Birds That Start With N

Birds are an incredible group of animals that continue to captivate people worldwide with their vibrancy, diversity, and adaptability. With over 10,000 species distributed globally, these enchanting creatures are the subject of study and admiration among scientists, artists, and enthusiasts alike. Birds are indelibly connected to the balance and health of the environment, with their roles in pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal being indispensable to the sustained functioning of ecosystems worldwide.

The task of compiling a comprehensive list of birds required a deep appreciation for the patience and dedication required in birdwatching. Through careful observation and research, I familiarized myself with each bird’s unique habits and behaviors, documenting each species with meticulous care. Despite the exhaustive work, the final result was a list that stands as a testament to the incredible diversity and beauty of the avian world.

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

104 Birds That Start With N

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

Nacunda Nighthawk

The Nacunda Nighthawk is a bird that inhabits the savannah and grasslands of South America. Often mistaken for a bat, this bird is a master of camouflage, blending in perfectly with its surroundings thanks to its mottled plumage. They are most active at dawn and dusk and hunt at night, preying on small insects in flight. The Nacunda Nighthawk is known for its acrobatic flight displays, often performing stunning aerial maneuvers to attract mates.

Naga Wren-babbler

The Naga Wren-babbler is a small bird that lives in the moist forests of Southeast Asia. They are known for their striking plumage, which includes a bright blue head and a distinctive white stripe on their wing. These birds are exceptional foragers, often scouring the forest floor for insects and small invertebrates. Despite their small size, Naga Wren-babblers are incredibly vocal, with a loud and melodious song that can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Naked-faced Barbet

The Naked-faced Barbet is a bird that is found in the dense forests of tropical Africa. What sets this bird apart is its unique appearance – they have a bald blue face, with a bright green and red plumage. They nest in tree cavities and feed primarily on fruits and insects. They are known for their distinctive whistling call that can often be heard throughout the forest.

Naked-faced Spiderhunter

The Naked-faced Spiderhunter is a bird that is native to the rainforests of Borneo. This bird is unique for its long curved bill, which is perfectly adapted for extracting nectar from flowers. They are also opportunistic hunters, often feeding on small insects and spiders that they find on the forest floor. As their name suggests, Naked-faced Spiderhunters have a featherless blue patch around their eyes that makes them stand out in the forest canopy.

Namaqua Dove

The Namaqua Dove is a small bird that is found in the arid regions of southern Africa. They are known for their distinctively patterned plumage, with a sandy brown back and a black and white striped neck collar. These birds are typically found in small flocks and feed primarily on seeds and insects. They are also known for their distinctive wing whirring display, where they flap their wings rapidly to attract mates.

Namaqua Sandgrouse

The Namaqua Sandgrouse is a bird that is found in the arid regions of southern Africa. These birds are expertly adapted to life in the desert, with the ability to fly long distances to find sources of water. They are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a soft cooing noise. Namaqua Sandgrouse primarily feed on seeds, but will occasionally eat insects and small invertebrates.

Namaqua Warbler

The Namaqua Warbler is a small bird that is found in the deserts of southern Africa. They are known for their striking plumage, with a sandy brown back and a bright yellow belly. These birds are opportunistic feeders, regularly preying on small insects and spiders. They are known for their distinctive song, which is an intricate melody of high-pitched chirps and warbles.

Namuli Apalis

The Namuli Apalis is a small bird that is native to the mountains of southern Africa. They are known for their striking plumage, with a black cap and a bright yellow throat. These birds are expertly adapted to life in the montane forest, feeding primarily on insects and small invertebrates. They are also known for their distinctive whistle-like call, which can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Nanday Parakeet

The Nanday Parakeet is a small bird that originates from South America. They are known for their striking plumage, with a blue and green back and a black head. Nanday Parakeets are social birds, often forming large flocks in the wild. They have a loud and distinctive call, with a high-pitched squawk that can often be heard from a distance.

Nankeen Kestrel

The Nankeen Kestrel is a small bird of prey that is found throughout Australia. They are known for their distinctive plumage, with a sandy brown back and a distinctive black band across their tail. These birds are exceptional hunters, using their sharp eyesight to track small rodents and insects. They are known for their swift and agile flight, often catching prey on the wing.

Napo Sabrewing

The Napo Sabrewing is a small bird that is found in the rainforests of South America. They are known for their striking plumage, with a dark blue head and a metallic green body. These birds are expertly adapted to life in the forest canopy, using their long curved bill to extract nectar from flowers. They are also known for their distinctive high-pitched whistle, which can often be heard echoing through the forest at dusk and dawn.

Narcissus Flycatcher

The Narcissus Flycatcher is a small bird that is found in the forests of Asia. They are known for their striking plumage, with a bright orange breast and a distinctive white eye-ring. These birds feed primarily on insects, often darting through the air to catch small prey on the wing. They are also known for their distinctive song, which is a melodic warble of high-pitched whistles and trills.

