10 Fabulous Birds With Mohawks Incl Photos (2024)

As a birdwatching enthusiast, I often find myself captivated not just by the vibrant colors and melodious calls of our avian friends, but also by their quirky characteristics. Among these delightful features, nothing grabs my attention quite like the striking mohawk hairstyles some birds flaunt with pride. Imagine peering through your binoculars and encountering a feathered fashionista that looks ready to strut down a runway. These fabulous birds with mohawks are nature’s own style icons!

Explore Small Birds with Mohawks (Names + Description)

Among the enchanting world of small birds, those boasting quirky mohawks stand out for their striking appearance and captivating behaviors. Take, for instance, the Crested Caracara, a bird that might initially surprise with its bold coloration and distinctive crest. 

1. Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal, with its striking crimson plumage and distinct crest, is an avian marvel that captures the imagination of birdwatchers and casual observers alike. Often seen perching on tree branches or foraging in gardens, this charismatic songbird delights us not just with its vibrant color but also with its melodious whistle, a sound that heralds the arrival of warmer months. The male’s bright red feathers are a beacon of vitality against the backdrop of winter’s starkness, while females display a softer palette of warm browns and subtle reds, both equally boasting their own unique appeal.

2. Tufted Titmouse Birds with Mohawks

The tufted titmouse, a small songbird adorned with a distinctive crest that resembles a mohawk, offers an intriguing blend of charm and personality. This little avian often captivates birdwatchers with its striking gray plumage and the playful way it flits through branches. Observing these birds in their natural habitat reveals not just their unique look but also their sociable nature; they are known to join mixed-species flocks during the winter months, enhancing their chances of finding food while offering delightful glimpses of avian camaraderie.

Appearance:

• Size: The Tufted Titmouse is about 5.5 to 6.3 inches (14 to 16 cm) long, with a wingspan of 7.9 to 10.2 inches (20 to 26 cm).
• Coloration: It has soft gray upperparts and lighter, almost white, underparts. The bird’s sides often show a slight peach or buff wash.
• Crest (Mohawk): The crest is a tuft of feathers on top of its head, which it can raise or lower. This crest is usually gray and stands out prominently against the rest of the bird’s body.
• Face: The Tufted Titmouse has a black forehead, large dark eyes, and a short, stout bill. The black spot above its beak adds to its striking facial features.
• Wings and Tail: The wings and tail are a soft gray color, blending smoothly with the rest of its body.

3. Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is a true standout among the small bird family, boasting an impressive stature and striking appearance. Easily recognizable by its brilliant red crest and bold black plumage, this bird exudes a charismatic energy that draws avid birdwatchers into woodlands across North America. 

Appearance:

• Size: The Pileated Woodpecker is quite large, measuring about 16 to 19 inches (40 to 49 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 26 to 30 inches (66 to 75 cm).
• Coloration: It has mostly black plumage with white stripes running down the sides of its neck and a striking red crest.
• Crest (Mohawk): The bird’s most distinctive feature is its bright red crest, which forms a bold “mohawk” atop its head. This crest is more pronounced in males, extending from the forehead to the back of the head.
• Face: The face is mostly black with a white line that runs from the bill, beneath the eyes, and along the neck. Males also have a red mustache stripe.
• Wings: When in flight, the Pileated Woodpecker reveals large white underwing patches, which contrast sharply with its black body.
• Bill: The bill is long, chisel-like, and dark gray, perfect for drilling into wood in search of insects.

4. Steller’s Jay

The Steller’s Jay, a striking resident of North American forests, showcases an audacious personality that’s matched only by its vibrant plumage. Sporting a deep blue body contrasted with a stunning black crest, this bird effortlessly embodies the punk spirit of the avian world. Their mohawk-like feather arrangement isn’t just eye-catching; it serves as a beacon of their assertive nature and intelligence. Known for their curiosity, Steller’s Jays are quick to investigate anything out of the ordinary, making them entertaining guests at feeders or during hikes in their wooded territories.

Appearance:

• Size: The Steller’s Jay is about 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 cm) long, with a wingspan of 17 inches (43 cm).
• Coloration: It has a bold, blue body with a contrasting black head, chest, and upper back. The intensity of the blue can vary, but it is generally vibrant and eye-catching.
• Crest (Mohawk): The Steller’s Jay has a tall, pointed crest of black feathers on its head, resembling a mohawk. This crest is one of its most distinctive features and can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood.
• Face: The bird’s face is predominantly black, with a slight white marking above the eyes in some individuals. Its dark eyes blend seamlessly with the black feathers on its head.
• Wings and Tail: The wings and tail are a brilliant blue, often with darker barring or streaks, providing a sharp contrast with the black upper parts.
• Bill: The bill is long, straight, and black, well-suited for the bird’s omnivorous diet.

5. Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing, with its silky plumage and charismatic mohawk-like crest, is a true standout among small birds. These social creatures thrive in flocks and can be spotted perched atop trees or darting through the sky in search of ripe berries. Unlike many other avian species that exhibit distinct territorial behavior, Cedar Waxwings embrace a communal lifestyle, often feeding together during migration seasons or at local fruiting spots.

Appearance:

• Size: The Cedar Waxwing is medium-sized, measuring about 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 8.7 to 11.8 inches (22 to 30 cm).
• Coloration: It has a silky, soft plumage with a primarily pale brown or fawn-colored head and chest that transitions to grayish wings and a yellow belly. The bird’s overall appearance is smooth and polished, almost as if it’s been waxed.
• Crest (Mohawk): The Cedar Waxwing sports a subtle, sleek crest that tilts backward from the top of its head, giving it a refined and slightly mohawked look.
• Face: The bird’s face features a black “mask” that extends from the base of the bill through the eyes, bordered by white or light tan lines. The mask contrasts with the bird’s lighter head color.
• Wings and Tail: The wings are gray with some feathers tipped in red, resembling droplets of sealing wax, which is where the bird gets its name. The tail is short and square with a bright yellow tip.
• Bill: The bill is short, broad, and black, well-adapted for eating fruit, which is a significant part of its diet.

