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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.

#1

The Secretary

The Secretary

Rudi Luyten Report

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."

#2

Blue Crowned Pigeon

Blue Crowned Pigeon

Report

"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.

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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

Long Tailed Tit

makieni , makieni Report

#4

Malaysian Large Frogmouth And Her Baby

Malaysian Large Frogmouth And Her Baby

eggonmyface Report

#5

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebird

santisoukp Report

#6

Secretary Bird

Secretary Bird

reddit.com Report

#7

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

The Virginia Zoo Report

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#8

Grandala

Grandala

adityaa_chavan Report

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#9

Beautiful Strawberry Finch

Beautiful Strawberry Finch

reddit.com Report

#10

The Nicobar Pigeon

The Nicobar Pigeon

Sue Demetriou Report

#11

The Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle

leon_moore_nature_experience Report

#12

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

Pigeon With A Curly Perm

emelbi_artist Report

#13

Dracula Parrot

Dracula Parrot

Mike Peel Report

#14

South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher

South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher

migueldavid.deleon Report

#15

Tilhi

Tilhi

wallmika Report

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#16

Bearded Reedling

Bearded Reedling

bird_drangsland Report

#17

Quetzal

Quetzal

Vaclav Sebek Report

#18

Sword-Billed Hummingbird

Sword-Billed Hummingbird

Supreet Sahoo Report

#19

Golden Pheasant

Golden Pheasant

joinus12345 Report

#20

Mandarink Duck

Mandarink Duck

Rovdyr Report

#21

Inca Tern

Inca Tern

Truus & Zoo Report

#22

Guineafowl

Guineafowl

Francois Malan Report

#23

The Black-Throated Bushtit

The Black-Throated Bushtit

joinus12345 Report

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#24

Crested Duck

Crested Duck

JerryP Report

#25

Taiwan Blue Magpie

Taiwan Blue Magpie

joinus12345 Report

#26

Pygmy Wren Babbler

Pygmy Wren Babbler

joinus12345 Report

#27

Rufous-Crested Coquette

Rufous-Crested Coquette

Supreet Sahoo Report

#28

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan

Supreet Sahoo Report

#29

Cock-Of-The-Rock

Cock-Of-The-Rock

Supreet Sahoo Report

#30

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

joinus12345 Report

Note: this post originally had 50 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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