Bird Crests, Casques, and Combs: Differences and Examples

Many birds have interesting structures on top of their heads. These are classified into three main types: crests, casques, and combs. Read on to find out what each is made of, what birds have them, and what they use them for. Then find out what bird has a unique head ornament that does not fit into any of these categories!

What Are Bird Crests?

A crest, sometimes also called a crown, is a group of semiplume feathers. These feathers sit on top of the head and may extend down the neck and upper back. Some birds can raise and lower these crests at will. Depending on the species, birds may use their crests for display, mate attraction, communication, and defense.

There are many different kinds of birds with crests. Some well-known examples include:

Cockatoos (Family Cacatuidae)

Crowned Cranes (Balearica spp.)

Crowned Pigeons (Goura spp.)

Royal Flycatchers (Onychorhynchus spp.)

Turacos (Family Musophagidae)

What Are Bird Casques?

A casque, sometimes also called a helmet or horn, is a bony projection of the skull or upper mandible covered with a layer of cornified skin. In cassowaries (see below), the casque covers a foamy collagen layer over the bone. Depending on the species, casques may serve a variety of purposes, including as a visual symbol of sex, age, and/or social status; beak reinforcement; thermoregulation; a resonance chamber to enhance calls; and combat.

Casques are found in six different kinds of birds:

Cassowaries (Casuarius spp.)

Helmeted Curassows (Pauxi spp.)

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

Hornbills (Family Bucerotidae)

Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus)

Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo)

What Are Bird Combs?

A comb, sometimes also called a cockscomb, is a fleshy growth on top of the head. Only gallinaceous birds have combs, and the feature is usually larger in males (cocks or roosters) than in females (hens). Similar fleshy growths such as wattles, snoods, beards, and earlobes are collectively called caruncles. These brightly colored parts can be indicators of health and vigor and used to attract mates.

Combs are found in:

Wild Junglefowl (Gallus spp.)

Domestic Chickens (Gallus domesticus breeds)

What Is on the Head of a Horned Screamer?

Both male and female horned screamers (Anhima cornuta) have a head ornament that is neither a crest, casque, or comb. It is also not derived from a feather. Rather, the “horn” on its head is actually a cornified spine. This structure is unique in the bird world! This spine grows continuously but usually doesn’t grow longer than 6 in (15 cm) before breaking off at the tip. Since it is not firmly attached to the skull, it also sways whenever the bird shakes its head. Scientists still are not sure what purpose it serves!

Summary of Crests, Casques, and Combs: Differences and Examples

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