Narcondam Hornbill

The Narcondam Hornbill is a bird that is found on the small volcanic island of Narcondam in the Bay of Bengal. These birds are expertly adapted to life in the forest, with a large bill that they use to feed on fruit. They are known for their striking plumage, with a bright yellow head and a distinctive black and white tail. Narcondam Hornbills are social birds, often forming large flocks in the wild.

Naretha Bluebonnet

The Naretha Bluebonnet is a small bird that is found in the scrublands of Australia. They are known for their striking plumage, with a bright blue head and a yellow underbelly. These birds are exceptional foragers, feeding primarily on seeds and small insects. They are also known for their distinctive call, which is a high-pitched trilling sound that can often be heard echoing through the scrubland.

Narina Trogon

The Narina Trogon is a small bird that is native to the forests of Africa. They are known for their striking plumage, with a bright iridescent green and red body. These birds nest in tree cavities and feed primarily on insects and small invertebrates. They are also known for their distinctive song, which is a melodious whistling noise that can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Narrow-billed Antwren

The Narrow-billed Antwren is a small bird that is found in the rainforests of South America. They are known for their distinctive plumage, with a black and white stripe on their head and a sandy brown back. These birds feed primarily on insects, often scouring the forest floor for small prey. They are also known for their distinctive call, which is a high-pitched trill that can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Narrow-billed Tody

The Narrow-billed Tody is a small bird that is found in the forests of South America. They are known for their distinctive plumage, with a bright green back and a black and white striped head. These birds feed primarily on insects, often darting through the air to catch small prey on the wing. They are also known for their distinctive call, which is a high-pitched trill that can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Narrow-billed Woodcreeper

The Narrow-billed Woodcreeper is a small bird that is found in the forests of South America. They are known for their distinctive plumage, with a brown back and a whitish underbelly. These birds feed primarily on insects and small invertebrates, often using their strong bill to probe the bark of trees in search of prey. They are also known for their distinctive call, which is a high-pitched trilling noise that can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Narrow-tailed Emerald

The Narrow-tailed Emerald is a small bird that is found in the forests of South America. They are known for their striking plumage, with a bright iridescent green and blue body. These birds are expertly adapted to life in the forest canopy, using their long curved bill to extract nectar from flowers. They are also known for their distinctive call, which is a high-pitched trill that can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Narrow-tailed Starling

The Narrow-tailed Starling is a bird that is found throughout much of Africa. They are known for their striking plumage, with iridescent black feathers and a distinctive narrow tail. These birds are expertly adapted to life in the savannah, feeding primarily on insects and small invertebrates. They are known for their distinctive calls, which include an array of whistles, clicks, and trills.

Nashville Warbler

A small, bright yellow bird with a gray head and white eye-ring, the Nashville Warbler is a common species found throughout the eastern United States during migration.

Natal Spurfowl

The Natal Spurfowl, also known as the Natal Francolin, is a small bird that is native to southern Africa and often found in grasslands and savannas.

Natewa Silktail

Endemic to Fiji, the Natewa Silktail is a striking bird with a beautiful blue-gray body and long, feathered tail.

Nazca Booby

Known for its dramatic dive-bombing fishing technique, the Nazca Booby is a seabird that can be found in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Neblina Metaltail

Endemic to the Andes, the Neblina Metaltail is a small hummingbird with a distinctive metallic green and blue plumage.

Neblina Tapaculo

Found in the Amazon rainforest, the Neblina Tapaculo is a small bird with a distinctive, flute-like song.

Nechisar Nightjar

A rare species of nightjar found only in Ethiopia, the Nechisar Nightjar has a cryptic plumage that allows it to blend into its environment.

Necklaced Barbet

With its striking black necklace and bright red head, the Necklaced Barbet is a colorful bird found in Africa and southern Asia.

Necklaced Spinetail

A small, dark bird found in the brushy areas of South America, the Necklaced Spinetail is known for its distinctive song.

Neddicky

An unassuming bird found in southern Africa, the Neddicky has a plain gray-brown plumage and is known for its loud, melodious song.

Needle-billed Hermit

A small hummingbird found in Central and South America, the Needle-billed Hermit has a distinctive, down-curved bill.

Nelicourvi Weaver

Found only in Madagascar, the Nelicourvi Weaver is a small bird with a brightly colored plumage and a distinctive, downward-curving bill.

Nene

Also known as the Hawaiian Goose, the Nene is a goose species endemic to Hawai’i and can often be found near lava fields.

Neotropic Cormorant

A common bird found in Central and South America, as well as parts of the southern United States, the Neotropic Cormorant is known for its distinctive hooked bill.

