1. California Condor – Ugliest Bird in the World
California Condor portrait
Californian condors (Gymnogyps californianus) are massive bird species that roam the skies, and in fact, these carrion eaters are in the top 10 of the largest flying birds in the world.
It’s a pleasure to see them glide elegantly over the deserts and canyons of Western USA. However, you cannot deny the gross feeling you get when seeing them up close.
What makes this ugly bird weird looking is the bald, wrinkled, multi-colored head, with no head feathers – closely resembling the vultures.
It’s worth mentioning that at one point in the 20th century, these ugly animals were on the verge of extinction, with just eight individuals alive, making them one of the rarest birds.
Thanks to various wildlife preservation initiatives, now their numbers are close to 200!