Among birds crowned with head crests, the most distinctive are the grey crowned crane, Atlantic royal flycatcher, Victoria crowned pigeon, Schalow’s turaco, and rufous-crested coquette. But these are just a few examples – across bird families and continents, crests appear in a remarkable range of forms and functions.
Dramatic head plumes, upright feather tufts, and ornamental fans – bird crests take many forms and serve a wide range of purposes, including courtship, communication, camouflage, and intimidation. In this article, we highlight some of the world’s most striking crested birds, selecting species that represent major bird families and geographic regions. As always, we also explore the ecological roles these birds play and the conservation challenges they face in the wild.
Grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum)
- Crest: Golden crown of stiff plumes used for display and signaling.
- Where found: Wetlands and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa.
- Conservation status: Endangered.

The grey crowned crane is named for its extraordinary golden crown – a fan of stiff, bristle-like feathers radiating from the top of its head like a sunburst. Unlike soft crests that lie flat, this permanent structure remains upright and is composed of non-barbulated filaments that shimmer in sunlight.
Both sexes bear this striking adornment, which plays a key role in visual communication and elaborate courtship displays. During mating rituals, pairs engage in synchronized dancing, bowing, and jumping, while flaring their crowns and inflating bright red throat sacs to emit resonant calls. The crest, combined with black-and-white facial markings and a red wattle, gives the species its unmistakable regal appearance.
This crane ranges widely across eastern and southern Africa, from Uganda and Kenya to Namibia and South Africa, inhabiting wetlands, seasonally flooded grasslands, croplands, and river margins. It breeds in marshes with tall emergent vegetation and roosts communally, often in trees – a rare trait among cranes, enabled by a grasping hind toe. While largely sedentary, local movements track rainfall and food availability.
The species faces mounting threats from wetland drainage, overgrazing, agricultural intensification, pesticide use, illegal trade, and collisions with power lines. Habitat loss and chick collection for captivity have been particularly damaging. Conservation efforts now span multiple countries and include censuses, wetland protection, anti-trade campaigns, and community-based stewardship programs. These initiatives are beginning to stabilize some populations, but sustained action is still urgently needed.
Atlantic royal flycatcher (Onychorhynchus swainsoni)
- Crest: Fan-shaped crest of scarlet, blue, and black, used in rare display.
- Where found: Humid lowland and montane forests of southeastern Brazil.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable.

The Atlantic royal flycatcher possesses one of the most dramatic crests in the bird world, though it is rarely seen fully extended. When raised, the crest forms a brilliant semicircular fan, scarlet in males and yellow-orange in females, each with striking black and violet-blue tips.
Normally held flat and inconspicuous, the crest is unfurled during courtship or in high-alert moments, transforming the otherwise modest bird into a startling spectacle. Its exaggerated structure and sudden presentation have made it iconic among tropical flycatchers, though it remains elusive in the wild.
Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, this species inhabits humid lowland and lower montane rainforest, favoring the midstory and understory near watercourses. It is found from Bahia to northern Santa Catarina, though it is patchily distributed and naturally scarce.
Severe habitat loss and fragmentation have contributed to its decline, with ongoing deforestation threatening the already narrow range. The bird benefits from protection in several reserves and national parks, such as Intervales State Park and Itatiaia National Park, but conservation depends on further habitat protection and monitoring efforts.
Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria)
- Crest: Lacy blue crest tipped in white, raised in display and courtship.
- Where found: Lowland swamp forests and alluvial plains of northern New Guinea and nearby islands.
- Conservation status: Near Threatened.

The Victoria crowned pigeon is the largest surviving species of pigeon and one of the most visually striking, thanks in large part to its elaborate crest. Composed of delicate, lacy blue feathers tipped in white, the crest forms a broad fan that rests atop the head and can be subtly raised during courtship, territorial displays, or alert postures.
Unlike the short crests or tufts of most birds, this structure is wide and semi-transparent, resembling fine lacework. It complements the bird’s deep maroon chest, pale grey wing bar, and glowing red eyes, creating an almost regal appearance – a fitting tribute to the queen it was named after.
Endemic to lowland swamp forests and alluvial regions of northern New Guinea and nearby islands, the Victoria crowned pigeon forages on the forest floor in small groups, feeding on fallen fruit and seeds. It is shy and quick to flush when disturbed, flying noisily to perch in the mid-canopy.
Although protected in parts of its range, the species is still threatened by logging, oil palm expansion, and hunting, especially for meat, chicks, and the illegal pet trade. It is largely absent from fragmented forests, persisting mainly in undisturbed areas. Conservation efforts include legal protections and increased monitoring, but further habitat preservation and trade regulation will be essential to ensure its survival.
Guianan cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola)
- Crest: Bright orange half-moon crest in males, smaller and duller in females.
- Where found: Humid forests and rocky outcrops of the Guianan Shield in northeastern South America.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The Guianan cock-of-the-rock is famous for its flamboyant appearance, especially in males, whose brilliant orange plumage is crowned by an exaggerated, half-moon crest that obscures much of the face and bill when raised. This flattened crest arches over the crown like a sculpted disc and is central to the male’s visual courtship display. Females also have a crest, but it is smaller and matches their subdued brownish-grey coloration.
During the mating season, males gather in leks where they display by fanning their crests, snapping their bills, flaring bright feathers, and calling loudly while defending small ground courts cleared of debris. The most successful males typically hold courts in central, high-density parts of the lek, where the visual impact of their crests and contrasting plumage is maximized to attract females.
