7 animals with extraordinary and rare face patterns on earth

Nature’s canvas is full of awe-inspiring and astonishing designs, some of which can be found in animals with remarkable facial expressions. These designs can be used for functions such as communication, camouflage, and mating, and in some animals, they are so distinct that researchers can differentiate them based solely on their facial expressions. Here are seven animals with remarkable facial designs in the animal kingdom.

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The mandrill is considered to be the most colourful primate in the world. Its facial expression is characterised by striking blue and red stripes, which are complemented by white spots and a golden beard. This striking colouration is used for social communication and dominance in troops.

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Tira is a unique plains zebra that has a polka dot facial expression instead of the usual stripes. This genetic anomaly is known as pseudomelanism and is extremely rare. Tira’s facial expression and body are unique compared to its striped cousins. Genetic mutations such as this offer incredible peeks into the genetic diversity of wildlife.

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The grey-faced sengi is a type of elephant shrew that derives its name from its characteristic grey markings on the face, which contrast with the rest of its brightly coloured fur. This particular facial marking is just one of the many ways in which this particular species of sengi differs from other sengis.

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The Picasso clownfish is a unique variant of the orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula), distinguished by irregular white and black markings on its face and body. These patterns are mostly seen in captive-bred individuals rather than wild populations, making them highly prized among marine enthusiasts. The irregular markings showcase the incredible variability possible within the species.

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The helmeted hornbill is one of the most striking birds in the world. It has a solid keratin casque on top of its large bill, while the skin around its eyes and throat is bare - red in males and pale in females. This dramatic facial structure is used in mating displays, social interactions, and in some cases, aerial “bill-to-bill” combat.

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The panther chameleon is famous for its colourful face, which may feature green, blue, red, orange, and other colours. Such colourful facial patterns are employed for communication and thermoregulation, which change depending on the mood and environmental conditions.

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The red‑shanked douc (Pygathrix nemaeus) is an Old World monkey known for its vividly coloured face, with pale orange skin, white whiskers, and dark eye patches. These facial markings make it one of the most visually striking primates. While the exact role of the colours is still being studied, they are believed to aid in social recognition and communication among troop members.


The animal kingdom, ranging from tropical reefs to African savannahs and rainforests, is replete with fascinating faces that are beyond imagination. Such unusual patterns not only fascinate human observers, they also play critical biological roles, ranging from camouflage to social communication.

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