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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

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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

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#12

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

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#13

Dracula Parrot

Dracula Parrot

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Capermom
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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

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Jill Peters
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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

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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

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logical fallacy
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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

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#19

Golden Pheasant

Golden Pheasant

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

These are the ones we see in Japanese art, I think. Lovely plumage.

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#20

Mandarink Duck

Mandarink Duck

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#21

Inca Tern

Inca Tern

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#22

Guineafowl

Guineafowl

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#23

The Black-Throated Bushtit

The Black-Throated Bushtit

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#27

Rufous-Crested Coquette

Rufous-Crested Coquette

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#28

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

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#29

Cock-Of-The-Rock

Cock-Of-The-Rock

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#30

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

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Monika Soffronow
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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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