Are you looking for some stunning birds that will blow your mind? This is the right location for you to be!
Check out our top 15 choices for the most beautiful birds in the world. The world is home to a great number of kinds of birds that are considered to be among the most beautiful.
Do you ever take into consideration how the sight of a beautiful bird might completely alter your perspective? Despite the fact that you may be having a difficult day, if you happen to get a glimpse of a beautiful bird, you will feel a quick sense of relief.
Gurney’s Pitta
The name in Latin is Hydrornis gurneyi.
Elegant and one-of-a-kind characteristic: a deep blue crown
Myanmar and Thailand are the locations where they do exist.
Amount: Measures 8.25 inches (21 cm) in length; Two to three ounces (57 to 86 grams) in weight
The diet consists of slugs, earthworms, and insects.
A rare and beautiful specimen, the Gurney’s pitta is truly. You will need to visit to Khao Nor Chuchi in Thailand or Tenasserim in Myanmar if you have any hope of ever seeing one. These are the only places in the world where populations of these animals are still alive.
As the habitat of this small pitta, which is found in low-lying rainforests, is being rapidly removed to make way for the palm oil industry, this bird species is considered to be among the most endangered in the world.
Keeping low to the ground and searching for worms, insects, and slugs are activities that Gurney’s pittas enjoy doing.
With its unique turquoise head and tail, which contrast with its black and yellow underparts, the male would be easy to identify. You wouldn’t have any trouble identifying him.
The female bird has a brown crown, buffy-yellow underparts with dark barring, and a blue tail that is somewhat less spectacular than the male’s.
During the wet season, monogamous pairs construct their nests on the ground or in Salacca palms. The female incubates three to five eggs in each nest.
Immediately following the hatching of the chicks, the male will provide food for both the female and the babies. Because of the limited rate of successful reproduction in this species, it is unfortunate that just one chick from each clutch often survives.
Bohemian Waxwing
The Bombycilla garrulus is its Latin name.
Red and yellow feather tips, as well as a gentle coloration, are a distinctive and charming feature.
Where they can be found: in the regions of Eurasia and North America
Amount: Wingspan ranges from 12.6 to 14 inches (32 to 35.5 cm), while the length ranges from 7.5 to 9.1 inches (19 to 23 cm). The weight ranges from 1.9 ounces (55 g).
Consumption of fruit and insects
But the buff plumage, pointed crest, and peach and black face markings of the Bohemian waxwing are what highlight the regal majesty of this songbird. The flash of red and yellow waxy feather tips on this songbird’s wings and tail will quickly catch your eye, but all of these features contribute to the songbird’s overall attractiveness.
This species is a very unorthodox wanderer that is constantly on the move in quest of fruit across the continents of North America and Eurasia. It lives true to its name by consistently moving around. As opposed to other songbirds, it does not have a true song of its own and does not have a territorial behavior.
Despite the fact that Bohemian waxwings prefer to breed in evergreen woods that are close to bodies of water, they will stop wherever there is an abundance of fruit during the season when they are not breeding.
Therefore, it is possible that you will come across them in towns and parks. Alternately, you may cultivate fruit-bearing trees and shrubs in your garden in order to entice them to visit.
Only during the breeding season does this species establish monogamous combinations of individuals. By raising his crest, dropping his tail, and fluffing up his body feathers, the male is attempting to attract the attention of the female.
After the female has made the decision that she is interested, she and the male will interact with one another by exchanging food offerings multiple times before mating.
In order to construct a cup-shaped nest in which they will raise their clutch of two to six chicks, both men and females collect plant fibers such as grass, moss, and evergreen twigs.
Dusky Lory
The Pseudeos fuscata is its Latin name.
Black and fiery plumage is a single, distinctively gorgeous trait.
They can be found in the countries of New Guinea and Indonesia.
Amount: Measures 10 inches (25 cm) in length; Between 5 and 6.7 ounces (140 and 190 grams) in weight
Flowers, pollen, nectar, fruits, and seeds are all part of the diet.
In the event that the sight of this fiery-colored parrot does not cause you to sit up and smile, you ought to have your eyes examined.
Depending on the color phase you are observing, the band that runs across the abdomen and chest of this species of short-tailed lory can be either orange or yellow. The specific colors of this species are determined by the color phase.
