51 Bird Names, Images and Pet Names (2023 Edition)

Birds are one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth. There are over 10,000 different species of birds, and each one has its own unique name. Bird names can be difficult to remember, but they are worth learning because they often reveal a lot about a bird’s appearance or behavior.

In this article we’ll look at 51 bird names of different kinds of birds plus nicknames for pet birds at the end of the article. If you are a birder looking to update your birding journal, you’ll definitely love this list. 

List of bird names and nick names

1. Babbler 

Babbler is a bird name that is used for a large number of different species. These birds are found in many parts of the world, and they vary in size and color. Some babblers are known for their beautiful songs, while others are more secretive and shy.

Babblers are small with long tails. They lay 2 – 3 eggs that hatch after about 15 days. These birds are common in Asia.

2. Booby bird

The booby bird is a large seabird found in the tropics. There are several different types of booby birds, all of which have strange and funny names.

The blue-footed booby is one of the most well-known types of booby birds. These birds are known for their bright blue feet, which they use to attract mates. Booby birds are also known for their silly antics, which make them great subjects for wildlife documentaries.

3. Starling 

Starling is a common name for several different birds. For example, the European starling is a small passerine bird that is native to Europe and Asia.

The American starling is a medium-sized bird that is native to North America. Starlings are black, with a green and purple sheen, and have a short tail. They are opportunistic feeders, and eat a variety of insects, fruits, and seeds.

4. Stork

Do storks bring babies? Only in story books. These large birds can be found throughout much of the world. There are many different types of storks, with some inhabiting tropical areas and others living in more temperate climates.

Storks are known for their long necks and legs, as well as their distinctive bill shapes. They are omnivorous birds, eating a variety of items from small insects to fish to fruits and vegetables.

5. Parakeet

The parakeet is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in many parts of the world. These birds are known for their playful nature and can be very friendly.

Parakeets are also known for their ability to mimic human speech. There are many different species of parakeet, each with its own unique name. 

Related Read: Here is a list of birds beginning with W

6. Woodpecker 

The woodpecker is a North American bird that is easily recognized by its black and white plumage, and the distinctive red cap on its head.

Woodpeckers are known for their habit of pounding their beaks into tree trunks in search of insects. There are about 20 different species of woodpecker found in North America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to gardens.

7. Waxbill 

The waxbill is a small, colorful bird found in parts of Africa. These birds are named for their prominent red bills, which are covered in a wax-like substance.

Waxbills are popular as pets and can be found in many aviaries around the world. They are generally easy to care for and make charming companions.

8. Cuckoo

Cuckoos are birds that are found all over the world. There are many different types of cuckoos, and they all have different names. The main types include roadrunners, European cuckoo, and couas.

These birds are known for their unique call, and they are also known for laying their eggs in other birds’ nests. Cuckoos are interesting birds, and they are a great addition to any bird collection.

9. Weaver 

There are many weaver bird species, and they are all named for their unique woven nests. The nests are built by the birds themselves, and are often used for more than one brood of chicks. Some weaver birds are known to build very large nests, which can be quite a spectacle to see.

10. Quail 

There are over 350 species of quail in the world. Quail are a type of bird that is found in many different parts of the world. They are usually small, and have a brown or gray coloring.

Quail can be found in many different types of environments, from forests to open plains. They are omnivorous, and eat a variety of things, including insects, fruits, and seeds.

11. Hummingbird 

Hummingbirds are common across the US. The most common type is the ruby-throated hummingbird which has over 30 million birds.

Rufous hummingbirds follow closely with a population of about 19 million, while the broad-tailed hummingbird is the third most populous type with about 8.7 million members.

The white-eared hummingbird has around 200 members and is listed as endangered. You can find them in Arizona.

These tiny birds are known for their aerial acrobatics and their ability to hover in midair. Hummingbirds get their name from the sound of their wings beating, which is similar to the sound of a humming machine.

12. Junco 

There are many different types of juncos, but they all have one thing in common – their adorable name.

These little birds are a favorite of bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts everywhere, thanks to their curious personality and beautiful feathers. Juncos can be found in many different parts of the world, and each region has its own name for this charming bird.

In the US you can attract the dark-eyed junco in your backyard using bird feeders. Learn more about the junco from this list of birds that start with d

13. Peacock

Ever seen a peacock? These birds are some of the most beautiful birds in world. The peacock is known for its colorful feathers and unique tail. Males are known for their courtship display, which involves fanning out its colorful feathers to attract a mate. Females are less colorful.

14. Warbler 

The warbler is a small, colorful bird that can be found in North America and parts of Europe. There are many different types of warblers, each with its own unique name.

Although they are all similar in size and color, each warbler has its own distinct personality and behavior. Warblers are migratory birds, and during the spring and fall they can be seen flying south or north in large flocks.

15. Dove 

Doves are a group of small to medium sized birds with small heads. They are stout with short necks and short tails.

The name dove is used for several different species of birds, most of which are not closely related to one another. The mourning dove is the most common North American dove.

The white-winged dove is the most common dove in Latin America. Doves are generally seed eaters, but some species also eat insects.

