25 Enigmatic Birds That Start With E And Their Images

There are so many birds that start with the letter E but how many of them do you really know about? You might know a number of bird names with E, but now you are about to know a lot more about them!

My article will tell you all about the E-birds you may or may not already know of. It will brief you with fascinating facts about well-known birds like Eagles, as well as endemic birds like Emerald Starlings.

If you want to know how elegant, enchanting, and extraordinary birds with a specific alphabet can be, then keep following my words!

So, without further ado, let’s hop on to the avian world of alliteration and explore all about birds that begin with E!

All About Birds That Start With E

You have to keep in mind that this list of birds that start with E consists basically of the common names of these birds. Sometimes the name includes a specific region to which they are related to indicate a common species. So let’s find out which birds with E are completely new to you!

Emu

Source: @quiros7961

• Scientific Name: Dromaius novaehollandiae
• Size: 190 cm (6 ft 3 in)
• Locality: Australia
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: December to January

Emus are the second-largest living bird species in the world, surpassed only by the ostrich. They belong to a group of flightless birds known as ratites and have a very close relation to the largest bird in the world. They are known for their powerful kicks that they use for defense against predators.

Recognition

One of the most remarkable features of the emu is its long, strong legs. They have three toes on each foot, with each toe equipped with a sharp claw. Their plumage consists of coarse, shaggy feathers that are mostly brownish-gray in color.

Habitat

These large birds inhabit a range of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and scrublands, primarily in the arid and semi-arid regions of mainland Australia. They are well-adapted to survive in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from scorching temperatures to cooler climates.

Eagle

Source: @melinda.foster

• Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos
• Size: 90 cm (36 inches)
• Locality: Northern Hemisphere and Parts of Southern Hemisphere
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late Fall or Early Winter

Eagles are frequently used as national symbols and featured in folklore, art, and literature due to their commanding presence. They are skilled and formidable hunters who can soar through the sky at high altitudes for a long time.

Recognition

They have robust bodies, strong talons, and powerful hooked beaks. Their plumage varies among species, but many eagles display a combination of brown, black, white, and gray feathers.

Habitat

Eagles inhabit diverse habitats around the world and can adapt to various environments based on their specific species and geographical location. They can live in forests, mountains, coastal areas, wetlands, grasslands, savannahs, and even deserts.

Eider

Source: @ojojoscar

• Scientific Name: Somateria mollissima
• Size: 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in)
• Locality: Arctic Coasts
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April and May

Eiders are a type of sea duck that is specific to the Arctic region. Having three recognized species, they are known for their vibrant appearance and unique marine behaviors. Their down feathers are often used to fill pillows.

Recognition

Eiders have a sturdy build with a round body, a short neck, and a distinctive wedge-shaped bill. The drakes have a colorful neck and a prominent green nape at the back of the neck, while the body displays a mix of black, white, and pale greenish feathers. In contrast, hens have a more dulled appearance with brown plumage.

Habitat

Common Eiders are primarily marine ducks and prefer coastal habitats such as rocky shores, beaches, and nearshore waters. They are well-adapted to the cold environments of the Northern Hemisphere’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts and are often seen in areas with cold waters and sea ice.

Egret

Source: @karenpaigephotography

• Scientific Name: Ardea alba
• Size: 80 to 104 cm (31 to 41 in)
• Locality: Worldwide
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid-April to August

Some types of Egrets have a unique feeding strategy like foraging close to large mammals. As the animals move through grassy areas, they disturb insects. The egrets then take advantage of this disturbance by swooping down to catch the insects in mid-air or on the ground.

Recognition

Egrets have a slender body structure with long, thin legs designed for wading through shallow water. They mostly have pristine white plumage, but it can differ depending on the species.  Their bills are usually long, pointed, and yellow or black in color.

Habitat

They are found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. They are well adapted to wading in shallow water and are often seen patiently stalking their prey. They build their nests in trees, reeds, or shrubs near water bodies.