There are more characteristics such as a black strip on the upper chest, a white rump, a blue tail, an orange beak, red eyes, and wings that range in color from black to brown to dark olive. There is no difference between males and females.
New Guinea and the nearby islands of Yapen, Batanta, and Salawati are home to these stunning birds, which may be found in the abundant rainforests and blossoming trees of New Guinea. They consume nectar, fruit, flowers, and seeds as their primary sources of nutrition.
There are typically two to three eggs produced by a single clutch of dusky lories, which are monogamous, intelligent, vocal, and lively.
You ought to get your eyes examined if the sight of this fiery-colored parrot does not cause you to sit up straight and smile like a fool.
It is possible to observe the band that runs across the abdomen and chest of this species of short-tailed lory in either an orange or yellow coloration, depending on whatever color phase you are observing.
Some of the other characteristics are a black strip on the upper chest, a white rump, a blue tail, an orange beak, red irises, and wings that range in color from dark olive to dark brown to black. This holds true for both males and girls.
New Guinea and the nearby islands of Yapen, Batanta, and Salawati are home to these stunning birds, which call the rainforests and blossoming trees of New Guinea their home. They consume nectar, fruit, flowers, and seeds in their diet.
Most of the time, dusky lories produce two to three eggs in each clutch. They are intelligent, boisterous, lively, and monogamous.
Blue Bird-of-Paradise
The name in Latin is Paradisaea rudolphi.
The wings, back, and tail are all bright blue, which is a rare and lovely trait.
New Guinea is the location you may find them.
Amount: Measures 11 inches (30 cm) in length; Between 5.57 and 6.66 ounces (158 and 189 grams) in weight
Fruit, insects, and lizards make up the diet.
It is without a doubt a delightful sight to witness, the blue bird-of-paradise, which is regarded by a number of bird experts as being among the most stunning birds in existence.
The male appears to have a vivid blue tail, a beak that is bluish-ivory in color, and white-ringed eyes, in contrast to the fact that his head, breast, and back are all black. The exquisite attire of this dandy is finished off with two long tail feathers that are streaming and flank plumes that are a reddish-brown color.
Other than the chestnut underparts, the female blue bird-of-paradise is very similar to the male in terms of coloration. However, she does not have the ornate tail feathers that the male exhibits.
These beautiful birds, which can be found in the forest canopy of New Guinea, put on a show for their potential mates during courtship rituals.
Hanging upside down from a tree branch, swaying back and forth, and spreading out his plumes and tail feathers while serenading with a humming call are all part of the demonstration that the polygamous male puts on for the female who is there.
When the mating process is complete, the male will leave to make a good impression on another woman, while the female will get to work breeding her one to three young.
African Crowned Crane
The name in Latin is Balearica regulorum.
One-of-a-kind and stunning characteristic: a golden starburst crest
Eastern and Southern Africa are the regions in where they can be found.
Amount: The wingspan is 6.6 feet (2.01 meters), the height is 3.3 feet (1 meter), and the weight is 7.7 pounds (3.5 kg).
Plants, seeds, insects, worms, snakes, frogs, and small fish are all part of the eating plan.
With his spiky, golden crest, poofy black forehead, and white cheeks, the African crowned crane, which is also known as the grey-crowned crane, stands lofty and regal. He is dressed in a dress uniform that gives the impression of being royal.
In addition to the long, graceful neck and the crimson throat pouch, there is also a cape made of long, wispy gray feathers. There are patterns of black, chestnut, and golden colors displayed on the wingspan that is significantly large.
These slim, black legs are the finishing touch that completes this gorgeous image. The appearance of men and females is same; however, males are typically a little bit larger than females.
This graceful crane, which can be found in pairs or among small flocks throughout the grasslands and marshes of eastern sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa, stomps its feet as it walks in order to stir up insects. When it is not eating plants or consuming fish, snakes, or frogs for dinner, it engages in these activities.
In the same way as other species of cranes do, this particular species also engages in a complex courtship dance that includes deep bows, head bobbing, and folding of the wings.
Cranes that are monogamous tend to time their breeding behaviors in such a way that all of their young hatch at the same time. Furthermore, their clutch size, which typically ranges from two to three eggs, is the greatest of any individual species of crane.
Greater Bird of Paradise
The name in Latin is Paradisaea apoda.
