10 Animals with Crests: Features, Habitats, and Examples

Crests are fleshy or feathered protuberances found on the heads of certain animals. While commonly associated with gallinaceous birds where they often indicate sexual dimorphism, many other animals also possess similar crest-like structures derived from fins, feathers, or even algae. In this article, we explore 10 notable animals with crests, their unique characteristics, and ecological significance.

Contents

• What is a Crest in Animals?

• Roosters (Gallus species)

• Crestfish (Family Lophotidae)

• Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus)

• Fiji Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis)

• Golden-crested Quail (Callipepla douglasii)

• Crested Penguins (Genus Eudyptes)

• Red-crested Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis)

• Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)

• Peacock (Pavo cristatus)

• Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

• Palawan Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis)

What is a Crest in Animals?

A crest (or caruncle) is a fleshy or feathered outgrowth typically found on the top of an animal’s head. In many species, crests develop as a sign of sexual maturity and are often linked to sexual dimorphism, with males typically sporting larger or more colorful crests. Crests serve several functions including:

• Immune response: Some species’ crests can swell to help prevent infections.

• Mating display: Crests attract mates during courtship rituals.

• Thermoregulation: Tropical birds use crests to dissipate excess body heat.

Animals with Crests

Roosters (Gallus species)

Roosters have some of the most recognizable crests. Their bright red combs are a key sexual signal used by females to select mates, indicating health and fertility. Additionally, the crest assists in regulating body temperature.

Crestfish (Family Lophotidae)

Named for their elongated dorsal fin forming a crest that runs from tail to head, crestfish are deep-sea creatures also known as unicorn or crowntail fishes.

Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus)

This turtle’s head is adorned with filamentous algae forming a “crest” that provides camouflage in the muddy river waters of Queensland, Australia. It is an endangered species.

Fiji Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis)

This species features a spiny crest about 2 cm tall along its back. Its color ranges from lime green to darker shades when threatened. Native to Fiji, it faces critical endangerment due to habitat loss and goat overgrazing.

Golden-crested Quail (Callipepla douglasii)

Endemic to Mexico, this bird has a striking yellow fan-shaped crest contrasting with its grey and brown body.

Crested Penguins (Genus Eudyptes)

The crested penguins are known for their distinctive yellow eyebrow-like crests. They inhabit cold subantarctic waters and cannot fly but are excellent swimmers.

Red-crested Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis)

This small red crest behind the eyes is found only on males and is hard to spot. It inhabits mature pine forests and is critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)

Males sport a large red crest extending from the neck over the head. The crest is made of feathers tightly packed to form a prominent structure called a pileus.

Peacock (Pavo cristatus)

Peacocks display spectacular crests made of tall, bare-based feathers with metallic blue tips. Both males and females have crests, but males’ are more vivid.

Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

This gecko has a line of spines forming a crest from its eyes to the base of its tail. Found only in New Caledonia, it exhibits colors ranging from yellow to red and orange.

Palawan Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis)

This pheasant has a tall, black feathered crest. Females also have crests, but smaller. The species shows a metallic blue-black plumage and is native to Palawan, Philippines.

These crest-bearing animals showcase diverse forms and functions, highlighting evolutionary adaptation and ecological roles. Learning about them helps raise awareness for conservation efforts and biodiversity.

For more fascinating insights into animals with unique features, explore our Wild Animals category.

Bibliography

Gibbens, S. (2018). The Green-crested Turtle: Near Extinction. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographicla.com/animales/2018/04/la-tortuga-de-cresta-verde-cerca-de-extinguirse

Audubon (n.d.). Red-crested Woodpecker. Available at: https://www.audubon.org/es/guia-de-aves/ave/carpintero-de-cresta-roja

Beatty, R., Beer, A., & Deeming, C. (2010). The Book of Nature. Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley.

eBird (n.d.). Golden-crested Quail. Available at: https://ebird.org/species/elequa?siteLanguage=es_MX

animal tags： Crests Animals