This striking species is found across the humid, forested Guianan Shield region, including parts of French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia, and northern Brazil. It prefers low- to mid-elevation forests near rocky outcrops, which provide essential nesting sites. While frugivorous by nature, it occasionally supplements its diet with small reptiles.
Although the species is generally elusive outside display sites, it remains widespread and is not currently at risk, though local populations may be sensitive to forest degradation and disturbance near lekking or nesting habitats.
Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
- Crest: Upright fan-shaped crest of bare black shafts tipped with iridescent bluish-green.
- Where found: Forests, scrublands, farmland, and gardens across the Indian subcontinent.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The Indian peafowl is famed for the male’s dazzling train, but its look is completed by a delicate, upright fan-shaped crest shared by both sexes. Each feather consists of a bare black shaft ending in a bluish-green webbed tip, forming a shimmering crown that sways and flares during courtship and alert displays.
While the immense train of iridescent upper-tail coverts steals the spotlight, the crest adds a final flourish – quivering as the male fans his tail and struts in elaborate rituals. The female, though less ornate, also wears a smaller chestnut-tipped version of the same crest, which aids in species recognition and communication within flocks.
Native to the Indian subcontinent, the Indian peafowl thrives in diverse landscapes ranging from dry forests and bushy hills to cultivated land and temple gardens. It is a ground-dwelling bird, foraging in groups for grains, seeds, and small animals, and roosting high in trees at night. While capable of strong, labored flight, it prefers to escape threats on foot.
Though its global population is stable, threats persist at the local level, including poaching for feathers and meat, pesticide ingestion, crop conflict, and urban disturbance. Culturally revered and legally protected in India and Sri Lanka, the species benefits from sanctuaries, feather regulation, and growing public education efforts aimed at balancing conservation with human-wildlife coexistence.
Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops)
- Crest: Tall orange fan with black tips, raised after landing or during displays.
- Where found: Open woodlands, farmland, and grasslands across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The Eurasian hoopoe is instantly recognizable for its flamboyant crest – a tall, fan-shaped crown of orange feathers tipped in black. Often kept folded flat along the head, the crest is dramatically raised after landing, during courtship displays, or when alarmed.
This bold display, combined with zebra-striped wings and a slender, downcurved bill, makes the hoopoe one of the most distinctive birds in its range. Its scientific name may even originate from the French huppee, meaning “crested.” The crest plays both a visual and behavioral role, adding flair to the bird’s already unusual appearance.
Widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the hoopoe prefers semi-open landscapes such as orchards, steppe, heathland, and traditional farmland. It forages on the ground using its specialized bill to probe for insects and their larvae, aided by head muscles that allow it to open the bill while inserted in soil. Migratory in northern parts of its range, it winters in the Sahel and other subtropical regions, while tropical populations remain resident.
Although overall numbers remain high, local declines are linked to hunting pressure, habitat loss, and reduced nest-site availability due to agricultural intensification. Conservation efforts are limited but needed in certain parts of its range to secure suitable habitats and control hunting.
Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
- Crest: Prominent feather tufts (“horns”) on the head, called plumicorns.
- Where found: Forests, deserts, grasslands, mountains, and urban edges across the Americas.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The great horned owl owes its common name to the bold feather tufts, or plumicorns, that rise from its head like horns or ears. These tufts are not functional for hearing, but serve as important visual cues in territorial and social displays, especially when raised in alarm or courtship.
Often accentuated by a striking facial disc and fierce yellow eyes, the tufts enhance the owl’s imposing silhouette, particularly when perched upright in the tall-thin posture to blend into branches. The tufts, paired with its mottled plumage and deep hoots, make this species one of the most recognizable owls in the Americas.
Adaptable and widespread, the great horned owl inhabits an astonishing range of environments – from boreal forests and Andean grasslands to deserts, wetlands, prairies, and urban parks. It prefers areas with a mix of woods for roosting and open spaces for hunting, and often takes over abandoned nests of hawks or crows. As one of the largest owls in the Americas, this powerful nocturnal predator hunts everything from rodents and birds to reptiles and even skunks, aided by silent flight and crushing talons.
Despite historical persecution and some poisoning from pesticides, the species has shown remarkable resilience and remains stable across much of its vast range.
Golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
- Crest: Bright yellow crown with hidden orange patch, flared when agitated.
- Where found: Coniferous and mixed forests across North America.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The golden-crowned kinglet, one of North America’s tiniest birds, sports a striking crown that gives the species its name. Bordered by bold black stripes, the crown is yellow in both sexes, but males possess a hidden orange center that can be dramatically flared during moments of agitation or territorial display.
Normally a narrow stripe, the crown is raised into a vivid blaze when males confront rivals or react to threats. This expressive use of the crest adds an unexpected splash of color to a bird otherwise dressed in muted olive and grey tones.
Golden-crowned kinglets breed in boreal and montane forests, especially in spruce and fir, and occur year-round in parts of their range, wintering more widely across the U.S. and southern Canada. They forage high in dense conifers, flicking their wings and hovering as they glean insects from needles.
Though widespread and common, their populations have declined in parts of their range due to logging, fire, and forest fragmentation. Nonetheless, their ability to use a variety of winter habitats and expand into planted conifer stands has helped buffer the species against more severe declines.
