35 Interesting Birds that Start with L (Images)

There are many interesting birds that start with L. Some of the most common ones include the Lesser Goldfinch, Lark Bunting and Laurel pigeon. In the article below we’ll explore over 25 birds starting with letter l.

Whether you are looking to add more birds on your bird watching list or fill words in a puzzle, this article is for you. We’ll discuss their scientific names, breeding habits and more.

List of Birds that start with letter l

1. Ladder-tailed nightjar

The ladder-tailed nightjar is a small, brown bird found in South America. It is named for the two long, ladder-like feathers extending from its tail. These feathers help the bird stay stable while flying, allowing it to maneuver quickly and easily through the air.

The ladder-tailed nightjar feeds on insects, which it catches while in flight. It is a shy bird, preferring to stay hidden in the trees during the day. They build their nests in trees or in shrubs.

2. Laurel pigeon

Widely found in the Canary Islands, the laurel pigeon is a beautiful bird that is usually a dark grey with maroon underparts.

They have short, curved beaks that they use to eat insects and fruit. Laurel pigeons are very social birds and live in flocks of up to 30 individuals. They are monogamous and both parents take care of the eggs and young.

Their calls are a series of hiccuped “hoo-hoooooh-hoo-hoooooh”

3. Lava gull

Lava gulls are a species of seabird that live in the tropics. They are easily identifiable by their gray backs, white under belly, and white-red eye-rings. Male and females share similar plumage, however the young ones are duller.

Lava gulls can be found near hot springs and volcanoes, where they feed on the insects that live in the heated soil. You can also find them on beaches looking for food.

4. Ladder backed woodpecker

The ladder backed woodpecker is a medium-sized bird that boasts of a short neck and square face. This woodpecker is named for the ladder-like markings on its back. Like other woodpeckers, this bird can be seen poking around tree trunks and branches in search of prey.

When it comes to breeding, females are known to lay up to 7 eggs which are incubated by both parents.

5. Little ringed plover

With a delicate build and a gorgeous yellow eye-ring, the little ringed plover is a small bird from the plover family. This bird is mostly gray with a white and black patch on its forehead, white throat and belly.

This plover family bird is a migratory bird, wintering in Africa. Like the pigeon above, both males and females take care of the eggs.

6. Laughing kookaburra

The kookaburra is a 18-inch long carnivorous bird that is found in Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.

Kookaburras are known for their loud, distinctive call, which sounds like laughter. They are also known for their intelligence and playful nature. These birds that start with l typically eat small animals, such as lizards, snakes, and rodents, but they will also eat birds and eggs.

7. Northern lapwing

Confident and beautiful, Northern lapwings are migratory birds that can be found in many parts of the world. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive long crest and loud calls.

These birds are omnivorous and like other birds on this list feed on a variety of insects, seeds, and other small creatures. Northern lapwings typically migrate during the winter months, traveling to warmer climates in Africa or Asia.

8. Lake duck

Lake ducks are some of the most beautiful birds in the world. This type of duck is commonly found near or in bodies of water. They are typically a dark brown or black color with a black head and blue or black bill.

Notice the short tail that is made up of a few feathers. They have a wide variety of names, including Argentine blue-bill and Argentine ruddy duck. They are migratory birds and can be found in many different parts of the world.

According to research, this duck has the largest reproductive organ in the avian world.

9. Lanner falcon

Like the king vulture, the Lanner falcon is a bird of prey that is found in Africa. They are diurnal birds that typically hunt during the day. They are relatively small raptors, with a wingspan of about 40 inches and a weight of around 1.3 pounds.

They are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of prey items, including small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Its scientific name is Falco biarmicus.

10. Large elaenia

Looking for an olive bird? The large elaenia is a mid-sized bird which breeds in the Amazon forest. It is part of the tyrannidae family which includes popular birds like the least flycatcher.

These birds are usually seen in flocks and are known for their beautiful song which includes a series of “twee-wee-twee” notes. These birds starting with letter l can be identified by their olive-brown upperparts and yellowish underparts. They have a long tail and a black bill.

11. Lafresnaye’s vanga

The Lafresnaye’s vanga is a critically endangered bird found only in Madagascar. It was first discovered by the French zoologist in the 1800’s.

