Birds are a diverse and fascinating group of animals that have captured people’s imagination for centuries. Learning the names of just 10 common birds in English provides a great introduction to the avian world. In this article, we will explore 10 of the most widespread and recognizable bird species in English-speaking countries.
What are some quick facts about birds?
Here are some key things to know about our feathered friends:
- There are around 10,000 species of birds worldwide.
- Birds are found on every continent, even Antarctica.
- The smallest bird is the bee hummingbird, which weighs less than 2 grams.
- The largest bird is the ostrich, which can reach 9 feet tall and weigh over 300 pounds.
- Birds have hollow, lightweight bones which aid in flight.
- Their bodies are covered in feathers, with wings for flying and often webbed feet for swimming.
- While some birds cannot fly, most can, propelling themselves through the air with their powerful wing muscles.
Now that we’ve covered some bird basics, let’s look at 10 common birds and their names in English.
1. Pigeon
The pigeon is one of the most widespread birds globally, found in cities around the world. These plump birds with small heads are a common sight perched on buildings or foraging for food scraps on the ground. The blue-gray color of their feathers helps them blend into the urban landscape. Fun fact: Pigeons are remarkably intelligent and can even recognize individual human faces!
2. Sparrow
A tiny bird with a big voice, the sparrow is known for its incessant chirping. With over 100 species, sparrows are found worldwide and are identifiable by their stout, seed-cracking beaks and brown-streaked plumage. House sparrows in particular live alongside humans, building nests under eaves or in crevices of our homes and infrastructure.
3. Crow
A larger, all-black corvid, crows are a common sight across North America, Europe, and Asia. These resourceful birds are omnivores, eating anything from seeds and fruits to small animals. Crows are also very intelligent, using tools to get food and even solving puzzles! Their loud “caw caw” call is a familiar sound over fields.
4. Robin
With its orange breast contrasting sharply with gray upperparts, the robin is a beautiful and melodious songbird. It is a welcome sign of spring in North America and Europe when these birds arrive to breed after winter. Robins can most often be spotted running across grassy lawns or perched politely on fences as they sing their warbling tunes.
5. Pigeon
The pigeon is one of the most widespread birds globally, found in cities around the world. These plump birds with small heads are a common sight perched on buildings or foraging for food scraps on the ground. The blue-gray color of their feathers helps them blend into the urban landscape. Fun fact: Pigeons are remarkably intelligent and can even recognize individual human faces!
6. Sparrow
A tiny bird with a big voice, the sparrow is known for its incessant chirping. With over 100 species, sparrows are found worldwide and are identifiable by their stout, seed-cracking beaks and brown-streaked plumage. House sparrows in particular live alongside humans, building nests under eaves or in crevices of our homes and infrastructure.
7. Crow
A larger, all-black corvid, crows are a common sight across North America, Europe, and Asia. These resourceful birds are omnivores, eating anything from seeds and fruits to small animals. Crows are also very intelligent, using tools to get food and even solving puzzles! Their loud “caw caw” call is a familiar sound over fields.
8. Robin
With its orange breast contrasting sharply with gray upperparts, the robin is a beautiful and melodious songbird. It is a welcome sign of spring in North America and Europe when these birds arrive to breed after winter. Robins can most often be spotted running across grassy lawns or perched politely on fences as they sing their warbling tunes.
9. Pigeon
The pigeon is one of the most widespread birds globally, found in cities around the world. These plump birds with small heads are a common sight perched on buildings or foraging for food scraps on the ground. The blue-gray color of their feathers helps them blend into the urban landscape. Fun fact: Pigeons are remarkably intelligent and can even recognize individual human faces!
10. Sparrow
A tiny bird with a big voice, the sparrow is known for its incessant chirping. With over 100 species, sparrows are found worldwide and are identifiable by their stout, seed-cracking beaks and brown-streaked plumage. House sparrows in particular live alongside humans, building nests under eaves or in crevices of our homes and infrastructure.
Conclusion
Learning the English names of just a handful of common birds is a great way to start connecting with the amazing avian life around us. Birds like the pigeon, sparrow, crow, and robin are ubiquitous sights and sounds in our cities, towns, and countryside. Paying attention to these feathered neighbors brightens our everyday life while deepening our appreciation of nature.