Crested auklet (Aethia cristatella)
- Crest: Forward-curling black crest with thin feathers, largest during breeding.
- Where found: Coastal cliffs and islands of the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The crested auklet is a tiny but charismatic seabird of the North Pacific, distinguished by its glossy black plumage, vivid orange bill, and, most notably – a slender crest of forward-curling feathers erupting from the top of its head. This crest, present in both sexes, varies widely in length and is most pronounced during the breeding season.
It consists of 2 to 23 narrow, dark feathers, curving over the forehead like a wind-blown tuft, and is complemented by long white facial plumes extending behind the eyes. Auklets also produce a strong citrus-like scent and display exaggerated calls and postures, all of which are believed to function as sexual signals. Males and females both prefer mates with longer, more prominent crests.
These birds breed in immense colonies, sometimes numbering over 1 million, on remote rocky islands of the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk. They nest in natural crevices along cliffs, lava flows, or boulder fields, often alongside the smaller least auklet. Highly social, crested auklets form long-term monogamous pairs and show strong site fidelity. Outside the breeding season, they remain at sea, foraging in dense flocks over nutrient-rich waters for zooplankton like krill.
Although the global population is large and stable, threats such as oil spills, introduced predators, and changing ocean conditions from climate change can affect local colonies, especially in Alaska.
Crested partridge (Rollulus rouloul)
- Crest: Male has a tall, fluffy red crest resembling a pompom.
- Where found: Dense lowland and hill rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable.

The crested partridge is instantly distinguished by the male’s brilliant scarlet crest – a tall, rounded puff of bristly feathers set against the glossy black-blue of his plumage. This striking “pompom” is not only ornamental but also elevates the bird’s already unusual appearance, especially when seen in motion during displays or while foraging.
The rest of the male’s head features a black frontal tuft and a conspicuous red eye-ring, enhancing the contrast with the upright crest. Females lack the crest and instead display mossy green plumage with rich chestnut wings and a similarly bright red orbital ring. While the crest is not known to play a major acoustic role, it is likely a key element in visual communication within the dark understory environment these birds inhabit.
The crested partridge ranges across the Sundaic lowlands of Southeast Asia, from southern Myanmar and Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It is a forest floor specialist, inhabiting dense lowland and hill rainforests, primarily broadleaved evergreen and bamboo forests, where it favors undisturbed or regenerating primary habitat. Typically seen alone or in pairs, it walks quietly among the leaf litter, foraging for fallen fruit, seeds, and invertebrates. Though it can fly short distances with rapid wingbeats, it prefers to escape by running.
Rapid deforestation, especially for timber and oil palm cultivation, has fragmented its habitat, and trapping for the pet trade adds further pressure. Many remaining populations now survive only within protected areas, and conservation actions are focused on habitat protection, trade monitoring, and population surveys.
Tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata)
- Crest: Long, pale yellow tufts curving back from behind each eye during breeding season.
- Where found: Rocky islands and sea cliffs across the North Pacific, from Japan to California and Alaska.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The tufted puffin earns its name from its striking breeding-season plumage – a pair of long, silky, pale yellow plumes that arc backward from behind each eye. These ornamental tufts, present in both sexes, are displayed prominently during courtship and territorial displays, often flared during interactions at the nesting colony. Set against a stark white face and deep black body, the tufts give the bird a theatrical, almost mask-like appearance.
The rest of the puffin’s face and body also undergo transformation: the bill swells into a vivid tricolor shield of red, yellow, and orange, while the legs turn bright vermilion. Outside the breeding season, the tufts are shed, and the face fades to grey, revealing a much plainer sea-going bird adapted for life offshore.
Tufted puffins breed on remote cliffs and offshore islands along the North Pacific rim, nesting in burrows or crevices in grassy slopes from Japan and Kamchatka to the Aleutians and down to Washington and British Columbia. After the breeding season, they disperse widely across the open ocean, spending most of the year far from land. Adapted for pursuit diving, they use their strong wings to “fly” underwater, hunting fish and squid near productive continental shelf zones.
Although globally widespread and currently not threatened, tufted puffins face serious localized pressures: incidental bycatch in drift net fisheries, oil spills, introduced predators like rats and foxes, human disturbance at colonies, and the effects of rising sea surface temperatures on prey availability and fledging success. Conservation efforts in recent decades, such as predator eradication and marine protections, have enabled recolonization at some sites, but future climate-related challenges remain uncertain.
Yellow-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)
- Crest: Tall, retractile crest of bright yellow feathers.
- Where found: Forests and cultivated areas of East Timor, Sulawesi, and the Lesser Sundas.
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered.

The yellow-crested cockatoo is known for its expressive crest, a tall spray of bright yellow or orange feathers that arches upward when raised. This retractile structure, present in both sexes, contrasts with the bird’s otherwise white plumage and contributes to its striking appearance.
The crest is typically flared during vocalizations, social interactions, or alarm, playing a visual role in communication within flocks. Smaller and rarer than the sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), it is distinguished by its more vibrant crest and the absence of yellow cheek patches. While not as flamboyant in flight, its loud, raucous calls and animated crest movements leave a strong impression.
Once widespread across much of Indonesia’s Lesser Sundas, Sulawesi, and East Timor, the yellow-crested cockatoo has suffered a dramatic contraction in range. Today, it survives only in scattered remnant populations on islands such as Komodo, Timor, Sumbawa, and southeastern Sulawesi, making it one of the rarest parrots still found in the wild. It occupies a range of wooded habitats, including evergreen and monsoon forests, secondary growth, agricultural land, and forest edge, often up to 800 meters (2,600 feet) in elevation.