This big-billed bird has black plumage with white underparts and a black cap. They prefer small reptiles, cockroaches, and worms. Because they are shy birds, not much is known about breeding.

12. Large fig parrot

The large fig parrot or the psittaculirostris desmarestii is a beautiful bird that is found in New Guinea and indonesia. It is about 7 inches long and has a bright green body, yellow head with a yellow patch.

This parrot is a social bird that lives in flocks. It is a very vocal bird and can be heard making loud screeching and whistling “tshek” noises.

13. Large grey babbler

Recently, we discussed about some babblers on the list of birds with b. In this article we’ll take a closer look at the large grey babbler.

The large grey babbler is a large brown-grey bird that is common in the Indian subcontinent. It is a member of the leiothrichidae family, which also includes the thrush birds.

This bird that starts with l can be found in many different types of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and scrublands and is known for its loud, raucous calls.

14. Large niltava

Favoring tropical montane forest of South America, the Large Niltava is a species of bird that is found around 9 inches in length and has a wingspan of around 7 inches.

They are a striking blue color with black wings and underparts. They are insectivores and eat a variety of bugs, including mosquitoes. Their song is a series of 4 short whistled notes.

15. Large-billed crow

Measuring about 20 inches and with a wingspan of about 45 inches, the large-billed crow is a member of the crow family that is found in Southeast Asia.

It is a large bird that is well adapted to scavenging. Like carrion birds, this crow primarily feeds on carrion and human leftovers. The large-billed crow is black with a bluish sheen, and has a large bill.

16. Large-billed gerygone

The large-billed gerygone is a small passerine bird that is found in eastern and northern Australia. They are usually seen in open forest or woodlands, and are very difficult to see as they are quite shy.

They have a distinctive white eye-ring and a long black bill that is used to probe for insects. They are mainly insectivores but also feed on seeds.

17. Lazy cisticola

Plain and long tailed, the Lazy cisticola is a small passerine bird that is found in parts of Africa. It is a common and widespread species that can be found in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, savannas, and wet meadows.

This species is usually seen perched on a blade of grass or low branch, where it sways back and forth while singing. Their songs consist of bleats and squeaks.

18. Large-footed finch

The Large-footed Finch is a small bird that can be found around bamboo clumps, mountain forests and scrubby pastures. They are greenish in color with a black head, and have large feet which help them cling to trees.

These birds are insectivores, and eat mainly insects and spiders. They are typically shy and secretive, but can be curious and approachable if used to people. The common name is Pezopetes capitalis.

19. Large-billed reed warbler

With a flat forehead and long bill, large-billed reed warbler is one of the largest warblers in the avian world. This species is a medium-sized bird that measures about 5 inches in length.

The large-billed reed warbler is a sexually dimorphic species, with males being larger than females. Very little is known about their breeding habits.

20. Laughing dove

Our list would be incomplete if we did not include the laughing dove. Why is it called a laughing dove? It gets its name because of its unique call, a series of “coo doo-doo doo doo” notes repeated 5 to 8 times. They resemble human laughter, giving them their name.

The laughing dove is a bird that is found in many parts of the world. It is a bird that has a brownish body and a grayish throat. The tail is long with some white on its corner. The laughing dove can be found in both open areas and forests.

21. Lavender waxbill

Found across Africa and Hawaii, the lavender is beautiful to look at. They prefer dry shrublands. Both sexes are gray with a striking red tail. They are monogamous and build their nests together. Notice their strong purplish bill? They are known for their loud calls.

22. Laughing owl

Laughing owl, also known as the white-faced owl, is a medium-sized owl native to New Zealand. It is of the family strigidae, which includes the northern-hawk owl and crested owl.

The laughing owl is nocturnal and typically hunts small mammals, such as rodents. This owl is mostly white on the face while its body is heavily streaked. It has a round head with yellow eyes and a short black beak.

23. Layard’s parakeet

The Layard’s parakeet is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the forests of Sri Lanka . It is a popular pet and has an important role in the culture. This paradise bird measures about 11 inches and is mostly green with a grayish head and a red bill. Notice its long tail.

This parakeet is not as vocal and is less social compared to other parakeets.

24. Lawrence’s goldfinch

The Lawrence’s goldfinch is one of the most attractive birds of North America. It is a small songbird that is named for the Lawrence family, who were early collectors and enthusiasts of the bird.