6. Great Crested Flycatcher

In the realm of avian wonders, the Great Crested Flycatcher stands out not only for its striking appearance but also for its captivating behavior. With a bold crest that seems to declare confidence, this small bird showcases an impressive array of colors from its olive green back to the vibrant yellow underbelly. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these flycatchers are fascinating architects; they often repurpose old nests constructed by other species, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability and resourcefulness in their habitats.

Appearance:

• Size: It measures about 7 to 8.5 inches (18 to 22 cm) in length, with a wingspan of around 13 inches (33 cm).
• Coloration: The bird has olive-brown upperparts, a grayish head and throat, and a bright yellow belly.
• Crest (Mohawk): The Great Crested Flycatcher has a noticeable crest on its head, giving it a slight “mohawk” look that enhances its striking appearance.
• Face: The face is gray, with a sharp contrast between the darker head and the lighter throat and belly.
• Wings and Tail: The wings are a mix of brown and rufous, and the tail is reddish-brown, with a distinctive rufous color on the inner feathers.
• Bill: The bill is broad, dark, and slightly hooked, perfect for catching insects.

7. Cockatiel

The cockatiel, often celebrated for its striking crest, brings a unique flair to the realm of small birds. Their mohawk-like feathers can be elegantly raised when they feel excited or are displaying their playful side, capturing the hearts of bird enthusiasts everywhere. These charming companions are not just delightful showmen; they’re also known for their engaging personalities and vocal abilities, capable of mimicking sounds and even whistling popular tunes.

Appearance:

• Size: Cockatiels are about 12 to 13 inches (30 to 33 cm) long, including their long tail.
• Coloration: They typically have gray bodies, with white patches on their wings. Their face is often yellow or white, with bright orange cheek patches.
• Crest (Mohawk): The Cockatiel has a tall, expressive crest that it raises and lowers depending on its mood, giving it a characteristic “mohawk” appearance.
• Face: The face is usually yellow, with prominent orange cheek spots. The eyes are dark and expressive.
• Wings and Tail: The wings are gray with white bars, and the tail is long and pointed, often darker in color.
• Bill: The bill is short, curved, and gray, typical of parrot species.

8. Pyrrhuloxia

The Pyrrhuloxia, often dubbed the desert cardinal, is a captivating small bird that flaunts a mohawk-like crest, giving it an undeniable edge in the avian world. Native to arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States, this striking bird showcases a unique blend of gray plumage complemented by vibrant splashes of red on its face, wings, and tail. 

Appearance:

• Size: It measures about 7.5 to 8.5 inches (19 to 22 cm) in length.
• Coloration: The Pyrrhuloxia has a gray body with a red face, crest, and underparts, creating a vivid contrast.
• Crest (Mohawk): It features a prominent, pointed crest on its head that resembles a “mohawk.”
• Face: The face is bright red, with a contrasting gray or brownish-gray mask around the eyes and beak.
• Wings and Tail: The wings and tail are gray with subtle reddish tones, particularly on the edges of the tail feathers.
• Bill: The bill is stout, curved, and bright red, well-suited for cracking seeds.

9. Wood Duck

The Wood Duck, with its striking plumage and distinct mohawk-like crest, is a marvel of avian beauty that captures the attention of bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Often found gliding gracefully over serene waters or perched on tree branches near wetlands, these small birds exhibit a dynamic presence in their natural habitats. Males sport dazzling green heads adorned with intricate patterns of white and chestnut, making them one of the most colorful ducks in North America. 

Appearance:

• Size: The Wood Duck is about 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) long, with a wingspan of 26 to 29 inches (66 to 74 cm).
• Coloration: Males are especially colorful, with iridescent green and purple head feathers, bright red eyes, and intricate patterns of white, black, and chestnut on their bodies.
• Crest (Mohawk): The male has a subtle, rounded crest on the back of its head, giving it a distinctive, elegant look, though not as pronounced as a true “mohawk.”
• Face: The face is marked by a striking pattern of white lines and a vivid red eye.
• Wings and Tail: The wings are iridescent with green, blue, and purple hues, and the tail is short and square.
• Bill: The bill is short, broad, and slightly upturned, with a yellowish or greenish tint.

10. Eurasian Hoopoe

The Eurasian Hoopoe, a striking bird with its iconic crown of feathers, is perhaps one of nature’s most flamboyant examples of avian creativity. These captivating creatures wear their mohawks with pride, flaunting a crest that can be raised or lowered depending on their mood, serving as both an expressive display to attract mates and a means to communicate with rivals.

Appearance:

• Size: The Eurasian Hoopoe is about 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) long, with a wingspan of 16 to 22 inches (40 to 50 cm).
• Coloration: It has a pale, pinkish-brown body with black and white striped wings and tail.
• Crest (Mohawk): The bird features a large, fan-shaped crest on its head, which it can raise or lower. The crest is composed of long, narrow feathers that give it a prominent “mohawk” appearance.
• Face: The face is mostly pale with a black line running from the base of the bill to the eye, giving it a distinctive look.
• Wings and Tail: The wings and tail are patterned with black and white stripes, adding to the bird’s striking appearance in flight.
• Bill: The bill is long, thin, and slightly curved downward, adapted for probing the ground for insects.

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