Have you ever wondered if there are animals with feathers besides birds? The answer is no! Birds are the only extant animals with feathers. These beautiful and complex structures protect birds from weather and injuries, while also serving as an important factor when it comes to attracting a mate.
Table of Contents
Interestingly, feathers are unique to birds and their dinosaur relatives, coming in various colours and types. From vaned feathers that cover the body to down feathers that provide insulation, feathers serve an essential function for birds.
If you’re interested in exploring the stunning variety of feathered birds, check out our list of some of the most striking ones out there.
List of 11 Animals With Feathers
Peacocks
Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus
Diet: Omnivore
Peacocks are known for their stunning and flamboyant appearance, making them the fashion icons of the animal kingdom. These birds come in blue, green, and white feather variations, while peahens have shades of brown, which are not as impressive as their male counterparts. Blue peacocks are indigenous to India, and green peacocks are from Southeast Asia. Despite weighing 8.8 to 13 pounds for blue peacocks and 8.8 to 11 pounds for green peacocks, they can still fly.
Peacock feathers are six inches long, and they have a unique ability to captivate anyone who sees them, with their fluorescent colours and eye-shaped patterns. During mating seasons, the peacocks put on a remarkable fashion show to attract their mates. They shed their old feathers at the beginning of January and grow new ones for the upcoming mating season. The peacock with the most impressive display will have their choice of at least five peahens. Peacocks are not monogamous and are free to choose their mates each mating season.
Parrots
Scientific Name: Psittaciformes
Diet: Omnivore
Parrots are charming and sociable birds that have vibrant and stunningly coloured feathers. The colours that are most common among parrots are green, yellow, and blue. These intelligent birds are well-known for their ability to mimic human speech, but this skill requires proper training. Despite what is often portrayed in pirate movies, parrots do not have their own language or independent thought.
Instead, they respond to humans based on how they have seen them interact with others. With about 402 different species, parrots are diverse in their colours and appearance. They are typically found in tropical regions and can grow up to 3 to 4 inches in length and weigh between 2.25 to 55 ounces. Parrots are one of the most popular pet birds due to their amusing and unpredictable nature, but they can be noisy at times, and their mimicry can include private conversations.
Macaws
Scientific Name: Psittacidae
Diet: Omnivore
The macaw, another feathered member of the parrot family, stands out with its distinctive long tail, setting it apart from other parrots. However, what distinguishes macaws the most is their stunningly beautiful plumage. Macaws come in various species, with blue, red, and yellow macaws being one of the most well-known. Macaws are often named after their colours, and their size and weight differ based on the species.
For instance, Hyacinth macaws are about 39 inches long, weighing approximately 3.3 pounds, while Scarlet macaws are around 37 inches long and weigh about 2.2 pounds. Blue and yellow macaws are approximately 35 inches long, and their weight is around 3 pounds. These species can vary in size and weight even further.
Macaws are incredibly intelligent, much like other parrot species, and can mimic human speech. They are found natively in the tropics of North and South America. Macaws are omnivorous and eat various seeds, nuts, leaves, buds, and insects. In the wild, macaws face natural predators such as raptors, larger birds of prey, monkeys, and snakes.
Rainbow Lorikeets
Scientific Name: Trichoglossus moluccanus
Diet: Herbivore
Rainbow lorikeets are stunning birds with vibrant, colourful feathers. The upper breast of these birds is red, with hints of yellow and orange, while the lower breast is a deep blue colour, and the outer body is lush green. Adult rainbow lorikeets weigh around 4 ounces and can grow up to 12 inches long.
Their brightly coloured feathers help them blend into their surroundings and avoid potential predators such as hawks, pythons, and falcons. The bright colours of their bodies also help them attract mates, and they are monogamous, sticking with one partner for life.
Rainbow lorikeets are frugivores and also enjoy consuming nectar and pollen. They are native to Australia, inhabiting both forested and urban areas.
Mute Swans
Scientific Name: Cygnus olor
Diet: Omnivore
Mute swans possess a graceful simplicity that is visually appealing, with some of the most attractive feathers in the world. They are the fifth heaviest birds globally, weighing an average of 88 pounds and are the second-largest swans. Despite their size, an adult mute swan has a powerful 4-foot-long wing, enabling them to fly effortlessly.
Their feathers may not be as vibrant as other birds, but the solid white colour is impressive, and the dense plumage acts as excellent insulation during colder weather. Mute swans are typically not silent, and their name can be misleading. They make an obnoxious hissing sound when they perceive a threat, indicating their protectiveness towards their young.
While they are not generally aggressive, they can become territorial and defensive if anyone gets too close to their offspring, resulting in injury. Mute swans feed on submerged aquatic plants, fish, and insects, and predators such as foxes and coyotes may attack weak or elderly swans. They originated from Europe and East Asia, but in the 1900s, they were brought to North America mainly as pets or to enhance the aesthetic appeal of lakes.
