There are many different types of birds in the world. Some of these birds are unique and interesting, while others are more common. In this article, we will be discussing some of the different birds that start with H.
From the large Harpy Eagle to the small Hainan leaf warbler, there is plenty to learn from this list. And if you are a birder, there are some interesting finds you can add to your watch list.
List of birds that start with H
1. Hairy-backed bulbul
The hairy-backed bulbul is a passerine bird. Commonly found in Asia, it is a member of the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It features a brown back with yellow underparts.
This small bird is found in forest and woodland habitats, where it eats insects and fruit. The species is common and widespread and produces beautiful whistling sounds.
2. Hall’s babbler
Often found in open woodlands and scrub habitats in Eastern Australia, the Hall’s Babbler is another bird that starts with H. . It is a member of the family pomatostomidae.
Hall’s babblers are typically about 7.5 – 8.3 inches (19 – 21 cm) long, with a long tail and short, rounded wings. They are mostly brownish-grey, with paler underparts and a white throat and eyebrow. The sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles are duller than adults.
The diet of Hall’s babbler consists mainly of insects, but they will also eat fruit and seeds when available. They typically forage on the ground, but will also climb into bushes to find food.
3. Hainan leaf warbler
Phylloscopus hainanus or the Hainan leaf warbler is a small bird species that is endemic to lowland forests.
It is a species of Old World warbler and is closely related to the white-eyes. This yellow-colored bird is sexually dimorphic, with the males being slightly smaller than the females.
The Hainan leaf warbler inhabits subtropical evergreen forests and bamboo forests. The breeding season for the Hainan leaf warbler lasts from March to July, with nests being built in trees or bushes.
Related Read: Explore birds that start with g
4. Hawaiian duck
The Hawaiian duck is a small, dark brown duck that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
When it comes to size, the females are slightly smaller compared to the males. Also, male Hawaiian ducks are heavier by about 5 ounces (144 grams).
The ducks live in wetland habitats near streams, ponds, and marshes, and can be found in both lowlands and highlands. These birds that start with H feed on aquatic invertebrates, such as insects and mollusks, as well as seeds and grasses.
5. Hen harrier
Boasting a wingspan of about 43 inches, the hen harrier is a medium-sized raptor that is found in Europe and parts of Asia.
The male is rusty brown in color, while the female is mottled brown. These birds inhabit open country, such as prairies and grasslands, where they hunt small mammals and birds.
Hen Harries are also known to scavenge carrion. Hen harriers nest on the ground in thickets or marshes, and the female typically lays 4 – 8 eggs which take up to 32 days to hatch.
6. Hamerkop
There are many interesting birds that start with the letter H. One of the most fascinating is the hamerkop.
This unusual bird is found in Africa and has a very distinctive appearance. Hamerkops are easily recognizable by their head, which is shaped like a hammer.
They have a long, thick neck and a large beak that is perfect for catching fish. Despite their large size, hamerkops are graceful and agile in the water.
They can also fly short distances, making them well-suited for life in both wetland and dryland habitats.
7. Hainan peacock-pheasant
Another gorgeous bird with H is the Hainan peacock pheasant that is commonly found in the island of Hainan.
Closely related to the grey peacock-pheasant, this beautiful bird has a small body with a short crest. It also features a long tail and striking plumage.
These birds feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They are shy and difficult to see in the forest, but can sometimes be seen perched high in the trees.
The Hainan peacock-pheasant is classified as near threatened due to habitat loss and hunting. Action is being taken to protect these birds.
8. Harris’s hawk
The Harris’s hawk is a bird of prey that is found in North and South America. These hawks are typically between 18 and 24 inches long (103 – 120cm), making them one of the smaller hawks.
These raptors have dark feathers on their heads, backs and wings with lighter (white) feathers on their tails. Their beaks are black and curved, allowing them to tear flesh easily.
Harris’s hawks can be found in a variety of habitats, including desert, woodland, marshes and farmland. They hunt small animals such as rodents, rabbits and birds. They typically perch on a high spot overlooking an open area before swooping down on their prey.
