In this article we’ll explore the world of birds with 14-letter names, each one having captivating traits and habits. From wide skies to lush forests and wetlands, these birds bring diversity and wonder to nature. Join us as we uncover the secrets of their biology and learn about their important roles in the natural world.
Without further delay…
1. Alpine accentor
Scientific name: Prunella collaris
The Alpine accentor is a small bird with a distinctive gray-brown plumage, streaked breast, and a short, stout bill. Its unique traits include its preference for high-altitude habitats, often found above the tree line in mountainous regions.
The diet of the Alpine accentor consists mainly of insects, spiders, seeds, and small invertebrates. It inhabits rocky slopes, scree, and alpine meadows across its range in Eurasia.
2. Bearded vulture
Scientific name: Gypaetus barbatus
The Bearded vulture is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 9 feet, known for its striking appearance with a red-orange face, yellow eyes, and a distinctive black “beard” of feathers on its chin. Its unique trait is its diet, which primarily consists of bones. It inhabits mountainous regions, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Africa, preferring remote and rugged landscapes.
Bearded vultures feed mainly on bone marrow, which they obtain by dropping bones from heights to break them. Interestingly, they are one of the few bird species known to use tools, using rocks to crack open bones.
3. Bird-of-paradise
Scientific name: Paradisaeidae
Birds-of-paradise, members of the family Paradisaeidae, are known for their vibrant plumage and elaborate courtship displays. They have colorful feathers, elongated tails, and intricate patterns. Unique traits include their extraordinary courtship dances and songs, which vary among species.
Birds-of-paradise primarily feed on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They inhabit tropical rainforests and montane forests of New Guinea and nearby islands. One popular species is the Superb Bird-of-paradise (Lophorina superba), known for its stunning black and blue plumage and its distinctive courtship dance.
4. Black guillemot
Scientific name: Cepphus grylle
The Black Guillemot is a medium-sized seabird known for its striking black plumage with contrasting white wing patches. Its unique trait lies in its ability to dive underwater to catch small fish and crustaceans using its agile wings and webbed feet.
Black Guillemots primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and small marine invertebrates. They inhabit rocky coastlines and Arctic and subarctic regions.
5. Emperor penguin
Scientific name: Aptenodytes forsteri
The Emperor penguin, known for its impressive size and distinct black and white plumage, is the largest of all penguin species. These penguins possess remarkable adaptations to survive in the harsh Antarctic environment, including thick layers of blubber and dense feathers for insulation against extreme cold. Their diet primarily consists of fish, krill, and squid, which they catch while swimming in the frigid Antarctic waters.
Emperor penguins inhabit the icy shores and pack ice of Antarctica, enduring harsh conditions during breeding and chick-rearing seasons. Notably, these penguins exhibit a fascinating breeding cycle where males care for the eggs while females forage for food, showcasing remarkable parental behavior.
Additionally, Emperor penguins are capable of diving to depths of over 1,500 feet in search of prey, demonstrating their impressive underwater abilities.
6. Golden pheasant
Scientific name: Chrysolophus pictus
The Golden pheasant is known for its vibrant and impressive plumage, characterized by golden-yellow and reddish-orange feathers. These birds exhibit unique traits such as long, flowing tail feathers and a distinctive crest atop their heads. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, grains, insects, and small invertebrates found in forested areas and grasslands of western China.
Golden pheasants inhabit dense vegetation and shrubbery, often near water sources. Interestingly, males display elaborate courtship rituals during mating season, showcasing their colorful plumage to attract females. These pheasants are also popular ornamental birds in aviaries and private collections due to their stunning appearance.
7. Green sandpiper
Scientific name: Tringa ochropus
The Green sandpiper is characterized by its olive-green back and white belly, with distinctive white spots on its wings. These birds have long, slender legs and a slightly curved bill. Unique traits include their solitary nature and distinctive teetering motion while foraging.
Their diet mainly consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish, which they find along the edges of freshwater bodies, marshes, and wetlands across Europe and Asia. Green sandpipers prefer habitats with ample vegetation and shallow water.
