Interesting Facts About These 6 Beautiful & Rare Birds of the World

Birds are highly underrated creatures that don’t get enough appreciation for their beauty. But, there’s a reason why birdwatchers all around the world patiently wait just to get a glimpse of these elusive birds in the wild. Their striking and vivid colours are a beauty to behold, especially out in nature. Together with their ability to soar through the skies, it’s a spectacular sight like no other. Want to learn more about these creatures from the avian family? Here are a few of these beautiful and interesting bird species!

 

1. Turquoise-Browed Motmot

The motmots are a distinctively vibrant family of birds and the turquoise-browed motmot is no different. This beautifully coloured bird features two characteristic black-tipped rackets at the end of bare shafts. The bare shaft is not genetic but gradually develops from abrasions, as the middle portion of the shaft is weak.

 

2. Ribbon-Tailed Astrapia

Another bird with a unique tail, the male ribbon-tailed astrapia boasts white ribbon-like tails that can grow up to 1 metre in length! The tails contrast their sleek black bodies, and with their mesmerising iridescent heads, they’re really an unusual sight to see.  Their extremely long tails can get in the way sometimes, so they have to spend time untangling them before flight – definitely not a survival advantage, but it helps them attract the females.

 

3. Kakapo

Tha Kakapo is a bird native to New Zealand, and it’s believed to be the longest-living bird in the world. Unfortunately, it’s also listed as critically endangered, with an estimated adult population of 149 as of April 2018. Their yellowy moss-green feathers with specks of brown and black help them blend into the foliage, as they’re the only species of parrots that cannot fly – truly a one-of-a-kind bird species.

 

4. Blue Bird-of-Paradise

The beautiful blue bird-of-paradise is regarded as the “loveliest of all birds” by many ornithologists (scientists who study birds). It’s easy to see why. With brilliant blue wings, they definitely stand out in nature, and it’s partly why they’re a vulnerable species. The male’s courtship display is equally as flamboyant and impressive as their bright blue wings. To attract females, they hang upside down from a tree branch, spreading their wings and displaying their plumage in full, all while vocalising a humming call.

 

5. Andean Cock-of-the-Rock

A vivid streak of colour amongst the lush greenery of nature, the male Andean Cock-of-the-Rock is a striking bird with an adorable pom-pom like plumage on top of their head. The males do not care for their offspring but instead devote their energy to performing elaborate mating rituals. The males challenge each other through confrontational displays which involves flapping their wings, jumping, and snapping their bills. This turns into an even more intense and frantic performance as the female approaches closer.

 

6. Malachite Kingfisher

This stunning colourful bird is the Malachite Kingfisher. It has a remarkable metallic ultramarine-blue coat on their upper parts with a bright red-orange colour on their bill and legs. These birds are experts at catching fish, as their name suggests. Their excellent eyesight allows them to estimate depths accurately, so they can easily and effortlessly swoop down to catch their prey.

Interested in taking a look at some beautiful birds? Visit Zoo Negara’s Bird Aviary today!