Remarkable and distinctive quality: Yellow flank plumes that are long and elongated
They are found in the islands of New Guinea and Aru, which are located in Indonesia.
Amount: 17 inches in length, excluding the tail (43 centimeters); The weight of:
Insects, seeds, and fruits make up the diet.
It is interesting to note that until the 18th century, Europeans had the belief that the greater bird-of-paradise species did not have any feet and never came into contact with the ground. It is from this place that these birds earned their Latin name, which literally translates to “bird-of-paradise without legs.”
It was due to the fact that the feet were removed from the initial specimens that were delivered to Europe that this misunderstanding occurred.
As a result of his emerald green throat, yellow crown, blue beak, maroon-brown plumage, and long, billowing flank plumes of yellow and white, the male is something of a sight to behold.
The majority of the female’s feathers are unbarred and maroon-brown in color. She does not have the ornamental flank plumes.
With their deafening “wawk-wawk” call, these birds are able to wake up the dawn as they forage for fruit, seeds, and insects in the hill forests of the Aru Islands, which are located in Indonesia and New Guinea. They fly through the hills like multicolored angels.
There is a certain lack of elegance about these birds, despite the fact that they are gorgeous. It’s possible that the film below, which features David Attenborough starring the larger bird of paradise, is my favorite of his.
Greater birds of paradise are polygamous males who attract females by elaborate courtship displays. These displays include fluttering their wings, cleaning their bills, shredding leaves, prancing, and swinging upside down from a tree branch with their tail plumes raised.
The female will be responsible for the upbringing of an average clutch of three chicks on her own after she has selected a male and done so.
Superb Lyrebird
Known by its Latin name, Menura novaehollandiae
Exquisite tail in the shape of a lyre, a distinctive and lovely characteristic
These are the locations where they can be found: Tasmania, Southern and Eastern Australia
Amount: Weight is 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram), and the length ranges from 30 to 39 inches (76 to 100 cm).
Insects, worms, and spiders make up the diet.
The male splendid lyrebird would be a typical pheasant if it weren’t for the elaborate feathers on his tail, which are shaped like the strings of a lyre, which is a stringed musical instrument.
This provides a remarkable distinction in his generally dull look, which consists of a gray upper and lower body, wings that are a reddish-brown color, and legs that are lengthy and dark.
There are seven long pairs of lacy white feathers that make up the characteristic tail, and each side of the tail is protected by a barred buff feather.
The shape of a lyre is created when these two outside feathers are lifted with a curvature that is curved. A silvery-white canopy is created by the male by lifting his magnificent tail up and over his head. This is done in order to attract females towards him.
It is recognized for its exceptional talent of replicating everything it hears, whether it be the calls of other birds, dog barks, or mechanical sounds. The magnificent lyrebird is known for its excellent talent of scratching through leaf litter in the moist woods of eastern and southern Australia in search of insects, worms, and spiders.
The female will visit a number of males before selecting whether or not to mate, whereas the male will mate with a number of different females. After that, she will nurture her solo baby by herself in a nest made of ferns and moss that is shaped like a dome.
Cuban Tody
The name in Latin is Todus multicolor.
The multicolored plumage is a distinctive and appealing trait.
Cuba and the islands further to the north are where you can find them.
Amount: Weight: 0.151 to 0.299 ounces (4.3 to 8.5 grams); Length: 3.9 to 4.3 inches (11 cm); Length: 3.9 to 4.3 inches
The diet consists of lizards, fruits, spiders, and insects.
The adorable and colorful small Cuban toy appears to have been plucked straight from a Kinder Surprise box due to its stunning appearance.
This toy is so diminutive that it may be held in the palm of your hand, and it is frequently discovered in Cuba and the tiny islands that come in its vicinity.
It is a bird with a variety of colors, as its Latin name says, with a head, wings, and tail that are a brilliant green color, white underparts, pink flanks, a red throat, and blue spots on each side of the neck.
A broad, flat bill that is crimson on the bottom and black on the top is possessed by the bird. The appearance of males and females is same.
This species, which is frequently observed in pairs, prefers to reside in thickets, woodlands, and evergreen forests that are located close to streams and lakes. Its multicolored feathers blend in with the flowers that are native to the area.
