There are a number of 4 letter bird names that start with the letter D. Some common examples include dove, duck, drab, drong, duno, and dott. In this article, we will explore some of the most well-known 4 letter bird names starting with D, look at any interesting facts or background on these birds, and provide a summary of our findings.
Examples of 4 Letter Birds Starting with D
Here are some of the most popular 4 letter birds starting with the letter D:
Dove
The dove is widely known and recognized as a common symbol of peace, love and tranquility. While “dove” can refer to the 300+ species in the pigeon and dove family overall, most people associate the name with the specific Rock Dove, which is grayish white in color with two black bars on each wing. Doves are gentle birds with a melodious cooing sound, and are found all over the world.
Duck
Ducks are waterfowl birds commonly seen swimming and living near ponds, rivers, lakes and coastlines. There are around 120 different duck species, characterized by their short legs, flat bills, and quacking sounds. Some of the most recognizable duck species are the Mallard with its green head, the Wood Duck with its colorful crest, and the Northern Pintail with its long neck and pointed tail. Ducks are hunted recreationally for their meat and feathers, and also domesticated on farms.
Drab
The drab is a small, dull-colored bird that lives in Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa. With brownish-gray feathers and no distinctive markings, the drab gets its name from its boring, nondescript appearance. Drabs spend most of their time skulking through dense undergrowth rather than flying. They feed on insects, worms and spiders. Drabs are not considered an exciting or popular bird for birdwatchers to spot.
Drongo
The drongo refers to a family of passerine birds found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. There are around 30 different drongo species, identified by their short legs, forked tails, and glossy black, white, or gray plumage. Drongos are aggressive mimics, able to imitate the calls of other bird species. They feed on insects and some fruit. Drongos are bold, lively birds that will dive-bomb much larger predators that enter their territory.
Duno
The duno is a medium-sized waterbird with grey feathers and a long green bill that breeds in southern South America. It is named for its dull, nondescript appearance. Dunos live along the coasts and wetlands of Chile and Argentina. They build floating nests and feed on aquatic vegetation. Not much is known about the behavior of this wary, quiet bird that often remains hidden in vegetation.
Dott
The dott is a tiny European songbird, recognized by its plain brown back, buff underparts with black dots, and short tail. Its scientific name is Cisticola juncidis. Sometimes called the zigzag lark, dott displays by flying up steeply, hovering, and then dropping down while calling. It inhabits areas of long grass and low bushes across much of Europe, Africa and Asia. Dotts feed mainly on insects like grasshoppers.
Interesting Facts About 4 Letter Birds Starting with D
In addition to familiarizing ourselves with some common examples, here are some fascinating facts about these 4 letter birds:
- The mourning dove gets its name from its sorrowful cooing sound, which sounds like it is grieving.
- The bufflehead duck is one of the smallest diving ducks, able to plunge up to 20 feet underwater to catch food.
- The drongo is considered one of the most intelligent birds, with an ability to mimic sounds that earns it the nickname “mockingbird of Africa.”
- The paradise shelduck, a colorful duck named for its paradise-like plumage, mates for life and can live up to 20 years.
- The dove is universally considered a symbol of peace, traced back to the Biblical story of Noah’s ark when a dove returned with an olive branch after the floods.
- Turtle doves are in steep decline due to habitat loss and hunting. Their soothing purr call gave them an association with love.
- The European turtle dove’s scientific name is Streptopelia turtur – also a 4-letter bird name starting with d!
- The dunnock is an oft-overlooked little brown bird that enjoys nesting in hedge rows and city parks.
- The dott has an interesting courtship display flight, where the male rapidly ascends and then floats down with its legs dangling.
Summary
In summary, while there are many different species of birds starting with the letter D, some of the most popular and recognizable 4 letter names include the dove, duck, drab, drongo, duno and dott. We explored some specific examples and details around these birds, including the peaceful dove, colorful ducks, mimicry of the intelligent drongo, the drab’s dull appearance, South American duno and tiny European dott. Several 4 letter D birds hold symbolism, from the devoted mourning dove to the paradise shelduck’s tropical name. Hopefully this provided a helpful overview of some of the most common 4 letter bird names starting with the letter D.
Table of 4 Letter Birds Starting with D
Bird Name | Facts & Description |
---|---|
Dove | Peaceful bird symbol known for its soothing coos. The mourning dove makes a sorrowful cooing sound. |
Duck | Waterfowl like the Mallard and Wood Duck known for quacking. Many beautiful, colorful duck species. |
Drab | Dull brown European bird that blends into its surroundings. Little-known and nondescript. |
Drongo | Mimic known as the “mockingbird of Africa” that dives at larger animals. Glossy black or gray plumage. |
Duno | Grey waterbird with a long green bill that lives in South America. Quiet and elusive. |
Dott | Small songbird with black dots on buff underparts. Performs zigzagging courtship displays. |
Conclusion
In closing, there are a diverse range of 4 letter bird names starting with the letter D, from the ever-present dove to the little-known dott. While they vary greatly in appearance and behavior, these birds share the distinguishing characteristic of having a short, commonly recognized 4 letter name that starts with D. Learning more about these birds provides insight into ornithology and the many unique bird species that inhabit ecosystems around the world. Exploring 4 letter bird names that start with D helps build our knowledge of birds and their diversity.