Their population has undergone a catastrophic decline, driven primarily by illegal trapping for the pet trade, compounded by extensive habitat loss due to logging and agriculture. Despite protection under CITES and national laws, enforcement remains weak outside Komodo National Park. Community-based conservation programs and nest protection initiatives have shown promise in some areas, but recovery remains precarious and dependent on continued habitat preservation and trade regulation.
Great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
- Crest: Black double crest with ruff-like chestnut frills displayed in courtship.
- Where found: Lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The great crested grebe is named for its ornate breeding display and distinctive head plumes. In full breeding plumage, adults show a dramatic black double crest that rises from the crown and is flanked by ruff-like chestnut frills extending from each cheek. These feathered ornaments are central to the species’ elaborate courtship rituals, which include synchronized head-shaking, diving, and “weed dancing” – a ritualized offering of aquatic plants while rising breast-to-breast.
Outside the breeding season, the crest and frills are lost, replaced by a more subdued black line through a white face, but during display, the plumage transforms the grebe into one of the most elegant waterbirds in its range.
This species breeds widely across freshwater lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and reservoirs in Europe, central Asia, and parts of Africa and Australasia. Though largely migratory in colder climates, populations in milder or tropical regions may remain year-round. It favors eutrophic waters with abundant submerged vegetation and constructs floating nests anchored to reeds or aquatic plants. After breeding, many adults gather in large flocks to molt on expansive lakes, occasionally forming groups of thousands. The species is a highly skilled diver, feeding mainly on fish, but also taking aquatic invertebrates and amphibians.
While no longer threatened by plume hunting or food competition from invasive fish, its reliance on clean, vegetated wetlands makes it vulnerable to habitat disturbance. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on protecting key lake ecosystems and managing water recreation pressure near nesting sites.
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
- Crest: Loose black quill-like feathers projecting from the nape, forming a distinctive swept-back crest.
- Where found: Open grasslands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Conservation status: Endangered.

The secretarybird’s unmistakable appearance is crowned by its elegant, swept-back crest of black plumes, resembling writing quills tucked behind the ear – the origin of its name. These long, filamentous feathers emerge from the nape and remain loosely erect, giving the bird a striking profile when viewed in the open plains.
Though not used in elaborate displays like many other crested birds, the crest enhances its visual silhouette, particularly when paired with the bird’s bare red-orange face, sharp aquiline features, and long lashes. The crest is always present in both sexes and all ages, contributing to the bird’s regal, almost mythical presence in African folklore and iconography.
Unlike most birds of prey, the secretarybird is primarily terrestrial, striding across vast savannas and grasslands on its long crane-like legs in search of prey. It is distributed widely across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Ethiopia to South Africa, with some populations being sedentary and others nomadic depending on rainfall and food.
Though it benefits from open habitats, it is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, intensive grazing, urban expansion, and disturbance by humans and livestock. Fires, fencing, power lines, and pesticide exposure also pose significant risks. While found in many protected areas, its population is declining across much of its range. Conservation efforts now focus on land stewardship, public education, and continent-wide monitoring, alongside habitat protection and research on its movements and ecology.
Vermilion cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus)
- Crest: Spiky, upright crest; bright red in males, red-tipped on grey in females.
- Where found: Semi-arid scrublands of northern Venezuela and northeastern Colombia.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The vermilion cardinal is instantly recognized by its dramatic crest, a tall, spiky structure present in both sexes. In males, the entire head and crest are a brilliant scarlet, with the crown feathers flaring sharply upwards like a blazing torch. Females have a greyish head topped with red-tipped crest feathers, giving a subtler but equally elegant appearance.
This vivid crown remains raised most of the time and complements the bird’s bold posture, often seen perched erect on exposed branches. The crest plays a role in social signaling, especially during pair bonding and territorial displays, where the male’s brilliant coloration and prominent plume are showcased.
This striking species inhabits arid and semi-arid scrublands of northern South America, with two main populations: one in northeastern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, and another further east across Anzoategui to Sucre state and Margarita Island. It favors dry forests and thorny vegetation dominated by cacti and spiny shrubs, usually at low elevations but occasionally reaching up to 700 meters (2,300 feet). Vermilion cardinals are typically found in pairs and are known for their melodious, slow whistled songs, often delivered from open perches.
While the species is not currently threatened, habitat degradation from development and agriculture may impact some local populations. However, it remains widespread and relatively stable across its range.
Southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)
- Crest: Spiky black crest with long yellow eyebrow plumes swept backward.
- Where found: Subantarctic islands in the South Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable.

The southern rockhopper penguin is unmistakable for its dramatic head adornments – stiff, upright black feathers forming a spiky crest, offset by vivid yellow eyebrow plumes that arc outward behind bright red eyes. These striking crests are shared by both sexes and become especially expressive during mating displays.
As the smallest member of the yellow-crested Eudyptes penguins, its bold plumage and animated movements add to its visual charisma. The common name “rockhopper” reflects its habit of bounding over rocky terrain, a behavior first noted in this species and now known to be shared with its close relatives.
