They look like angels—but sound like car alarms.
Some birds steal your breath with their shimmering feathers, elegant crests, and graceful flight. And then they open their beaks… and absolutely ruin the moment.
Squawks, screams, croaks, and screeches—these feathered beauties didn’t get the memo about matching their looks with a lovely tune. It’s like nature gave them a glow-up and then said, “Let’s have a little fun with the voice.”
Don’t be fooled by their dazzling charm. These ten birds might win best dressed in the avian world, but when it comes to singing? Let’s just say the playlist gets weird.
Peacock
The peacock is renowned for its dazzling tail feathers, which resemble a vibrant fan of iridescent blues and greens.
However, its voice is anything but harmonious. Known for its loud and harsh calls, the peacock’s cry can be startling. Imagine a sound akin to a high-pitched scream echoing through the forest.
Despite this, the peacock’s striking appearance makes it a cherished symbol in many cultures. Did you know? In Hindu mythology, the peacock is considered a vehicle of the goddess Saraswati, embodying beauty and wisdom.
Superb Lyrebird
Famed for its incredible mimicry, the superb lyrebird is just as notable for its resplendent tail feathers.
These birds are natural performers, but their actual song is a mix of clatters and screeches, often mimicking chainsaws or camera shutters.
Despite its cacophonous song, the lyrebird’s beauty and talent make it a fascinating subject of study. Did you know? This bird can imitate almost any sound it hears in the forest, showcasing nature’s remarkable adaptability.
American Crow
Often underestimated for its beauty, the American crow is a picture of sleek elegance with its glossy black plumage.
Yet, its voice is a raucous cawing that many find less than pleasant. It’s a stark contrast to its sophisticated appearance.
Crows are highly intelligent creatures, often seen working together in groups. A fun tidbit: crows are known to hold a grudge against humans who wrong them, showcasing their remarkable memory and social complexity.
Kea
Native to New Zealand, the kea is celebrated for its playful personality and intelligence.
While their appearance is charming, their call is a harsh, nasal screech that can be jarring. These birds are notorious for their mischievous behavior.
Interestingly, keas are often seen making tools from objects in their environment. Did you know? Keas have been known to work together to solve complex puzzles, highlighting their keen intelligence and social nature.
Blue Jay
The blue jay is known for its striking blue and white plumage, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.
However, its call is a series of harsh cries that can often be mistaken for a hawk’s scream. This loud, bold bird is unafraid of confrontation.
Blue jays are also known for their intelligence and ability to mimic other birds. Fun fact: blue jays can imitate the calls of hawks to scare away predators, showcasing their cleverness.
Common Raven
The common raven is a master of flight, admired for its glossy black feathers and impressive wingspan.
Yet, its vocalizations are a mix of croaks, caws, and gurgles, often likened to a rusty hinge.
Ravens are known for their problem-solving skills and playful antics. Did you know? Ravens are one of the few bird species that engage in play, and they have been observed using tools, demonstrating their high intelligence.
Northern Mockingbird
Famous for its ability to mimic the songs of other birds, the northern mockingbird possesses a rather jarring song itself.
Its repertoire includes a variety of sounds, often delivered in a rapid, repetitive fashion that can sound discordant.
Despite this, mockingbirds are beloved for their energetic performances. Did you know? A single mockingbird can learn up to 200 different songs in its lifetime, showcasing its remarkable memory and musicality.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
With its striking white plumage and vibrant yellow crest, the sulphur-crested cockatoo is a sight to behold.
However, its voice is a loud, grating squawk that can be heard from miles away. This bird’s call is as bold as its appearance.
Cockatoos are social creatures, often seen in large flocks. Fun fact: these birds can live for over 70 years in captivity, forming long-term bonds with their human companions.
Eurasian Magpie
The Eurasian magpie is a study in contrast, with its glossy black and white plumage and iridescent tail feathers.
Its vocalizations, however, are a series of harsh, chattering calls that can sound like a cacophony.
Magpies are highly intelligent and are one of the few non-mammal species known to recognize themselves in a mirror. Did you know? In folklore, magpies are often seen as omens, with their presence considered either lucky or sinister depending on cultural beliefs.
Australian King Parrot
The Australian king parrot is an avian jewel, with its bright red and green plumage capturing the eye.
Yet, its song is a series of sharp, metallic notes that can be quite grating.
These parrots are often found in pairs or small groups, adding splashes of color to the forest canopy. Did you know? Australian king parrots are one of the few parrot species that exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males and females sporting distinctly different plumage.