35 Birds that Start with E (Images & IDs)

The world is filled with numerous types of birds. Each species is given a name that makes it easy to identify them. In the list below we’ll explore birds that start with e.

From eagles to eared dove, there are numerous birds that have letter e in their name. We’ll look at their common name, breeding season, eating habits and more. Let’s get started.

List of Birds that Start with E

1. Eared dove

Eared doves are a species of bird that is found in South America. Closely related to the American mourning dove, these birds are easily recognizable by their distinctive coloring and markings.

They are typically a light brown color with some black spots on their wings. These birds that begin with E are about 9 inches long and are a common sight in forests, parks, and even urban areas.

These birds are monogamous and typically live in pairs. They build nests out of sticks and lay two to four eggs. Eared doves feed on seeds, fruits, and insects.

2. Egyptian goose

Looking for an e bird with a long neck? Measuring up to 29 inches, the Egyptian goose is part of the family anatidae which includes other water birds like ducks and swans.

Its scientific name is Alopochen aegyptiaca. Native to parts of North Africa, this large waterfowl is easily recognizable by its long, thin neck and its buffy and gray plumage and stunning pink legs. The Egyptian goose is a popular pet in many parts of the world and it is also used for hunting.

3. European robin

I think the European robin is one of the most popular birds on this list of birds starting with e and with good reason. The European robin is a small passerine bird that is found across Europe.

Like other robins it has an orange chest and olive-brownish upper parts. It is the most common breeding bird in Europe, with a population of over 10 million pairs. Speaking of breeding, the breeding season starts in March with females laying up to 6 eggs each.

The robin is a rotund bird, with a body length of 4 – 6 inches, and typically weighs between 20 and 30 g (0.71 and 1.06 oz).

4. Emperor penguin

In the penguin family, the Emperor penguins are considered the largest. They grow to be about 3 feet tall and weigh up to 99 pounds. In comparison the golden eagle weighs just 10 pounds. They live in Antarctica and eat fish, krill, and squid.

Emperor penguins breed during the winter months, when it is dark 24 hours a day. The female lays one egg, which the male then incubates on his feet for two months while the female goes off to feed.

5. Elegant tern

We recently looked at different terns on the list of birds that start with T and in this list we’ve included the Elegant tern which should be on every birder’s bucket list.

The elegant tern is a beautiful seabird that can be found in coastal areas around the world. These birds are easily recognized by their long, slender wings and white plumage.

They are often seen flying low over the water, scanning for prey. Elegant terns eat small fish, crabs, and other marine creatures. They nest in colonies on the ground or in trees, and typically have two or three eggs per clutch.

6. Eastern screech owl

The Eastern screech owl is a small heavily streaked owl that is found in eastern North America. They are one of the smallest owls in North America and have a very distinct purring-like call.

These owls live in wooded areas and can be found in both rural and urban settings. They eat a variety of small animals, such as rodents.

7. Eastern meadowlark

Gorgeous and very vocal, the eastern meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird that is found throughout eastern North America. These birds are easily recognizable by their bright yellow belly and black V-shaped markings on their breasts.

Eastern meadowlarks are known for their beautiful songs, and they can often be heard singing from high in the trees or from the tops of power poles. Their notes consist of high pitched whistles. These birds eat a variety of seeds, and berries, and they build their nests in tall grasses or shrubs.

8. Emperor goose

Another bird starting with letter e is the emperor goose. This beautiful bird is found in subarctic and arctic regions. Notice its scaly appearance? This is caused by black and white spots on its feathers. Young birds are duller than adults.

They are some of the largest geese in North America and have an amber-yellow or white mead. They are very social birds and can be found in large groups during the winter months.

Emperor geese can be difficult to spot because they blend in so well with their surroundings. If you are a birder, you’ll love taking photos of their cute orange legs.

9. Eared grebe

Ever heard of the grebe bird? The eared grebe is a small water bird with a stocky body. This species is easily recognizable by its peaked black head with stunning golden fan around the on the sides.

Its back and neck are black and the sides have chestnut patches. They also have very beautiful red eyes. Juveniles are mostly dark grey. Eared grebes are migratory birds, and they typically travel to warmer climates during the winter months. They are also known for their graceful swimming and diving abilities.

10. Egyptian vulture

The Egyptian Vulture is a small vulture. It is the only member of the genus Neophron. It is found in southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Egyptian Vulture is a scavenger and feeds mainly on carrion. It also eats rodents, and eggs.

