Ugly ducklings: unsightly chicks and their adult relatives (14 photos)

Remember the fairy tale about the ugly duckling, whom his relatives considered ugly and expelled, but in the end he turned into a beautiful swan? No one is driving the heroes of today's selection out of the pack, but at a young age they look rather inconspicuous.

Mandarin duck





The creations of nature are certainly magnificent. However, looking at the chicks of certain species, it may seem that evolution has taken a crooked path. But this is just a misconception. The appearance of some chicks only causes bewilderment and laughter among people. It’s only after a while that these clumsy cubs turn into stunningly graceful and beautiful birds.

Bald Eagle



Bald eagles are masters of flight. While in the air, a bird can turn upside down and continue to soar in this form.

Great auklet





barn owl



Barn owl chicks become independent quite early. This is a distinctive feature of the species.

Ostrich



The ostrich does not hide its head in the sand, as many people think. When faced with danger, he will prefer to run away. If you can’t retreat, the ostrich will show all its fighting qualities and attack.

Golden pheasant



Emperor penguin



South American harpy



The harpy is a huge and very strong bird. Females are twice as large as males. They weigh more than nine kilograms, while males usually weigh no more than five kilograms.

Kaffir Horned Raven



Owl Nightjar



Heron



Cassowary



Black cockatoo



crowned pigeon