8. Griffon vulture
Scientific name: Gyps fulvus
The Griffon vulture is a large bird of prey with a wingspan reaching up to 9 feet. It has a distinctive white head and neck, contrasted with a brownish body and wings. Unique traits include its keen eyesight and excellent soaring ability, riding thermal currents to glide effortlessly in search of carrion.
Griffon vultures primarily feed on carcasses of large mammals, acting as nature’s clean-up crew. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including mountains, cliffs, and open plains, across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Interestingly, these vultures often gather in large groups called “wake” at feeding sites, where they compete for access to food.
9. Pied flycatcher
Scientific name: Ficedula hypoleuca
The Pied flycatcher is a small bird adorned with black and white plumage, giving it a distinctive pied appearance. Agile in flight, it adeptly catches insects mid-air, showcasing its remarkable hunting skills. Found across Europe and Asia, the Pied flycatcher thrives in woodlands and forests, where it feeds primarily on flies, beetles, and caterpillars.
Nesting preferences lean towards tree cavities or man-made nest boxes within mature forests with dense foliage. Notably, these birds embark on long migratory journeys from breeding grounds in Europe to wintering sites in sub-Saharan Africa.
10. Slavonian grebe
Scientific name: Podiceps auritus
The Slavonian grebe, commonly referred to as the horned grebe, is a petite waterbird that falls under the Podicipedidae family. With its distinctive red and black breeding plumage, it stands out on lakes and ponds during the breeding season.
These birds have unique red “horns” or tufts of feathers behind their eyes. They primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects found in freshwater habitats across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Slavonian grebes prefer nesting in shallow, vegetated areas near water bodies. Interestingly, during courtship displays, they engage in elaborate synchronized swimming movements with their partners.
11. American wigeon
Scientific name: Mareca americana
The American wigeon, also known as the baldpate, is a medium-sized dabbling duck found across North America. With distinctive white patches on its wings and a striking green patch on its head, the American wigeon stands out among other waterfowl. These ducks have a varied diet, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates found in marshes, ponds, and wetlands.
They are known for their sociable nature, often forming large flocks during migration and wintering periods. American wigeons prefer shallow freshwater habitats with abundant vegetation for foraging and nesting.
12. Blue-winged teal
Scientific name: Spatula discors
The Blue-winged teal is a small dabbling duck known for its distinctive blue and white wing patches. These ducks have a mottled brown body and a cinnamon-colored head with a white crescent-shaped patch behind the bill. Unique traits include their swift flight and ability to turn quickly in mid-air.
Blue-winged teals primarily feed on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates found in shallow wetlands, marshes, and ponds across North and Central America. They prefer habitats with ample vegetation for nesting and foraging.
13. Common shelduck
Scientific name: Tadorna tadorna
The Common shelduck is a medium-sized waterfowl with a striking appearance, featuring a white body, chestnut-colored breast band, and greenish-black head. These ducks have unique traits such as their loud, trumpet-like calls and their habit of nesting in burrows or hollow trees near water.
Common shelducks primarily feed on aquatic plants, insects, mollusks, and small fish found in coastal marshes, estuaries, and tidal flats across Europe and Asia. They prefer habitats with open water and abundant vegetation for foraging and nesting.
14. Eurasian wigeon
Scientific name: Mareca penelope
The Eurasian wigeon is a medium-sized dabbling duck with distinctive reddish-brown plumage and a cream-colored crown. These ducks have unique traits such as their whistling calls and their preference for grazing on grasslands and agricultural fields.
Eurasian wigeons primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates found in freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and marshes across Europe and Asia. They prefer shallow waters with ample vegetation for foraging and nesting.
15. Montezuma quail
Scientific name: Cyrtonyx montezumae
The Montezuma quail is a small ground-dwelling bird known for its distinctive black face mask and intricate black and white markings on its chest and belly. These quails have unique traits such as their secretive nature and preference for dense brushy habitats in mountainous regions.