Emperor Goose

Source: @britishwaterfowlassociation

• Scientific Name: Anser canagicus
• Size: 66 to 76 cm (26 to 30 in)
• Locality: Western Alaksa and Northeaster Siberia
• Status: Near Threatened
• Breeding Season: Late May to August

Emperor Geese are known for their strong family bonds. They often remain in family groups even outside of the breeding season. However, they are closely monitored because of their restricted range and habitat loss.

Recognition

The Emperor Goose has a solid backhead, neck, and upper breast, while the lower breast, belly, and sides are pure white. The back and wings are primarily gray, with fine barring or mottling. They have a relatively short and stubby bill that is primarily pink with a black tip. Their legs and feet are also pinkish in color.

Habitat

Emperor Geese mostly inhabit coastal areas, including tundra, marshes, estuaries, and lagoons. They are closely associated with marine and brackish environments. During the breeding season, they nest on tundra meadows near freshwater ponds or lakes.

Emperor Penguin

Source: @penguinreels

• Scientific Name: Aptenodytes forsteri
• Size: 110 to 120 cm (43 to 47 in)
• Locality: Coastal Antarctica
• Status: Near Threatened
• Breeding Season: June to August

Emperor Penguins are the largest species of Penguin known for their adaptation to extreme cold. Their plumage, blubber layer, and huddling behavior help them retain body heat and cope with the extreme cold.

Recognition

They have a stocky build and a streamlined body shape, which helps them maneuver through the water efficiently. They have a black back and head, with a white belly and a bright orange patch on their beak.

Habitat

They inhabit the frigid waters and icy shores of the Antarctic continent, particularly in regions such as the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea, and the Amundsen Sea. They spend a significant portion of their lives on the sea ice and use it as a platform for breeding, molting, and foraging.

European Robin

Source: @afwan.tokyo

• Scientific Name: Erithacus rubecula
• Size: 12.5 to 14.0 cm (4.9 to 5.5 in)
• Locality: Europe, Parts of Western Russia, Middle-east, and Northern Africa
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to June

The European Robin’s vibrant plumage and delightful song have made it a beloved bird in many cultures. They have great significance in British folklore, Norse mythology, and even in Biblical narratives.

Recognition

They have rounded bodies with a relatively short tail. Their plumage is a combination of brown, gray, and white feathers. The most striking feature is the bright orange-red or reddish-brown breast and face. The upper parts are typically brown, while the belly and undertail coverts are whitish.

Habitat

They are resident birds in many regions and do not migrate long distances. They are commonly associated with woodlands, forests, gardens, parks, hedgerows, and shrublands. They are often seen perched on branches, fences, or other elevated spots.

Eastern Kingbird

Source: @tinyseedphotography

• Scientific Name: Tyrannus tyrannus
• Size: 19 to 23 cm (7.5 to 9.1 in)
• Locality: Central North America and Northern South America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to June

Despite their relatively small size, Eastern Kingbirds are known to exhibit aggressive behavior toward much larger birds, including birds of prey such as hawks and crows.

Recognition

This bird has a compact and slim body with a relatively long tail. Their upperparts are blackish, while their underparts are white. They have a distinctive white band at the tip of their tail, which is visible during flight. The head is capped with a dark, slightly crested appearance, and the beak is black.

Habitat

They are adaptable birds and can be seen in both rural and urban environments. They inhabit a range of open habitats, like fields, meadows, orchards, woodland edges, and riparian areas. They are often found near water sources, such as rivers, ponds, and wetlands.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Source: @maruko.0429

• Scientific Name: Accipiter nisus
• Size: 29 to 34 cm (11 to 13 in)
• Locality: Eurasia and Parts of North Africa
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Spring and Summer

Eurasian Sparrowhawks are renowned for their ability to navigate through dense vegetation with exceptional precision and speed. They can fly at high speeds, twisting and turning through tight spaces, effortlessly maneuvering between branches and trees as they pursue their prey.

