Töyhtöjä

Töyhtöjä is a Finnish word that translates to "tufts" or "crests" in English. It most commonly refers to the feathered crests found on the heads of certain bird species. These tufts can vary in size, shape, and color, and often play a role in species recognition, courtship displays, or signaling.

Birds known for their prominent töyhtöjä include various species of titmice, such as the crested tit (Lophophanes cristatus). Other examples include the Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) and some species of woodpeckers. The presence and appearance of the töyhtöjä can differ between males and females of the same species, and may also change with age or season.

Beyond birds, the term töyhtöjä can occasionally be used in a broader sense to describe any cluster of hair, fur, or other fibrous material that forms a crest or tuft. However, its primary and most recognized application is within ornithology. The biological function and evolutionary significance of these feathered crests are subjects of ongoing scientific study.