Some species of birds have perfected the art of showing off—take the peacock, with its huge eye-catching tail feathers, or bowerbirds with their impressive architectural flair, or manakin species whose dance moves rival any John Travolta wannabe. But sometimes all you need are a few extra feathers on your head.
Aside from being a focal point for both birds and humans alike, bird crests serve multiple purposes depending on the species. While some crests are undoubtedly primarily ornamental, others play a more practical role. The size or movement of a crest can indicate a range of intentions or situations, such as excitement, alertness, or defensive posturing; this is known as social signaling—communicating mood, readiness to mate, or levels of aggression.
A bird’s crest is distinct from other head features such as casques and cockscombs seen on species like cassowaries or domestic fowl, which are often erroneously referred to as “crests”. These features are bony and fleshy structures whereas a crest is made up of feathers known as semiplumes, comprised of a long rachis with barbs on either side. As they are plumulaceous, they are soft and bendable. Some crests are comprised of only a single or a few feathers that dangle backwards as plumes or forwards as fascinators, but other crests can be raised or flattened at will and are known as recumbent or recursive. Recumbent crests have straight feathers which lie down flat on the head until the bird fans them out to where they stand up, such as the Northern royal flycatcher, and dark-capped bulbul.
A recursive crest is noticeable even when it is not fanned out because the feathers, when lying down, curve upward at the tips, or when standing up, will bend slightly forward toward the front of the head. Many recursive crests also feature brilliant colors.
Crests provide certain evolutionary advantages. While they allow birds to make their emotional states more visible to others, in some species, the crest may also have a protective function, deterring predators by making the bird appear larger or more intimidating. In species where they play a role in mate selection, having a prominent or impressive crest can increase reproductive success; studies have shown that females prefer males with larger, more colorful crests, which are indicators of health and vitality. Additionally, crests may assist in camouflage, blending into an environment or creating a disruptive pattern that confuses predators.
Researchers have found that crests likely evolved through a combination of sexual selection and natural selection. However, crests that serve a defensive or protective purpose may have evolved as a response to environmental pressures, such as predation.
Grey-Crowned Crane
The grey-crowned crane is also, perhaps more accurately, known as the golden crested crane or golden crowned crane, among other names. It is one of the most recognizable birds due to its spectacular golden, spiky crest. Native to nearly all of Africa, these birds use their crests in courtship dances that involve jumping and bowing. The crest doesn’t just attract mates—it also helps in communication among cranes. The grey-crowned crane is highly social, and its crest may help convey signals from a distance in its open savannah habitat.
Long-Crested Eagle
The long-crested eagle is a striking bird of prey with a dramatic, shaggy crest that stands out even when the bird is at rest. The crest’s function appears to be primarily for communication with other eagles, particularly in mating rituals and territorial displays. Found in Sub-Saharan Africa, this eagle’s crest enhances its formidable appearance, which likely serves to intimidate competitors and potential threats.
Red-Crested Cardinal
The red-crested cardinal, native to South America, is actually a member of the tanager family and is not a true cardinal. Sporting a vibrant red head crest that contrasts against its grey and white body, this crest is not as functional as some other species but does play a critical role in mate attraction. Male cardinals with brighter and more pronounced crests tend to be more successful in attracting females, suggesting that the crest serves as an indicator of fitness.
Secretary Bird
The secretary bird is an unusual bird of prey native to the grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Its name comes from its long black crest feathers, which resemble the quill pens that 19th century clerks would push behind their ears (their grey and black formal wear also assists this image). These feathers serve no direct function in hunting but are used in courtship and social signaling. Secretary birds are known for their long legs and ability to stomp on prey like snakes, but their crest adds an extra layer of grandeur to their already unique appearance.
Hoopoe
The African and Eurasian hoopoe are medium-sized birds found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and are easily identified by their beautiful orange crests with black tips. This bird’s crest can be raised and lowered depending on its mood, becoming fully erect during displays of aggression or when startled. The hoopoe uses its crest primarily for communication, but also in courtship and in interactions with potential threats, making it a key aspect of its social behavior. Hoopoes have extremely noticeable recumbent crests that, when combined with their slender, slightly curved bills, make them unmistakable even as a silhouette.