These birds are typically gray with bright yellow on their chest. Males have a black patch on their face while females have black tipped wings.

25. Laysan duck

Laysan ducks are small heavily streaked brown birds that are endemic to Hawaii. So, if you are planning to go bird watching in Hawaii, be on the lookout for these ducks.

The laysan ducks prefer dense vegetation where they build their nests during spring. Eggs are laid in summer. These ducks are unique for their lack of fear of humans and their friendly demeanor. Laysan ducks are also known for their excellent swimming skills and for being able to stay underwater for extended periods of time.

26. Lazuli bunting

Stunning and very active, the male Lazuli Bunting is the most colorful of all the buntings. They are a bright blue with a subtle chestnut chest.

Females are very different. They are mostly brown with a cinnamon chest.These bunting measure about 5 inches and can be seen hopping between branches.

27. Leaf lorikeet

Leaf lorikeets are a type of Indonesian bird that is known for its brightly green colored feathers. These birds are typically green with yellowish chests. They are a small species, averaging about eight inches in length.

Leaf lorikeets are found in the rainforest and eucalyptus forests of Indonesia. They live in small flocks and feed on seeds and fruit. They are also known as the flores lorikeet.

28. Lesser adjutant

Boasting of a long beak and long legs, the Lesser adjutant is a bird that is found in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the stork family. It is a large bird that has a wingspan of up to 7 feet.

The lesser adjutant is the smallest of the three adjutant storks. It has a pale head and yellow neck. The body is black and white underneath. These birds that start with l nest in colonies.

29. Leaden flycatcher

Looking for birds that exhibit sexual dimorphism? The leaden flycatcher is a perfect example. This long-tailed flycatcher is around 6 inches long.

Males are mostly blue-gray and white below while females are gray with cinnamon chest. It is one of the few flycatchers that start with the letter L.

Leaden flycatchers eat insects and spiders, and they build their nests out of mud, grass, and other materials.

30. Lesser scaup

The Lesser Scaup is a diving bird that can be found in many parts of North America and central America. They are a smaller breed of scaup and are mostly black and grayish in color (males) and the females are mostly brown.

They have a large, rounded head with a short, stout neck. They use their wings to help them dive deep into the water to find food.

31. Least grebe

Another waterbird that made it to our list of birds with L are the least grebe. This small, dark water bird that is related to the duck. It measures about 9 inches in length and is found near rivers, lakes, and ponds.

The least grebe is a shy bird that is difficult to see because it stays close to the water. It feeds on insects, fish, and other small animals.

32. Lemon-breasted canary

Lemon-breasted canaries are small songbirds of South Africa. These birds are generally about 5 inches long and have a yellow breast and belly. They are common in open areas such as savannas, grasslands, and scrublands.

Lemon-breasted canaries are social birds that often form flocks. They are insectivores and eat a variety of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders.

33. Lesser flamingo

The lesser flamingo is one of the most graceful birds on this list. With its long feet, heard shaped neck, and gorgeous plumage, this bird is a beauty.

Lesser flamingos are usually a pink or light red color, and they have a long neck and weird red bill. They are known for their gracefulness and beauty, and are a popular tourist attraction in many areas. These birds can be found in large flocks, and they typically feed on algae and other small aquatic creatures.

Lesser flamingos typically weigh between 2 and 4 pounds and stand about 3 feet tall. They eat mostly algae and small fish, and can live up to 25 years in the wild.

34. Lesser hornero

The lesser hornero is a small rusty brown bird that is found along the Amazon river. It is named for its resemblance to the greater hornero, but is considerably smaller, with a body length of about 5 inches.

Lesser hornero is monogamous and territorial, and the male builds a nest of mud, sticks, and grasses. The female lays two to four eggs, and both parents care for the young.

35. Lesson’s motmot

With a gorgeous long tail, the Lesson’s motmot is a member of the momotidae family, and is related to the turquoise-browed motmot.

This medium-sized bird prefers tropical lowland forests. Its plumage is mostly bluish-green, with some bright blue markings on the head and under the eyes. Both sexes have a black mask. 

Sources:

https://houstonaudubon.org/birding/gallery/least-grebe.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_flamingo