These hawks mate for life and share parenting duties. The female lays 2-4 eggs and incubates for 31 – 35 days.
9. Highland guan
Highland guans are a species of bird that is found in the highlands of Central America. They are related to the common guan, and are similar in appearance, but are slightly smaller.
Highland guans are shy birds that live in pairs or small groups, and feed on fruit and insects.. They are typically brown (females) and black (male) in color. These birds are considered endangered.
10. Himalayan woodpecker
The Himalayan woodpecker is one of the types of birds that start with H. It is a medium-sized bird found in the mountains of central Asia.
Measuring about 9 inches long, this woodpecker is mostly black with a red cap, and has a long, straight bill.
The Himalayan woodpecker lives in forested areas, where it feeds on insects and bird food. This species is monogamous, and pairs up for life.
The male and female work together to build a nest hole in a tree, which they use for breeding. The eggs are incubated by the female, and the chicks are fed by both parents.
11. Harlequin duck
Love bird watching? One of the most sought after birds is the Harlequin duck. It’s in every birder’s bucket list.
The Harlequin Duck is perhaps one of the most strikingly beautiful ducks in North America. The males are more colorful than the females. Males are multicolored, which makes them standout.
For the size, an adult harlequin duck weighs about 1.3 lb and measures up to 17 inches across. These birds are diving ducks and eat mostly aquatic insects and plants. They can be very elusive. But, if you are a birder, purpose to visit the Pacific Northeast during winter when these birds are easily seen.
12. Hawaiian hawk
Locally known as io, the Hawaiian hawk is a mid-sized bird that is native to Hawaii.
This hawk is easily recognized by its dark plumage, white throat and underparts, and thin yellow legs.
It is a versatile hunter that feeds on a wide variety of prey, from small mammals to mid-sized flightless birds.
This bird that starts with h is a typically solitary bird. They are considered sacred by many Native Hawaiians and are often seen perched atop tall trees near traditional Hawaiian villages.
13. Hispaniolan oriole
Looking for a yellow black bird? The Hispaniolan oriole is a bird that is found in the Caribbean islands. This medium-sized bird has a black head and body with patches of yellow lower body and wings.
These birds are approximately 7.9 inches and weigh up to 0.088 lbs (40g).
Like other orioles, it feeds on insects, fruits, and nectar. It is a monogamous bird, and the male and female share the responsibility of taking care of the young.
14. Harpy eagle
The harpy eagle is one of the largest and most powerful raptor in the Americas. With a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters (7.5 ft), the harpy eagle’s plumage is mostly black, with a white band on its breast, legs and tail.
This bird of prey has a large, hooked beak that it uses to tear apart its prey. The harpy eagle lives in the rain forests of Central and South America.
When it comes to breeding, these birds build nests on the tallest trees where the nurture one chick for up to three years.
It preys mainly on monkeys but will also eat birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Harpy eagles are considered endangered due to hunting.
15. Hooded crane
Asia is home to some of the largest birds including the hooded crane.
This gray bird has a white hood that covers its head.
Weighing about 8.2 lbs, they are omnivorous, eating a variety of things including insects, small mammals, amphibians, fish, and crustaceans.
They are monogamous birds, mating for life. The female lays 2-4 eggs at a time, which the male incubates for about 30 days. When the chicks hatch, both parents help to care for them until they are able to fly and fend for themselves. Hooded cranes can live up to 30 years in the wild.
16. Hill pigeon
Often mistaken for the rock dove, the Hill pigeon is also known as the Turkestan hill dove.
They are typically gray in color, with a white patch on their tails that helps distinguish them from the rock doves. They are about the same size as other pigeons.
Hill pigeons eat seeds, fruits, and insects. They can be found in open areas such as fields and parks, as well as in urban areas. They are commonly found across Asian countries
17. Hartlaub’s bustard
With a striking long neck and graceful long legs, the Lissotis hartlaubii or Hartlaub’s bustard is a medium-sized bird found in parts of East Africa.
