Have you ever noticed a bird with a crest, tuft, or mohawk on its head and wondered what it was? Well, you’re not alone! In this article, the author explores the fascinating world of crested birds, highlighting the surprising variety of species that possess this unique feature. From backyard favorites like Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays to more uncommon birds like Cedar Waxwings and Pileated Woodpeckers, this article provides an interesting glimpse into the world of birds with mohawks. So, if you’re curious about these stylish avian hairstyles, keep reading to learn more!

What birds have mohawks (crests)?

Have you ever noticed a bird with a crest, tuft, or mohawk on its head? Perhaps you saw one and wondered what it was called or why it had such a unique feature. Well, you’re not alone. Many bird enthusiasts are fascinated by the variety of crested birds found in different parts of the world. In this article, we’ll explore what a crest is on a bird and highlight some of the crested birds you can find in North America as well as those found outside of the United States.

What is a crest on a bird?

A crest on a bird refers to a group of longer feathers that grow from the crown or top of its head. These feathers are modified contour feathers and are not inherently different from other feathers on the bird’s body. However, the arrangement and length of these crown feathers can create various crest shapes and sizes.

In some birds, the crown feathers are all rather short, giving the head a rounded appearance that follows the contour of the skull. This is typically not considered a crest, unless the individual feathers blend smoothly. However, if the longer crown feathers stand upright at all times, it is considered a crest. In some cases, crests may be composed of fewer feathers and referred to as tufts.

It’s important to note that not all crests are found on the top of the head. Some birds have longer feathers on the sides of their head during the breeding season, while others have crests located on the hind neck. Additionally, certain birds, like the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, can raise their crown feathers to reveal a hidden patch of color. While this is not considered a true crest, it showcases the diverse ways in which birds can use their head feathers for display.

Crested birds in North America

North America is home to a variety of crested birds, each with its own unique characteristics and habitat preferences. Here are some examples of crested birds you may encounter in North America:

– Tufted Duck

The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck that can be found in freshwater habitats across North America. It is known for its distinctive tuft of feathers on the back of its head, which gives it a striking appearance.

– Wood Duck

The Wood Duck is a colorful species of duck that is commonly found in wooded wetlands and swamps. Male Wood Ducks have a vibrant crest of feathers that can be raised or lowered depending on their mood or level of excitement.

– Hooded Merganser

The Hooded Merganser is a small diving duck that is known for its dramatic crest, which can be raised to create an eye-catching display. This bird can be found in freshwater habitats throughout North America.

– Red-breasted Merganser

Similar to the Hooded Merganser, the Red-breasted Merganser is a diving duck with a prominent crest. It is characterized by its red-colored throat and bill, as well as its slender body shape.

– Ruffed Grouse

The Ruffed Grouse is a forest-dwelling bird that is known for its elaborate courtship display. During mating season, the male’s crest feathers can be erect, creating a striking visual effect.

– Eared Grebe

The Eared Grebe is a small waterbird that can be found in lakes and marshes across North America. Its crest of feathers on the side of its head is particularly evident during the breeding season.

– Crested Caracara

The Crested Caracara is a large bird of prey that is native to parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is characterized by its distinctive crest of feathers and bold facial markings.

– Osprey

The Osprey, also known as the Fish Hawk, is a large bird of prey that is found near bodies of water throughout North America. While it may not have a traditional crest, it has a prominent forehead and distinctive facial markings.

– Tufted Puffin

The Tufted Puffin is a seabird that can be found along the coasts of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. It is known for its striking appearance, with a large colorful bill and a tuft of feathers on its head.

– Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large waterbird that can be found in coastal areas and freshwater habitats throughout North America. It has a small crest on its head that becomes more pronounced during the breeding season.

– Greater Roadrunner

The Greater Roadrunner is a unique bird that is iconic in the southwestern United States. While it may not have a true crest, it has a prominent, upright crest of feathers that give it a distinctive appearance.

– Elegant Tern

The Elegant Tern is a graceful seabird that can be found along the coasts of North America. It is known for its sleek appearance and slender crest of feathers on the back of its head.

– Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird that is commonly found near bodies of water throughout North America. It has a shaggy crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its unique appearance.

– Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is a large, striking bird that can be found in forests across North America. It is known for its vibrant crest of feathers and its loud, distinctive call.

– Great Crested Flycatcher

The Great Crested Flycatcher is a medium-sized bird that is known for its loud, distinctive call. It has a neat crest of feathers on its head, which can be raised or lowered depending on its mood.

– Brown-crested Flycatcher

The Brown-crested Flycatcher is a bird that can be found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has a prominent crest of feathers that adds to its unique appearance.

