Birds have always mesmerized us with their diverse plumage, chirps, and peculiar behaviors. But among their many charms, birds with mohawks – those unique crests of feathers – stand out as nature’s punk rockers. These stylish crests aren’t just for looks; they play roles in communication, mating displays, and even intimidation.
In this article, we explore 17 small bird species sporting fabulous mohawks, detailing their habitats, diets, and personalities.
1. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
With its bold yellow crest and loud, playful personality, the sulphur-crested cockatoo is a true icon of the avian world. Found in Australia and nearby islands, these birds are known for their intelligence and charm, often entertaining their human neighbors with antics and calls.
- Scientific Name: Cacatua galerita
- Region: Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
- Identification: Large white body with a striking yellow crest and dark beak.
- Diet: Fruits, seeds, nuts, and occasional insects.
Related article: Cockatoos in Australia (Cacatuidae family)
2. Great Blue Turaco
A beauty of the African forests, the great blue turaco enchants with its vibrant turquoise plumage and jet-black mohawk. This bird is known for its slow, deliberate movements as it forages through the treetops. Despite its size, the turaco’s peaceful demeanor adds a touch of elegance to its surroundings.
- Scientific Name: Corythaeola cristata
- Region: Central and Western Africa.
- Identification: A black mohawk atop blue-green feathers, with a colorful beak of red and yellow.
- Diet: Fruits, leaves, buds, and the occasional insect.
3. Palm Cockatoo
Meet the avian heavyweight with a rocker’s attitude. The palm cockatoo is one of the largest parrots in the world, easily recognized by its glossy black feathers and fiery red facial patch. It’s also famous for “drumming” sticks against trees during courtship.
- Scientific Name: Probosciger aterrimus
- Region: Northern Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands.
- Identification: A tall, spiky black mohawk, paired with a bright red patch on the face.
- Diet: Seeds, nuts, fruits, and leaf buds.
4. Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Imagine a pigeon with a royal flair – that’s the Victoria crowned pigeon! Its ornate blue crest resembles lace, earning it its regal name. Found in the dense rainforests of New Guinea, this ground-dwelling bird boasts elegance in every strut.
- Scientific Name: Goura victoria
- Region: Northern New Guinea.
- Identification: Blue-grey plumage with a maroon chest and intricate blue crest.
- Diet: Fruits and seeds, occasionally supplemented by insects.
5. Eurasian Hoopoe
This vibrant bird is instantly recognizable by its fan-shaped crest of orange feathers, tipped in black. The hoopoe’s striking appearance is matched by its quirky habit of probing the ground with its long, curved beak for insects.
- Scientific Name: Upupa epops
- Region: Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Identification: A bright orange crest with black tips, complemented by striped black-and-white wings.
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small reptiles, and occasionally seeds.
6. Steller’s Jay
The mischievous Steller’s jay is often heard before it’s seen, as it flits through North America’s forests with its sharp calls. Its mohawk – a bold black crest – adds flair to its striking blue and black plumage.
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta stelleri
- Region: Western North America.
- Identification: A glossy black crest blending into bright blue wings and tail.
- Diet: Seeds, nuts, berries, and occasional scraps from campgrounds.
7. Tufted Titmouse
Tiny but mighty, the tufted titmouse is a frequent visitor to backyard feeders in the United States. Its soft grey feathers and gentle demeanor are perfectly complemented by its dainty mohawk.
- Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
- Region: Eastern United States.
- Identification: Grey body with a soft crest and white underparts, accented by a black forehead.
- Diet: Seeds, nuts, berries, and insects.
8. Western Crowned Pigeon
Larger than most pigeons, the western crowned pigeon carries an aristocratic air with its lace-like crest. These majestic birds stroll through the dense lowland forests of New Guinea with grace.
- Scientific Name: Goura cristata
- Region: Northwestern New Guinea.
- Identification: Blue-grey plumage with a massive blue crest and red eyes.
- Diet: Fruits and seeds.
9. Cockatiel
Perhaps one of the most beloved pet birds, the cockatiel is a gentle companion with a charming yellow crest. Native to Australia, this bird thrives in arid landscapes but has won hearts worldwide with its friendly nature.
- Scientific Name: Nymphicus hollandicus
- Region: Australia.
- Identification: Grey body with a bright yellow crest and orange cheek patches.
- Diet: Seeds, fruits, and flowers.
10. Grey Go-Away-Bird
Known for its amusing call that sounds like “go away,” this large, grey bird is a resident of the African savannas. Its sleek mohawk adds a touch of drama to its understated plumage.