They are gray with black underparts. They have a long neck and legs, and can reach up to 2 feet in height. Hartlaubs bustards eat seeds and insects. They live in open areas such as savannahs and grasslands.
18. Hawaii creeper
Another bird which starts with H from Hawaii is the Hawaii creeper. This small, olive bird can be found in the lowland forests and shrublands on the main Hawaiian Islands. T
The Hawaii creeper is a member of the honeycreeper family and is closely related to the treecreepers.
It feeds mainly on nectar or insects. Breeding seasons start in April through July with the female incubating up to three eggs.
19. Helmeted hornbill
There are a variety of hornbills. And, well, when I first came across the helmeted hornbill lets’ just say I was a bit startled, and you may be too. If you love cute birds like Hainan leaf warbler, the helmeted hornbill isn’t that cute but it’s very unique.
Widely found in Southeast Asia, the helmeted hornbill is a large bird that is hard to miss.
They measure about up to 47 inches long with the male weighing up to 6.8 lb. Helmeted hornbills are also known for their loud calls, which can be heard from up to a mile away. This bird with h breeds once a year.
20. Hermit thrush
The hermit thrush is a North American songbird that is typically found in wooded areas. This shy bird is named for its habit of singing from the seclusion of dense vegetation.
Hermit thrushes are usually brown or gray in color, with white markings on their heads and chests. The hermit thrush’s song is one of the most beautiful in the bird world, and has been described as sounding like “a flute playing in the distance.”
21. Hill swallow
Hill swallows are a type of swallow that can be found in parts of Asia. They are a migratory bird and can be found in many different habitats.
They like to nest in cliffs, but will also use barns, bridges, and other man-made structures. Hill swallows are black with an orange throat and whitish – grayish chest. They have a forked tail and are about 5.1 inches long.
22. Himalayan cuckoo
Sharing similar traits with the Oriental cuckoo, the Himalayan cuckoo is a gray bird that can be found in the Himalayan region of Asia.
They are around 12.5 inches long and have a wingspan of about 22.4 inches. The Himalayan cuckoo is a migratory bird and spends the winter in India and southeast Asia.
They migrate north in the spring to lay their eggs. The Himalayan cuckoo eats insects, fruits and more.
23. Hooded parrot
Another group of brightly colored birds that start with h are the hooded parrots.
This small, sprightly bird is found in the woodlands and savannas of Australia. They are mostly blue (turquoise blue) with black wings that have distinctive yellow patches.
They also have small beaks used to eat fruit, nuts and seeds. Hooded parrots make good pets and are relatively easy to care for.
24. Horned grebe
Horned grebe is a bird that can be found in North America. You can easily recognize this bird because of its flat forehead, long neck, and brown and white coloring.
They are the same size as the black-necked grebe and can be found mostly near water bodies.
This diving bird also has two ‘horns’ that it can raise or lower. It mostly feeds on fish and are very vocal when breeding.
25. House finch
House finches are common throughout the eastern half of the United States and much of Canada. These small, brown birds with red markings on their heads are found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, and open woodlands.
House finches are songbirds and males sing to attract mates and defend territories. The songs are usually a series of warbles or trills. House finches build nests out of grass, twigs, and other materials they can find. The nests are typically placed in trees or shrubs close to the ground.
Female house finches lay 4-6 eggs which hatch after about 12 – 14 days. Both parents help care for the young, which fledge (leave the nest) after about 16 – 19days.
26. Hyacinth macaw
There are a lot of blue birds in the world. The Hyacinth Macaw is one such bird that starts with H. It is a large, blue parrot that is native to Central and South American.
It is the largest macaw and the third-largest parrot in the world. The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species with an estimated wild population of between 1,500 and 2,000 birds.
This blue bird feeds on seeds, nuts, fruits, and occasional insects. The Hyacinth Macaw nests in tree cavities.
The Hyacinth Macaw is a popular pet bird due to its large size and beautiful blue plumage. However, it is illegal to own a wild-caught Hyacinth Macaw in the United States.
Sources:
https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/birds/hammerkop/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermit_thrush
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