16. Turkey 

Turkeys are a large bird that is native to North America. There are two types of turkeys, the wild turkey and the domesticated turkey. The wild turkey is the larger of the two and can weigh up to 24 pounds.

The domesticated turkey is smaller and typically weighs around 14 pounds. Turkeys are omnivorous and eat a variety of things, including insects, seeds, berries, and other small animals. They are also known to eat carrion.

17. Rooster 

The rooster is a common name of birds found in farms around the world. They are known for their loud crowing which is used to announce the morning.

Roosters have a black or colorful tail and a hackle on their neck which they use to attract females. Roosters can be up to 2 feet long and weigh up to 7 pounds.

18. Parrot 

Parrot is a name used to identify different kids of bird that have brightly-colored feathers and ability to mimic human speech. Parrots are a popular pet bird, and they can be trained to do tricks.

They are also used in therapy programs to help people with disabilities learn to communicate.

19. Eagle 

One of the most common birds found in North America is the eagle. Eagles are large birds that can be easily identified by their feathers and white head.

These birds can be found in many different habitats, including forests, mountains, and even open fields. Eagles are known for their powerful wings and sharp talons, which they use to hunt prey.

20. Owl 

Owls are another kind of bird found in different parts of the US. There are many different types of owls, and they are all named differently.

They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. They eat small animals, such as rodents and birds. Owls are very important to the environment because they help to keep the population of small animals under control.

21. Duck 

Ducks are a type of bird that is a popular pet and are known for their quacking noises. They can be identified by their long necks and webbed feet.

There are many different types of ducks, including the mallard, the wood duck, and the teal. Ducks are omnivores and eat both plants and animals. Wild ducks can be found in many different habitats, including marshes, lakes, and rivers.

22. Wren 

The wren is a small, brown bird that is found throughout the United States and Canada. This bird is known for its beautiful song, which can be heard in the early morning hours. Wrens are also known for their playful nature, and they are often seen chasing each other through the trees.

23. Lark 

Lark is a name of birds that are small brown streaked birds. It is the provincial bird of Alberta, Canada. Larks are songbirds and their songs are beautiful and complex.

They are ground nesters and their eggs are speckled. They eat insects and seeds.

24. Spinetail 

The Spinetail is a small brown bird that is found in North America. It is named for the spiny feathers on the tips of its tail. The Spinetail is a common bird, and can be found in many different habitats. It feeds on insects, and is an important predator of pests.

25. Flycatcher 

Flycatcher is a bird species name that is used to describe up to 10 different birds. This family includes old world flycatchers, tyrant flycatchers, fairy flycatchers and more.

These are small to medium-sized birds, and they have slender bodies and long tails. They usually eat insects, and they can be very aggressive when defending their territory. Flycatchers are very popular with birdwatchers, because they are easy to identify and they are very active birds.

26. Mockingbird 

The mockingbird is a bird that is found in many parts of the world. It is a small bird, and it has a song that is very beautiful.

Mockingbirds are known for their ability to mimic the songs of other birds. This ability makes it difficult for birders to identify the species of other birds.

27. Hornbill

Hornbills are unique birds found in Africa and Asia. There are over 60 different species of hornbills. They are easily recognized by their large, colorful bills. These birds are omnivorous, eating both fruits and insects.

They are also known for their unusual breeding behavior. Some species of Hornbill build their nests out of mud and then cover them with fruit trees branches to camouflage them.

28. Pelican 

Looking for white bird names? Pelicans are large white and black birds that can be found in both coastal and inland areas throughout the world. They are known for their large bill and pouch which they use to catch fish. Pelicans can be identified by their distinctive long neck and legs.

29. Chicken

Chicken are some of the easiest birds to raise in the backyard. These birds are usually kept in coops and normally feed on mash, pellets, and more.

30. Robin 

Robin are bird names given to a group of birds found all over North America. There are many different types of robins, but they all have some things in common.

They are all medium-sized birds with reddish brown feathers on their heads and breasts. They are also known for their cheerful songs, which make them a popular backyard bird.

Robin name:

American robin

European robin

Flame robins

Red capped robin

Indian robin

31. Flamingo

The flamingo is a very interesting bird because it has a very unusual way of getting food. They eat by sucking up water and then filtering out the food. This process leaves their beaks very pink. 

32. Bulbul 

Bulbul is a name given to a large number of passerine birds in the family Pycnonotidae. These are medium-sized arboreal birds that feed on insects, fruit and nectar.

Bulbuls are found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

33. Pigeon 

Pigeon is a bird names given to a group of different types of birds with small heads. There are many different types of pigeons, and they are all part of the family Columbidae.

These birds are often associated with cities, and many people see them as pests.

34. Sunbird 

The sunbird is a small, brightly colored bird that you’ll find interesting. There are many different species of sunbird, and they are all very beautiful.

Sunbirds are known for their long, thin beaks, which they use to sip nectar from flowers. They are also very active birds, and are always moving around and singing.

35. Finches

Finches are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with small to medium-sized beaks. There are a large number of different species of finches.