Recognition

They have a compact, rounded body shape with short and wide wings along with a long tail. Adult males have blue-gray upperparts and pale underparts with fine brown barring. Females have brown upperparts and brownish-gray underparts with thicker brown barring.

Habitat

These hunters are found in a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, forests, open country, and urban areas. They are adaptable birds and can thrive in both natural and human-altered landscapes.

Emerald Starling

Source: @amilcarprint

• Scientific Name: Lamprotornis iris
• Size: 17.8 to 19.1 cm (7.0 to 7.5 in)
• Locality: West Africa
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to June

The feathers of the Emerald Starling have a specialized structure that refracts and reflects light in a way that produces vibrant and shimmering colors. So, if the bird moves, or your perspective changes, it will appear as if the hue of the plumage is different.

Recognition

These Starlings have a glossy emerald-colored head, throat, and back. They have a purple belly and a purple patch crossing their eyes on each side. The feathers on its back and breast shimmer in the light and produce a vibrant and iridescent effect.

Habitat

These vibrant birds are native to West African countries like Ivory Coast, Sierra Leonne, and Guinea. They inhabit lowlands and savannahs and are often found near water sources, such as rivers and lakes.

Eurasian Pygmy-Owl

Source: @westerbottenwildlife

• Scientific Name: Glaucidium passerinum
• Size: 17.4 to 19 cm (6.8 to 7.5 in)
• Locality: Central Eurasia
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Autumn to Early Spring

While we know owl species for their distinct hooting sounds, the Eurasian Pygmy-Owls are unique in mimicking the calls of various birds. This deceptive behavior helps them establish and maintain their territory without engaging in direct confrontations.

Recognition

This Owl is one of the smallest Owl species and has a rounded head and a compact, stocky body. Generally, it has a brownish or reddish-brown upper body, often mottled or streaked with white or pale spots. It also has striking bright yellow eyes.

Habitat

They inhabit various woodland habitats, including coniferous forests, mixed forests, and open woodlands. They tend to build nests in tree cavities or use abandoned woodpecker holes.

Egyptian Goose

Source: @johanfwandrag

• Scientific Name: Alopochen aegyptiaca
• Size: 63 to 73 cm (25 to 29 in)
• Locality: Sub-Saharan Africa
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: July to March

Egyptian Geese are known for forming strong pair bonds and displaying cooperative breeding strategies. When a predator or threat approaches, the adult Geese will form a defensive line and stand together to display aggressive behavior.

Recognition

These Geese have a sturdy build with a distinctively long neck and a large head. Their head and neck are rich brown, with a pronounced white patch around the eye. The breast and upper parts are a sandy or pale brown color, while the belly and under tail coverts are creamy white.

Habitat

They are commonly found in various wetland habitats, including lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal areas. They mostly stay within a range that extends from the Nile Valley down to South Africa.

Eurasian Bittern

Source: @jordi_fernandez_fotografia

• Scientific Name: Botaurus stellaris
• Size: 69 to 81 cm (27 to 32 in)
• Locality: Central Eurasia, East Asia, and Parts of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to June

Eurasian Bitterns are ninjas of the avian world. They can camouflage and remain motionless among the reeds to avoid detection. To do that, they will stretch their neck and body upward and adopt a posture that aligns with the vertical stems of the surrounding reeds.

Recognition

Their plumage is intricately patterned with various shades of brown, buff, and black that feature streaks and mottling. They have a relatively short, stout bill that is pale yellow or grayish in color. The neck is thick, and the head is large in proportion to the body.

Habitat

They are seen in wetland habitats, such as marshes, reed beds, and other dense vegetation near water bodies. They mostly prefer freshwater habitats with dense reed cover.

