Welcome to the delightful and exotic world of birds filled with chirps, tweets, and fascinating facts! Whether you are here for your crossword puzzle, or to quench your avian thirst, you are on the way to knowing all about six-letter birds.
There are wide ranges of birds that fall into this category of being six-lettered, and most of them are familiar as a group of birds rather than a specific species.
So, you are about to know how birds with six letters can be domestic, friendly, wild, and tropical. And some of them are common while some are rare to the point of nearly going extinct!
So, grab your binoculars, put on your bird-watching hat, and let’s dive into the whimsical world of six-letter birds!
Contents
Birds With 6 Letters: Exploring Worldwide Wonders
Birds with six letters can range from your friendly neighborhood pigeons to the rarest flocks of wildlife. Here are 21 birds with six letters for you to explore. Let’s check how many of them you already know about!
Parrot
Source: @papaveo
- Scientific Name: Melopsittacus undulatus
- Size: 8.7 to 100 cm (3.5 to 40 in)
- Locality: All Continents Except Antarctica
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Unspecified
Parrots are one of the most captivating, intelligent, and social birds. They are vibrant in color, playful in nature, and quick to learn tricks and mimicries. Their vocal abilities start from chirps and screeches to even human speeches to some extent.
Recognition
Parrots have a unique feature which is their vibrant plumage color. Their feathers can be green, red, blue, yellow, and every joyful color a palette can contain. Another unique feature of parrots is the shape of their beak – curved and hooked at the tip.
Habitat
Parrots show exceptional adaptability to different types of habitats. Their habitats depend on the specific species and can range from tropical rainforests and mangroves to savannahs, woodlands, coastal areas, and even urban areas.
Osprey
Source: @cathleenbester.photography
- Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus
- Size: 50 to 66 cm (20 to 26 in)
- Locality: All Continents Except Antarctica
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: January to May
Ospreys are known for their exceptional fishing skills. They are adept at soaring through the sky and diving into the water to catch fish with remarkable precision which is quite thrilling to observe. They are also remarkable in their migratory habits and are able to navigate long distances.
Recognition
Ospreys have a distinct color palette. They have a white head with a dark brown eye stripe on the side of their faces that extends to the back of their heads and a snow-white throat. This stark contrast between dark and light plumage is key to identifying them.
Habitat
Ospreys are found all over the globe with certain requirements in geography. They are commonly seen in coastal areas, and close to large water bodies such as rivers, reservoirs, lakes, wetlands, marshes, and anywhere with the possibility of harboring fish.
Magpie
Source: @fragilereign
- Scientific Name: Pica serica
- Size: 37 to 43 cm (14.5 to 17 in)
- Locality: All Over The Globe
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: August to October
Magpies are one of the few birds that have problem-solving abilities. They belong to the Crow family and are popular when it comes to symbolism and cultural significance in a lot of nations. Their whistle and ability to recognize themselves in mirrors are parts of their charm.
Recognition
Most magpies are purely a striking combination of deep black upper body and snow white belly. They have an iconic long black tail that can rise sometimes. Some species might have a hint of blue gloss on the feather, and some might have yellow on the beak and face.
Habitat
Magpies are adapted all over the world based on their specific habitat preferences, species, and geographical region. They are normally seen in woodlands, forests, farms, wetlands, parks and gardens, cities, and meadows – anywhere with just a little bit of green will suffice.
Avocet
Source: @jwiser.71
- Scientific Name: Recurvirostra americana
- Size: 40 to 51 cm (16 to 20 in)
- Locality: North America, Parts of South America, Eastern Europe, Western and Central Asia, and Australia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Mid-April to late June
Avocets are known for their elegant appearance with long, slender legs and a unique, upturned bill shape. They are migratory and prefer cooperative nesting and form loose colonies to defend their nests. During the breeding season, male avocets perform intricate courtship performances to attract females.
