Feathered Oddities: 10 birds so rare and beautiful they seem unreal
Discover a mesmerising collection of rare and stunning birds from around the world. These feathered wonders are so unique and vibrant, they almost seem too magical to be real.
Resplendent Quetzal (Central America): With its iridescent green feathers and long tail feathers, the quetzal is revered in Mesoamerican cultures. It resides in cloud forests and eats fruit. (Image: Canva)
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Kakapo (New Zealand): Flightless and night-flying, the Kakapo is endemic to New Zealand. Critically threatened, it's famous for its gentle disposition and mossy-green plumage. (Image: Canva)
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Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise (Indonesia): This stunning bird boasts electric-blue feet, a brilliant green breast shield, and a special courtship dance. It inhabits distant Indonesian islands. (Image: Canva)
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Philippine Eagle (Philippines): One of the world's largest and most unusual eagles, it has beautiful blue-grey eyes and an enormous wingspan. It's a critically endangered species threatened by deforestation. (Image: Canva)
Hoatzin (South America): The "stinkbird" due to its prehistoric appearance that produces a pungent smell and sports claws on its wing when juvenile. Native to Amazonian swamps. (Image: Canva)
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Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Sri Lanka & India): With brilliant camouflage, this bird looks like a dry leaf. Its eerie call and drowsy eyes make it an enigma of South Asian forests. (Image: Canva)
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Ribbon-tailed Astrapia (Papua New Guinea): Renowned for its very long white tail feathers, this bird is seen in mountain forests. Its iridescent plumage contributes to its stunning beauty. (Image: @worldbirds32/X)
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Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (South America): With the red-orange crest of this bird, it is the national bird of Peru. Males congregate to undertake elaborate dances to win mates. (Image: Canva)
Shoebill Stork (Africa): This bird features a huge shoe-shaped bill and a prehistoric-like look. It inhabits East African swamps, standing for hours at a time while hunting. (Image: Canva)
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Harpy Eagle: One of the world’s most powerful eagles, with fearsome talons and a dramatic feather crown. Found in Central and South America. (Image: Canva)
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![Hoatzin (South America): The "stinkbird" due to its prehistoric appearance that produces a pungent smell and sports claws on its wing when juvenile. Native to Amazonian swamps. (Image: Canva)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250808142401_4.jpg "Hoatzin (South America): The "stinkbird" due to its prehistoric appearance that produces a pungent smell and sports claws on its wing when juvenile. Native to Amazonian swamps. (Image: Canva)")
