20 Birds That Start With "B": Info And Facts

Currently, there are almost 11,000 species of birds existent in the world. Each type of bird has its own unique traits that make them our favorite.

However, have you ever thought how fun it would be to list your favorite birds alphabetically? If not, then we are here today with a list of birds that start with “B”.

I have sorted a few birds with their brief introduction that will get you fully acquainted with them. Moreover, the best thing about the mentioned facts is that these will enable you to easily pinpoint them in nature without any help from an expert.

The listed birds are truly breathtaking and can melt our hearts in an instant.

So, gather up all the bird lovers and get started with the exquisite list of birds now!

Divine Birds That Start With “B”

If we start to list every bird that starts with “B” then it might take months for you to go through. So we are here with a limited list of birds and their info and facts that will get you started if you want to know more.

Happy bird watching!

Barn Owl

Source: @ericaa412

Scientific Name: Tyto alba
Size: 33 and 39 cm (13 and 15 in)
Locality: North America
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Dry Season

The barn owl also known as the common barn owl is a nocturnal bird that does not hoot but rather makes an eerie sound that goes with its ghostly white appearance. They fly efficiently and quietly which helps them to hunt their prey like lizards, spiders, fish, etc.

Recognition

As the name suggests, the Barn Owl has a similar color to a barn which is mostly a shade of pale brown and grey. They have dark eyes and their heart-shaped face is usually white and in some cases brownish with black and white spots. Their wings are light browns with a dark shade making them easy to spot.

Habitat

This type of bird is found all over the world except for places with extreme weather like the polar and desert regions. They prefer to live in open spaces. Migratory barn owls prefer to stay in grasslands, and dry, sheltered roosts which help them in case of nesting.

Blue Jay

Source: @xaidi_images

Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
Size: 22 to 30 cm (9 to 12 in)
Locality: Eastern and Central parts of the United States, and parts of Canada
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Mid-March to July

Regardless of how peaceful the species in concern might appear, it is a passerine bird with complex social skills ready to attack and raid any bird’s nest at any time. The omnivorous birds are bold enough to chase predatory birds and scream when encountered. This highly curious, intelligent bird is capable of creating a variety of calling styles.

Recognition

The blue jay has a vivid blue colored body with a bright white chest and a black collar around its neck making it easily noticeable. It has a blue crest that gets raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood. The lavender blue plumage has strong black stripes.

Habitat

These birds are mostly seen in forest areas and the foothills of the mountains. Some blue jays are migratory and they take flight from one place to another without any particular reason. Hence their migratory time, place, and appropriate reasons are still a mystery.

Bald Eagle

Source: @wingsfan91

Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Size: 70 to 102 cm (28 to 40 in)
Locality: United States of America, Canada, Alaska, and northern Mexico
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Late February to Early May

The Bald Eagle, unlike its name, is not bald. It is an opportunistic carnivore bird of prey that mainly feeds on fish. It was on the verge of extinction in the late 20th Century which now has finally got out of the list. It can live up to 20 years in the wilderness.

Recognition

This bird is easily identifiable because of its large dark brown body with a white head and long tail. The beak, talons, and irises are strong and sharp looking, yellow and feather free. The size can vary depending on the state they live in. The largest ones are seen around Alaska.

Habitat

In any kind of American wetland or any open water area with an abundance of fish optimally used for breeding. They spend months creating large and heavy nests in huge trees. They choose their habitat that is free of human disturbances. They mostly choose their habitat based on food availability.

Black Vulture

Source: @okie_nature_lover

Scientific Name: Coragyps atratus
Size: 56 to 74 cm (22 to 29 in)
Locality: Central, South, and Southeastern United States
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Different according to geographical location.

The scavenger bird has a bald head and hooked beak made for them to easily consume carrion. It does not possess a syrinx making its vocal range limited. Despite their appearance, this type of bird is not prone to attack live animals and only feeds on carcasses.

Recognition

As the name dictates, black vultures possess entirely shiny black plumage with featherless grayish-black heads and necks. This wrinkled head is devoid of any feathers. Their front toes are long and grayish-white in color. They have white smudges on the underside of their wings.

Habitat

The open areas consisting of woods, bushes, grasslands, or dead trees are natural habitats of the black vultures. They usually prefer to have permanent residency. Sometimes they are seen to be migrating but in short distances and only under unfavorable conditions.

Bay-Breasted Warbler

Source: @acouplewithoutborders

Scientific Name: Setophaga castanea
Size: 13 to 15 cm (5 to 6 in)
Locality: Eastern and Central Canada and the northernmost part of the USA
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Spring and Fall

The Bay-breasted Warbler is a songbird that belongs to the New World Warbler family. It’s a small bird that often acts as a bully and attacks smaller species. During the breeding season, the male birds exhibit different colors, unlike the female species.

