Birds With Two Heads | 6 Truth Behind the Rare Phenomenon

No, there are no naturally occurring birds with two heads. However, there have been some cases of birds being born with two heads due to genetic mutations or environmental factors.

These birds are known as “bicephalic” birds or “two-headed” birds. These cases are extremely rare and these birds often do not survive very long in the wild.

Let’s learn more about it.

Myth Behind Double-Headed Birds

There are many stories and myths from different cultures all over the world about birds with two heads. The two-headed eagle was a sign of the god Zeus in Greek mythology.

It was also the symbol of the Eastern Roman Empire. In Native American mythology, the two-headed eagle was a powerful symbol of balance and duality, representing the link between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Some cultures thought that seeing a bird with two heads was a sign of bad luck or that bad things were about to happen. In other cultures, on the other hand, it was a sign of luck, strength, and power.

It’s important to note that the idea of two-headed birds has also made its way into modern pop culture. For example, in the Harry Potter books, Fawkes is a phoenix with two heads. But it’s important to remember that these pictures are completely made up and have nothing to do with science.

Why Birds With Two Heads Do Not Survive Very Long

Birds with two heads, called bicephalic birds, don’t usually live very long in the wild for a number of scientific reasons.

First of all, bicephalic birds have trouble coordinating their movements, which makes it hard for them to fly, hunt for food, and stay away from danger. This leaves them open to starvation, being eaten, and being out in the open.

Also, bicephalic birds may have internal organ deformities or malformations, like a shared digestive tract, heart, or lungs, which can cause serious health problems and eventually kill them.

Also, because they have two heads, bicephalic birds need more energy, so they may have trouble finding enough food and resources to meet their higher metabolic needs. Because of these and other possible health problems, it is hard for bicephalic birds to live in the wild.

What causes an animal to have two heads?

Bicephaly is a rare condition in which an animal has two heads. Most of the time, it is caused by a change in the genes of an embryo. In particular, the embryo may not split all the way during early development, which can lead to twins who are stuck together. Polycephaly is the name for this condition.

Polycephaly can happen in any animal, but snakes and turtles are most likely to have it. Animals with two heads can sometimes be caused by things in the environment, like pollution, radiation, or exposure to toxins. But the main cause is changes in the genes.

Even though animals with two heads might look cool, they often have serious health problems and don’t last long in the wild. This is because the two heads often have trouble working together.

This makes it hard to hunt for food or get away from danger. They may also have deformed or malformed organs inside their bodies, which can cause serious health problems.

Previous Records of Birds Born with Two Heads

There have been several reported cases of bicephalic birds over the years. Here are a few examples:

1. In 2019, a two-headed bald eagle was found in the United States. The bird, which had a wingspan of over 7 feet, was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center but unfortunately died a few days later. (Source: CNN, “Rare two-headed bald eagle found in the US,” February 2019)
2. In 2018, a two-headed duckling was born in China. The bird was able to survive for a short time with the help of its owner, who provided it with extra food and care. (Source: BBC News, “Two-headed duckling found in China,” August 2018)
3. In 2011, a two-headed goose was found in a pond in the United Kingdom. The bird was taken to a bird sanctuary but unfortunately died soon after. (Source: The Telegraph, “Two-headed goose discovered in a pond,” August 2011)
4. In 2004, a two-headed chick was hatched in India. The bird was able to survive for a short time but died a few days later. (Source: National Geographic News, “Two-Headed Chicken Hatches in India,” April 2004)
5. An account of a two-headed pigeon was published in France in 1734. (Wikipedia)
6. In 2020, a two-headed song thrush was poached in Syria. (Wikipedia)

These are just a few examples of reported cases of bicephalic birds. While such cases are rare, they do occur from time to time.

Is There Any Relation Between Birds With Two Heads and Gandaberunda

Yes, there is a connection between birds with two heads and Gandaberunda, a mythical bird in Hindu mythology. In Hindu art and architecture, the Gandaberunda is a two-headed bird that is often shown. It is seen as a strong and lucky sign and is linked to the god Vishnu and his many forms, or avatars.

In Hindu mythology, the Gandaberunda is said to be very strong and powerful and able to beat even the strongest enemies. People say that its two heads represent the sun and the moon and that its wings are as strong as a lightning bolt.

Sources:
https://www.deccanherald.com/spectrum/spectrum-top-stories/gandaberunda-flights-of-the-two-headed-bird-772554.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycephaly

Wrap Up

The concept of birds with two heads remains a captivating mystery, often associated with folklore and anomalies. While nature occasionally surprises us, the idea serves as a reminder of the vast diversity and wonders present in the avian world, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the extraordinary.

FAQ

Howard L. Darnell

I am a writer and blogger who is passionate about birds. I write to inspire and educate others about the beauty and importance of avian species in our ecosystem. I love to watch birds flying and taking their photographs to capture those memories.