Recognition
Avocets have a striking appearance characterized by their long, thin legs, slender bodies, and gracefully curved bills. They have a bold black cap and white plumage extending down their neck, back, and underparts. The renowned bill of an avocet is long and slender, curving upwards towards the tip.
Habitat
Avocets are distributed worldwide, with different species found in various regions. They are typically found in shallow, brackish or saline wetland habitats such as mudflats, salt pans, lagoons, and estuaries that have a mix of open water, exposed mud, and vegetation, and provide ample feeding opportunities.
Plover
Source: @niemyungphotography
- Scientific Name: Charadrius nivosus
- Size: 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in)
- Locality: All Continents Except Sahara and Polar Regions
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: Late winter to early spring
Plovers might be seen on every continent, but some of the species are listed as threatened and in critical status. Perhaps that is why plovers are fiercely protective of their nests and young. They use various tactics to distract predators, such as feigning injury or engaging in distraction displays.
Recognition
Plovers typically have a compact and streamlined body with short to medium-length legs. They have round heads, short necks, and relatively short bills, making them look like a puffball. The plumage of plovers varies among species, but most of them have a combination of earthy tones such as browns, grays, whites, and blacks.
Habitat
Plovers can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, beaches, mudflats, grasslands, and even inland areas near lakes, rivers, or marshes. Some plover species show incredible migratory and navigating abilities, hence, they are found in parts of almost all the continents.
Cuckoo
Source: @sandys_lensation
- Scientific Name: Cuculus clamosus
- Size: 32 to 34 cm (13 in)
- Locality: All Continents Except Antarctica
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to September
Cuckoos are the absent parents of the bird kingdom. They are most known for their unique and sweet alarm for the arrival of spring, and the way they lay eggs in other birds’ nests when they aren’t looking. They can also mimic other birds in order to deceive them.
Recognition
Recognizing a cuckoo can be a bit challenging as they tend to be secretive and have a generic appearance. Normally, they have a combination of gray, brown, and black feathers. However, some cuckoo species, such as the Common Cuckoo, have a prominent crest on their head.
Habitat
Cuckoos are common in many regions but they prefer to stay in a mild climate. They are found in various habitats across the world, including forests, woodlands, savannas, and even urban areas. They are highly nomadic and some species do not even build nests of their own.
Toucan
Source: @leonardocasadei_aves
- Scientific Name: Ramphastos toco
- Size: 29 to 63 cm (11 to 25 in)
- Locality: Southern Mexico and South America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Spring
Toucan is best known as an icon for the tropics. They are inquisitive and playful in nature. They often investigate their surroundings by using their bill to touch and explore objects, including potential food items or unfamiliar items in their environment.
Recognition
Toucans are known for their large, colorful bills and unique appearance. Their bills can be half the length of their body and are often vividly colored, with combinations of yellow, orange, red, green, and black. They have short necks, short wings, long tails, and zygodactyl feet.
Habitat
Toucans are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, particularly in rainforests and humid woodlands. They prefer to live in places where they have access to fruits and can move swiftly between branches. They typically nest in tree cavities and use natural hollows or excavate their own nest holes.
Canary
Source: @helenakleist
- Scientific Name: Serinus canaria
- Size: 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in)
- Locality: Canary Islands
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to July
You might know a famous canary, “Tweety” from the Looney Tunes for her sweetness and charm. They are known to bring a touch of joy and cheerfulness with their vibrant colors and melodious songs. Over time, canaries have been selectively bred, resulting in a wide variety of breeds with diverse colors and patterns.
Recognition
Canaries typically have a plump, compact body with a short beak, and slender legs and feet that are well adapted for perching and hopping among branches. They have plumage of brilliantly vibrant yellows and oranges to soft whites, blues, and other stunning palettes.
Habitat
Canary birds are native to the Canary Islands located on the northwest coast of Africa. They love to stay in semi-arid regions with a mix of rocky terrain, shrubs, and open grasslands. They are known to prefer areas with a moderate climate, where temperatures are relatively stable throughout the year.