To easily recognize it, you’ll need to look for a yellow face and black-tipped beak, and a white body with black under the wings. This bird measures about 26 inches.

11. Eurasian sparrowhawk

With stunning yellow eyes, the Eurasian sparrowhawk is a raptor that is found throughout Europe and Asia. It is a medium-sized hawk that has grayish upperparts, heavily barred underparts, and a wedged tail.

This species is sexually dimorphic, with the males being larger than the females. This group of birds that start with e have a 25 inch wingspan.

12. East Andean antbird

The East Andean Antbird is a bird that can be found in the Andes Mountains of South America. It is a medium-sized bird with a streaked black and white head and chest and orange rump and belly.

Notice its long tail. The East Andean Antbird lives in dense forests near streams and rivers.

13. Eastern barn owl

Truth be told the eastern barn owl is not a very striking bird. But, if you are looking for owls you can see in North America, this is a worthy pick.

Eastern barn owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and urban areas. These owls are mostly nocturnal, but they can sometimes be seen during the day. Eastern barn owls have distinctive heart shaped face, and they vary in color from light brown to gray.

14. Eastern bluebird

Eastern bluebirds are one of the most common and well-known birds in North America. These birds are about eight inches long, slightly larger than birds in the tyrant flycatcher family.

They have a wingspan of about 12 inches. Eastern bluebirds are a bright, vibrant blue color with a light brown chest and a white belly.

They have a thin, pointed beak that is perfect for catching insects. These birds live in open areas such as meadows, fields, and parks, and they prefer to nest in trees. Where can your find eastern bluebirds? You can find them in most eastern states.

15. Eclectus parrot

Eclectus parrots are one of the most beautiful and unique birds that you will ever see. They are a type of parrot that is found in the rainforest regions of New Guinea and Australia. Eclectus parrots are different from other parrots in that the males and females are differently colored. You’d think they are two different species.

Males are mostly green with red under the wings while females are red with blue belly and red undertail.

16. Eastern bristlebird

Eastern bristlebird is a small passerine bird that is endemic to eastern Australia. It is found in open forests and woodlands, and is most common in areas with eucalyptus trees.

The eastern bristlebird is a ground-dwelling bird and feeds on insects and seeds. It is monogamous, and the male eastern bristlebird defends its territory by singing and chasing away intruders.

17. Eastern chanting goshawk

Eastern chanting goshawks are raptors that can be found in East Africa. They are medium-sized birds with gray upperparts and barred underparts. They have a yellow beak with a sharp curved black tip that allows them to tear into flesh.

They use their distinctive vocalizations to communicate with each other, and these calls can be heard from a great distance. Their calls include “pwek” notes. Eastern chanting goshawks typically eat small mammals, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, and insects.

18. Eastern crowned warbler

The eastern crowned warbler is a small songbird that can be found in eastern Siberia. It is a migratory bird, and during the winter, it can be found in areas from southern Canada to Central Asia.

The eastern crowned warbler is less colorful compared to the Eastern bluebird. It features an olive-green back and pale underparts. It feeds on insects, and can often be seen perched in trees or shrubs.

19. Echo parakeet

Long-tailed and gorgeous, the Echo Parakeet is a large brightly-colored bird that is found in the rainforest of South America. These birds are known for their loud, echoing calls, which give them their name.

Their calls include “chee” sounds and quiet “werr”. Echo Parakeets are social animals and live in large flocks. They feed on a variety of fruits and seeds, and can be very noisy when feeding.

20. Eastern kingbird

The eastern kingbird is a medium-sized bird that has an almost similar appearance to the dark eyed junco. It is gray and white, with a black mask and a long fantail.

This bird that starts with e is a common sight in open areas, such as fields and parks. It feeds on large. The eastern kingbird is a migratory bird, and winters in Central America or South America. It’s known for their twittering calls. You can read more about the Junco bird here.

21. Eastern osprey

Eastern osprey are birds of prey that can be found in Australia and parts of Asia. They live near large bodies of water where they can find food, such as fish.

Ospreys are known for their characteristic white and black body. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and can weigh up to 4 pounds. Ospreys are monogamous and build large nests out of sticks, which they often share with other birds.

22. Eastern towhee

Eastern towhees are passerine birds that are found in eastern North America. They are typically about 9-10 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 12 inches.

Eastern towhees have black upperparts with rufous patches on their wings. The belly is white. Take note of the long corked tail. Eastern towhees inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and gardens.

This group of birds that start with e is well adapted to living in dense undergrowth, where it feeds on seeds, and berries.