Eastern Osprey

Source: @memmemommo

• Scientific Name: Pandion cristatus
• Size: 50 to 65 cm (19.6 to 25.6 in)
• Locality: Coastal Regions of Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Philippines
• Status: Not Threatened
• Breeding Season: September and October in Southern Australia, April to July in Northern Australia, and June to August in Southern Queensland

Eastern Ospreys are specialized for hunting and catching fish. They have a unique adaptation called reversible outer toes that allows them to grasp fish with two toes in front and two toes behind.

Recognition

They have a white head and underparts, while their upperparts are dark brown, often with a mottled or speckled pattern. They have a prominent dark eye stripe that extends to the nape of the neck. The head is jeweled with a crest of long, dark feathers.

Habitat

These Ospreys are typically found near coastal areas, including estuaries, mangroves, and freshwater bodies such as rivers and lakes. They can also inhabit islands and coastal cliffs, and go on extensive migrations to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands twice a year.

Eclectus Parrot

Source: @therealhocpoc

• Scientific Name: Eclectus roratus
• Size: 31 to 37 cm (12 to 14.5 in)
• Locality: New Guinea
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: July to January

Eclectus Parrots have distinct differences in plumage between males and females which is quite unique among parrot species. They are also known for their intelligence, playful nature, and excellent mimicry abilities.

Recognition

Male Parrots have bright green feathers covering their body, wings, and tail. Their underwing coverts are a vibrant red, and they have blue and red patches on their wings. Females, on the other hand, have red or maroon bodies with darker shades on their wings, tail, and head.

Habitat

They inhabit tropical rainforests, lowland forests, and woodland areas. They are native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and nearby islands. They prefer dense forests with access to fruit-bearing trees.

Eastern Phoebe

Source: @sacoriverwoodworking

• Scientific Name: Sayornis phoebe
• Size: 14 to 17 cm (5.5 to 6.7 in)
• Locality: Eastern and Southeastern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April

The Eastern Phoebe often chooses man-made structures for its nest sites, such as buildings, bridges, or even porch overhangs. They are a welcome sight to everyone and people appreciate having these charming birds as neighbors.

Recognition

They have a stocky body and a rounded head. The overall plumage is mainly grayish-brown, with a pale yellowish belly and a slightly darker head. They have a whitish throat and a faint pale eye-ring, a dark bill, dark legs, and a long, narrow tail.

Habitat

They are found in a variety of habitats, such as open woodlands, forest edges, suburban areas, and near bodies of water such as streams and ponds. They are mainly native to eastern North America but migrate to the Southeastern parts.

Evening Grosbeak

Source: @sbigg123

• Scientific Name: Hesperiphona vespertina
• Size: 16 to 22 cm (6.3 to 8.7 in)
• Locality: Canada, United States, and Mexico
• Status: Vulnerable
• Breeding Season: Mid-Spring

Unlike many other migratory birds that have predictable seasonal movements, Evening Grosbeaks are known for their unpredictable and nomadic migrations. This unpredictability surely adds an element of surprise and excitement for any birdwatcher.

Recognition

Their face features a prominent, thick bill that is specifically adapted for cracking open seeds and nuts. They have a bright yellow body with black wings marked by bold white patches. Their heads have a striking black cap, and their eyes are small and dark.

Habitat

Their habitat preferences can vary, but they are commonly found in coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and sometimes in urban and suburban areas. During winter, they sometimes move to lower elevations in search of food.

Elf Owl

Source: @hiflyal

• Scientific Name: Micrathene whitneyi
• Size: 12.5 to 14.5 cm (4.9 to 5.7 in)
• Locality: Southwest North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Spring and Summer

Elf Owls have a remarkable tolerance for heat that allows them to survive in regions with scorching temperatures. They have the ability to seek shelter during the hottest parts of the day. They often rest in tree cavities or other cool, shaded locations to escape the intense heat.

Recognition

The plumage of the Elf Owl is a mix of various shades of brown, gray, and white. It has a mottled pattern on its upperparts and its undersides are generally pale, with vertical streaks running down the breast. They have large, bright yellow eyes compared to their tiny face.

