Beautiful Birds

Cardinal females are an attractive tan/gray, only males sport the brilliant red plumage for which their species is known. The color is a key to mating success—the brighter the better!

The hoopoe is a particularly conspicuous bird. Its boldly-barred plumage and beautiful crest, which it moves up and down, never fail to attract attention.

The hoopoe is a particularly conspicuous bird. Its boldly-barred plumage and beautiful crest, which it moves up and down, never fail to attract attention.

display
Males have iridescent blue bodies and multicolored tail feathers ending with colorful 'eyes.' As the males strut, females choose their partners based on the beauty of the display.

Bluebirds are admired for their lovely coloring and distinctive song. They aren't often depicted as hunters -- perching, watching, and swooping to the ground to catch their prey!

majestic
Back from the brink of extinction, the endangered whooping crane is making a slow recovery. Only about 200 are currently living in the wild. These majestic white birds are the tallest in North America.

Flamingos secrete a pigment which they deliberately rub into their plumage, like putting on makeup.

The toucan's oversized, colorful bill has made it one of the world's most popular birds.

The hoopoe is a particularly conspicuous bird. Its boldly-barred plumage and beautiful crest, which it moves up and down, never fail to attract attention.

An albatross aloft can be a spectacular sight. These feathered giants have the longest wingspan of any bird -- up to 11 feet (3.4 meters)!