There are thousands of birds in the world, and many ways to categorize them. For this article, we’ve compiled a list of birds whose names end with the letter W. From the American crow to the scarlet macaw, let’s explore these birds and view some pictures to help identify them.
Let’s take a look!
1. American crow
Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
The American crow is a highly intelligent and adaptable bird, known for its all-black plumage and distinct cawing sound. These birds are found across North America, thriving in a variety of habitats including forests, fields, and urban areas. American crows are omnivores, feeding on insects, fruits, small animals, and even garbage, showcasing their versatility in diet.
One of their unique behaviors is the use of tools, such as sticks, to gather food. They are also known for their complex social structures, often forming large flocks that work together to find food and protect against predators.
2. Barn swallow
Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
The Barn swallow is a small, agile bird, easily recognized by its deep blue back, orange-red throat and forehead, and long, forked tail. Known for their flying skills, barn swallows are found across the globe, migrating between North America and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They prefer open habitats near water where insects, their primary food source, are abundant.
Unique among birds, barn swallows build their cup-shaped mud nests almost exclusively on human-made structures, under eaves, and inside barns and bridges, living closely with humans. They are social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration.
3. Black-throated sparrow
Scientific Name: Amphispiza bilineata
The Black-throated sparrow is a small bird notable for its distinctive black and white markings. Its most prominent feature is the black throat patch, contrasted with a white belly and a face marked with white stripes. This sparrow is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, thriving in arid landscapes with sparse vegetation.
Adapted to life in these harsh environments, it can survive long periods without direct water, obtaining moisture from the insects and seeds that make up its diet. The Black-throated sparrow’s song, a clear, melodious series of notes, adds a lively soundtrack to its dry habitat.
4. Cassin’s sparrow
Scientific Name: Peucaea cassinii
The Cassin’s sparrow is primarily known for its streaked gray-brown plumage that blends seamlessly into the grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This bird is distinguished by its relatively unmarked, buffy underparts and fine streaks on the back and crown. Cassin’s sparrows are ground-dwelling birds, feeding on seeds and insects amidst the open, arid landscapes they call home.
They are particularly noted for their unique breeding behavior; males perform a striking aerial display, ascending into the air before singing a sweet, trilling song as they descend, to attract mates.
5. Hawaiian crow
Scientific Name: Corvus hawaiiensis
The Hawaiian crow, or ʻAlalā, is considered extinct in the wild, with efforts ongoing to reintroduce it to its native habitats in Hawaii. This all-black bird, noted for its intelligence, including tool use and problem-solving abilities, was originally found in the dry and wet forests on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai. The ʻAlalā played a vital role in native Hawaiian culture and ecosystems, especially in seed dispersal, thanks to its diet of fruits, nuts, and invertebrates.
Its decline was caused by habitat destruction, introduced diseases, and predation from non-native species. Captive breeding and reintroduction programs are currently in place to attempt to restore the ʻAlalā population in the wild, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for this species and the health of Hawaii’s native forests.
6. House sparrow
Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
The House sparrow is a small, adaptable bird, easily recognized by its chunky shape, short tail, and stout bill. Males have a distinctive appearance with a gray crown, black bib, and white cheeks, while females and juveniles are more uniformly brown and gray. Originally native to Europe and Asia, this bird has been introduced to many parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Australia, thriving in urban and suburban areas where it often lives close to humans.
The House sparrow is known for its social behavior, forming large flocks and frequently visiting bird feeders. It feeds on seeds, grains, and scraps, showcasing its ability to exploit a variety of food sources.
7. Olive sparrow
Scientific Name: Arremonops rufivirgatus
The Olive sparrow is a small, unassuming bird with a distinctive olive-brown back and a grayish underbelly, blending seamlessly into its preferred habitat. Found primarily in the dense underbrush of subtropical forests and thickets along the Gulf Coast of the United States down through Mexico and Central America, this bird is a year-round resident in its range.
Unlike its more urban-adapted cousins, the Olive sparrow is shy and elusive, often heard rather than seen, with a sweet, melodious song that adds to the rich soundscape of its environment. It feeds on a diet of seeds and insects, foraging discreetly on the ground.
8. Pied crow
Scientific Name: Corvus albus
The Pied crow stands out with its black and white plumage, making it easily distinguishable among other crow species. This medium to large crow features a black head, neck, and chest, with a contrasting white belly and a partial white collar. Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, it thrives in a wide range of habitats from coastal regions to urban areas, showcasing its adaptability.
The Pied crow is known for its intelligence, similar to other members of the crow family, demonstrating problem-solving skills and the ability to use tools. It has a varied diet that includes insects, small animals, fruits, and human waste, making it a versatile forager.
9. Scarlet macaw
Scientific Name: Ara macao
The Scarlet macaw is a vibrant and iconic bird, renowned for its red, yellow, and blue plumage. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this large parrot is not only a visual spectacle but also known for its intelligence and sociability. Scarlet macaws form strong pair bonds, often seen flying or perched in pairs with their mates.
They have a varied diet, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally insects, which they gather with their powerful, curved beaks. These macaws are also known for their loud calls and squawks, which can be heard over long distances in their natural habitat. An interesting behavior of the Scarlet macaw is its use of clay licks, where they consume clay to neutralize toxins in their diet.
10. Vesper sparrow
Scientific Name: Pooecetes gramineus
The Vesper sparrow is widely distributed across North America, particularly common in open fields and grasslands across the USA. It is characterized by its brown and white plumage with distinctive white outer tail feathers visible in flight. Both males and females have similar coloration, making it challenging to distinguish between them based solely on appearance.
These birds are known for their melodious song, often sung at dusk, which is how they got their name “Vesper,” meaning evening. Vesper sparrows feed primarily on seeds and insects. They nest on the ground, making use of the natural cover provided by grasses and other vegetation.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.