Montezuma quails primarily feed on seeds, insects, and vegetation found in shrubby areas and grasslands across Mexico and the southwestern United States. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation for cover and nesting.
16. Red-necked grebe
Scientific name: Podiceps grisegena
The Red-necked grebe is a medium-sized waterbird characterized by its red neck and black crown. It has a long, slender neck and a pointed bill. Unique traits include its ability to dive underwater for extended periods and its elaborate courtship displays involving synchronized swimming.
Red-necked grebes primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects found in freshwater lakes and ponds across North America and Eurasia. They prefer habitats with clear water and abundant vegetation for nesting and foraging.
17. Ruddy quail-dove
Scientific name: Geotrygon montana
The Ruddy quail-dove is a small, plump bird with reddish-brown plumage and a distinct white throat patch. It has short wings and a long tail, and its eyes are surrounded by a bare, bluish patch of skin. Unique traits include its secretive behavior and its habit of foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits, and insects.
Ruddy quail doves prefer dense forests with thick undergrowth across Central and South America. They are known for their low, mournful calls and their ability to remain hidden among the foliage.
18. Blue ground dove
Scientific name: Claravis pretiosa
The Blue ground dove, with its slate-blue plumage and pale belly, is a small bird known for its distinctive blue facial mask. It prefers foraging on the ground and emits soft, melodious cooing calls.
These doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and small insects found in open grasslands, agricultural fields, and scrub habitats across Central and South America. Typically found in pairs or small groups, they prefer habitats with ample ground cover for nesting and roosting.
19. Mangrove cuckoo
Scientific name: Coccyzus minor
The Mangrove cuckoo is a medium-sized bird with a long tail and a slender body, typically measuring about 12 inches in length. It has a brownish-black plumage with white underparts and a distinctive black mask around its eyes. Unique traits include its loud, distinctive call and its preference for coastal mangrove habitats, where it can be found in dense vegetation near water.
Mangrove cuckoos primarily feed on insects, caterpillars, and small reptiles found in their mangrove habitats. They are skilled at catching prey by gleaning from foliage or snatching insects mid-air.
20. Squirrel cuckoo
Scientific name: Piaya cayana
The Squirrel cuckoo, recognized by its slender build and long tail feathers measuring about 15 inches, features predominantly brown plumage with a white belly and distinctive black and white stripes on its tail. Notably, it moves through trees with agility, resembling a squirrel.
Found in forests and wooded areas across Central and South America, the Squirrel cuckoo primarily feeds on insects, caterpillars, and small fruits. It prefers habitats with dense foliage for foraging and nesting.
21. Pheasant cuckoo
Scientific name: Centropus phasianinus
The Pheasant cuckoo is a medium-sized bird with a distinctively long, curved tail and a mottled brown plumage. Its long tail feathers make up a significant portion of its overall length. Unique to the Pheasant cuckoo is its habit of foraging on the forest floor, where it searches for insects, small reptiles, and fruits.
These cuckoos prefer dense tropical forests and woodland habitats throughout Central and South America. Interestingly, they are known for their loud, distinctive calls that resemble the sound of a distant pheasant.
22. Common poorwill
Scientific name: Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
The Common poorwill is a small, nocturnal bird with mottled brown and gray plumage, known for its cryptic coloration that blends well with its surroundings. Unique to the Common poorwill is its ability to enter a state of torpor during periods of cold weather, allowing it to conserve energy. These birds primarily feed on insects, including moths, beetles, and grasshoppers, which they catch during nighttime forays.
Common poorwills inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, deserts, and scrublands across North and Central America. Interestingly, they are the only birds known to go into true hibernation, with their metabolic rate dropping significantly during periods of inactivity.
23. Rufous nightjar
Scientific name: Antrostomus rufus
The Rufous nightjar, a medium-sized nocturnal bird, boasts mottled brown and gray plumage designed for effective camouflage. Notably, its distinctive call distinguishes it during the night. Feeding primarily on flying insects, it adeptly catches prey mid-air using its wide mouth and bristles on the bill.
