15 pictures of the most unusual and gorgeous bird species on Earth

6/18/2019

5,258 views

Nature Story: 15 pictures of the most unusual and gorgeous bird species on Earth

Birds are amazing and fascinating creatures, and if it is impossible for you not to admire them, you should take a look at these magnificent pictures of extraordinary and beautiful birds from around the globe.

#1 Hyacinth macaw

Hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot species in the world – they are usually about 100 cm (3.3 ft) long!

#2 Tufted puffin

This bird is easily recognizable by its thick red bill and unusual yellow tufts.

#3 Andean cock-of-the-rock

Aso known as tunki, this bird is native to Andean cloud forests in South America. Tunki is the national bird of Peru. Only males have a large orange crest.

#4 Blue jay

Blue jay can be found in most of eastern and central United States. These small birds (they measure 22–30 cm (9–12 in) from bill) can learn to mimic human speech!

#5 Magnificent frigatebird

Males inflate this large red gular sac (a featherless area of the skin) to attract mates.

#6 ʻIʻiwi

The name of this bird is pronounced "ee-EE-vee". It is also known as a scarlet honeycreeper. It is the third most common native land bird in the Hawaiian Islands.

#7 Ribbon-tailed astrapia

This bird with colorful plumage has a tail that is 3 ft (90 cm) long!

#8 Shoebill

This bizarre bird lives in tropical east Africa. It can be 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 in) tall.

#9 Victoria crowned pigeon

These birds live in the New Guinea region.

#10 Lesser bird-of-paradise

Just like all the members of the genus Paradisaea (birds-of-paradise), this species looks very impressive. It is native to the forests New Guinea.

#11 Red-crested turaco

This cute bird native to western Angola sounds like a jungle monkey.

#12 Cuban tody

This tiny bird from Cuba is only 11 cm (4.3 in) long.

#13 Secretarybird

This weird bird has distinct black feathers protruding from behind its head. Secretary birds can be 90 to 137 cm (35 to 54 in) tall.

#14 Resplendent quetzal

This creature with colorful plumage and funny "haircut" is the national bird of Guatemala. Resplendent quetzal is depicted on the country's flag and coat of arms.

#15 Hoopoe

These beautiful birds are found across Afro-Eurasia.

Do you like birds? Which species is your favorite? Which of these pictures did you like the most?

Tell us in the comments!

SHARE this article with someone who loves BIRDS!

#animals #Nature

What are your thoughts on this subject?

47 Comments

James Parrillo, with Christine

carole winslow, We are "neighbors." If you live in NYC, we are even closer than other areas of New York state. I am trying to picture a parrot living on the 86th floor in NYC. Why not? We had a pet, a black retriever named Bosco Bear. He closed the door with his nose, stayed in his yard, and was wonderful.

James Parrillo, with Christine

Jennifer Dyster, We have blue jays all the time in the Northeastern United States. Do you see robins, or are they North American, as well?

Paulette Arnold

Love them all, but the big ones fascinated me--the shoebill, the secretary bird and there are others not pictured. Where I live in the south we have plenty of Bluejays. I had never heard of the poopoe bird until I read "The Source" by James Mitchner. I looked it up. Very interesting.