This species breeds on windswept islands across the Southern Ocean, from the Falklands and Tristan da Cunha to Crozet, Kerguelen, and Macquarie Islands. Colonies are often perched on cliff edges or inland tussock grasslands, where nests are built among rocks or vegetation. Southern rockhoppers show strong site fidelity and often return to the same mate and nest each year, reinforcing pair bonds through visual and vocal displays. After breeding, the penguins disperse widely at sea, sometimes traveling over 1,000 kilometers, though remaining mostly within the subantarctic zone. Their diet includes fish, crustaceans, and squid, with feeding success highly dependent on stable ocean temperatures.
Southern rockhopper populations have declined sharply due to climate-driven food shortages, extreme weather events, and competition or predation by expanding seal populations. Though some colonies have stabilized, the species remains vulnerable to sudden die-offs linked to changing marine conditions, underscoring the need for continued monitoring, habitat protection, and research into oceanographic impacts on their foraging ecology.
Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)
- Crest: Long reddish-orange crest forming a swept-back fan on the male’s head.
- Where found: Forested wetlands and wooded lakes in East Asia; introduced populations in Europe and North America.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The mandarin duck is one of the world’s most ornate waterfowl, with the male displaying a dramatic head crest that enhances its already extravagant plumage. This reddish-orange crest extends from the crown and nape in a thick, swept-back fan, often flaring outward during courtship or alert postures.
While both sexes possess crests, the male’s is longer, fuller, and more vividly colored, complementing his orange facial “whiskers” and sail-like tertial feathers. The crest plays a key role in visual displays, particularly during the breeding season, when males advertise from the water or tree branches in shaded woodland habitats.
Native to East Asia, the mandarin duck inhabits forested rivers, lakes, and wetlands from southeastern Russia to Japan and China, with migratory populations wintering farther south. It nests in tree cavities near water and shows strong site fidelity. Due to ornamental appeal and escape from captivity, the species has established feral populations in the UK, Western Europe, and parts of North America. These introduced groups often adapt to parklands and wooded lakeshores.
Although wild populations in China and Russia have declined due to habitat loss, the species remains globally secure and continues to thrive in both native and non-native environments.
Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
- Crest: Long, shaggy brown crest that fans out around the crown and nape.
- Where found: Primary forests on the Philippine islands of Mindanao, Luzon, Samar, and Leyte.
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered.

The Philippine eagle is instantly recognizable by its formidable appearance, enhanced by a shaggy, mane-like crest of elongated brown feathers that radiate from the crown and nape. When raised during moments of alertness, agitation, or display, the crest forms a dramatic halo that frames the bird’s pale face and piercing eyes.
Combined with its massive, arched beak and powerful build, the crest adds to the eagle’s reputation as one of the most imposing raptors in the world. Although both sexes display the crest, it is most often seen in territorial or courtship displays, where visual signaling plays a key role in communication and defense.
This forest-dependent apex predator is endemic to the Philippines, now confined to four islands: Mindanao, Luzon, Samar, and Leyte. It inhabits primary dipterocarp forests, nesting in tall emergent trees and requiring vast undisturbed ranges – up to 110 square kilometers (42 square miles) per breeding pair. Though non-migratory, juvenile eagles disperse widely from their natal areas, often venturing into degraded or fragmented landscapes in search of territory.
The species is critically endangered and considered one of the rarest eagles in the world, due to severe habitat loss, hunting, electrocution, and poor recruitment of young into the adult population. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, including captive breeding, reintroduction, telemetry studies, and international awareness campaigns, the Philippine eagle’s survival depends on urgent protection of remaining forest habitat and strengthened measures against human-related threats.
Crested kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris)
- Crest: Large, spiky black-and-white crest forming a dramatic shaggy crown.
- Where found: Forested rivers and mountain streams from the Himalayas to Japan.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The crested kingfisher is a striking presence along mountain rivers, crowned with an extravagant black-and-white crest that rises like a jagged headdress from its head. One of the largest kingfishers in the world, its boldly barred plumage and oversized, laterally compressed bill are matched only by the dramatic sweep of its crest, which remains conspicuously raised even when at rest.
Both sexes share this ornate feature, though they differ in plumage – males bear rufous-orange on the breastband, while females show pale cinnamon-pink underwings. The crest accentuates its thickset silhouette when perched on riverside snags or calling in its signature rattling voice.
This species inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and forested ravines across southern Asia, from the western Himalayas to Korea and Japan. It favors higher elevations than smaller kingfishers and is adapted to cold mountain habitats, occasionally migrating altitudinally to avoid frozen rivers. Typically hunting from exposed high perches, it dives steeply to capture fish in deep water, rarely hovering.
Though globally not threatened, the crested kingfisher faces local pressures from river modification, damming, and forest loss. In Japan, it is considered threatened in most prefectures, and it has declined in parts of Laos. Its dependence on clean upland rivers and intact riparian forests makes it especially vulnerable to human disturbance and land-use change.
Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos)
- Crest: Prominent, erect crest of glossy black or white feathers, sweeping backward.
- Where found: Forests and thickets in the Himalayan foothills, from Pakistan and Nepal to western Thailand.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The kalij pheasant is instantly recognizable by its sharply erect, backward-sweeping crest, which adds vertical drama to its sleek, iridescent plumage. In males, the crest ranges from glossy black to striking white depending on the subspecies, and remains raised at nearly all times, accentuating the bird’s elongated profile.
Unlike the ornamental fans of some other pheasants, the kalij’s crest is tight, pointed, and alert – a constant visual marker of its presence in shaded undergrowth. The red bare skin on the face adds contrast, while the vertically compressed tail and bold iridescence complete the bird’s commanding appearance.