Inhabiting open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands across Africa, the Rufous nightjar’s cryptic behavior allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings during the day.
24. Bee hummingbird
Scientific name: Mellisuga helenae
The Bee hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird, measures about 2 inches in length and weighs less than a dime. Its iridescent green and blue feathers, along with a reddish-pink throat patch in males, distinguish it.
Interestingly, the Bee hummingbird’s rapid wing beats enable it to hover in mid-air and fly backward. Primarily feeding on nectar from flowers and small insects, it inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, gardens, and meadows across Cuba and the Isle of Pines.
25. Brown violetear
Scientific name: Colibri delphinae
The Brown violetear is a medium-sized hummingbird with brown plumage and iridescent blue-violet patches on its throat. Unique to the Brown violetear is its distinctive call, resembling a buzzing or squeaking sound.
These hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, supplemented with small insects and spiders. They inhabit forest edges, mountainous regions, and gardens across Central and South America.
26. Cozumel emerald
Scientific name: Chlorostilbon forficatus
The Cozumel emerald, a small hummingbird with vibrant green plumage and a distinctive white eye ring, thrives primarily on nectar from flowers with long corollas like the coral bean plant.
In addition to nectar, it also feeds on small insects and spiders. This hummingbird species is exclusive to the island of Cozumel off the coast of Mexico, where it inhabits forests, shrublands, and gardens.
27. Inagua woodstar
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Scientific name: Nesophlox lyrura
The Inagua woodstar is a small hummingbird with iridescent green plumage and a white chest patch. Unique to the Inagua woodstar is its habit of hovering while feeding on nectar from flowers using its rapid wing beats.
These hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar but also consume small insects and spiders. They inhabit dry forests, shrublands, and coastal areas on the island of Inagua in the Bahamas.
28. Tufted coquette
Scientific name: Lophornis ornatus
The Tufted coquette is a small hummingbird with striking black and white plumage and a distinct tuft of feathers on its head. Known for its swift and agile flight, the Tufted coquette feeds primarily on nectar from flowers using its long, slender bill.
It also consumes small insects and spiders as part of its diet. These hummingbirds inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, gardens, and shrublands throughout Central and South America.
29. Azure gallinule
Scientific name: Porphyrio flavirostris
The Azure gallinule is a medium-sized bird with vibrant blue and purple plumage and long legs. It is known for its ability to walk on floating vegetation with ease.
Azure gallinules primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates found in marshes, swamps, and wetlands across the Americas. They are often found in dense vegetation near water bodies, where they build their nests.
30. Ocellated crake
Scientific name: Micropygia schomburgkii
The Ocellated crake is a small bird with brown plumage, marked with distinctive black and white spots on its body. Known for its secretive behavior, the Ocellated crake often hides in dense vegetation near wetlands and marshes.
This species primarily feeds on insects, small invertebrates, and seeds found in its habitat. These crakes are skilled at moving stealthily through dense foliage and are rarely seen in the open.
31. American avocet
Scientific name: Recurvirostra americana
The American avocet is a medium-sized shorebird with long, slender legs and a distinctive upward-curved bill. Its plumage is predominantly white with black wings and a cinnamon-colored head and neck during breeding season. American avocets are commonly found in shallow wetlands, salt ponds, and marshes across North America.
They primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans, insects, and small fish, which they capture by sweeping their bills through the water while wading. These birds are known for their elegant feeding behavior and their distinctive up-and-down head bobbing while foraging.
32. Collared plover
Scientific name: Charadrius collaris
The Collared plover is a small shorebird with a brown back, white underparts, and a distinctive black collar around its neck. It has a short, stout bill and relatively long legs adapted for wading. Collared plovers are commonly found along sandy beaches, mudflats, and coastal marshes throughout Central and South America.
They primarily feed on small invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, which they peck at or probe for in the sand and mud. These plovers are known for their territorial behavior and distinctive alarm calls, which they use to defend their nesting sites from intruders.