Curlew
Source: @tarja_naturephotos
- Scientific Name: Numenius americanus
- Size: 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in)
- Locality: Worldwide
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: June to December
Curlews are well-known for their hauntingly evocative calls. They are often described as a melodious and far-carrying series of bubbling or trilling notes. Some curlew species are facing population declines and are considered to be at risk.
Recognition
Curlews have the longest bills of any wading bird. The length and curvature of their bills enable them to probe deep into the mud or sand. They look graceful in their appearance, with a slender body, long neck with a mottled brown plumage.
Habitat
Curlews are found in various parts of the world despite being near threatened. Different species have adapted to specific regions and habitats, such as coastal areas, mudflats, estuaries, grasslands, and even tundra. They prefer to build their nests on the ground.
Puffin
Source: @mels5576
- Scientific Name: Fratercula arctica
- Size: 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 in)
- Locality: Northern Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Region
- Status: Vulnerable
- Breeding Season: Late April to Early May
The unique and comical appearance of Puffins has earned them adorable nicknames such as “clowns of the sea” or “sea parrots.” Their bright beaks, expressive eyes, and waddling walk add is a favorite subject for wildlife photographers and artists.
Recognition
You can recognize puffins as medium-sized seabirds with a black or dark gray upper body and a white underbelly. Their large, triangular-shaped beak is brightly colored with shades of orange, yellow, and red. Puffins also have striking orange legs and webbed feet that are perfectly suited for their marine lifestyle.
Habitat
Puffins are mostly found in the northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic region. They choose the coastal cliffs, rocky islands, and offshore islets of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Canada, and the northeastern United States for their habitat.
Fiscal
Source: @davehawkinsphotography
- Scientific Name: Lanius collaris
- Size: 21 to 23 cm (8 to 9 in)
- Locality: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: August to March
Fiscal shrikes may be small but are known for their perching behavior and their habit of impaling prey on thorns or spikes. They are skilled hunters, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally even other birds.
Recognition
Fiscals have predominantly black or dark gray plumage on their body, including the head, back, wings, and tail. They also feature a black mask extending from the base of the bill and covering the eyes, creating a distinctive “bandit mask” appearance.
Habitat
Fiscal occupies a significant portion of the African continent. They are seen in various types of open habitats, including woodlands, savannas, grasslands, shrublands, and even urban areas with trees and scattered vegetation. They prefer areas with perches, such as trees or fence posts, from which they can hunt for prey.
Thrush
Source: @kn_wildlife
- Scientific Name: Chlamydochaera jefferyi
- Size: 13 to 30 cm (5 to 12 in)
- Locality: Worldwide
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to August
Thrushes are renowned for their beautiful songs and attractive plumage. Whether spotted in the woodlands, serenading from a treetop, or foraging on the forest floor, they add a touch of elegance and melodic beauty to the avian world.
Recognition
Thrushes vary in size, but most species are medium-sized birds. Their plumage often consists of earthy tones, with shades of brown, gray, or olive, and many species exhibit attractive patterns, such as spots or streaks on their chests and wings.
Habitat
Thrushes inhabit a wide range of habitats across the globe, including forests, woodlands, gardens, and shrublands. Different species have specific habitat preferences, with some favoring dense vegetation, while others frequent more open areas.
Falcon
Source: @mike55_eagles
- Scientific Name: Falco subbuteo
- Size: 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24 in)
- Locality: Worldwide
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late March to May
Falcons are a symbol of power and prowess. They are incredibly agile and capable of swift and precise aerial maneuvers. Their ability to soar through the skies and execute precise hunting techniques showcases their remarkable adaptations as specialized predators.
Recognition
Falcons have a sleek and streamlined body built for swift flight. You can recognize them by their long, pointed wings and relatively short, hooked beak. Their plumage varies among species but often includes a combination of dark and light feathers, with distinctive markings and patterns.