Nepal Cupwing

Found only in the Himalayas of Nepal, the Nepal Cupwing is a small bird with a distinctive, cup-shaped nest.

Nepal Fulvetta

A small, active bird found in the Himalayas of Nepal, the Nepal Fulvetta has a distinctive grayish-white plumage.

Niam-niam Parrot

Otherwise known as the Western Grey Parrot, the Niam-niam Parrot is native to central and West Africa and is known for its intelligence and mimicry abilities.

Niau Kingfisher

The Niau Kingfisher is a small bird endemic to the French Polynesian island of Niau and has a striking blue and orange plumage.

Nicaraguan Grackle

A black bird with a long tail found in Central America and parts of Mexico, the Nicaraguan Grackle is highly social and can often be seen in large flocks.

Nicobar Bulbul

Found on the Nicobar Islands of the Indian Ocean, the Nicobar Bulbul is a small bird with a distinctive yellow underbelly and black head.

Nicobar Megapode

The Nicobar Megapode is a large, ground-dwelling bird found on the Nicobar Islands known for its unique nesting habits.

Nicobar Parakeet

A bright green bird found on the Nicobar Islands, the Nicobar Parakeet is often kept as a pet due to its lively personality.

Nicobar Pigeon

The largest pigeon in the world and found on the Nicobar Islands, the Nicobar Pigeon has a distinctive, iridescent purple and green plumage.

Nicobar Sparrowhawk

A small bird of prey found on the Nicobar Islands, the Nicobar Sparrowhawk is highly adaptable and feeds on a variety of prey.

Night Parrot

A rare and elusive bird found only in Australia, the Night Parrot is known for its cryptic plumage and nocturnal habits.

Nihoa Finch

Found only on the Hawaiian island of Nihoa, the Nihoa Finch is a small bird with a distinctive, melanistic plumage.

Nilgiri Flowerpecker

A small bird found in the Western Ghats of India, the Nilgiri Flowerpecker feeds primarily on nectar and has a distinctive, red-and-black plumage.

Nilgiri Flycatcher

A small bird found in the Western Ghats of India, the Nilgiri Flycatcher is known for its insect-catching abilities and distinctive, red-and-black plumage.

Nilgiri Laughingthrush

Found in the Western Ghats of India, the Nilgiri Laughingthrush has a distinctive rosy plumage and a loud, raucous call.

Nilgiri Pipit

A ground-dwelling bird found in the canopies of forests in the Western Ghats of India, the Nilgiri Pipit has a distinctive, streaky-brown plumage.

Nilgiri Thrush

The Nilgiri Thrush is a medium-sized bird that is endemic to the Western Ghats of India.

Nimba Flycatcher

The Nimba Flycatcher is a rare bird found in the mountains of West Africa, particularly in Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire.

Nkulengu Rail

The Nkulengu Rail is a small bird species that can be found in the tropical rainforests of central Africa.

Noble Snipe

The Noble Snipe is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in northern Asia and migrates south to winter in Southeast Asia.

Nocturnal Curassow

The Nocturnal Curassow is a medium-sized bird species that is active mainly at night and can be found in the Amazon Basin.

Noisy Friarbird

The Noisy Friarbird is a large bird species found in eastern and northern Australia, known for its loud, raucous calls.

Noisy Miner

The Noisy Miner is a bird species that is native to Australia and known for its loud vocalizations and aggressive behavior.

Noisy Pitta

The Noisy Pitta is a colorful bird species found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Australia, known for its loud, distinctive call.

Noisy Scrubbird

The Noisy Scrubbird is a critically endangered bird species endemic to Western Australia, known for its loud, ringing call.

Nonggang Babbler

The Nonggang Babbler is a small bird species found in southern China, known for its unique vocalizations and distinctive appearance.

Norfolk Gerygone

The Norfolk Gerygone is a small, insectivorous bird species endemic to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific.

Norfolk Kaka

The Norfolk Kaka, also known as the Norfolk Island Parakeet, is a critically endangered bird species found only on Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Parakeet

The Norfolk Parakeet, also known as the Green Parakeet, is a parrot species endemic to Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Robin

The Norfolk Robin, also known as the Norfolk Island Scarlet Robin, is a small bird species found only on Norfolk Island.

Noronha Elaenia

The Noronha Elaenia is a small bird species endemic to Fernando de Noronha, a Brazilian archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.

Noronha Vireo

The Noronha Vireo is a small bird species endemic to the Brazilian archipelago of Fernando de Noronha.

Northern Bentbill

The Northern Bentbill is a small bird species found in Central and South America, known for its distinctive curved beak.

Northern Bobwhite

The Northern Bobwhite is a small, ground-dwelling bird species native to North America, known for its distinctive “bob-white” call.

Northern Boobook

The Northern Boobook, also known as the Morepork, is a small, nocturnal owl species found in Australia and New Zealand.