A “tot-tot-tot” sound is repeated by this toy while it is perched, but its distinctive call is a melodious “pprreeee-pprreeee.” A loud whirring sound is produced by the wings of this bird as it is in flight.
During courtship displays, these monogamous birds like chasing each other in flight and offering food to one another. They remain in a close relationship. During the most intense part of the mating ritual, their pink flanks will become flabby and completely inflated.
Following the completion of the mating process, both males and females will construct a nest in a tree hollow or an embankment tunnel in order to incubate and feed three to four young.
Secretary Bird
Sagittarius serpentarius is the bird’s Latin name.
Remarkable and distinctive quality:
Sub-Saharan Africa is the region where they can be found.
Amount: 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) in height; average weight of 8.9 pounds (4.02 kilograms); wingspan ranging from 75 to 87 inches (191 to 220 centimeters)
Insects, small animals and birds, lizards, snakes, and bird eggs make up the diet of this animal.
It is possible that you are perplexed as to why such a bird is referred to as a secretary bird. It is believed that this bird of prey received its English name during the 1800s, when male European secretaries frequently wore gray tailcoat suits with dark knee-length breeches and goose-quill pens behind their ears. This kind of dress was common during that time period.
As soon as you take a look at the secretary bird, you will see that this name is an excellent fit for it.
The dark feathers on the lower part of the bird’s body resemble knee breeches, while the gray and white upper body and tail of the bird are reminiscent of a tailcoat suit.
The lengthy, dark plumes that protrude from behind the bird’s head are the finishing touch when it comes to this snazzy suit. Given that its facial skin is a yellowish-red color, this fascinating bird even gives the impression that it is wearing makeup and fake eyelashes.
Due to the fact that the secretary bird is capable of hunting small mammals and stomping on snakes with its strong crane-like legs in the grasslands and savannah of sub-Saharan Africa, you should not anticipate it to answer the phone.
Although this bird of prey is related to vultures, hawks, kites, and buzzards, it prefers to differentiate itself from its relatives by spending the majority of its time on the ground (despite the fact that it is capable of flying) and devouring its prey immediately rather than transporting it with its feet. The bird spends the night among the acacia trees, where it roosts.
In addition to pursuing and calling out to one another, secretary birds engage in courting dances that involve rising and descending flight patterns. Secretary birds are monogamous and rehearse those dances.
Resplendent Quetzal
The Pharomachrus mocinno with its Latin name
With a scarlet chest and metallic green and blue plumage, this bird has a distinctively vibrant appearance.
In the region of Central America, they can be found.
Amount: Weight ranges from 6.5 to 8 ounces (180 to 225 grams), and the length ranges from 14 to 16 inches (36 to 40.5 cm).
Fruits and insects, on occasion, make up the diet.
The dazzling quetzal, which is one of my personal favorites on our list of the most beautiful birds, was formerly considered sacred by the Mayan and Aztec peoples. They wore the brilliant feathers of the bird as headdresses for their kings and priests.
After cutting the magnificent feathers from the bird’s tail, they decided to release it because they did not believe in killing the creature.
Should you be interested in witnessing this magnificent bird in its natural environment, you will need to travel to the tropical region of Central America.
When you book an ecotour in Costa Rica, your guides will be able to take you into the cloud forest, giving you a better chance of spotting this stunning natural phenomenon.
The scarlet underparts of this quetzal, along with its sparkling metallic green head, chest, back, and wings, make certain that it is immediately identifiable. In the shade, the iridescent green feathers can occasionally give the appearance of being blue. At the very peak of its crown is a small, spiky green crest.
It is the male’s long, flowing train of blue-green feathers that arises just before the mating season, and it is the most spectacular characteristic of this lovely bird.
This adornment is what he uses to attract the female, who has a more subdued appearance than the male, with a bronze head, gray underparts, and green back and wings.
In the course of courtship rituals, the male will demonstrate flight patterns by ascending and descending while vocalizing.
Following the acceptance of the male by the female, the seasonally monogamous pair will construct a nest in a cavity of the tree and take turns caring for their clutch of two eggs.
Red Crested Turaco
Name derived from Latin: Tauraco erythrolophus
Red crest is a distinctive and attractive feature.
The Congo and the Republic of Angola are the locations where they appear.
