Birds That Start With K

Let’s kick off the day with a deep dive into birds that start with K.

Birds are a critical component of humanity’s collective consciousness, with their role in art, literature, and culture being core elements of our shared heritage. Their vibrancy, beauty, and diversity attract billions of people worldwide, making their study and conservation central tenets of science and society. From their intricate nest-building skills to their exquisite song and behavior patterns, birds continue to amaze and inspire us every day.

In compiling a list of birds for this article, I found myself drawn into a captivating world of patterns, behaviors, and unique physical characteristics. From the intricate plumage of each species to the subtle nuances of their feeding habits, I felt like an expert on the avian world by the end of the process. Despite the exhaustive research, the final result was well worth it, resulting in a list that accurately captured the diversity and intrigue of the world of birds.

So, let’s begin exploring this list of birds starting with K!

73 Birds That Start With K

And here’s the list of birds that begin with K letter.

Kabobo Apalis

A true feathered marvel, the Kabobo Apalis (Apalis kaboboensis) is a small and brightly colored passerine bird endemic to the Kabobo Massif in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its dazzling coat of white, black and yellow plumage, coupled with its agility and playful nature, make it a highly sought-after sighting for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Unlike other apalis species, Kabobos have a distinctive high-pitched whistle, easily recognizable amid the forest’s biodiversity. Despite being a relatively new discovery, the species is unfortunately threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.

Kadavu Fantail

The Kadavu Fantail (Rhipidura personata) is a small passerine bird found exclusively in the rainforests of Kadavu Island, Fiji. Its beautiful, long tail feathers adorned with striking black and white patterns, coupled with its melodious vocalization, make it a beloved bird in Fijian culture. Its knack for perching and flitting about in enchanting patterns has earned it the nickname of ‘dancing bird’. However, this species faces significant threats in the form of deforestation, habitat degradation and invasive species.

Kadavu Honeyeater

A plucky little bird with a fluffy texture and a sharp beak, the Kadavu Honeyeater (Xanthotis provocator) is another of the endemic species on Kadavu Island. Its long decurved bill, perfect for accessing nectar from flowers and fruit, makes it a key pollinator for the island’s forests. With its bright yellow head and throat, bold black wing markings and distinctive ‘che-che-che’ calls, the Kadavu Honeyeater is easy to spot in the dense foliage. Sadly, like many of its avian cousins, the species is struggling with habitat loss and degradation in the face of human activity.

Kagu

The Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a large, flightless bird endemic to the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Often called a ‘living fossil’ due to its unique anatomy and evolutionary history, the Kagu is a symbol of the island’s ecological heritage. With its slate-grey plumage, striking red-orange eyes and a long crest of feathers on its head, the species cuts a striking figure as it prowls through the forest in search of snails and insects. Sadly, the population has declined significantly in recent decades due to habitat destruction and introduced predators like cats and dogs.

Kai Cicadabird

A sleek and slender bird with beautifully subtle coloration, the Kai Cicadabird (Edolisoma dispar) is a common resident of the lowland forests of the Kai Islands, Indonesia. Despite its name, this species is not a true cicada but is rather named for its uncanny ability to mimic the insect’s characteristic buzzing calls. Males in breeding season sport a gorgeous iridescent blue-black plumage, which contrasts strikingly with their bright red eyes. These birds are known for their acrobatic displays, darting and swooping through the canopy in pursuit of insects. Unfortunately, unsustainable logging practices are causing serious damage to their habitat.

Kakamega Greenbul

The Kakamega Greenbul (Phyllastrephus kakamegae) is a small and unassuming bird found only in the dense forests of western Kenya, notably in the Kakamega Forest Reserve. Its greenish-yellow plumage may not be flashy, but its beautiful song and cheerful demeanor make it a favorite sighting for forest visitors. Being a frugivorous bird, it is an important seed disperser for the forest. However, habitat fragmentation and degradation have posed severe threats to its existence.

