When you think of punk rock, the anti-authoritarian lyrics and bands like Blink-182 might come to your mind. However, the punk rock movement also brought an iconic hairstyle to the spotlight – the mohawk. Interestingly, the mohawk hairstyle has a history that goes far beyond punk rock and can be traced back to ancient cultures such as the Mohawk people and Scythian warriors. Surprisingly, even the animal kingdom has its fair share of mohawk-styled birds, showcasing this unique attribute.
If you’re curious to know more about these fascinating birds with mohawks, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some amazing birds that sport this punk-inspired hairdo. We’ll delve into their habitats, physical characteristics, and distinctive behaviors, giving you a glimpse into their feathery worlds. So, sit back, and get ready to meet some unique birds with mohawks.
10: Philippine Eagle
The Philippine eagle, a unique member of the Accipitridae family, proudly showcases a beautiful mohawk with dark brown and creamy white feathers. This powerful bird of prey, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, thrives in old-growth forests across multiple Philippine islands. As an apex predator, their diet consists of:
- Monkeys
- Small deer
- Bats
- Rats
- Reptiles
- Other birds
With a body length ranging from 2.8 to 3.3 feet and a weight between 8.9 and 17.6 pounds, this magnificent species is considered the longest eagle in the world. Remarkably agile and able to live up to 60 years, these elusive creatures sport dark brown plumage on their face and back, contrasted by white underparts.
Unfortunately, habitat loss and pollution have caused the IUCN to list the Philippine eagle as Critically Endangered, demanding conservation efforts to preserve this iconic species.
9: Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse, belonging to the Paridae family, is a small bird with a distinctive mohawk. These birds can be found in the eastern United States and remain there all year, without migrating. They thrive in mixed woodlands, parks, and gardens.
Their diet consists of nuts, fruits, seeds, and insects like wasps, bees, and snails. Caterpillars are their favorite prey. Tufted Titmice are known to stash food away for the colder months as well. Measuring between 5.5 to 6.3 inches long and with a wingspan of 7.9 to 10.2 inches, their appearance is unique, featuring white underparts, a gray backside, and a black forehead.
One key feature is their small, gray mohawk, which bears resemblance to that of a cardinal. The scientific name of the Tufted Titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor, aptly means “two-colored small crest,” highlighting their visual appeal and friendly disposition.
#8: Grey Crowned Crane
The Grey Crowned Crane, also referred to as the African or Golden Crested Crane, belongs to the Gruidae family and is found primarily across East and South Africa’s arid savannah landscapes. These omnivorous birds have diverse diets that include seeds, grains, frogs, snakes, fish, and insects. Interestingly, they are one of only two crane species capable of roosting in trees, thanks to their sizable hind toes.
During breeding season, these elegant birds captivate onlookers with their elaborate courtship displays, such as dancing, jumping, and bowing. Measuring about 3.3 feet in height and weighing around 7.7 pounds, grey crowned cranes sport striking large golden crests and a mix of gray and white plumage that sets them apart.
Currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN, their survival faces threats including habitat loss and the impact of pesticides.
7: Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
The sulphur-crested cockatoo is a highly recognizable bird due to its unique mohawk. These strikingly beautiful creatures are native to eastern and northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. They prefer moist lowland habitats and urban areas with abundant trees.
Typically, they measure between 17.5 to 21.5 inches in length and have mostly white feathers. What sets them apart is their prominent yellow mohawk, which they fan out to communicate their emotions. Known for their intelligence, these birds can dance to music and solve simple puzzles.
Their remarkable intellect and long lifespan make them popular pets; however, they require considerable care and attention. As the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers them to be a species of Least Concern due to their abundance, some individuals regard them as pests.
The Delightful Royal Flycatcher
The Royal Flycatcher is a small bird belonging to the Tityridae family. With ongoing debates about its various species and subspecies, these charming little creatures are found mainly in Central and South America. They grace tropical forests of high and low elevations, where water is easily available.
Measuring 5.9 to 7.1 inches in length and weighing less than an ounce, these birds primarily feed on insects. Their diet includes flies, cicadas, grasshoppers, and dragonflies. The Royal Flycatcher has mainly brown plumage, with yellow or red patches depending on the subspecies.
