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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.

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."

"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.

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#4

Malaysian Large Frogmouth And Her Baby

Malaysian Large Frogmouth And Her Baby

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#7

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

The Virginia Zoo Report

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varwenea
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#9

Beautiful Strawberry Finch

Beautiful Strawberry Finch

reddit.com Report

#11

The Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle

leon_moore_nature_experience Report

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Soni.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine randomly looking up a tree and seeing this bird I would definitely get a stroke.

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Mohammad Ammar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I saw this while causally strolling through the forest , I would be terrified!

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Duane Ceballos
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I saw that in the woods, it would scare me pretty good I thinks.

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Roberta Harosh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very disturbing! Too human in appearance, something from a horror movie 😬

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Debbie Morris
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of my 4th grade teacher. She absolutely terrified me.

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Nurse Bambi
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow That's one wise old owl look 👀 I mean eagle.

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Marlene Ricker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a face that would scare the Helll out of me if I saw it in the wild. Actually, it's scaring me a little bit in the picture!

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Faith Nicole
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If i ever saw a harpy eagle flying over me, i truly believe that I would drop from a heart attack right then. I believe their wingspan is somewhere around 7feet! They have a human-like face which is creepy, kind of reminds me of a person in a costume

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Denise Mclean
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had to take a second look. I thought someone put on an Owls Head Hat of some sort.

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Mumof1
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That bird is just so bizarre, it's like something out of a horror film.

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Christine Ladyman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These birds are like a costume in a horror story, very creepy, but stunning!

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Catherine Todd
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huge, Scary, and wears the quintessinal DEATH MASK. Yikes! Save us all...

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Sharon Nicoll
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooh! I'd hate to be a mouse on the ground looking up at that stare!

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Julie Lloyd
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks as if it has the head of an owl and the rest is eagle?

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Nancy Post
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does this remind anyone of Game of Thrones? Very unique looking bird.

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Nancy Post
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does this remind anyone of Game of Thrones? Very unique bird.

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Lass Gili
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my oh my waiting for us to stand at attention...... Yes sir!!!

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Catlover5
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is the bird that's thought to be the "Mothman"

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ERIN W.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

kate h I thought the same thing when I first saw it, kind of a spooky looking creature in it?!

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Rachel Borowyckyj
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These birds are 4.8kg when there adults. The wedge tail Eagle from my country Australia, weighs up to 120kg. Both these birds are amazing.

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Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are freaky, they look like a person in a bird suit.

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CrunChewy McSandybutt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Harpy Eagle looks like a toddler dressed up in Eyes Wide Shut Orgy cosplay.

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My fave. Look for video of Harpy's flying through Amazon rain forest. Amazing dexterity

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#12

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

emelbi_artist Report

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#13

Dracula Parrot

Dracula Parrot

Mike Peel Report

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Capermom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

migueldavid.deleon Report

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Jill Peters
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#15

Tilhi

Tilhi

wallmika Report

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Jonna Saari 🇫🇮
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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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#17

Quetzal

Quetzal

Vaclav Sebek Report

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logical fallacy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

Supreet Sahoo Report

#20

Mandarink Duck

Mandarink Duck

Rovdyr Report

#21

Inca Tern

Inca Tern

Truus & Zoo Report

#22

Guineafowl

Guineafowl

Francois Malan Report

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#23

The Black-Throated Bushtit

The Black-Throated Bushtit

joinus12345 Report

#27

Rufous-Crested Coquette

Rufous-Crested Coquette

Supreet Sahoo Report

#28

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

Supreet Sahoo Report

#29

Cock-Of-The-Rock

Cock-Of-The-Rock

Supreet Sahoo Report

#30

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

joinus12345 Report

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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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