Kakapo

The Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is a large, flightless parrot native to New Zealand. Often referred to as the ‘world’s fattest parrot’, the Kakapo has a unique history of overcoming near-extinction due to its plucky nature and adaptable behavior. With its brilliant green feathers speckled with black and yellow, it is easily one of the most striking birds in the world, especially when it starts bobbing up and down while trying to attract a mate. Tragically, the species is much too rare and at risk, with intervention and conservation programs working hard to preserve it.

Kalahari Scrub Robin

The Kalahari Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas paena) is a small bird found in the Kalahari desert of southern Africa. Its chestnut-colored plumage and pale eye-ring set it apart from many other desert bird species. With its habit of perching atop shrubs and singing melodiously, it is a favorite sight and sound of travelers and desert dwellers alike. It is well adapted to living in hot and dry regions, though its populations are threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

Kalij Pheasant

The Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) is a large and stunningly beautiful gamebird native to the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. The males have iridescent glossy black feathers on their head and neck, with contrasting red facial skin and white streaks. They are highly territorial birds, and their booming calls and raucous fights make for a spectacle when observed in the wild. The species is sometimes kept in captivity for its meat, but habitat loss also poses a significant threat to its wild populations.

Kalkadoon Grasswren

The Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae) is a small bird species endemic to the harsh desert regions of western Queensland, Australia. With a grey-brown plumage and a reddish coloration around the eyes, it is an expert in camouflaging itself among rocks and grasses. The species is notable for its habit of creating bowl-shaped nests on the ground, carefully crafted from grass and feathers, and used for breeding. Sadly, its habitat is under threat from invasive species and extractive industries.

Kamchatka Leaf Warbler

The Kamchatka Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus examinandus) is a small songbird that breeds in the mountain forests of eastern Siberia and northern Japan. Its plumage is shades of yellow and olive green, with a bright yellow supercilium and striking white underparts. It is known for its highly distinctive rapid trill song, often described as resembling the sound of a sewing machine. While its populations appear to be stable, this species is threatened by habitat loss, as well as the potential impact of climate change on its breeding grounds.

Karamoja Apalis

The Karamoja Apalis (Apalis karamojae) is a bird species located in the Karamoja region of Northern Uganda. It has a brownish-red back, with a grey head and whitish underparts. Males and females have different plumage. This species is mostly found in Acacia-Commiphora thicket, gallery forest with figs, and riverine habitats. Deforestation and land conversion have had an impact on this species.

Karoo Chat

The Karoo Chat (Emarginata schlegelii) is a common but elusive passerine bird found in the semi-arid regions of southern Africa. Noted for its sandy brown plumage, striking black face mask, and tapering tail feathers, the Karoo Chat is known to have a terrestrial but highly active lifestyle. They are known to feed on a variety of insects from the ground, while using their long legs to help with foraging. Habitat loss and agricultural practices impacting insect populations are major threats.

Karoo Eremomela

The Karoo Eremomela (Eremomela gregalis) is a small and insectivorous bird native to the Karoo region of South Africa. Its plumage is primarily yellow and brown, with striking black eyes. It is known for its high-pitched calls and its habit of flitting swiftly between shrubs in search of prey. Due to habitat fragmentation and agricultural activities, the species is under threat of extinction.

Karoo Korhaan

The Karoo Korhaan (Eupodotis vigorsii) is a large and flightless bird that inhabits, as its name implies, the stark and dry Karoo regions of South Africa. The males boast beautiful speckled plumage with a contrasting black crown, while the females are more subtle with a sandy brown coloration. During the breeding season, the male performs a strutting display that includes ruffling its feathers and inflating orange air sacs around its neck. Hunting and habitat loss are key threats to their survival.

Karoo Lark

The Karoo Lark (Calendulauda albescens) is a stunningly beautiful bird species found in the arid Karoo regions of South Africa. It has brownish-grey plumage and bold markings on its sides, with a striking white underbelly. As its name suggests, the Karoo Lark is known for its complex and melodious song, which fills the dry air with music. Habitat loss and selective hunting have been identified as significant threats to its continued survival.