Recognition

With a reddish brown head and small rounded figure, the breeding males look distinct. It has a pointed bill and a long tail with cream-colored buff underparts. The plumages are white-barred. Breeding females are similar to the males except they are comparatively pale and dull.

Habitat

During the breeding season, the Bay-breasted Warbler is found in boreal forests. It’s a migratory bird that winters in Central and South America. They annually habitat in various wet lowland forested areas and have long-distance migrations when needed. They are generally seen to be inhabiting trees, however, during migration they are found on the ground.

Black Skimmer

Source: @birdsbyksw

Scientific Name: Rynchops niger
Size: 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)
Locality: North and South America
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Summer

The largest among the three skimmer species, the Black Skimmers have a distinctive graceful stabilized flight style. They usually coordinate their flight with their flocks and have a speed of 10 to 20 mph. They mainly forage during the day. However, it can even successfully forage at night.

Recognition

The combination of beautiful red and black on the bill of this bird is its main feature. The forehead and under part of the wings and the upper part of the body and neck are white. Other than that the rest of the body has stunning black color. Interestingly their irises are cat-like.

Habitat

Not all the species of the Black Skimmer appear to be highly migratory. The birds that live in the northern part have to carry out long-distance migrations whereas the birds living in the southern part only migrate shorter distances that too because of facing extreme natural calamities.

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Source: @bydanielcermak

Scientific Name: Setophaga caerulescens
Size: 13 cm (5.1 in)
Locality: Eastern North America
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: May to July

Black-throated Blue Warbler, a small songbird is easy to detect due to its distinct and vivid color. The bird’s calling creates high-pitched sounds like “zoo zoo zee zee” sometimes described as “I am so lazy”. Predominantly insectivorous, these birds sometimes consume berries and seeds.

Recognition

The adult male of this species possesses similar characteristics as per the name. The upper part is a rich blue color and its throat as well as face and flanks are black. The female and the juveniles possess strikingly different colors than the male ones. During the breeding season, the color of these birds can turn dull.

Habitat

This migratory species breed in places with temperate or mixed forests. Later they migrate to tropical wooded forests for wintering. They usually migrate to a different place in late summer. They choose their nesting site in close protected places.

Black Tern

Source: @grzedabek

Scientific Name: Chlidonias niger
Size: 25 cm (10 in)
Locality: Europe, Western Asia, and North America.
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Between May and June

The striking juxtaposition of dark grey and coal black is what makes the Black Tern remarkable among the seabird species. If the freshwater remains of the same quality then these birds often create colonies with their flocks in the same place year after year.

Recognition

The Black Tern predominantly appears as black. However, during breeding season this bird sometimes slightly changes its color. Their head and small neck are black and connected very closely. Their tail on the other hand is grey with a brownish tone. They have small streaks in grayish brown color on their white breast.

Habitat

This species finds its home in the freshwater wetlands such as marshes, swamps, etc. Their nesting is found on hovering materials around marshes or grounds that are near water areas. Some Black Terns migrate to Africa or the open ocean and they always migrate in flocks.

Baltimore Oriole

Source: @nature_worldwide_birds

Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
Size: 17 to 22 cm (6.7 to 8.7 in)
Locality: Eastern United States to Montana and Southeastern and South America in late summer.
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Late April to July

The Baltimore Oriole is a medium-sized bird of the passerine family. They are quite a picky eater who disregards their food based on its color. Despite the bright noticeable color in their body, these birds are not easily detectable as they usually move on high trees

Recognition

The vivid colors on the body of the bird are instantly detectable. Their breasts and part of their shoulder are bright oranges. Their head and beak are jet-black and rounded out. Moreover, their wings have white stripes on black plumage that make the bird appear more stunning.

Habitat

This type of bird usually prefers to live in high-leafy trees. Moreover, they like to live in open areas like parks, backyards, orchards, suburban landscapes, etc. While migrating they prefer to live in canopy trees and often in coffee plantations.

Barrow’s Goldeneye

Source: @parkwildlife

Scientific Name: Bucephala islandica
Size: 49 cm (19.2 in)
Locality: Northwestern North America, and scattered in Canada and Iceland
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: December to May

Barrow’s Goldeneye, a small diving duck, belongs to the same species as sea ducks. This captivating waterfowl has a swift and agile flight pattern. The adult male species have a unique courtship display. This fascinating species can live up to 15 years in the wilderness.

Recognition

This sexually dimorphic species looks similar to that of a Common Goldeneye. Barrow’s Goldeneye bird has a uniquely shaped oblong head. The main attraction of the adult male bird’s appearance is its bright yellow eyes with a glossy purple tone on its dark-colored head. Adult female birds, on the contrary, possess yellow bills.