Habitat
Falcons are found in various habitats worldwide, including grasslands, deserts, forests, and coastal areas. Different species have specific habitat preferences, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They typically build nests on cliffs, tall trees, or man-made structures such as buildings and bridges.
Condor
Source: @cyclopeye_photography
- Scientific Name: Vultur gryphus
- Size: 100 to130 cm (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 3 in)
- Locality: North and South America
- Status: Endangered
- Breeding Season: January to March
Condors are an endangered bird family that only exists in a very specific environment. Their impressive size and soaring flight are perfect traits for their nature of being scavengers. They have an excellent sense of smell, which allows them to detect decaying carcasses from great distances.
Recognition
Condors are among the most giant flying birds in the world. They have a massive wingspan and their plumage is predominantly black, with distinctive white patches on the undersides of their wings. Adult condors also possess featherless heads and necks.
Habitat
Condors are primarily found in mountainous and coastal regions of the Americas. They prefer to stay in open grasslands, deserts, and forested areas. Condors were distributed from western Canada to Patagonia, but their range has significantly diminished, and they are now restricted to a few select areas.
Willet
Source: @braulio_castillo_photography
- Scientific Name: Tringa semipalmata
- Size: 31 to 41 cm (12 to 16 in)
- Locality: Coastal parts of North and South America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to July
Willets are true to their names. They are known for their distinctive feeding behavior known as “willeting.” They will often walk deliberately along the water’s edge and pause to quickly probe the sand or mud for prey before moving forward again.
Recognition
Willets have a stocky build with grey-brown plumage that provides camouflage in their coastal habitats. They have long, sturdy bills that curve slightly downwards. In flight, their wings display a striking black-and-white pattern, with a bold black band spanning across the middle.
Habitat
Willets might only be in very specific parts of North and South America, but they have a wide distribution in those areas. They are found along coastal areas, including salt marshes, mudflats, beaches, and estuaries.
Gannet
Source: @harriet_day_wildpics12
- Scientific Name: Morus bassanus
- Size: 170 to 180 cm (67 to 71 in)
- Locality: Coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late February to April
Gannets are a magnificent sight to behold, whether soaring gracefully in the sky or plunging into the sea with remarkable precision. Observing gannets in their natural habitat provides a glimpse into the captivating world of marine avian life.
Recognition
Gannets have a sleek and aerodynamic body with long, pointed wings and sharp, pointed beaks. They have white plumage, which contrasts with their black wingtips. Some Gannet species can also show earthy tones on their plumage.
Habitat
Gannets are found only on the coasts of areas influenced by the Gulf Stream starting from northeastern America to northwest Russia. They nest in large colonies on offshore islands and sea cliffs and often choose steep and rocky sites that provide protection and easy access to fishing.
Grouse
Source: @merjaaittamaa
- Scientific Name: Centrocercus urophasianus
- Size: 31 to 95 cm (12 to 37 in)
- Locality: North-central and Western United States
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: April to May
Grouses are generally ground-dwelling birds and rely on their ability to blend into their surroundings to avoid predation. They are known for their unique and extravagant courtship displays. Males establish territories and attract females through these displays.
Recognition
Grouse vary in appearance depending on the species, but they generally have plump bodies, short wings, and feathered legs. Their plumage is often intricately patterned. Some species also have notable features such as ruffed neck feathers or lyre-shaped tail feathers.
Habitat
Grouse settles in a variety of habitats including forests, heaths, tundra, and grasslands. Different species have specific habitat preferences, such as the Ruffed Grouse found in deciduous forests of North America while Willow Grouse thrives in arctic and subarctic regions.
Petrel
Source: @ilanashapira1
- Scientific Name: Macronectes giganteus
- Size: 80 to 99 cm (31 to 39 in)
- Locality: Southern Oceans
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to October
Petrels have the ability to traverse vast distances and survive in remote and harsh environments. The sight of petrels gracefully skimming over the waves is a captivating reminder of the beauty and wonders of the marine world. They might make you want to become a sailor yourself.
