Why do birds put their mohawks in the air?

Question

Why do birds put their lil mohawks in the air?

like cardinals for example.

they would be eating food, or just sitting around and they would somtimes put their mohawks up.

Answer 1

Just like a dog wags his tail kinda, they do that when they are happy or curious

Answer 2

their "mohawks", or crests, are just part of their body language. if their crest is up it can either be saying that the bird is excited, scared, or curious. birds use their crests like cats and horses use their ears. its just bird talk for them!

Answer 3

they are being alert and watching all that goes on around them .