Karoo Long-billed Lark

The Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata) is a small, ground-dwelling bird species found in the grassy scrublands of southern Africa, from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Its most notable feature is the long and curved beak, with which it forages for insects on the ground. The species is also known for its distinctive song, which often includes trills and buzzing sounds. Agriculture development and invasive plant species are major threats to the species.

Karoo Prinia

The Karoo Prinia (Prinia maculosa) is a small and hardy little bird that lives in the arid regions of southern Africa. Its sandy brown plumage, with a bold stripe across the eye, makes it blend almost perfectly into the surrounding soils and rocks. The Karoo Prinia is a skilled singer, with a beautiful if simple song that can be heard all across the plains. Cattle grazing and habitat loss owing to agriculture development are factors threatening its populations.

Karoo Scrub Robin

The Karoo Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas coryphaeus) is a small and surprisingly colorful bird found in the scrublands and dry grasslands of southern Africa. Its plumage may look unassuming from afar, but a closer look reveals a rich blend of warm browns, vibrant pinks, and creamy whites. Named for its characteristic short, sharp calls, it is a solitary and rather elusive creature. Unfortunately, agricultural development, invasive mammal species, and climate change are all impacting its habitat.

Karoo Thrush

The Karoo Thrush (Turdus smithi) is a robust and striking bird species found in the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa. Its plumage is predominantly a rich chocolate brown, with a distinctive eye-ring and mottled underbelly. It is also a skilled songbird, with a beautiful and complex melody that is often heard at sunrise and sunset. Habitat degradation and loss are significant factors threatening the species.

Karthala Scops Owl

The Karthala Scops Owl is a small owl found in the forests of Comoros, primarily on the island of Grande Comore. It feeds on insects, small mammals, and birds, and is known for its distinctive call.

Karthala White-eye

The Karthala White-eye is a small bird endemic to the forests of Grande Comore, Comoros. It has a distinctive white ring around its eye and feeds mainly on insects, fruit, and nectar.

Kashmir Flycatcher

The Kashmir Flycatcher is a small passerine bird found in the Himalayan region, including parts of India and Pakistan. It feeds on insects caught in flight and is known for its distinctive bobbing tail.

Kashmir Nuthatch

The Kashmir Nuthatch is a small bird endemic to the Himalayan region, including parts of India and Pakistan. It feeds on insects and nuts, using its sharp beak to crack open shells.

Katanga Masked Weaver

The Katanga Masked Weaver is a species of weaver bird found in the African country of Zambia. It builds elaborate hanging nests and feeds on insects and seeds.

Kea

The Kea is a large species of parrot endemic to the mountains of New Zealand. It is known for its intelligent and playful nature, and has been observed using tools in the wild.

Keel-billed Motmot

The Keel-billed Motmot is a brightly colored bird found in parts of Central and South America. It feeds on insects, fruit, and small vertebrates, and is known for its distinctive racket-shaped tail feathers.

Keel-billed Toucan

The Keel-billed Toucan is a brightly colored bird found in parts of Central and South America. It feeds on fruit and insects and is known for its large, colorful bill.

Kelp Goose

The Kelp Goose is a species of waterfowl found in parts of South America, including Chile and Argentina. It feeds on aquatic vegetation and is named for its habit of feeding in kelp beds.

Kelp Gull

The Kelp Gull is a large bird found along the coasts of South America, southern Africa, and Australia. It feeds on fish, crustaceans, and carrion, and is known for its loud, raucous call.

Kentish Plover

The Kentish Plover is a small shorebird found across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It feeds on small invertebrates and is known for its distinctive, high-pitched call.

Kentucky Warbler

The Kentucky Warbler is a small songbird found in the eastern United States. It feeds on insects and builds its nest on the ground.

Kenya Sparrow

The Kenya Sparrow is a small bird found in parts of East Africa. It feeds on seeds, insects, and fruit and is known for its varied songs.