33. Mountain plover
Scientific name: Charadrius montanus
The Mountain plover is a medium-sized shorebird with a pale brown back and wings, a white belly, and a distinctive black band across its chest. It has a short, stout bill and relatively long legs adapted for running. Mountain plovers are commonly found in open grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields across western North America.
They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and plant matter, which they forage for by pecking and probing in the soil. These plovers are known for their ground-nesting behavior, often laying their eggs directly on the bare ground without constructing a nest.
34. Northern jacana
Scientific name: Jacana spinosa
The Northern jacana is distinguished by its long legs and exceptionally long toes, which facilitate walking on floating vegetation. Adults showcase predominantly black plumage with vibrant chestnut backs and wings, complemented by bright yellow flight feathers when the wings are spread.
Commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes across Central and South America, Northern jacanas primarily feed on aquatic insects, small fish, and seeds. They forage by walking on lily pads and other floating vegetation. These birds have a polyandrous mating system, where females mate with multiple males, leaving them to care for the eggs and chicks.
35. Least sandpiper
Scientific name: Calidris minutilla
The Least Sandpiper is a small shorebird with a slender body, short neck, and thin bill. It has brownish-gray feathers with a lighter underbelly and distinctive yellow legs. This bird is known for its remarkable migration, traveling thousands of miles between its breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra and its wintering areas along coastal regions of North and South America.
Least Sandpipers feed on small invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, and mollusks found in mudflats, marshes, and along shorelines. They have a unique feeding behavior of probing the mud with their bills to find food. These birds are highly social and often gather in large flocks during migration and on wintering grounds.
36. Ruddy turnstone
Scientific name: Arenaria interpres
The Ruddy Turnstone is a chunky shorebird characterized by short orange legs and a short bill. During the breeding season, it boasts an unmistakable pattern with a bright reddish back, black chest patches, and a black and white face. In the fall and winter, its plumage transforms into a dull dark brown above, featuring a dark chest pattern.
These birds are easily recognizable by their distinct coloration and markings. They exhibit bold behavior, often flipping rocks and debris to uncover small invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, and mollusks along coastal habitats.
Ruddy Turnstones breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate south to coastal areas during the winter, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and resilience in their seasonal movements.
37. Stilt sandpiper
Scientific name: Calidris himantopus
The Stilt Sandpiper is a slender shorebird with long, thin legs and a slightly curved bill. Its plumage is mottled brown and white, with distinctive long wings. These birds are often found in freshwater and saltwater habitats, including mudflats, marshes, and shallow ponds.
Stilt Sandpipers primarily feed on small invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, and aquatic larvae by probing the mud with their bills. During migration, they travel long distances between their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra and their wintering areas in South America.
38. Temminck’s stint
Scientific name: Calidris temminckii
Temminck’s Stint is a small shorebird known for its compact size, short bill, and stubby legs. Its plumage features a mix of brown and gray tones with subtle streaking. These birds inhabit wetlands, marshes, and mudflats during migration and breeding seasons. Temminck’s Stints primarily feed on small invertebrates like insects, worms, and crustaceans found in the mud and shallow water.
They are recognized for their rapid and agile flight, making them difficult to observe closely. Temminck’s Stints embark on long migratory journeys between their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra and their wintering areas in Africa and southern Asia.
39. Terek sandpiper
Scientific name: Xenus cinereus
The Terek Sandpiper is a medium-sized shorebird with a long, slightly curved bill and relatively long legs. Its plumage is mottled brown and white, providing camouflage in its coastal habitats.
Terek Sandpipers inhabit mudflats, estuaries, and sandy shorelines during migration and breeding seasons. They primarily feed on small invertebrates like worms, crustaceans, and insects found in the mud and shallow water.
One notable trait is their distinctive piping call, often heard as they forage along the water’s edge. Terek Sandpipers breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate south to coastal areas during the winter.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.