Recognition
Petrels come in various sizes and plumage patterns, but most have streamlined bodies, long wings, and webbed feet. They often have dark-colored plumage, which helps camouflage them while flying over the ocean. They also have a unique feature called “tubenose.”
Habitat
Petrels are the sailors of the bird world and are found in oceans and oceans of the southern hemisphere. They spend most of their lives on the open sea and only come ashore to breed and raise their young. Some Petrel species inhabit colder, polar regions, and others favor warmer, tropical waters.
Kākāpō
Source: @ig_urartu
- Scientific Name: Strigops habroptilus
- Size: 58 to 64 cm (23 to 25 in)
- Locality: New Zealand
- Status: Critically Endangered
- Breeding Season: Every two to four years
Kākāpō is a member of the parrot family that is exclusive to New Zealand. They have historical importance to the Maori and have an influence over their folklore and legends. They are unable to fly but are excellent climbers.
Recognition
Kākāpōs are also known as “owl parrots” because of their owl-like appearance with green plumage-like parrots. They have a stout build and round body shape. Their face is adorned with large, expressive, forward-facing eyes and a distinctive facial disc.
Habitat
Kākāpōs used to stay in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. However, due to habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals, their range has significantly declined. Now, Kākāpōs are restricted to predator-free offshore islands and carefully managed sanctuaries.
Pigeon
Source: @zivturg
- Scientific Name: Columba palumbus
- Size: 38 to 45 cm (15 to 18 in)
- Locality: Worldwide
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to July
Pigeons are one of the most common birds you can find around you. They love to stay and fly in flocks. So, if you want to befriend them, be ready to befriend at least two of them at once, and many of them at one point.
Recognition
Pigeons come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the species. They typically have plump bodies, small heads, and short legs. Their feathers can be found in heaps of colors, including shades of gray, brown, white, and even iridescent hues.
Habitat
Pigeons are found all over the globe with only the exception of the Sahara Desert, and the polar regions. They can adapt to diverse environments such as cities, towns, parks, forests, and rural areas. In urban settings, they often rely on human-provided food sources.
Bulbul
Source: @bharathkancharla
- Scientific Name: Hypsipetes amaurotis
- Size: 14 to 28 cm (5.5 to 11 inches)
- Locality: Africa, Middle East, Tropical Asia, East Asia, and Parts of Europe
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: June to September
Bulbuls are popular among bird enthusiasts for their captivating songs and attractive plumage. Whether serenading us with their songs or adding a splash of color to our gardens, bulbuls are a delightful presence in the avian world.
Recognition
Bulbuls have a compact and rounded body shape with a relatively short tail. They typically have short to medium-length beaks and strong legs. Their plumage varies greatly depending on the species, but it often showcases a combination of colors like shades of brown, gray, black, and various hues of yellow, orange, or red.
Habitat
Bulbuls are found in various habitats across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. They are adaptable birds, inhabiting a wide range of environments, including forests, woodlands, scrublands, gardens, and urban areas.
FAQ
Q: Are all six letter birds species?
Ans: No, most of the six-letter birds we commonly know are a general name for a group of birds. There may be different species under that group with very similar traits.
Thoughts
Six-letter birds have shown us that big things can come in small packages! From the charming puffin to the colorful toucan, these feathered friends have entertained us with their unique features, captivating behaviors, and incredible adaptations.
Let these birds inspire you to appreciate the small wonders around us and to embrace the joy and beauty that birds bring into your lives. Who knows, you might get bomb-bird-ed with free therapy in the process!
You might be captivated by the grace of the curlew, enchanted by the antics of the plover, and inspired by the resilience of the avocet. So, go out and spread your wings of curiosity as you embark on your bird-watching adventures.
Audio Credits: xeno-canto