Kerguelen Petrel

The Kerguelen Petrel is a seabird found in the Southern Ocean. It feeds on fish and squid and is known for its long wings and streamlined body.

Kerguelen Shag

The Kerguelen Shag is a species of cormorant found on the Kerguelen Islands in the Southern Ocean. It feeds on fish and squid and is known for its distinctive blue eye ring.

Kerguelen Tern

The Kerguelen Tern is a small seabird found in the Southern Ocean. It feeds on small fish and is known for its distinctive black cap.

Kermadec Petrel

The Kermadec Petrel is a seabird found in the Pacific Ocean. It feeds on squid and fish and is named for the Kermadec Islands, where it breeds.

Key West Quail-dove

The Key West Quail-dove is a bird found in the Florida Keys and parts of the Caribbean. It feeds on seeds and insects and is known for its distinctive cooing call.

Kikuyu White-eye

The Kikuyu White-eye is a small bird found in parts of East Africa. It feeds on insects and berries and is known for its distinctive white eye ring.

Killdeer

The Killdeer is a small shorebird found in parts of North and South America. It feeds on insects and is named for its distinctive, plaintive call.

Kilombero Weaver

The Kilombero Weaver is a species of weaver bird found in parts of East Africa. It builds elaborate woven nests and feeds on insects and seeds.

Kimberley Honeyeater

The Kimberley Honeyeater is a small bird found in Australia’s Kimberley region. It feeds on nectar and insects and is known for its unique, scratchy song.

King Bird-of-paradise

The King Bird-of-paradise is a species of bird-of-paradise found in Papua New Guinea. The male has striking blue and green plumage and performs elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate.

King Eider

The King Eider is a large sea duck found in the Arctic regions of North America and Europe. It feeds on mollusks and crustaceans and is known for its distinctive, curved bill.

King Of Saxony Bird-of-paradise

The King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise is a species of bird-of-paradise found in Papua New Guinea. The male has two long, thin head feathers that it uses in courtship displays.

King Penguin

The King Penguin is a species of penguin found in the sub-Antarctic regions of the world. It feeds on fish and krill and is known for its distinctive orange-yellow markings on the neck and head.

King Quail

The King Quail is a small bird found in parts of Asia and Australia. It feeds on seeds and insects and is known for its distinctive, secretive behavior.

King Rail

The King Rail is a large, secretive bird found in parts of North America. It feeds on insects, fish, and small mammals and is known for its distinctive, rolling call.

King Vulture

The King Vulture is a large bird found in parts of South and Central America, as well as the southern United States. It feeds on carrion and is known for its distinctive naked, brightly colored head.

Kinglet Calyptura

This rare and elusive bird, also known as the Regulus Calyptura, can be found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Its bright orange crest makes it a sought-after sight among bird enthusiasts and photographers.

Kinglet Manakin

The tiny Kinglet Manakin, found in the Amazonian rainforest, is known for its distinctive courtship dance where males perform synchronized flips and acrobatics to attract females. Its bright green plumage adds to its charm.

Kipengere Seedeater

Endemic to Tanzania’s Kipengere Range, the Kipengere Seedeater has a unique beak that allows it to open large pods in order to get to the seeds inside. Its song is described as a melodious whistling.

Knob-billed Duck

The Knob-billed Duck, also known as the Comb Duck, is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Their distinctive head protrusion, shaped like a knob, has been a subject of debate among ornithologists for its function.

Knob-billed Fruit Dove

Found only on the Philippine island of Mindanao, the Knob-billed Fruit Dove has a spectacular purple and green plumage. As their name suggests, they feed on fruit and play an important role in seed dispersal.

Knobbed Hornbill

The Knobbed Hornbill, found throughout southeast Asia, is known for its impressive casque on top of its beak. This structure is thought to be used for amplifying their calls during courtship and territorial displays.

Knysna Turaco

Endemic to South Africa’s Garden Route, the Knysna Turaco is an iconic bird with its bright red wings and glossy blue head. Their diet consists of fruit, flowers, and insects.

