The world of birds is a fascinating one as any twitcher or birder will tell you. There are said to be between 10,000 and 11,000 named bird species inhabiting this planet, and bird-watching is one of the most accessible hobbies available.
Two of the things that attract bird-lovers are their plumage, which can sometimes be incredibly colorful or striking, and of course, their voices.
Not all birds can sing and some make some very odd noises indeed. The storm petrel and the great bustard are two of the strangest sounding birds, but fortunately, there are some lovely songbirds in nature too.
Then there is the greater prairie chicken which is a striking looking bird when they dance and call for a mate. Although their booming call is hardly musical.
Some other birds are visually quite plain, and yet their voices are incredible. Continue reading for some more information about bird-spotting, and which ones can carry a tune.
Getting into bird watching
Now that lockdowns are largely a thing of the past, getting outside is the number one priority of many. During the last eighteen months, many people have taken up new hobbies to occupy their minds.
A lot of these hobbies revolved around the internet, or activities that were done indoors. Now though, travel restrictions are lifting and tourism is starting to open up. This means that it is possible to indulge in outdoor activities at home, and overseas.
For many, this means bird-watching. If you are keen to find out more about bird watching then there are plenty of books available on the subject. Alternatively, search the internet or visit nature sites such as Meadowia where you can learn more about wildlife and the environment.
Where should you go to see unusual birds?
One of the best parts about being a bird watcher is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the hobby, and you also don’t need to travel far to enjoy it. Bird watchers can enjoy spotting different species in their own backyards or local parks.
One of the other great things about this hobby is that you can travel far and wide too if you so wish. It is an activity that allows enjoyment at home and on vacations.
Some of the world’s best birdwatching destinations include places that holidaymakers and travelers alike would delight in. Costa Rica, Australia, Italy, and Ireland, are all home to a wide variety of bird species.
And it is some of these countries plus others that will be explored below to find some of the more unusual birds that you can see singing away in trees.
Wood Thrush & Common Nightingale
While these two birds are perhaps not particularly unusual, it was impossible to write about songbirds without mentioning them.
North America, especially towards the east, is where you will find the wood thrush. They are also seen in Central America where they fly in winter.
Nightingales are not common in the states but are seen often across Europe. Both the nightingale and the wood thrush are accomplished singers and are often said to have the best sound of any bird in the world.
Resplendent quetzal
Now, this bird is unusual and truly striking. If any bird was named aptly, it is this one. The only bird in the world with the word resplendent in it, and nature clearly wanted man to use the word.
The male of this species is brightly colored in green and red, along with blue, black, and white. The most unusual thing is perhaps the tail plumage which is strikingly long.
They don’t depend on their looks, however, and you can hear a resplendent quetzal singing from a tree on YouTube.
Gouldian finch
This has been said to be Sir David Attenborough’s favorite bird. And it is easy to see why. These highly colorful birds are small and inquisitive. They are native to Australia, and they are also highly sociable.
They can be spotted in trees singing away not only on their own but in pairs and trios. They like to band together and stay in flocks.
Nowadays it is said that there are less than 2,500 Gouldian finches left in the wild, and their population has been struggling in recent years according to ABC News.
Superb bird-of-paradise
If any other bird had a name to challenge the resplendent quetzal, then this is it. Most birds of paradise have brightly colored plumage which can be red, green, yellow, and blue. The most colorful bird of paradise is probably the kingbird.
This small bird is the lucky owner of the brightest colors of all birds of paradise. However, one of these species has the darkest instead.
The greater superb bird of paradise has the blackest feathers of any bird species in the world. They are said to be able to absorb almost a hundred percent of the light hitting them, giving them the appearance of a black hole almost.
Greater superb birds of paradise can absorb up to 100 times the amount of light that other birds can. They also have another unusual trick up their sleeves. While they like to live high up in forest canopies, they also like to dance and sing.
When searching for a mate, the superb bird of paradise will put on quite a spectacle of dancing and singing in an attempt to look attractive.
Fiery-throated hummingbird
If your travel plans include a trip to Costa Rica then you will be able to view some of the most beautiful birds in the world. There are many thrilling treks to be taken in Costa Rica, and birders will be enthralled by them all.
The fiery-throated hummingbird gets its name, not surprisingly from the bright orange and red feathers on its throat. The bird is highly colored with blacks that fade into blues, and then blues that fade into greens. Gradients of green through yellow to orange and red, adorn this beautiful hummingbird.
When the light hits the plumage the colors can almost look metallic in certain circumstances. They also enjoy a bit of a song from time to time.
As you would expect from any hummingbird, music is part of this species’ life. Although the name hummingbird comes from the sound that their wings make, they have their own distinct call and birdsong too.
Summary
Birds are important to nature and are an important part of ecosystems. They have ecological roles that help plants and flowers to grow. Any gardener will know the importance of having birds in their backyard and will encourage them to visit.
For birders, the joy of seeing an unusual or rare bird is a treat. Twitchers, or birders, will spend hours waiting and searching for different species locally, and far away.
However, you don’t need to involve yourself in bird watching to enjoy these incredible creatures. The sound of birds in trees, on the windowsill, or in the garden, can be enjoyed by anyone.
If you are someone in love with travel, then you can get the extra joy of exploring new destinations overseas, and seeing far more unusual and striking birds than you might see at home. Many wonderful destinations await you, and with them some of the most unusual songbirds in the world.
