerald Joanna 3 years ago 

The definition of a thigh gap

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#7 

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

 

The Virginia ZooReport

 
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varwenea 3 years ago 

Beautiful. Looks like a creature from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”.

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#8 

Grandala

Grandala

 

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R L 3 years ago 

The blue is so vibrant

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#9 

Beautiful Strawberry Finch

Beautiful Strawberry Finch

 

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Monika Soffronow 3 years ago 

The Strawberry Finch is pre-dipped in sugar for added sweetness.

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#10 

The Nicobar Pigeon

The Nicobar Pigeon

 

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varwenea 3 years ago 

So iridescent and with a hip nose ring too.

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#11 

The Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle

 

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varwenea 3 years ago 

This one is HUGE too!

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#12 

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

 

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Capermom 3 years ago 

Looks like someone sprinkled shaved chocolate on her..! 🙂

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#13 

Dracula Parrot

Dracula Parrot

 

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Capermom 3 years ago 

Damn…he looks like he survived a bush fire and came out stronger and meaner…

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#14 

South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher

South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher

 

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Jill Peters 3 years ago 

My what fluecent colours —-could not replicate those colours from my paint box.

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#15 

Tilhi

Tilhi

 

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Jonna Saari 🇫🇮 3 years ago 

Tilhi in Finnish 🇫🇮💙 In English it’s the Bohemian waxwing (according to Wikipedia at least). Such a beautiful bird with a lovely voice!

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#16 

Bearded Reedling

Bearded Reedling

 

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Daria B 3 years ago 

Metal rock star bird

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#17 

Quetzal

Quetzal

 

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logical fallacy 3 years ago 

This bird has been my favourite ever since I was little. Saw it in a NatGeo coffeetable book on exotic birds when I was about four. I named her Green (because I’m very original) and went to say hello to the illustration every day for years. Still stand by it though, the tiny beak makes it really cute.

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#18 

Sword-Billed Hummingbird

Sword-Billed Hummingbird

 

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Nicolas Schirvel 3 years ago 

Hello. My name is Hummingo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

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#19 

Golden Pheasant

Golden Pheasant

 

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glowworm2 3 years ago 

These birds are so gorgeous.

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#20 

Mandarink Duck

Mandarink Duck

 

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Perfumista Perfumista 3 years ago 

We had one in Central Park for a while, most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in person

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#21 

Inca Tern

Inca Tern

 

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AndersM 3 years ago 

My dear Watson I know who stole the bird seed.

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#22 

Guineafowl

Guineafowl

 

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varwenea 3 years ago 

He reminds me of Little Richard or Prince. Both are badass.

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#23 

The Black-Throated Bushtit

The Black-Throated Bushtit

 

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Kesyra 3 years ago 

I keep reading that as b******t.

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#24 

Crested Duck

Crested Duck

 

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logical fallacy 3 years ago 

They’re the judges of the lake.

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#25 

Taiwan Blue Magpie

Taiwan Blue Magpie

 

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Monika Soffronow 3 years ago 

Stunning photo!

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#26 

Pygmy Wren Babbler

Pygmy Wren Babbler

 

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Terd Fergison 3 years ago 

He’s all feet.

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#27 

Rufous-Crested Coquette

Rufous-Crested Coquette

 

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DforDorothy 3 years ago 

It’s definitely coquetting with me. 😉

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#28 

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

 

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glowworm2 3 years ago 

Holy c**p! Toucan Sam is real!

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#29 

Cock-Of-The-Rock

Cock-Of-The-Rock

 

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Id row 3 years ago 

He looks like the red monster from Bugs Bunny, lol.

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#30 

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

 

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Monika Soffronow 3 years ago 

This famous Picasso was painted as he progressed from his blue period to experimenting with cubism.

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Note: this post originally had 50 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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