Northern Brownbul

The Northern Brownbul is a bird species found in the forests of central and eastern Africa, known for its rich, melodious song.

Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird native to North America, known for its brilliant red plumage and distinctive song.

Northern Cassowary

The Northern Cassowary is a large, flightless bird species found in New Guinea and parts of northeastern Australia.

Northern Catbird

The Northern Catbird is a small, secretive bird species native to North America, known for its distinctive mewing call.

Northern Crombec

The Northern Crombec is a small bird species found in sub-Saharan Africa, known for its distinctive, high-pitched song.

Northern Fantail

The Northern Fantail is a small, insectivorous bird species found in Southeast Asia and Australia, known for its distinctive fan-shaped tail.

Northern Fiscal

The Northern Fiscal is a bird species found in sub-Saharan Africa, known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage and aerial acrobatics.

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a woodpecker species native to North America, known for its striking plumage and distinctive drumming sound.

Northern Fulmar

The Northern Fulmar is a seabird species found in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, known for its distinctive tube-like nostrils.

Northern Gannet

The Northern Gannet is a large seabird species found in the North Atlantic, known for its spectacular plunge diving behavior.

Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk is a bird of prey species found in Europe, Asia, and North America, known for its swift flight and aggressive hunting behavior.

Northern Grosbeak-canary

This bold bird flaunts its black and white feathers with a pop of yellow on its head.

Northern Harrier

Majestic and fierce, this bird of prey glides gracefully over fields in search of small mammals and birds.

Northern Hawk-owl

A master of silent flight, this beautiful owl can be found perched in the northern boreal forests.

Northern Jacana

With its long toes and unique walk on floating vegetation, this bird is sure to catch your eye in any wetland habitat.

Northern Lapwing

This shorebird’s distinctive green and black feathers make it easy to spot in open grassy areas.

Northern Mockingbird

Known for its beautiful and complex songs, this bird is often found in urban and suburban environments.

Northern Nightingale-wren

One of the rarest and hardest to find birds in the Americas, this thrush-like bird prefers the dense understory of tropical forests.

Northern Parula

This small, brightly colored songbird can be seen flitting around in the treetops of eastern forests.

Northern Pintail

With its long, elegant neck and distinctive tail feathers, this duck is a true beauty to behold.

Northern Potoo

This nocturnal bird blends in perfectly with its surroundings during the day, but can be heard at night by its eerie call.

Northern Puffback

A small passerine bird found in sub-Saharan Africa, the male displays an impressive lyre-shaped tail during courtship.

Northern Rosella

With its vibrant plumage and playful personality, this parrot is a favorite among bird enthusiasts.

Northern Schiffornis

This elusive bird is often heard but rarely seen in the dense forests of Central and South America.

Northern Screamer

The distinctive call of this South American bird can be heard from miles away, making it a favorite among birders.

Northern Shoveler

This duck’s oversized bill is perfect for scooping up aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates.

Northern Shrike

With its hooked bill and preference for impaling prey on thorns and barbed wire, this bird of prey is not to be messed with.

Northern Waterthrush

Named for its habit of bobbing up and down at the edge of streams and ponds, this warbler is a common sight in wetland habitats.

Northern Wheatear

This small, migratory bird is known for its distinctive white rump and habit of perching on rocks and fences.

Nubian Bustard

This large, ground-dwelling bird can be found in the grasslands of northeastern Africa.

Nubian Nightjar

Often found roosting on the ground during the day, this insect-eating bird is perfectly camouflaged for its desert habitat.

Nubian Woodpecker

This small woodpecker belongs to a unique group of birds found only in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nullarbor Quail-thrush

With its speckled plumage and ground-dwelling habits, this bird is a true master of camouflage in the Australian outback.

Nuthatch Vanga

Found only in the evergreen forests of Madagascar, this unique bird uses its bill to pry open bark in search of insects.

Nyanza Swift

This small, swift-flying bird is found in the wetlands and swamps around Lake Victoria in East Africa.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of N birds.

In seeking to curate a list of birds worthy of this article, I turned to a vast array of resources, from classic field guides to modern birding forums. I dug deep into the fascinating intricacies of the avian world, learning about everything from migration patterns to the unique adaptations of each species. The end result was a comprehensive and informative list, one that accurately reflects the diversity and beauty of these incredible creatures.

To sum up, the study of birds is an important area of research that has led to major advancements in understanding the natural world. Birds offer us a fascinating way to explore the diversity of animal life, the complexities of adaptation to environment and the intricacies of behavior and communication. Unfortunately, bird populations are declining globally as a result of human activities. To prevent this trend and promote a healthier planet, it is necessary to take action towards conservation and environmental protection. By doing so, we can maintain the beauty and diversity of these remarkable creatures and appreciate the many benefits they bring to our world.

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