Amount: Weight ranges from 7.4 to 11.46 ounces (210 to 325 grams), for a length of 17.5 to 19.5 inches (45 to 50 centimeters).
Fruit, flowers, seeds, termites, and snails are all part of the diet.
If you are on an African safari in Angola or the Congo and you hear what sounds like monkeys chatting in the treetops, you should pay close attention to the sound because it could be coming from a family of red-crested turacos.
They are easily identifiable by the towering, strawberry-red crests that they have. It is common for these lovely birds to congregate in groups of approximately thirty individuals. They like to spend their time in the trees of the forest, where they consume fruits and insects. However, they will occasionally descend to the ground in order to bathe and drink water.
Both males and females have green plumage, although the back and wings are more blue-green with red patches on the sides. The breast is olive-green, and the long tail is blue. The general appearance of the males and females is the same.
The face is white, and it has a yellow beak and red eyes that are of the same color as the red crest, which, when the bird is aroused, rises up to a height of two inches.
You probably already know this, but did you know that if you mix a cup of water with a feather from a red-crested turaco, the water would appear pink? Specifically, this is due to the presence of copper in the pigment that is found in the feathers of this bird.
It is interesting to note that the turaco is the only bird species that possesses a true green and red hue, as opposed to a color reflection, which is the case with the majority of other species.”
This particular species is monogamous, and during the breeding season, the male will woo the female by feeding her and expanding his wings to display his red underparts of the body.
Incubation of their clutch of two to three eggs will be a shared responsibility between the males and the females. After the chicks have hatched, additional members of the family will pitch in to assist in the raising of the young.
Marvelous Spatuletail
The name in Latin is Loddigesia mirabilis.
Violet tail feathers in the shape of racquets are a distinctive and lovely feature.
Located in the Río Utcubamba region of Peru, where they can be found.
Amount: Including the tail, the length ranges from 6 to 6.69 inches (15 to 17 cm): Weight: three grams (about 0.105 ounces)
Nectar is the diet.
After witnessing a male marvelous spatuletail, it is simple to comprehend the phenomenon that led to the creation of fairy tales. This small hummingbird has shimmering multicolored feathers and striking tail feathers that hover on each side of its body. At the same time, it is flying through the air at a speed that is faster than your human eyes can keep up with.
Located alone within a limited range of the forested highlands in the Río Utcubamba region in the northwest of Peru, this particular species of hummingbird is distinguished by its bronze-green back and wings, a shimmering turquoise neck, a violet-blue crest, and a buff underbelly that is separated by a long, black line.
However, the female does not have the colorful head, throat, or tail that the male does. The female has the same bronze-green coloring as the male.
A wonderful tail that is made up of four feathers is the most noticeable characteristic of this bird. As if the male marvelous spatuletail required any additional embellishments, this bird’s tail is the most notable feature.
Two of these feathers are long, narrow, and straight, but the two feathers that are on the outside of the bird extend up to four times the length of the bird’s body and terminate in two blue discs that are shaped like racquets. These discs are called spatules.
The polygamous male uses his exceptional tail feathers to attract a female during the mating season by waving them about while hovering in front of her. This is done in order to attract the female. Having selected a guy and mated with him, the female will be responsible for the upbringing of her two young.
Hoopoe
Latin name: Upupa epops (plural)
One-of-a-kind and stunning characteristic: a sophisticated feather crown
They can be found in Africa, Europe, and Asia respectively.
Amount: The wingspan is between 16.5 and 18 inches (42 to 46 cm), the length is between 10 and 11 inches (26 to 28 cm), and the weight is between 1.66 and 3.06 ounces (47 to 87 g).
The diet consists of frogs, tiny reptiles, seeds, berries, and insects.
The hoopoe bird has a long, pointed crest that is marked with black spots. An intricate headgear is created by the crest of the hoopoe, which rises and stretches out when the hoopoe is delighted.
The barred pattern on the back, wings, and tail of the animal gives the impression that he is wearing a robe out of black and white. His chest, neck, and face are all a fawn color, and they stand tall and proud. Additionally, his long, pointed beak gives him the image of being well knowledgeable.
The hoopoe is a joy to observe because it can be found in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands and forests, as well as reserves, public gardens, and parklands, all over the world, including Asia, Africa, and Europe.