Habitat

During summer this species is found on forested mountain lakes. In certain parts of Iceland Barrow’s Goldeneye thrive as the inhabitants create nests, especially for them. Moreover, these species like to swim and rest in shallow freshwater lakes, wooded lakes, and ponds.

Black-billed Magpie

Source: @portlandaudubon

Scientific Name: Pica hudsonia
Size: 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Locality: Western Half of North America
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Late March to Early July

The stunning black-billed magpie is similar to an Eurasian magpie in appearance with the size of a common crow. This species is seen hanging around people, and large mammals, and helping them out by looking for ticks on their hair.

Recognition

This species primarily has black and white in its body. The head, chest, and back parts are predominantly black. The bright white part is only on their shoulders and sides creating a striking combination. Moreover, these flashy birds have shiny blue or blue-green hues along their wings and tails.

Habitat

As it prefers open areas with trees clustered together, it is found near farmlands, perched in trees, etc. This non-migratory species does not like living in places with high temperatures and humidity. In the breeding season, it opts for places with grassland and suburbs. It often pairs for life and nests individually.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Source: @loren.jim_photography

Scientific Name: Amazilia yucatanensis
Size: 10 to 11 cm (3.9 to 4.3 in)
Locality: Gulf Coast in Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula, and the United States.
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Late March to Early August

Habitually quirky Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are one of the largest of its species existing in the United States. Similar to other hummingbirds, it has a unique flying pattern. Sometimes they take advantage of their big size and aggressively chase after the smaller species.

Recognition

This species is known for its vibrant eye-catching colors. They have a heavenly blend of colors in their body. The adult males have a reddish bill with glossy green with bronze-hued upperpart. They have a dark-colored crown as well. Their tails have a mix of emerald green and greenish bronze on them.

Habitat

This species prefers to migrate in the winter whenever necessary. It predominantly opts for areas that are open or semi-open, shrubby, and wooded. It inhabits these spaces year-round and chooses them based on their dryness. They can be seen in coastal areas as well.

Bell’s Vireo

Source: @birderofnill

Scientific Name: Vireo bellii
Size: 11.5 to 12.5 cm (4.5 to 4.9 in)
Locality: Large parts of Midwest to Southwest America and Mexico
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Mid-March to Early April

Bell’s Vireo is the type of bird that melts one’s heart with its simplicity. This predominantly insectivorous species has not been seen consuming any kind of drinks for hydration. It is presumed that this bird gets all the necessary water from their food. Its best characteristic is its singing ability.

Recognition

Being small and fluffy is this bird’s main attraction. Depending on the area you discover the color can vary. It can be yellow, green, and even grey. Their tails are pointy and a little darker shade than the rest of the body. Their underparts are usually pale gray or white.

Habitat

This predominantly migratory species breed in the western part and winters in the central part of the United States. Some of the species, however, reside in a particular place throughout the whole year. It prefers to live in bushy areas and areas along with rivers.

Bewick’s Wren

Source: @bettinaenaturehb

Scientific Name: Thryomanes bewickii
Size: 14 cm (5.5 in)
Locality: North America
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Early February to Mid-August

The Bewick’s Wren is a species of wren that seems similar to the Carolina wren in appearance. Predominantly insectivorous, this species sometimes consumes seeds as well. It calls beautifully that changes when aggravated. It moves around hopping from one branch to another.

Recognition

This small bird has a long tail, unlike its overall fluffy rounded body. The tails as well as wings have black stripes. Its chest is a dull brownish-black color. It usually appears in a warm brown tone. However, it can turn into a more grayish-brown bird as well.

Habitat

Bewick’s Wren is an easily adaptable breed enabling them to occupy a variety of habitats. These varieties include woodlands, riparian areas, bushy areas, and open habitats. They are not shy of people, henceforth, can live in a suburban environment as well.

Band-tailed Pigeon

Source: @wildergarden

Scientific Name: Patagioenas fasciata
Size: 33 to 40 cm (13 to 16 in)
Locality: Northern California into Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Spring and Summer

The Band-tailed Pigeon, a close relative to the Chilean Pigeon and ring-tailed pigeon, is known to be larger than most pigeons. It is one of the biggest pigeon species in North America. It usually feeds on various types of fruits.

Recognition

This type of stocky pigeon has a relatively small head with pointed wings and rounded tails. The upper part of its body is a dark shade of bluish-gray. There is a white crescent shape on its neck and a yellow beak and talon.

Habitat

Mostly traveling in groups, this species prefers to live in mature coniferous forests with deciduous trees, damp forests, and conifer-oak woodlands. It lives on trees that will help them with their food source. It visits forested parks, orchards, and fields as well.

