Discover the fascinating world of birds with mohawks in your own backyard. Have you ever spotted a bird with a crest, tuft, or mohawk on its head and wondered what it was? In this article, you’ll learn about the various bird species that have crests and how to attract them to your backyard. From familiar backyard birds like Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays to more elusive species like Cedar Waxwings and Belted Kingfishers, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of crested birds around you. So grab your binoculars and get ready for an exciting journey into the world of birds with mohawks!
Birds with Mohawks: Discover the Crested Species in Your Backyard
Have you ever noticed a bird with a crest, tuft, or mohawk on its head and wondered what it was? You might think it would be easy to identify, but surprisingly, many different bird species have crests. In this article, we will explore the world of crested birds, focusing on those found in North America and beyond. We will also provide tips on how to attract and identify common backyard birds in the United States. So, let’s dive in and discover the fascinating world of birds with mohawks!
What is a crest on a bird?
A crest on a bird is simply a group of longer feathers growing from the crown of its head. These feathers are modified contour feathers and serve no other special purpose. If a bird’s crown feathers are short, its head shape appears rounded, following the contour of its skull. However, some birds have slightly longer crown feathers that form a peak at the back of their heads, creating a crest. Flycatchers are an example of birds with this type of crest, although it may not be considered a true crest if the individual feathers blend smoothly. Some birds have partial crests that form as individual feathers break from the hind-head contour. Crests composed of fewer crown feathers are sometimes referred to as tufts.
During the breeding season, certain birds also develop long feathers on the sides of their heads. An example of this is the Eared Grebe. Crests on some species of terns are located on the hind neck. Additionally, male birds like the Ruby-crowned Kinglet can raise their crown feathers, revealing a hidden fiery red crown patch. While this is not typically considered a crest, similar birds in Europe and Africa are called Firecrests.
What birds have mohawks (crests)?
In North America, there are several crested bird species that you might find in your backyard. Some examples include:
- Northern Cardinals: These bright red birds are a common sight in eastern backyards and have a distinctive crest on their heads.
- Blue Jays: Known for their vibrant blue color, Blue Jays also sport a prominent crest.
- Tufted Titmice: Found in the eastern United States, Tufted Titmice have a small crest on their heads.
- Steller’s Jays: These jays are a backyard favorite in the western United States and have a striking crest.
- Oak Titmice: Similar to their eastern counterparts, Oak Titmice also display a small crest.
- Juniper Titmice: Found in southwestern states, Juniper Titmice also have a crest.
- Cedar Waxwings: Although widespread, Cedar Waxwings are known for their crested appearance.
- Pileated Woodpeckers: These large woodpeckers have a distinctive red crest on their heads.
- Great Crested Flycatchers: As their name suggests, these flycatchers have an impressive crest.
- Wood Ducks: These beautiful ducks have a small crest on their heads.
- Ruffed Grouse: These game birds have a crest on their heads.
- Eared Grebes: During the breeding season, Eared Grebes develop long feathers on the sides of their heads.
- Black-crowned Night-Herons: These herons have a subtle crest on their heads.
- Belted Kingfishers: Known for their fishing skills, these birds have a tufted crest.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea of the different bird species that have crests in North America. Additionally, there are many birds with crests outside of the United States, including the Great Crested Grebe, Crested Tern, Black-crested Magpie-Jay, and many more.
How to attract and identify common backyard birds in the United States
Interested in attracting and identifying common backyard birds in the United States? Here are some tips to get you started:
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Provide bird feeders: Setting up bird feeders is one of the best ways to attract a wide variety of bird species to your backyard. Different birds have different food preferences, so consider offering a variety of feeders with different types of seeds, suet, and nectar.
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Offer fresh water: Birds need water for drinking and bathing, so providing a bird bath or small pond will attract them to your backyard.
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Create bird-friendly habitat: Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers in your yard provides food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds. Avoid using pesticides and chemicals that may be harmful to birds.
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Use field guides and online resources: Field guides and online birding resources can help you identify the birds you see in your backyard. Look for field guides specific to your region, as different birds are found in different parts of the country.
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Observe bird behavior: Pay attention to how birds behave, as this can provide clues to their identity. Note their size, shape, color patterns, and any distinguishing features like crests or unique calls.
Remember, bird identification can be challenging, especially for beginner birdwatchers. Don’t worry if you can’t identify a bird right away. With practice and the help of resources like field guides and online communities, you’ll become more confident in your bird identification skills over time.
Conclusion
Birds with mohawks, or crests, are fascinating creatures that add an element of uniqueness to any backyard or birdwatching experience. From Northern Cardinals to Cedar Waxwings, there are a wide variety of crested bird species in North America and beyond. By providing food, water, and habitat, you can attract these beautiful birds to your own backyard. With some patience and observation, you’ll be able to identify and appreciate these crest-wearing avian friends in no time. So grab a pair of binoculars, head outdoors, and enjoy the wonderful world of birds with mohawks!