This pheasant inhabits dense forests, thickets, and wooded hillsides throughout the Himalayan foothills and parts of Southeast Asia. It is typically seen foraging on the forest floor, often in small groups, feeding on seeds, berries, and invertebrates. Though shy in the wild, it is adaptable to disturbed habitats and has even formed feral populations in Hawaii.
While the species overall is not considered threatened, habitat degradation and limited distribution have placed some eastern subspecies at risk. Nevertheless, the kalij pheasant remains a resilient and striking symbol of Asia’s mid-elevation forests.
White-crested helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus)
- Crest: Prominent pale crest that varies from fluffy and rounded to long and curly depending on subspecies.
- Where found: Woodlands, savannas, and dry shrublands across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The white-crested helmetshrike stands out with its bushy pale crest, which often appears tousled, curled, or exaggerated depending on the region. This expressive head ornament contrasts sharply with the bird’s black-and-white body and bright yellow orbital wattles, giving it a wide-eyed, almost whimsical appearance.
Subspecies differ in crest shape, with some showing tight curls and others sporting longer, upright plumes. The crest is often raised during social interactions, making these birds look perpetually alert and animated as they chatter and forage through the trees.
This species ranges widely across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting dry forests, broadleaf woodlands, savannas, and shrublands. It travels in cohesive family groups that forage noisily at mid to lower levels, often as part of mixed-species flocks. Helmetshrikes search for insects among leaves and bark, communicating constantly through clicks, whistles, and rasping calls. Their social nature and bold black-and-white plumage make them conspicuous, even in dense foliage.
Although their crest gives them a comical appearance, their cooperative behavior and constant movement reveal a highly coordinated and adaptive lifestyle. Despite regional variation and habitat pressures, the species remains widespread and stable.
Black-crested titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus)
- Crest: Tall, black crest held upright, more prominent in males.
- Where found: Oak woodlands, brushlands, and urban parks of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The black-crested titmouse is a small songbird easily recognized by its perky black crest, which rises into a pointed spike above the head and gives the bird a spirited, inquisitive look. The crest is especially dark and prominent in males, where it plays a role in courtship and territorial signaling, while females may show a slightly greyer version.
This visual feature, combined with soft grey upperparts, rusty flanks, and large dark eyes, creates a lively, expressive appearance. The crest is often raised when the bird delivers its clear, whistled calls or chick-a-dee-like chatter, especially in mixed-species flocks where it often leads alarm responses and foraging activity.
This species is a year-round resident of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, inhabiting oak woodlands, mesquite thickets, suburban parks, and mixed forests from lowlands to elevations near 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). It nests in natural cavities or nest boxes and thrives in wooded areas where canopy structure is diverse.
While the population is considered stable overall, localized declines have been noted, likely due to habitat fragmentation. Nonetheless, the black-crested titmouse remains common across much of its range and continues to adapt well to semi-natural and urbanized environments.
Schalow’s turaco (Tauraco schalowi)
- Crest: Exceptionally long, white-tipped crest sweeping back from the crown.
- Where found: Forested uplands, riparian woodlands, and inland plateaus of south-central Africa.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

Schalow’s turaco is renowned for having the longest crest of any turaco species – a dramatic, swept-back plume of green feathers ending in delicate white tips. This flamboyant feature rises from the forehead and crown, forming a bold silhouette that accentuates the bird’s alert posture and flowing lines.
The crest is frequently raised during courtship, social interactions, or alarm, functioning as a visual signal in the dense canopy. Framed by red orbital skin and contrasting white facial lines, the crest adds to the bird’s regal and vividly colored appearance, complementing its coppery-green plumage and crimson wing patches, which are visible only in flight.
This species is distributed across south-central Africa, occurring in highland forests, riverine woodlands, and interior plateaus from Zambia and Angola to northern Tanzania and Malawi. Though closely related to the Livingstone’s turaco (Tauraco livingstonii), Schalow’s is found at higher elevations and is locally restricted in countries like Botswana and Namibia. Its movements are limited, as it prefers to bound nimbly through dense vegetation rather than undertake long flights.
While its population has not been precisely estimated, it remains widespread and locally common, with no immediate conservation concerns. As with many forest birds, localized habitat loss could present future risks, but for now, Schalow’s turaco continues to thrive in many parts of its broad, if fragmented, range.
Northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
- Crest: Long, wispy black crest sweeping backward from the crown.
- Where found: Grasslands, farmland, wetlands, and moorlands across Eurasia; winters in North Africa and South Asia.
- Conservation status: Near Threatened.

The northern lapwing is instantly recognizable by its elegant, sweeping crest – a slender plume of black feathers arching gracefully from the back of the head. The male’s crest is longer and more prominent than the female’s, especially during the breeding season when visual displays are crucial.
Paired with its iridescent green back, black-and-white patterning, and rounded wings, the crest enhances the bird’s flamboyant aerial courtship, where males tumble and call in looping dives. These acrobatic flights, punctuated by sharp “pee-wit” cries, underscore the lapwing’s charisma and lend it its alternate name: peewit.
The species breeds across temperate Europe and Asia, favoring damp pastures, meadows, grassy moors, and lowland fields with patches of bare soil. Nests are simple ground scrapes, vulnerable to agricultural disturbance and predators. Most populations migrate south for the winter, forming large flocks that forage in stubble fields, irrigated grasslands, and estuaries.