Victoria Crowned Pigeons
Scientific Name: Goura victoria
Diet: Omnivore
Victoria crowned pigeons are a remarkable breed that salvages the reputation of the pigeon family, which is commonly associated with ordinary park pigeons or unsightly droppings on windows. Despite not having vibrant hues, their distinctive feature is the blue, lace-like crest on their head that sets them apart from their relatives.
They are often regarded as the supermodels of the bird world, earning them the nickname “Victoria’s Secret.” These magnificent creatures are originally from New Guinea but have adapted to other neighbouring islands. They are generally substantial, measuring around 2 feet tall and weighing 5.5 pounds.
Toucans
Scientific Name: Ramphastidae
Diet: Omnivore
Toucans are renowned for their stunningly beautiful feathers, which are brightly coloured from the top of their heads to the bottom of their feet. With 42 species in total, all native to South America, each toucan has a unique feather pattern that is equally stunning.
Aside from their feathers, toucans are remarkable for their exceptionally long bills. Although an average adult toucan stands at only 7 inches tall and weighs about 24 ounces, their bills alone can be up to 5 inches long – almost as long as their bodies.
Toucans can be found scattered throughout South America, with countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay being some of their native habitats. They are omnivorous and will eat various foods, including fruits and small birds or their eggs if the opportunity arises.
Resplendent Quetzals
Scientific Name: Pharomachrus mocinno
Diet: Omnivore
Toucans are renowned for their stunningly beautiful feathers, which are brightly coloured from the top of their heads to the bottom of their feet. With 42 species in total, all native to South America, each toucan has a unique feather pattern that is equally stunning.
Aside from their feathers, toucans are remarkable for their exceptionally long bills. Although an average adult toucan stands at only 7 inches tall and weighs about 24 ounces, their bills alone can be up to 5 inches long – almost as long as their bodies.
Toucans can be found scattered throughout South America, with countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay being some of their native habitats. They are omnivorous and will eat various foods, including fruits and small birds or their eggs if the opportunity arises.
Mandarin Ducks
Scientific Name: Aix galericulata
Diet: Omnivore
Mandarin ducks possess magnificent feathers that are quite different from the familiar ducks we see around. The feathers of these ducks display a blend of colours such as grey, white cream, green, red, orange, and black. Even their beaks are vibrant orange in colour with a touch of white around the rim.
Male Mandarin ducks are more brightly coloured than females and also weigh more. On average, they weigh between 15 to 31 ounces and are approximately 8 inches in length. These ducks are often seen cruising around lazily in the water. The feathers on their head resemble a stylish haircut that is slicked back with gel. However, the oily substance on their feathers is a natural body oil that helps repel water.
Though they are visually stunning, Mandarin ducks are not desirable for their meat. Nevertheless, natural predators such as snakes, eagles, and minks may find them quite appetizing.
Gouldian Finches
Scientific Name: Erythrura gouldiae
Diet: Herbivore
In contrast to other birds, Golden finches are not very vocal, but they possess one of the most stunning feathers that are full of rainbow colours. Their colours make them look like a tiny carnival when they are grouped together. Adult Gouldian finches usually weigh about 0.4 ounces and are half a foot tall, making them a perfect fit for pockets.
They are low-maintenance and less noisy, making them suitable as pet birds. However, Gouldian finches require a bit of experience to handle because they are delicate and susceptible to illness and stress, and they do not like being held often. Gouldian finches typically feed on grass seeds and insects in the wild, but they can tolerate fresh fruits, vegetables, and various seed types in captivity.
Flamingos
Scientific Name: Phoenicopterus
Diet: Omnivore
When discussing feathered creatures, we cannot overlook the famous pink birds – flamingos. Their striking pink feathers are a result of their diet, which consists mainly of algae and brine shrimp. These organisms contain carotenoids, which are organic pigments that the flamingos metabolize, resulting in their pink hue.
Aside from their distinct colour, the feathers on flamingos serve multiple purposes. They provide protection for the bird’s skin and assist with flight. Flamingos also have 12 to 16 tail feathers, which aid in landing and manoeuvring during flight.
These long-necked creatures can be found in tropical regions of South America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
Reference:
- https://www.awsfzoo.com/amazing-peacock-animal-facts-photos-to-honor-januarys-featured-animal/
- https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/indian-peafowl
- https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2017/03/MESS-Animals1-Guide.pdf
Jeevan Kodiyan
An animal enthusiast with an interest in zoology, studying the behavior and activities of animals in the wild habitat. I work on research projects related to species conservation and endangered species protection. I also leverage zoology to become an educator, educating others about the importance of protecting our natural environment and the beauty of animals in their natural habitats.