- Scientific Name: Corythaixoides concolor
- Region: Southern Africa.
- Identification: Uniform grey with a tall crest and black beak.
- Diet: Fruits, flowers, and insects.
11. Great Curassow
With its curly crest, the great curassow is a shy but striking resident of Central and South American forests. Males sport glossy black feathers, while females come in various color morphs.
- Scientific Name: Crax rubra
- Region: Central and South America.
- Identification: Curled mohawk and variations in plumage from black to reddish-brown.
- Diet: Fruits, seeds, and small reptiles.
12. Southern Crested Guineafowl
A staple of African grasslands, the southern crested guineafowl has a mohawk of curled black feathers. These birds move in flocks, foraging noisily for food on the ground.
- Scientific Name: Guttera edouardi
- Region: Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Identification: Black plumage dotted with white spots and a distinctive curled crest.
- Diet: Seeds, insects, and small invertebrates.
13. Red-Crested Cardinal
This vibrant bird is native to South America but has become a common sight in Hawaii. Its fiery red mohawk is a striking contrast to its grey and white body.
- Scientific Name: Paroaria coronata
- Region: South America and Hawaii.
- Identification: A bright red crest and face, with grey wings and white underparts.
- Diet: Seeds and small insects.
14. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, with its radiant red plumage and spiky crest, is a bird that commands attention in any landscape. These birds with mohawks, also Known for their melodic songs, this bird brighten up backyards across North America, especially in winter when their red feathers contrast vividly with snow-covered surroundings.
- Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Region: North and Central America.
- Identification: A bright red mohawk paired with equally bold plumage in males, while females are softer shades of brown with hints of red.
- Diet: Seeds, fruits, and insects.
15. Crested Auklet
The crested auklet is a seabird that takes the mohawk game to the extreme with its striking, curved feather tuft. These small but charismatic birds nest on rocky cliffs, braving the wild waves of the North Pacific with an elegant flair.
- Scientific Name: Aethia cristatella
- Region: Northern Pacific coasts.
- Identification: Black and grey plumage with a curved feather crest on the forehead.
- Diet: Small fish, plankton, and crustaceans.
16. Rockhopper Penguin
Ever thought penguins could have rockstar vibes? The rockhopper penguin proves they can! This feisty species, named for its habit of hopping between rocks, flaunts yellow spiky feathers that look like nature’s own gelled mohawk.
- Scientific Name: Eudyptes chrysocome
- Region: Subantarctic islands.
- Identification: Yellow crest feathers above the eyes, standing out against black-and-white plumage.
- Diet: Krill, fish, and squid.
17. Hoatzin
A bird straight out of the prehistoric era, the hoatzin is as unique as they come. With its scruffy orange mohawk and a clumsy manner, this species often draws comparisons to dinosaurs. These birds with mohawks found in South America and thrives in swampy areas, where it feeds on leaves and fruit.
- Scientific Name: Opisthocomus hoazin
- Region: Amazon Basin.
- Identification: A spiky orange mohawk and a slender body with brown and white feathers.
- Diet: Leaves, flowers, and fruit.
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When you are deeply attracted by the unique charm of these beautiful birds, have you ever thought about keeping this natural beauty around you in another form?
For example, Custom Earrings. Through customization, these earrings can not only capture the essence of bird feathers but also incorporate modern design elements, allowing the wearer to communicate with these natural spirits at any time.
Whether utilized as an accessory, cherished within a personal collection, or gifted to others, it serves as a reflection of individual taste and a highlight of cherished hobbies
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the birds with mohawks called?
A bird with a mohawk-like crest is often referred to simply as a “crested” bird.
Q2: What birds has a blue mohawks?
The Steller’s Jay is known for its sleek blue-black plumage and distinctive mohawk-like crest.
Q3: What kind of bird has an orange mohawk?
The Eurasian Hoopoe features a blend of orange, black, and white plumage, creating a striking mohawk effect.
Q4: Do all cardinals have mohawks?
No, not all Cardinals have mohawks. The Northern Cardinal is one exception with its vibrant red crest.
Q5: What animal has a mohawk?
Apart from birds, some mammals also exhibit mohawk-like crests. For example, the Crested Porcupine has quills that resemble a mohawk.
Q6: What kind of bird looks like a pigeon with a mohawk?
The Victoria Crowned Pigeon resembles a pigeon with a regal blue-gray crest that resembles a crown.
Q7: What birds with red mohawks?
The Golden Pheasant stands out with its vibrant plumage and impressive red mohawk.