36. Tailorbird

The tailorbird is a small passerine bird that is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. The species gets its name from its long, pointed tail, which is reminiscent of a tailor’s measuring tape.

This bird is a shy and retiring bird, and is rarely seen by humans. It is a common resident of forests and gardens, where it feeds on insects.

37. Myna bird

There are different types of myna birds, and they are all named for their characteristic mining or digging behavior. These birds search for food by digging in the soil or sand. Some miner birds are also known for their vibrant coloring, which makes them easy to identify.

38. Sparrow 

There are many different types of sparrows and they are all named for their color or markings. The white-throated sparrow, the dark-eyed junco, and the house sparrow are all common types of bird names given to this species.

They eat insects and seeds. They are often seen hopping around on the ground looking for food.

39. Bunting 

Bunting are passerine birds of the genus Emberiza. They are seed-eating birds that typically have beautiful plumage. There are many species of bunting, and they can be found in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Bunting are named for their characteristic “bunt” or spotted plumage. They are very colorful birds, and their bright feathers make them a popular choice for bird enthusiasts. In the US you’ll find indigo bunting, lark bunting, reed bunting and more.

40. Towhee 

The towhee is a bird that gets its name from the sound it makes, which sounds like “tow-hee”. This family has 9 subspecies including the California towhee and Eastern towhee.

41. Rufous Sibia 

Rufous Sibia are birds endemic to forests of Southeast Asia. It is a member of the family leiothrichidae, which also includes the red-tailed laughingthrush. This small bird has a long tail. It has a rufous back and belly, wings, and black head. The sexes are similar in appearance.

42. Tit bird

There are many different types of birds in the world, and each one has a unique name. The tit bird is a small, brown bird that is found in Europe and North America. It is named for its small size. The tit bird is a songbird and feeds on insects and seeds.

43. Siskin

The siskin is a small passerine bird that is sexually dimorphic. The male and female look very similar, with both having a green – brown back, streaked chest, and small bill.

The siskin is a very active bird and is known for its fast flight. It is also known for its song, which is a series of high-pitched notes.

44. Oriole 

The oriole is a beautiful bird that can be found in North America. There are several different types of orioles, including the baltimore oriole, the bullock’s oriole, and the orchard oriole.

These birds are known for their bright colors and their melodic songs. They typically eat insects, but they can also eat fruit and nectar.

45. Sandpiper 

There are different types of sandpipers, and they are all named for the way they walk. The most common type of sandpiper is the common snipe, which can be found on the beaches of North America, Europe, and Asia.

46. Tanager 

The tanager is a family of American songbirds. The name “tanager” is derived from the Latin word “tinnare” meaning “to ring or sound”.

There are about 150 species of tanagers that are usually brightly colored, and some species are quite common. The most well-known tanager is the Northern Cardinal.

47. Blue Jay

The blue jay is a North American bird that is easily recognized by its blue and white plumage. The blue jay gets its name from the bright blue feathers on its head.

These feathers are very noticeable in the spring when the birds are molting. This is a noisy bird and can often be heard making a variety of calls, including a harsh “jay-jay”.

48. Patridge 

The bird family known as Patridges contains about 60 species, most of which are found in Africa and Asia. The most common North American patridge is the ruffed grouse. Ruffed grouse are forest birds that are gray and brown.

49. Antbird 

The Antbird is a common name given to a variety of birds in the family Thamnophilidae. These birds are named for their fondness for foraging around ant nests.

The Antbird genus includes over 100 species, most of which are black or dark brown in color. They have short tails, strong legs, and curved beaks that are adapted for catching insects.

50. Tapaculo 

Tapaculo is a small, spiny bird that gets its name from the loud “tap-a-coo” they make to communicate with each other. They are shy and secretive birds, which can make them difficult to observe.

51. Canaries

The canary is a small bird that is popular as a pet. There are many different types of canaries, and they are all named for their color. The most common type of canary is the yellow canary. Other types of canaries include the red canary, the white canary, and the blue canary.

50 Pet names for birds

Here are 50 nicknames you can name your feathery friend.

Parrot names:

• Polly
• Tiki
• Justin
• Buffie
• Ozzie

Robin birds name:

• Frosty
• Snow
• Andy
• Rio
• Nixie

Dove bird names:

• Lucky
• Cisco
• Harley
• Beauty
• Pepper

Duck bird nicknames:

• Daisy
• Max
• Frankie
• Betty
• Minnie

Chicken names:

• Daffy
• Spirit
• Lemon
• Franklin
• Snowball

Crow names:

• Moe
• Emmet
• Dixie
• Sadie
• Huey

Lovebird names:

• Oliver
• Buddy
• Candice
• Cherry
• Eli

Raven names:

• Peaches
• Gabby
• Hunter
• Ben
• Suzzy

Cockatoo bird names:

• Charlie
• Coco
• Baby
• Dinah
• Gail

Macaw pet bird names:

• Kiwi
• Miguel
• Diego
• Kylie
• Lucy 

Sources:

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/fall-2020/scientists-are-unraveling-american-robins

https://www.thesprucepets.com/mynah-birds-as-pets-3975149