Once widespread and abundant, the northern lapwing is now in decline due to intensive agriculture, wetland drainage, spring cultivation, and increased pesticide use. Loss of semi-natural habitats and predation also impact nesting success. Although protected under multiple conventions and subject to management plans in parts of Europe, conservation success depends on more effective habitat incentives, sustainable farming practices, and hunting regulation.
Rufous-crested coquette (Lophornis delattrei)
- Crest: Striking rufous-orange crest with long, spiky, black-tipped feathers in males.
- Where found: Humid forest edges and clearings from Costa Rica to western Bolivia, typically at mid-elevations.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The rufous-crested coquette is a tiny hummingbird with one of the most flamboyant head displays in the bird world: a rufous-orange crest composed of narrow, stiff feathers tipped in black, radiating from the crown like a spiked crown. This spectacular ornament is exclusive to males and is prominently displayed during courtship, particularly in hovering flight rituals before perched females.
When raised, the crest adds dramatic flair to the bird’s otherwise shimmering green plumage and small, compact body. The white band across the rump further accentuates its rapid movements as it darts between flowering shrubs. Females lack the crest but show a rufous forehead and throat patch, giving them a softer yet still distinctive appearance.
This species ranges along the tropical slopes of Central and South America, from Costa Rica and Panama through the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It inhabits humid evergreen forests, forest edges, and brushy clearings, typically between 500 and 1,900 meters (1,650-6,200 feet) in elevation. Due to their small size and low dominance, rufous-crested coquettes often forage alone across large areas, visiting a wide variety of nectar-producing flowers. They also supplement their diet by hawking tiny insects midair.
While generally rare and elusive, their populations appear stable. Because they feed primarily in forest gaps and edges, they are less severely impacted by deforestation than many other tropical hummingbirds, though continued habitat loss remains a potential long-term concern.
Great curassow (Crax rubra)
- Crest: Prominent curled crest in both sexes – compact and glossy black in males, bushier and black-and-white in females.
- Where found: Humid lowland forests from Mexico to northwestern South America.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable.

The great curassow is a striking rainforest bird, known for its bold presence and distinctive crest. In males, the crest forms a compact crown of glossy black feathers with neatly curled tips, complementing their overall jet-black plumage, white belly, and prominent yellow bill knob. Females, however, display a dramatically different version: their crest is bushier, more loosely curled, and patterned in black and white, matching their barred or rufous plumage.
While both sexes bear a prominent head ornament, the crest in females is less uniform and more chaotic in texture, often appearing larger and more visually striking than the male’s – a rare example in birds where the female may possess the more elaborate crest.
Once widespread across the Neotropics, the great curassow now survives mainly in remote or well-protected forests from eastern Mexico through Central America into Colombia and Ecuador. It is primarily terrestrial, foraging in small groups for fallen fruits, seeds, and small animals, though it roosts and nests in low trees.
The species is highly sensitive to human disturbance, and its numbers have declined sharply due to overhunting and forest fragmentation. While some populations remain stable within national parks and reserves, others are at serious risk, particularly in fragmented or accessible areas. Conservation programs, including captive breeding and reintroductions, offer hope, but long-term protection depends on sustained habitat conservation and stricter hunting regulation.
Black-throated magpie-jay (Cyanocorax colliei)
- Crest: Tall, black, forward-curving crest rising from the crown.
- Where found: Pacific lowlands of western Mexico, in dry forests, plantations, and semi-open woodlands.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The black-throated magpie-jay is instantly recognizable by its extraordinarily long tail and its extravagant crest – a sleek, black plume that rises from the crown and curves slightly forward. This conspicuous crest, present in both sexes but often fuller in males, enhances visual communication during social interactions and pair bonding.
Set against a black face and throat, the crest contrasts sharply with the bird’s white underparts and cobalt-blue upperparts. When raised during vocalization or alert postures, it reinforces the bird’s animated presence. The crest is often lifted alongside a chorus of raucous, parrot-like calls or when the bird flares its dramatically long tail in flight.
Endemic to the Pacific Slope of western Mexico, the black-throated magpie-jay inhabits dry tropical forests, semiopen woodlands, and scrublands from southern Sonora to northwestern Colima. It forages in small groups, often moving through canopy edges, plantations, or hedgerows, sometimes quietly and inconspicuously, though more often drawing attention with its loud calls and bold movements.
While the species is locally common and has even established a feral population in southern California, its native range faces pressures from habitat conversion and potential trapping for the pet trade. Despite signs of regional decline, its large overall population and broad range currently place it outside of immediate conservation concern.
Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
- Crest: Long, ragged rufous crest fanning out from the crown like a spiky mohawk.
- Where found: Swamps, riversides, and flooded forests in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The hoatzin is one of the strangest birds in the world, and its spiky orange-brown crest only adds to its prehistoric appearance. Rising from a small blue-skinned head and flaring backward in disheveled fashion, the crest resembles a disordered mohawk and is especially striking when the bird spreads its wings or calls out with a harsh grunt.
The eyes are maroon, the bill is stubby, and the neck long and sinewy – all together creating a silhouette more befitting a Jurassic holdover than a modern tropical bird. Juveniles add to the mystery with claws on their wing digits, which they use to climb through vegetation before they can fly.