Bachman’s Sparrow

Source: @phonescoper

Scientific Name: Peucaea aestivalis
Size: 12.2 to 16.2 cm (4.8 to 6.4 in)
Locality: Southeastern United States
Status: Near Threatened
Breeding Season: April Through July

The Bachman’s sparrow, a bird with distinctive singing ability, is named after the reverend John Bachman. Predominantly granivorous birds sometimes consume insects. It is a secretive bird that often goes into hiding to escape predators’ attacks. Due to causes like deforestation and wildfire, it is now in danger of extinction.

Recognition

This medium-sized sparrow has a plump and rounded body and head with a rusty crown. Its plumage is brown with different patterns of black, and gray with a whitish belly. Its back, wings, neck, and breast are brown. It has pale eyebrows and long rounded tails.

Habitat

It is an underrated species that primarily lives in grassy pine woodlands as it’s commonly known as their breeding habitat. Moreover, it lives in grassy areas, areas with deep brushwoods, and scattered scrubby plants as well.

Black Grouse

Source: @rts1.photography

Scientific Name: Lyrurus tetrix
Size: 60 cm (24 in)
Locality: Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia, Estonia, and Russia.
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Early April to Early to Mid May

The Black Grouse also known as the Blackgame or Blackcock belongs to the Grouse family. It consumes mostly the needles of conifers. It is seeing a decline in number in some parts of Europe, however, globally it is not in danger.

Recognition

With a cockerel-shaped body, the adult male is easily identifiable because of its bright red comb. Its body is metallic black in color and has a bluish-green hue on the sheen, neck, and back. The tails are black and rounded. The breast and belly area has a bit of brown with white bars.

Habitat

This species is found across Northern Eurasia and some parts of China, Russia as well. It was seen in Denmark as well but is now considered extinct in that part. It prefers to live in moorland, woodland, heathland, and grassland and changes its habitat depending on the season.

Bushtit

Source: @sarah_raelle

Scientific Name: Psaltriparus minimus
Size: 11 cm (4.3 in)
Locality: Western United States and Mexico
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: March and April

Bushtit, a small songbird, is known for its unique foraging strategies. This highly social bird is often seen flying around in flocks. It moves dynamically in search of food. It creates a group of 10 to 40 members and forages cooperatively.

Recognition

This plump round-bodied bird has a long tail and a relatively large head with a short stubby bill. Its color varies depending on where it lives. However, primarily, it is simply brown and gray. Its upper part has a darker shade than its lower part. Some of them have a blackish mask on their face.

Habitat

This active species prefers to live in oak forests, evergreen woodlands, suburbs, etc. They are seen in park or neighborhood vegetation areas as well. These sprightly social birds create their nest in a unique way giving them a hanging pouch shape.

Black Guillemot

Source: @the_bearded_birder

Scientific Name: Cepphus grylle
Size: 30 to 32 cm (12 to 12.5 in)
Locality: Northern Atlantic Coasts and Eastern North American Coasts.
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: Late February and Early May

The Black Guillemot is often seen swimming in water areas similar to a duck. It moves both individually or in small groups of pairs away from other species. It appears almost the same regardless of their sex differences.

Recognition

Both sexes of this species have a similar appearance. It is fairly short with a small head and a heavy body. The adults are coal black with bright white patches on their wings. However, the most noticeable feature of its appearance is its vividly red-colored legs and feet.

Habitat

This seabird is usually found around the Atlantic and North American coasts. However, it winters in the southwards parts of the high arctic regions. It is seen around its breeding habitat which is primarily in rocky shores, cliffs, and islands.

Budgerigar

Source: @photosbylisad

Scientific Name: Melopsittacus undulatus
Size: 18 cm (7 in)
Locality: Dry Parts of Australia
Status: Least Concern
Breeding Season: October Through March

The Budgerigar also known as a budgie is a small colorful seed-eating species that belongs to the parrot family. It is related to lories and fig parrots as well. In their natural habitat, they look even smaller than in captivity.

Recognition

This particular species breeds in various colors. It is easily detectable in its bright-colored body. Its abdomen is primarily a light green color and its wings and body are yellow. Its wings and tails have black spots all over them.

Habitat

This nomadic species is found in the wilderness of Australia. This highly social bird can adapt to almost any place no matter how harsh the environment might be. Moreover, it can even survive in low-water availability areas. Its survival rate is high due to its ability to breed on the move.

Concluding Thoughts

Now that we have reached the end, I hope the journey through my list of the birds that start with “B” was a pleasant one.

It might seem long but I could introduce only a tiny portion. All the mentioned birds have their own role in our ecosystem creating breathtaking beauty in nature just by existing.

However, some of the birds mentioned are endangered because of urbanization, deforestation, etc.

We can not prevent the natural calamities that might harm these birds.

What we can do is be careful about bird preservation and do our best to take care of these beautiful and beguiling creatures regardless of what letter their name starts with.

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Audio Credits: xeno-canto

20 Birds That Start With “B”: Info And Facts