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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.
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#1
The Secretary
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."
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#2
Blue Crowned Pigeon
"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
#4
Malaysian Large Frogmouth And Her Baby
#5
Mountain Bluebird
#6
Secretary Bird
#7
Victoria Crowned Pigeon
#8
Grandala
#9
Beautiful Strawberry Finch
#10
The Nicobar Pigeon
#11
The Harpy Eagle
#12
Pigeon With A Curly Perm
#13
Dracula Parrot
#14
South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher
Jill Peters 5 years ago
My what fluecent colours —-could not replicate those colours from my paint box.
#15
Tilhi
Jonna Saari 🇫🇮 5 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!
#16
Bearded Reedling
Kristina Cowan 3 years ago
I just thought of those penguin birds on Skyward Sword, kikwiis 😆❤️
Elizabeth Betsy Michaud 5 years ago
Remember "The Man Who Came to Dinner," Sheldon Whiteside? A big stuffed shirt with a surprisingly gentle heart ~~ VERY impressive indeed!!
katboxjanitor 5 years ago
I think Mother nature made this birdie from a big cotton ball and spare feathers.
#17
Quetzal
logical fallacy 5 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.
#18
Sword-Billed Hummingbird
Nicolas Schirvel 5 years ago
Hello. My name is Hummingo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
#19
Golden Pheasant
#20
Mandarink Duck
Perfumista Perfumista 5 years ago
We had one in Central Park for a while, most beautiful thing I've ever seen in person
#21
Inca Tern
#22
Guineafowl
#23
The Black-Throated Bushtit
#24
Crested Duck
#25
Taiwan Blue Magpie
#26
Pygmy Wren Babbler
#27
Rufous-Crested Coquette
#28
Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan
#29
Cock-Of-The-Rock
#30
Lady Amherst's Pheasant
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago
This famous Picasso was painted as he progressed from his blue period to experimenting with cubism.
#31
Rosefinch
#32
Plumbeous Water Redstart
#33
Rainbow Bearded Thornbill
#35
Gorgeted Sunangel
#37
Japanese White-Eye
#40
Little Egret
#41
Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker
#42
Taiwan Blue Magpiesony Alpha
#43
Sony Alpha
#44
Grass-Green Tanager
#46
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Samantha Lomb 5 years ago
Thats not a ruby throated humming bird. they are green with red throats as the name implies and live n the eastern US
#47
South Philippine Dwarf Kingfishe
#48
Masked Trogon
bob foormanek 5 years ago
All this beauty makes me sad, because we kill them all, one by one...
#49
Inca Tern
#50
Platalea Minor
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What do you think ?
Paulina 5 years ago
I'm surprised this list doesn't include Eurasian Hoopoe - it's really worth it! See for yourself: dudek.jpg 
Elaine Dodge 5 years ago
One of my favourites. We get them in our garden occasionally.
Load More Replies...
Babz A 5 years ago
Gorgeous, but they left off one of my favorites - the roseate spoonbill. And the flamingo! roseate-sp...3ce0fc.jpg 
logical fallacy 5 years ago
Half of these birds look like the average versions of their genus that took a vibrant paintball to the beak.
Diane Kopylow 5 years ago
Wow. Well done! These photos are not easy to get... thank you for sharing a part of our world we seldom get to see!
Jill 5 years ago
Every time I hear the bird name "tit", I want to make an inappropriate joke. I'm still a five year old in some ways.
Inga Viviane 5 years ago
And what i could say about the red rock c**k .....;)
Load More Replies...
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago (edited)
Isn't it interesting how much people (probably minority) admire nature but do not lift a finger to protect all those marvels of nature???? Do not care to change their wasteful, selfish way of life, just the opposite criticize and attack others for their efforts to save our planet and all life it supports.... including lives of undeserving humans..... and, may I add, idiotic, imbeciles' like John L.
Load More Replies... DancesWithCats 9 months ago (edited)
Painted bunting needs to be included https://seabrookislandbirders.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/painted-bunting-1-cmoore.jpg?w=1024&h=683
Gary Carter 5 years ago
Where's the Booby Birds? C'mon guys you missed a trick there. BFBB-5efa0...1787cb.jpg 
Michael Hunter 5 years ago
Well done. Birds and flowers are visible evidence that God is the world's greatest artist.
Paulina 5 years ago
I'm surprised this list doesn't include Eurasian Hoopoe - it's really worth it! See for yourself: dudek.jpg
Elaine Dodge 5 years ago
One of my favourites. We get them in our garden occasionally.
Load More Replies... Babz A 5 years ago
Gorgeous, but they left off one of my favorites - the roseate spoonbill. And the flamingo! roseate-sp...3ce0fc.jpg
logical fallacy 5 years ago
Half of these birds look like the average versions of their genus that took a vibrant paintball to the beak.
Diane Kopylow 5 years ago
Wow. Well done! These photos are not easy to get... thank you for sharing a part of our world we seldom get to see!
Jill 5 years ago
Every time I hear the bird name "tit", I want to make an inappropriate joke. I'm still a five year old in some ways.
Inga Viviane 5 years ago
And what i could say about the red rock c**k .....;)
Load More Replies... Christina Uhlir 5 years ago (edited)
Isn't it interesting how much people (probably minority) admire nature but do not lift a finger to protect all those marvels of nature???? Do not care to change their wasteful, selfish way of life, just the opposite criticize and attack others for their efforts to save our planet and all life it supports.... including lives of undeserving humans..... and, may I add, idiotic, imbeciles' like John L.
Load More Replies... DancesWithCats 9 months ago (edited)
Painted bunting needs to be included https://seabrookislandbirders.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/painted-bunting-1-cmoore.jpg?w=1024&h=683
Gary Carter 5 years ago
Where's the Booby Birds? C'mon guys you missed a trick there. BFBB-5efa0...1787cb.jpg
Michael Hunter 5 years ago
Well done. Birds and flowers are visible evidence that God is the world's greatest artist.
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