subject: Top 5 Interesting Bird Species [print this page] The world of birds is truly amazingThe world of birds is truly amazing. Lots of species vary in colors, shapes and sizes, and behavior. Ornithologists penetrate in the entire diversity of bird species, studying even the most particular feature in details. To demonstrate that birds variety might be impressive, it is appropriate to name the strangest and the most interesting birds. Lots of them are original residents of tropical areas, while the others inhabit zones of moderate climate.
1.Resplendent Quetzal was found in Mexico and Western Panama. It is pretty gorgeous birds notwithstanding their small size. In particular, there are some differences between males and females. Male individuals have a long and colorful tail, which is why their body length is 63 cm instead of average 34. The bird weight is usually about 200 grams. In past, quetzals were much adored in Aztec culture. As Spaniards came, lots of birds were caught, which led to their extinction. Nowadays they are included to the Red Book list, but constant deforestation of tropic woods obstructs quetzals protection.
2.Hoopoe is a representative of moderate areas, which makes a huge contrast with its vivid appearance. There are lots of interesting things about it. Firstly, the structure of hoopoes wings resembles to those ones of butterfly, which is why their flying looks pretty similar. Secondly, the most visible thing is hoopoes crest, which lifts up if a bird feels the danger. For a long time hoopoes were marked in different cultures; these birds are also mentioned in Bible and Koran.
3.Hoatzin is distributed on the rain forest swamps Arizona, plus the delta of the Orinoco River. Both feathers and its head paint look original; in particular, these birds have a blue head. The chicks are born with claws on the end of the wings. According to scientific conclusion, these claws helped the prehistoric birds to climb trees.
4.Sri Lanka owlet-nightjars live in the deepest tropical woods. Alongside grey color, this bird is hard to find within forest area. The color difference between sexes is a peculiar thing to note: males are grey and females are brown.
5.The peculiar feature of Helmeted Hornbill is obvious. A nib of the strange shape makes this bird almost exquisite on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. In addition, its nib of the red color makes some contrast to the whole appearance in black. Specifically, there are also some differences between sexes: males have a blue neck and females have a red one. Feathers of hornbills are used by locals in designing costumes and head-dressing.