Knysna Warbler

The Knysna Warbler is a small and secretive bird found in South Africa’s coastal forests. Their song is described as a series of high-pitched whistles, making them difficult to spot but highly sought after by birders.

Knysna Woodpecker

Endemic to South Africa’s Knysna forests, the Knysna Woodpecker has a striking black and white plumage with a red crest. They are known for their drilling and drumming sounds during courtship and territorial displays.

Kofiau Monarch

Found in Indonesia’s Kofiau Island, the Kofiau Monarch has a beautiful golden-yellow plumage with a distinctive white patch on its back. Despite its beauty, it is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Kofiau Paradise Kingfisher

The Kofiau Paradise Kingfisher, only found on Kofiau Island, has a stunning turquoise and white plumage. It is known to dive from high branches into the water to catch fish.

Koklass Pheasant

The Koklass Pheasant, found throughout the Himalayas and southeast Asia, is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive blue-grey head and neck. They are known for their stunning display during courtship where males puff up their feathers and produce a loud call.

Kolombangara Leaf Warbler

Endemic to the Western Solomons, the Kolombangara Leaf Warbler has a greenish-grey plumage and a distinctive song, often used by birders to identify the species.

Kolombangara Monarch

This critically endangered bird, endemic to Kolombangara Island, has a vibrant blue and black plumage with striking white eye rings. Its unique song is composed of a variety of notes and sounds.

Kolombangara White-eye

The Kolombangara White-eye, endemic to the Western Solomons, has a yellow belly and a distinctive white eye ring. Its diet consists of fruit, nectar, and insects.

Kordofan Lark

The Kordofan Lark is a small bird found in the Sahel region of Africa. They are known for their melodious songs that can be heard from great distances.

Kordofan Sparrow

The Kordofan Sparrow is a small passerine bird found in the Sahel region of Africa. They are found in large flocks and feed on seeds and insects.

Kori Bustard

The Kori Bustard is the largest flying bird native to Africa and can weigh up to 40 pounds. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays where males puff up their feathers and perform a dance.

Kosrae Crake

The Kosrae Crake, found only on the Micronesian island of Kosrae, has a distinctive grey and brown plumage and feeds mainly on insects and small animals.

Kosrae Fruit Dove

The Kosrae Fruit Dove has a beautiful green and purple plumage, and is known for its soft, cooing call. They play an important role in seed dispersal of various plants on the Micronesian island of Kosrae.

Kosrae White-eye

Endemic to the Micronesian island of Kosrae, the Kosrae White-eye has a yellow belly and distinctive white eye ring. They feed mainly on nectar, fruit, and insects.

Kungwe Apalis

The Kungwe Apalis, found in the montane forests of Tanzania, has a distinctive yellow belly and grey head. Their song is soft and musical and can be heard throughout the day.

Kurdish Wheatear

The Kurdish Wheatear is a small bird found in the Middle East and central Asia. They have a distinctive orange-buff belly and are known for their vocalizations during courtship displays.

Kurrichane Thrush

The Kurrichane Thrush is a common bird found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their melodious songs and can often be found foraging on the ground.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of K birds.

As I delved into the task of compiling a list of birds, the sheer number of available species was nearly overwhelming. Yet, with a keen eye for detail and the help of numerous resources, I sifted through the vast array of options to create a list that encompassed each bird’s unique characteristics and features. Through persistent effort and dedication, I succeeded in curating a comprehensive and informative list for this article.

All in all, the study of birds is an incredibly fascinating and rewarding pursuit, and a key to understanding the complex world of nature. Birds have adapted to a wide range of environments and evolved a diverse range of physical and behavioral adaptations that allow them to interact with the world in unique ways. However, their existence is threatened by anthropogenic pressures, such as deforestation, climate change, and pollution. We need to address these challenges by advocating for conservation and by promoting eco-friendly practices. By doing so, we can ensure that birds continue to inspire us with their songs and their spirit for generations to come.

Hope this post on bird names beginning with K alphabet has been useful to you!