Birds Names and List of Birds with Pictures • 7ESL

Learning the names of birds can seem overwhelming due to the variety of species. Knowing some simple methods can make it easier. A helpful way to start is by remembering five bird names each day. This gradual approach can build your vocabulary and confidence when discussing birds. The reference will cover sections like the definition of birds, types of birds, a list of birds, and common bird names with pictures.

This list will use common bird names. It will be sorted by broader type (parrot, for example), and then it will list some of the most common and popular birds of that type. Keep in mind that this list does not include all bird names that exist!

Contents

Birds Names

Common Birds Names

Crow
Peacock
Dove
Sparrow
Goose
Ostrich
Pigeon
Turkey
Hawk
Bald eagle
Raven
Parrot
Flamingo
Seagull
Swallow
Blackbird
Penguin
Robin
Swan
Owl
Stork
Woodpecker

Learn more about the different parts of a bird in English.

Bird Names with Pictures and Examples

Crow

A crow is a large, black bird with a harsh, cawing call.

Example: The crow perched on the tree branch and let out a loud caw.

Peacock

A peacock is a male bird of the species peafowl, known for its striking, iridescent feathers and impressive courtship display.

Example: The male peacock spreads its beautiful feathers in an attempt to attract a mate.

Dove

A dove is a small, slender bird that is typically gray or white in color and known for its gentle cooing sound.

Example: The sound of the dove’s cooing filled the peaceful garden.

Sparrow

A sparrow is a small, common bird with brown or gray feathers and a distinctive chirping call.

Example: A group of sparrows hopped around the bird feeder, chirping excitedly as they ate.

Goose

A goose is a large water bird with a long neck and webbed feet, known for its loud honking call.

Example: The flock of geese flew overhead, their honking echoing through the quiet countryside.

Ostrich

An ostrich is a large, flightless bird with long legs and a distinctive, feathered appearance. They are known for being the fastest running bird on land.

Example: The ostrich sprinted across the savannah, its powerful legs propelling it forward at incredible speeds.

Pigeon

A pigeon is a common bird found in cities and towns, known for its plump body, small head, and distinctive cooing sound.

Example: The pigeon perched on the windowsill, cooing softly as it watched the world outside.

Turkey

A turkey is a large bird native to North America, often raised for its meat and known for its distinctive fleshy wattle and red, white, and blue head.

Example: The farmer raised a flock of turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner.

Hawk

A hawk is a bird of prey with sharp talons and a hooked beak, known for its keen eyesight and ability to swoop down and capture prey.

Example: The hawk circled overhead, its sharp eyes scanning the ground for any signs of movement.

Bald eagle

The bald eagle is a large bird of prey found in North America, known for its distinctive white head and brown body.

Example: The bald eagle soared through the air, its wings outstretched against the blue sky.

Raven

A raven is a large, black bird with a distinctive croaking call, often associated with mystery and darkness.

Example: The raven perched on the tree branch, its glossy black feathers shining in the moonlight.

Parrot

A parrot is a colorful bird with a curved beak and the ability to mimic human speech. They are often kept as pets and are known for their intelligence and social nature.

Example: The parrot squawked loudly and then repeated the phrase it had just heard its owner say.

Flamingo

A flamingo is a tall, wading bird with pink or reddish feathers and a distinctive curved beak. .

Example: The flock of flamingos waded through the shallow water, their bright pink feathers standing out against the blue sky.

Seagull

A seagull is a common bird found near bodies of water, known for its white and gray feathers and sharp beak.

Example: The seagull swooped down and snatched a fish from the water with its beak.

Swallow

A swallow is a small, agile bird with pointed wings and a distinctive forked tail. They are known for their graceful flight and ability to catch insects in midair.

Example: The swallow darted through the air, its wings slicing through the sky as it chased after a passing insect.

Blackbird

A blackbird is a common bird found in gardens and woodlands, known for its black feathers and distinctive yellow eye ring.

Example: The blackbird perched on the fence, its beady eyes scanning the garden for any signs of food.

Penguin

A penguin is a flightless bird found in the Southern Hemisphere, known for its distinctive black and white feathers and its ability to swim and dive in the water.

Example: The penguin waddled across the ice, its short legs moving quickly to keep up with the rest of the colony.

Robin

A robin is a small, common bird with a distinctive red breast and brownish-gray back. They are often seen hopping across lawns and gardens, searching for insects and worms.

Example: The robin perched on the fence post, its bright red breast shining in the morning sun.

PinPin

Swan

A swan is a large, graceful bird with a long neck and white feathers. They are often associated with beauty and elegance.

Example: The swan glided across the lake, its long neck held high and its wings spread wide.

Owl

An owl is a bird of prey with large eyes and a distinctive hooting call. They are known for their ability to hunt in the dark and their association with wisdom.

Example: The owl perched on the tree branch, its large eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of movement.

Stork

A stork is a large, long-legged bird with a long beak and white or gray feathers. They are often associated with delivering babies.

Example: The stork flew over the rooftops, its long legs stretched out behind it as it searched for a place to land.

Woodpecker

A woodpecker is a bird with a distinctive beak and the ability to peck at trees to find insects and create nesting cavities. They are often heard drumming on trees.

Example: The woodpecker hammered away at the bark of the tree, searching for a tasty meal.

Unusual Bird Names and Why They’re Unusual

Here are some unusual or funny-sounding bird names—many of which are real and recognized by bird watchers and scientists. These names often come from the bird’s call, appearance, or origin:

Bird Name	Why It’s Unusual
Hoatzin	Has a prehistoric look and gives off a bad smell due to its plant-based digestion.
Go-away Bird	Named after its call, which sounds like it’s saying “go away!”
Shoebill	Has a giant beak shaped like a shoe; looks like a dinosaur.
Secretary Bird	Looks like it’s wearing trousers and has long head feathers like quill pens.
Superb Fairywren	Tiny bird with a dramatic name; males have bright blue feathers.
Kakapo	A rare, flightless, nocturnal parrot from New Zealand; critically endangered.
Zitting Cisticola	Named after its “zitting” call; name sounds funny and repetitive.
Horned Screamer	Makes loud, trumpet-like sounds and has a horn-like structure on its head.
Bearded Barbet	Has stiff, beard-like feathers around its beak, giving it a “bearded” look.
Bustard	Name sounds humorous in English; large, heavy bird found in grasslands.
Drongo	In some countries, “drongo” is slang for a silly person—yet it’s a clever bird.
Bananquit	Tiny, nectar-feeding bird from the Caribbean; name sounds like “banana.”

FAQs about Bird Names

1. What are some common bird names?

Here are some common bird names that people often see in daily life or learn about when starting to study birds:

Sparrow
Pigeon
Crow
Robin
Parrot
Owl
Peacock
Eagle
Duck
Swallow
Woodpecker
Flamingo
Hummingbird
Canary
Kingfisher
Seagull
Turkey
Goose
Pelican
Penguin
Stork
Swamphen
Quail
Dove
Hawk

2. Do bird names change in different countries?

Yes, the common name often changes with language or region. For example, a “robin” in the U.S. is different from a “robin” in Europe. But the scientific name stays the same globally.

3. How can I learn bird names easily?

Use picture books or flashcards.
Go birdwatching and use an app like Merlin or eBird.
Watch nature documentaries.
Play bird name-matching games.
Practice Birds worksheets in English

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Emma Grace

Emma Grace is an experienced English teacher who joined 7ESL in 2017. As the manager of the online teachers’ team, she oversees content creation and guides educators in developing engaging learning materials for English language learners.