• Robert Irwin posted a TikTok ranking birds by “rizz,” sparking online debate.
  • Wedge-tailed eagle claimed No. 1 for understated confidence and monogamy.
  • Palm cockatoo, cassowary and superb bird of paradise rounded out the top ranks.
  • Internet users, including National Geographic Animals, offered mixed reactions.

Robert Irwin’s playful TikTok stirs a debate

Robert Irwin, the 22-year-old wildlife conservationist and recent Dancing With the Stars winner, uploaded a TikTok on Dec. 29 ranking birds by their “rizz” — a slang term for charisma or charm. The short video mixes Irwin’s field knowledge with lighthearted commentary, and his No. 1 pick has split viewers online.

His full ranking

Irwin’s list highlights species known for striking courtship behaviors or notable parenting styles. His placements included:

  • No. 1 — Wedge-tailed eagle: praised for understated confidence and lifelong monogamy.
  • Tie for No. 2 — Cassowary and superb bird of paradise: cassowary earns “dad goals” for male parenting; superb bird of paradise wins for presence and showmanship.
  • No. 3 — Palm cockatoo: lauded for its musical courting ritual using a crafted stick as a drumstick.
  • No. 5 — Red-crested coran: ranked low for dramatic, high-risk courtship dives Irwin called a “pick me” move.

Why the wedge-tailed eagle topped the list

Irwin described the wedge-tailed eagle as a “flying green flag” — valuing understated style, confidence and monogamy. He highlighted traits viewers associate with dependable charisma rather than flashy displays.

Online reaction and context

The video quickly drew responses across social platforms. National Geographic Animals poked fun with a comment calling the peacock “a red flag,” while other users argued for alternate favorites — one comment named the secretary bird as the ultimate rizz contender. Fans of Irwin’s DWTS run and fellow performer Ezra Sosa also engaged: Sosa posted a related TikTok testing the viral “bird theory.”

Watch the related TikTok

Ezra Sosa’s TikTok referenced in the discussion is embedded below:

Why this matters

The clip mixes education and entertainment, helping viewers notice unique bird behaviors — from the palm cockatoo’s tool use to the cassowary’s surprising parental role. Irwin’s approachable style keeps wildlife topics shareable and sparks curiosity, even when choices prompt debate.

Whether viewers agree with his rankings or not, the viral moment underlines how social media can turn animal behavior into a cultural conversation — and get people talking about species they might not otherwise learn about.

Image Referance: https://komonews.com/news/entertainment/robert-irwin-ranks-birds-based-on-rizz-internet-debate-tiktok