There is a possibility that you will hear its characteristic “hoop-hoop” call if you do not initially notice it. There are many people who feel awed when they see a hoopoe, and you are not the only one.
Not only is it the national bird of Israel, but the ancient Egyptians also considered it to be sacred, as evidenced by the fact that they depicted it on many of their tombs and temples.
Hoopoes develop a strong sense of territoriality and monogamous behavior during the breeding season. Males continue to be active throughout this time period, engaging in activities such as beak-dueling with other males and serenading the female.
The female, who is visually comparable to the male but has a more subdued coloration, is the only one that is responsible for incubating her clutch of five to nine eggs.
The female has glands that emit a foul odor that is believed to deter potential predators while she is in the process of incubating and raising her young. I think that is a fairly ingenious trick!
King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise
Name in Latin: Pteridophora alberti Albati
The silvery-blue head plumes are a distinctive and lovely characteristic.
New Guinea is the location you may find them.
Amount: Length: 22 centimeters or 8 inches; Between 2.82 and 3.35 ounces (80 and 95 grams) in weight
The diet consists of arthropods, fruits, and berries.
The bird-of-paradise known as the King of Saxony is one of those extraordinary creatures that you have to see in order to believe. New Guinea’s rainforests are the place to go if you want to view one in its native environment. You will need to make travel arrangements accordingly.
The male’s blue-green gape, yellow underparts, and black wings, tail, and head all combine to form a magnificent vision that positions it among the most attractive birds in the world on account of its overall appearance.
However, the set of two silvery-blue head plumes that can grow to be twice as long as the body length is what truly sets this bird apart from others of its kind.
For the purpose of courtship displays, the male employs these gems to attract the unadorned, grayish-brown female by wiggling his head in such a way that the plumes swirl around her.
Males of this species engage in wooing displays in a lek and are polygamous throughout their sexual behavior. The females will leave the nest and rear a single chick on their own after they have accepted a male and mated with him.
Barn Owl
The common name is Tyto alba.
Unique and attractive characteristic: a white face and chest in the shape of a heart
Every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, is where they can be found.
Amount: 13 to 15 inches (33 to 39 cm) in length at the most; 7.9 to 25 ounces equivalent to 224 to 710 grams in weight; Length of wings: between 31 and 37 inches (80 and 95 cm)
This species consumes primarily tiny rodents such as mice, rats, and shrews, but it also consumes rabbits, lizards, insects, birds, and bats.
Despite the fact that it is not as colorful as some of the other species that are included on this list of beautiful birds, the barn owl is still quite gorgeous. It has a heart-shaped face that is white, underparts that are creamy white, and a golden back, wings, and tail that are sprinkled with dark patches.
The barn owl is a species of owl that can be found all over the world, with the exception of regions that are extremely hot or cold, such as deserts and Antarctica. It gets its name from the fact that it prefers to spend its daytime hours roosting in abandoned buildings and old barns.
This nocturnal bird is known to make a piercing screech that may be heard throughout the night as it hunts in open fields for its prey, which mostly comprises of rodents and rabbits but can also include lizards and insects.
It’s interesting to note that these birds consume their prey in its entirety, including the bones and fur. On the other hand, they eventually cough up the pellets that contain the indigestible portions.
In contrast to the other species on this list, this particular species is distinguished by the fact that the female, rather than the male, is the one that possesses a more dazzling appearance. When compared to her counterpart with golden wings, the female barn owl has plumage that is darker, more reddish-brown in color, and having a chest that is more densely speckled.
Barn owls are monogamous and typically remain in a relationship for their entire lives, until one of the partners passes away.
In the course of the breeding season, the male will establish a proper nesting location. Following that, he and the female will engage in courtship rituals. These rituals will consist of flight displays and chasing together.
This is also the moment when the male provides the female with food. The nests are constructed by placing pellets that have been regurgitated in the cavities of trees, cliffs, or structures. The male is responsible for locating the food that is necessary for the typical clutch of five chicks, while the female is the one who gives it to her young.
It would be impossible to discuss all of the magnificent birds that exist in the globe due to the limited amount of time available, which is why we chose to concentrate on these fifteen species.
What are some of the things that you discovered here that took you by surprise? If you think there are any species that ought to be included on this list, what are they? The comments section below is where you can share your thoughts with us.
0 Comments