23. Ecuadorian rail

Ecuadorian rail is a medium size bird that favors marshes and lakes. These birds are mostly dark brown with a long black bill. They are usually seen running through the underbrush, but they can also fly. They eat insects, small reptiles, and fruits.

24. Eastern whipbird

Another group of bird whose bird names begins with e is the Eastern whipbird. Widely found in the eastern coasts of Australia, this medium-sized bird is a member of the family Psychodidae.

The eastern whipbird is a shy and timid bird, and is difficult to see in the wild. It is most commonly seen perched high in a tree, where it sings its loud, distinctive song. The whipbird is monogamous, breeding in late winter through part of spring.

25. Edwards’s fig parrot

With a stocky bird and distinctive yellow pattern, the Edwards’s fig parrot is a medium-sized, brightly colored bird that is found in the rainforests of New Guinea. These birds are unique in that they are the only fig-eating parrots in the world.

They are also proficient climbers, and often build their nests high in the trees. Edwards’s fig parrots are very social birds, and typically travel in pairs or small groups.

26. Elegant parrot

The grass parrot or elegant parrot or elegant parakeet is a bird that was first discovered in the 1800’s. It measures about 9 inches and is mostly olive green with dark blue on the wings. Females are duller.

Do elegant parrots make good pets? Yes, like other parrots they can be domesticated. Their diet consists of seeds and fruit.

27. Elegant tit

The Elegant Tit is a small passerine bird that is found in the forests of Southeast Asia. They are generally black back and yellow underneath. Note the white spots on their wings and tail and distinctive black crown.

They are a very vocal bird, and can be heard singing from early morning until late at night. They are insectivores, and feed mainly on spiders.

28. Elf owl

Elf owls are the smallest owl in North America. They are only about 5-6 inches long, same size as a sparrow, and they weigh between 2-3 ounces.

This small raptor is mostly streaked which helps them hide in plain sight. Elf owls nest in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. Breeding season lasts for about three months and the eggs are incubated for up to 24 days. Unlike other raptors they prefer arthropods.

29. El Oro parakeet

The El Oro parakeet is a medium, green-colored bird that prefers living in small groups of up to 12 members.

These birds are typically about 9 inches long and are mostly green with red accents on their head, tail, and wings. They are social and playful birds that eat a variety of fruits and seeds.

30. Emin’s shrike

Preferring the dry savannahs of Africa, the emin’s shrike is a small passerine bird that comes from the shrike family that includes other birds like the tiger shrike and the great-gray shrike.

The emin’s shrike is a slender bird with a long tail and rufous back. It has a white throat and crown, and its face features a black mask. The shrike feeds on insects, which it catches by hovering in the air. It builds its nests in trees or bushes.

31. Emu

In the early days of Australia, emus were hunted by Aborigines for their meat and eggs. Today, they are farmed for their meat and eggs, and their oil is used in cosmetics and skin care products. Emus have a long neck and legs, and they can run up to 30 miles per hour. They are also good swimmers.

32. Eurasian curlew

Eurasian curlews are a type of large, long-legged shorebird that can be found in Europe and Asia. They are the largest members of the curlew family, and are easily recognizable by their long, curved beaks.

These birds feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and other small prey items. They breed in marshes and other wet areas, typically laying 3-4 eggs in a shallow depression on the ground.

33. English sparrow

The English sparrow is a small brown bird that is also known as the house sparrow. These birds starting with letter e are very social birds and can be found in large flocks.

English sparrows are omnivorous. They are also known for being aggressive and can often be heard making a lot of noise. In the wild, house sparrows build their nests in rotten branches or holes on cliffs. In urban settings they opt for crevices in houses.

34. Emerald tanager

Stunning is the best way to describe the emerald tanager. Bright green with black markings on the wings and cheeks, this bird with letter e is from the family thraupidae that also includes other tanagers and finches.

Emerald tanagers live in tropical forests, where they eat insects and fruit and build their nests high in the trees, using spider webs to hold the structure together. These birds are monogamous, meaning that they mate for life.

35. Eastern buzzard

The eastern buzzard is a large scavenging bird that is found in Southern parts of Asia. This raptor has a wingspan of up to 5 feet and is able to soar on thermals for long distances.

The eastern buzzard feeds mainly on carrion, but will also take small mammals and reptiles. This raptor nests in tall trees or on cliffs, and typically lays 2-3 eggs.

Sources:

https://ebird.org/species/eardov1

https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/eurspa1/cur/introduction