– Ash-throated Flycatcher

The Ash-throated Flycatcher is a small bird that can be found in dry and arid habitats across North America. It has a neat crest of feathers that adds to its overall sleek appearance.

– Tufted Flycatcher

The Tufted Flycatcher is a species of bird that can be found in parts of Mexico and Central America. It has a distinctive crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its unique appearance.

– Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is a familiar bird that can be found in forests and urban areas throughout North America. It has a distinct crest of feathers on its head, which it can raise and lower depending on its mood or level of alertness.

– Steller’s Jay

Similar to the Blue Jay, the Steller’s Jay is a bird that can be found in parts of western North America. It is known for its bold crest of feathers, which adds to its striking appearance.

– Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is a small bird that is commonly found in woodlands and suburban areas across North America. It has a neat crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall charming appearance.

– Oak Titmouse

The Oak Titmouse is a small bird that is native to parts of western North America. It has a distinctive crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its unique appearance.

– Black-crested Titmouse

Similar to the Oak Titmouse, the Black-crested Titmouse is a bird that can be found in parts of Texas and Mexico. It has a prominent crest of feathers, which it can raise or lower depending on its mood.

– Juniper Titmouse

The Juniper Titmouse is a small bird that is native to parts of western North America. It has a neat crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its charming appearance.

– Bridled Titmouse

The Bridled Titmouse is a bird that can be found in parts of Mexico and Central America. It has a unique crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall striking appearance.

– Bohemian Waxwing

The Bohemian Waxwing is a bird that can be found in parts of North America, particularly during the winter months. It has a small crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its distinctive appearance.

– Phainopepla

The Phainopepla is a small bird that is native to parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has a distinct crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall elegant appearance.

– Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing is a bird that can be found in various parts of North America. It has a sleek crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its unique and refined appearance.

– Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a familiar bird that is native to parts of North America. Male Northern Cardinals have a prominent crest of feathers on their head, which adds to their vibrant and striking appearance.

– Pyrrhuloxia

Similar to the Northern Cardinal, the Pyrrhuloxia is a bird that can be found in parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has a distinct crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall bold appearance.

Crested birds outside the United States

While North America has its fair share of crested birds, there are also many species with crests found in other parts of the world. Here are some examples of crested birds that can be found outside the United States:

– Great Crested Grebe

The Great Crested Grebe is a bird that can be found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has a striking crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall elegant appearance.

– Crested Tern

The Crested Tern is a seabird that can be found in coastal regions around the world. It is known for its distinctive crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall graceful appearance.

– Peacock

The Peacock is a majestic bird that is native to parts of South Asia. It is famous for its extravagant and colorful crest of feathers, which is displayed during courtship and territorial displays.

– Black-crested Magpie-Jay

The Black-crested Magpie-Jay is a bird that can be found in parts of Mexico and Central America. It has a unique crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall striking appearance.

– Victoria Crowned Pigeon

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is a large bird that is native to parts of New Guinea and surrounding islands. It has a beautiful crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its regal appearance.

– Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle is a majestic bird of prey that can be found in parts of Central and South America. While it may not have a traditional crest, its prominent head feathers give it a distinctive appearance.

– Lapwing

The Lapwing is a bird that can be found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has a unique crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall elegant appearance.

– Antillean Crested Hummingbird

The Antillean Crested Hummingbird is a small bird that can be found in parts of the Caribbean. It has a neat crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall charming appearance.

– Rufous-crested Coquette

The Rufous-crested Coquette is a hummingbird species that can be found in parts of South America, including Brazil and Peru. It has a distinctive crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall stunning appearance.

– Green-crowned Plovercrest

The Green-crowned Plovercrest is a hummingbird species that is native to parts of South America, particularly Brazil and Ecuador. It has a striking crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall exquisite appearance.

– Cockatoo

Cockatoos are a group of parrot species that are native to Australia, Indonesia, and surrounding regions. Many cockatoo species have prominent crests of feathers on their heads, which they can raise, lower, or fan out as part of their displays.

– Cockatiel

The Cockatiel is a small parrot species that is native to Australia. It is known for its distinctive crest of feathers on its head, which adds to its overall adorable appearance.

– Secretary Bird

The Secretary Bird is a large bird of prey that can be found in parts of Africa. While it may not have a true crest, its crown feathers can be raised to create an impressive display.

In conclusion, the world is filled with a wide variety of birds, each with its own unique characteristics and features. The presence of a crest on a bird’s head is just one of the many fascinating adaptations that these creatures have evolved over time. Whether you’re observing crested birds in your own backyard or exploring distant lands to encounter new species, the beauty and diversity of these avian wonders is truly a sight to behold.