10 Unbelievably Weird Roosters from Around the World
Most people picture a rooster as a red-combed farm bird that crows at sunrise. But not all chickens fit that mold. Some have jet-black skin, while others have massive dinosaur-like legs—looking like they belong in a historical or sci-fi movie. Then, you will also find some with fluffy beards or pom-pom-shaped crests.
Get ready to meet birds with wild features and surprising looks that make them truly one-of-a-kind.
Dong Tao Rooster (Dragon Chicken)
Credit: Facebook
The Dong Tao rooster, also called the “Dragon Chicken,” is famous for its massive and scaly legs that resemble tree trunks. These unique birds are native to Vietnam and were once bred exclusively for royalty. Their legs can grow as thick as a human wrist. They are also some of the most expensive and sought-after chickens in the world.
Polish Rooster
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This special rooster is the perfect combination of a chicken crossed with a rockstar. Its outrageous pom-pom crest of feathers often flops over its eyes, which leaves it looking permanently surprised. Ironically, despite the name, this breed isn’t from Poland—it likely originated in the Netherlands.
Onagadori Rooster
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This rooster’s tail can grow longer than your living room—it’s true! The Onagadori, native to Japan, grows tail feathers that can reach over 27 feet, thanks to a genetic mutation that prevents them from shedding their feathers. These rare birds require special care, as their stunning plumes are easily damaged. In Japan, they are considered a national treasure.
Modern Game Rooster
Credit: Youtube
The Modern Game rooster looks more like a tiny velociraptor than a barnyard bird. It boasts long legs, a slim frame, and an upright posture, unlike any other bird. Originally bred in England for cockfighting, these birds are now show animals known for their elegant stance and confident attitude.
Giant Brahma Rooster
Credit: flickr
What do you get when a chicken decides to grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh over 12 pounds? The Brahma rooster. These birds belong to the U.S. and were once the go-to meat chickens before industrial breeds took over. Despite their size, Brahmas are calm and gentle.
Transylvanian Naked Neck Rooster
Credit: Reddit
While this one may appear as half-chicken half-turkey, it’s actually 100% chicken. This rooster looks like it forgot to grow feathers on its neck. This odd feature helps them stay cool in hot climates. Despite their vulture-like appearance, they are tough and friendly birds with great egg-laying abilities.
Black Rooster (Ayam Cemani)
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This rooster has black feathers over black skin and is one of the rarest and most visually striking chickens in the world. The Ayam Cemani, from Indonesia, flaunts its jet-black coloring from a genetic condition called fibromelanosis. In some cultures, these birds are believed to bring good luck—if you can afford one, that is.
Faverolles Rooster
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The Faverolles rooster looks like it belongs in a Victorian portrait with its fluffy beard and feathered feet. What’s even weirder is that most chickens have four toes, but this breed has five! They’re originally from France and are not only unique in appearance but also known for their sweet, docile nature.
Araucana Rooster
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This rooster comes with a surprise—its hens lay blue eggs. The Araucana is also famous for its unusual ear tufts, which give it an owl-like look. However, this breed can be a challenge to raise because the same genetic mutation that causes these tufts can sometimes lead to health problems.
Gold-Laced Wyandotte Rooster
Credit: Reddit
It won’t be wrong to call this rooster a feathered work of art. If chickens had fashion shows, this breed would undoubtedly be the runway star. Its feathers feature intricate gold and black lacing that looks almost hand-painted. A gold-laced Wyandotte rooster is a favorite among poultry keepers for its productive and easygoing nature.
Red Golden Pheasant Rooster
Credit: flickr
This bird looks like it escaped from a tropical rainforest. This Chinese-native breed sports dazzling red, gold, and orange plumage with a striking golden crest. While not a domestic chicken, it is sometimes kept on farms or in aviaries for its exotic beauty. In the wild, it prefers dense forests and is rarely seen.
Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Rooster
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If Lady Amherst’s Pheasant were a person, it would be the one arriving at a party in a gold-trimmed tuxedo. This bird features a mix of metallic blues, greens, reds, and black-and-white patterns. Though capable of short bursts of flight, it prefers staying on the ground while strutting its fancy feathers.
Siamese Fireback Rooster
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The Siamese Fireback is Thailand’s official bird. Males have dark blue-gray bodies, vibrant red facial skin, and long, curling tail feathers. These birds thrive in Southeast Asian forests, where they forage for food using their strong legs.
Belgian Bearded D’uccle Rooster
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This fancy little rooster is full of personality—and feathers! The Belgian Bearded d’Uccle is a small but flashy bantam breed with a full beard, feathered legs, and a proud stance. It was developed in Belgium and is as friendly as it is fluffy.
Yellow Golden Pheasant Rooster
Credit: flickr
Take a Red Golden Pheasant, remove the red, and you get the stunning Yellow Golden Pheasant. This rare color mutation results in bright yellow and white feathers and makes the bird look almost luminous. Like its red counterpart, it prefers forested habitats but is often bred in captivity for its ornamental beauty.