Native to the wetlands and flooded forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, the hoatzin moves slowly and clumsily through dense riverside foliage, usually in family groups. It feeds almost exclusively on young leaves, digesting them through an enlarged crop where bacterial fermentation breaks down cellulose – a system more typical of cows than birds. This slow, leafy diet gives the hoatzin a reputation for foul-smelling, unpalatable flesh, which has helped protect it from hunting.
Though deforestation continues to affect parts of its range, the species remains fairly common in undisturbed wetland habitats and is not currently considered at risk. Its bizarre anatomy, behavior, and origin continue to puzzle evolutionary biologists, making the hoatzin not just a crested curiosity but one of ornithology’s great enigmas.
Red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)
- Crest: Upright black crest forming a pointed spike above the head.
- Where found: Forest edges, gardens, and open woodlands across South and Southeast Asia; introduced to Australia, the Mascarenes, Florida, and Hawaii.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The red-whiskered bulbul is instantly recognizable by its sharply pointed black crest, which rises in a bold spike above its head and gives the bird an alert, elegant appearance. Framed by white cheeks, a thin black moustachial line, and vivid red patches behind the eyes, the crest plays a key visual role in both mate attraction and territorial displays.
Both sexes possess the crest, which remains upright even during flight or while perched. It is often accentuated by head movements as the bird delivers its distinctive calls – a series of sharp whistles and melodious phrases that carry across gardens and wooded landscapes. Together with its red vent, the crest contributes to a uniquely ornamental look, making this bulbul a popular figure in aviculture and symbolic imagery.
Native to tropical Asia, the red-whiskered bulbul thrives in forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, parks, and urban gardens. It is a versatile and adaptable species, often seen in pairs or small flocks perched conspicuously on treetops or utility lines. It feeds on fruits, berries, flower nectar, and insects, and plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser, especially of introduced plant species in regions where it has been introduced. Feral populations have established themselves in Australia, Reunion, Mauritius, and parts of the United States, sometimes raising concerns about ecological disruption.
Nonetheless, the species remains abundant across most of its range and is not considered at risk, though local population declines have been observed in parts of its native distribution.
Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
- Crest: Striking red crest forming a sharp, pointed spike at the crown.
- Where found: Mature forests and woodlots across Canada, the eastern U.S., and the Pacific Northwest.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.

The pileated woodpecker is unmistakable in North American forests, thanks in large part to its vivid, flame-red crest that rises into a sharp point at the crown. Present in both sexes but slightly more vivid in males, the crest gives the bird its dramatic, hammer-headed profile – often likened to a flying prehistoric creature. Juveniles sport a somewhat less defined version, appearing almost mohawk-like.
The crest is used not only for visual recognition but also in threat displays and courtship, especially when paired with raised wings or loud, resonant drumming on hollow trunks. Combined with bold black-and-white plumage and deep, rolling calls, the red crest is a key part of this species’ bold visual and acoustic presence in the forest.
This large woodpecker inhabits deciduous and mixed forests throughout eastern and boreal North America, as well as the Pacific coastal region. It favors mature woods with abundant dead trees and snags, which it excavates in search of carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. Its foraging leaves behind distinctive rectangular holes that may also be used by other cavity-nesting species. Pairs are monogamous, territorial year-round, and typically raise their young in deep cavities high in tree trunks.
Though once diminished due to widespread deforestation, the species has rebounded across much of its range, aided by forest regrowth and growing tolerance for standing deadwood. Today, the pileated woodpecker is a thriving member of North America’s woodland soundscape.
Long-wattled umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger)
- Crest: Thick, bushy crest; male also has long retractable throat wattle.
- Where found: Humid cloud forests of western Colombia and Ecuador.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable.

The long-wattled umbrellabird is one of the most bizarrely ornamented birds in the tropics. Males are crowned with a thick, shaggy crest that droops forward like a dark umbrella over the beak, but their most remarkable feature is the long, feathered wattle dangling from the throat.
This wattle, unique among birds, can be extended to astonishing lengths during display, and retracted in flight. At lek sites, where several males gather to court females, they flare their crests, inflate their wattles, and emit low, booming hoots from shaded perches in the forest midstory. Females and juveniles lack the exaggerated wattle, but still show the species’ characteristic crow-like form and somber plumage.
This umbrellabird is endemic to the Choco bioregion, ranging from southwest Colombia to western Ecuador. It inhabits undisturbed humid forests, particularly at mid-elevations between 1,000 and 1,800 meters (3,300-6,000 feet). Although it occasionally nests near human-modified areas, it depends heavily on mature forest for feeding and display behavior. Like other frugivorous birds, it is often encountered at fruiting trees, especially palms.
The species is threatened by extensive deforestation for agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, as well as hunting and the illegal pet trade. Males are especially vulnerable at traditional display sites. While it occurs in several protected areas, ongoing habitat loss and poaching continue to fragment populations and jeopardize its future.
Why crests matter
Whether soft and expressive or rigid and ornamental, bird crests are more than decorative flourishes – they are tools of display, defense, and identity. Across the avian world, crests have evolved independently in unrelated groups, shaped by the pressures of mating, territory, and survival. Their variety is a vivid reminder that form follows function, but also that nature, at times, seems to favor spectacle.
For centuries, birds with crests have captured human imagination, not just because of their beauty, but because of what those head feathers signal: confidence, distinction, and presence. Whether worn like a banner, a crown, or a whisper of intent, the crest remains one of the most iconic features in all of birdlife.