- Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin posted a TikTok ranking birds by “rizz” (charisma).
- Wedge-tailed eagle topped his list for understated confidence and lifelong monogamy.
- Palm cockatoo, cassowary and superb bird of paradise placed high; red-crested coran came last.
- Fans and outlets, including National Geographic Animals, quickly debated his picks.
Robert Irwin’s viral TikTok: birds ranked by “rizz”
Robert Irwin, the 22-year-old wildlife conservationist and recent Dancing With the Stars winner, stirred an online debate after posting a lighthearted TikTok on Dec. 29. In the clip he ranks five bird species by what Gen Z calls “rizz” — essentially charisma or cool factor.
Watch the TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robertirwin (original sound: https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7589273317966711553)
The top five — Irwin’s picks
-
Red-crested coran
Irwin placed the red-crested coran last, calling its dramatic courtship a little “pick me.” He acknowledged the display is impressive but felt it lacked effortless charm. -
Palm cockatoo
At No. 3, the palm cockatoo earned praise as “rizz to the max.” Irwin highlighted the species’ unique courting behavior — crafting a stick to drum a rhythm — as proof of its style and musical flair. -
Cassowary and superb bird of paradise (tie)
Both birds shared second place. Irwin applauded the cassowary for “wholesome rizz,” noting male cassowaries take on parenting duties. The superb bird of paradise earned points for presence and flair: “he is out here killing the game,” Irwin said. -
Wedge-tailed eagle
Irwin named the wedge-tailed eagle his No. 1. He praised the eagle’s subdued confidence and lifelong monogamy, calling it a “flying green flag.” That understated elegance secured the top spot.
Internet reaction and debate
Not everyone agreed. Comments from viewers and accounts like National Geographic Animals reacted with playful pushback — one quip read, “Peacock is a red flag.” Other users suggested alternatives, including the secretary bird, sparking more debate in the thread.
Embedded response: Ezra Sosa, the pro dancer who worked with Irwin on DWTS, also posted a TikTok testing the viral “bird theory”: https://www.tiktok.com/@ezrasosa/video/7575710492136705294
Why it went viral
The clip blends Irwin’s animal expertise with pop-culture humor, a mix that performs well on social platforms. Short, personality-driven takes from a known wildlife figure — plus a debated No. 1 pick — made the video shareable and discussion-ready.
Bottom line
Robert Irwin’s bird-by-rizz ranking is playful, not scientific. It showcases species behavior in an entertaining format and highlights how wildlife content can cross into pop-culture conversations. Whether you agree with his wedge-tailed eagle pick or side with the peacock proponents, the video shows how quickly a simple ranking can spark a lively online debate.
Image Referance: https://komonews.com/news/entertainment/robert-irwin-ranks-birds-based-on-rizz-internet-debate-tiktok