One striking feature of these tiny birds is their impressive red crest, which is displayed only during mating, courtship, or when handled. While some populations are considered “Least Concern” by the IUCN, the ones in southeastern Brazil are classified as “Vulnerable” due to habitat loss and other threats.
5: Dalmatian Pelican
The Dalmatian Pelican stands out among birds with its distinctive mohawk-like crest. As a member of the pelican family, this species is the largest of its kind, and it is also considered one of the world’s most sizable flying birds. Dalmatian Pelicans usually measure between 5 feet, 3 inches and 6 feet in length, weighing from 16 to 33.1 pounds.
These elegant birds inhabit wetlands across Southern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They often migrate in groups to and from their breeding locations. Their diet mainly consists of fish like catfish, eel, and carp, but they also consume crustaceans, beetles, and worms.
Their eye-catching appearance is defined by their silver-white plumage and large, gray and orange bills. The prominent mohawk feature on their heads is formed by wispy, white feathers. Unfortunately, due to factors such as poaching and habitat loss, these unique pelicans are classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
4: Eurasian Hoopoe
Eurasian hoopoes are widespread members of the Upupidae family, characterized by their distinct mohawk-like crests. Inhabiting regions across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, these birds thrive in open grasslands where they can easily sight their prey. Nesting in cavities found in trees, cliffs, or even buildings, Eurasian hoopoes are known for their unique whooping calls and striking appearance.
Their diet mainly consists of insects, but they are also known to consume small reptiles and amphibians. Measuring between 9.8 and 12.6 inches in length with a wingspan of 17 to 19 inches, these birds showcase eye-catching black and white striped wings, a fawn-colored breast and face, and a prominent reddish mohawk with black edges. These crests are often displayed during courtship and territorial disputes, with males sometimes engaging in fierce battles using their sharp bills.
Presently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Eurasian hoopoe as a species of least concern, indicating a stable population within their widespread habitat.
3: Great Curassow
The Great Curassow belongs to the Galliformes family, which consists of ground-feeding birds like turkeys, chickens, and quails. These birds, resembling pheasants, inhabit areas ranging from Mexico to northern Colombia and Ecuador. They typically live in groups found in rainforests and dryer forests.
Their diet mainly consists of fruits, such as figs, but also includes arthropods and rodents. Generally, Great Curassows measure between 31 and 39 inches in length and weigh between 6.8 and 10.6 pounds. Males exhibit mostly black feathers with a white belly, whereas females have varied plumage. Adding to their unique appearance, males flaunt a curly black crest, making this bird with a mohawk truly captivating.
However, due to habitat loss and hunting, the IUCN has listed the Great Curassow as a Vulnerable species, indicating the need for conservation efforts.
2: Victoria Crowned Pigeon
The Victoria Crowned Pigeon, a member of the pigeon and dove family Columbidae, defies the common perception of pigeons. These exquisite birds, named after Queen Victoria of England, reside exclusively in New Guinea’s swampy forests. Known for their social nature, they often search for food – such as fruits, seeds, worms, and insects – in groups.
These pigeons are fairly large, measuring approximately 29-30 inches in length and weighing up to 7.7 pounds. Their vibrant plumage features a rich blue-gray color on their backs, while their chests display a striking maroon hue. A captivating blue-feathered crest, akin to peacock tail feathers, adorns their heads.
Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and hunting, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified this beautiful bird as a Near Threatened species.
1: Golden Pheasant
The Golden Pheasant is an eye-catching bird with a vibrant mohawk, often referred to as the Chinese or Rainbow Pheasant. Originally from China, this bird can now be found across Europe, North and South America, and Australasia. Despite being capable of flight, they prefer to search for food on the ground, consuming grains, leaves, and insects.
These birds typically measure between 35 and 41 inches in length and boast an impressive range of colors in their plumage: yellow on their lower back and rump, red on their chest, green on their upper back, and tan on their face, throat, and chin. The golden pheasant’s standout feature is its bright orange mohawk, accompanied by a unique “cape” consisting of alternating black and orange stripes that can be spread.
In terms of scientific classification, the golden pheasant is known as Chrysolophus pictus, which means “painted with a golden crest” in Ancient Greek and Latin. Due to their widespread presence, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has labeled golden pheasants as a species of Least Concern.