Habitat

They are mostly found in arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. They inhabit various habitats, such as deserts, open woodlands, riparian areas, and sometimes suburban neighborhoods with suitable tree cavities for nesting.

Eurasian Teal

Source: @thewaterfowladdict

• Scientific Name: Anas crecca
• Size: 34 to 43 cm (13 to 17 in)
• Locality: Most of Europe and Asia, and Parts of North Africa
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to May

Eurasian Teals have the ability to make strategic stopovers in suitable habitats to rest and refuel. They often choose wetland areas along their route, where they can find ample food resources to replenish their energy reserves.

Recognition

These Ducks have streamlined bodies with relatively large heads and a short, pointed bill. They have a vibrant chestnut-colored head with a broad green patch extending from the eye to the nape. The chest and sides are intricately patterned with vertical black and white stripes, while the back is a mottled brown.

Habitat

They are highly adaptable ducks that can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, such as marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and estuaries. They are migratory birds and some populations travel long distances to breed or overwinter in different regions.

Egyptian Vulture

Source: @arembish

• Scientific Name: Neophron percnopterus
• Size: 47 to 52 cm (19 to 20 in)
• Locality: Southern Europe, Northern Africa, Southwestern Asia
• Status: Endangered
• Breeding Season: March to May

Egyptian Vultures are known for their extraordinary ability to use tools. When they encounter an egg or bone with a hard outer shell they will grasp a suitable stone in its beak and repeatedly strike the object until it cracks or breaks open.

Recognition

The adult Egyptian Vulture is characterized by a striking white body with black flight feathers and a black tail. Its bare face and neck are covered in wrinkled, yellowish skin. It has a sharp, hooked beak, and its neck is relatively long compared to other vulture species.

Habitat

These Vultures are found in savannahs, grasslands, deserts, and even mountainous regions. They have a vast distribution range that stretches across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with different populations exhibiting different migration patterns.

Eurasian Spoonbill

Source: @sriram.wildlife.photographer

• Scientific Name: Platalea leucorodia
• Size: 80 to 100 cm (31 to 39 in)
• Locality: Parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Spring

Just like we stir our spoon while eating soup, the Eurasian Spoonbill also sweeps its spoon-shaped bill from side to side through the water. So that it causes small aquatic creatures like fish, insects, crustaceans, and amphibians to react and become visible.

Recognition

This bird has a graceful and elongated body, with long legs. It has white feathers, with a crest of feathers on the back of its head. The most distinctive feature of the Eurasian Spoonbill is its spoon-shaped bill, which is long and flat, with a broad, flattened tip.

Habitat

They are found in a variety of wetland habitats, for example, marshes, estuaries, lagoons, and coastal areas. They are migratory birds, with some populations undertaking long-distance journeys to breed or overwinter in different regions.

Eastern Bluebird

Source: @whisperingmysticforest

• Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
• Size: 16 to 21 cm (6.3 to 8.3 in)
• Locality: Southeastern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Spring and Summer

Eastern Bluebirds are adored for their love of nest boxes. For this reason, bird enthusiasts and organizations have actively placed and monitored thousands of nest boxes across their range to create additional nesting opportunities for these birds.

Recognition

This Bluebird has a plump body with a relatively short tail. The upper parts are a stunning royal blue, which extends down to the wings and tail. The throat and breasts are a warm reddish-orange color, creating a striking contrast against the blue.

Habitat

They are primarily found in open woodlands, meadows, and fields across Southeastern North America. They are also commonly seen near farmlands, parks, and suburban areas that provide suitable nesting sites and abundant food sources.

Eared Dove

Source: @wilbertbesseling

• Scientific Name: Zenaida auriculata
• Size: 24 cm (9.4 in)
• Locality: South America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Throughout the Year

Eared Doves have successfully colonized urban and suburban areas in many parts of their range. If you head to their locality, you may observe their soft cooing calls and graceful flight in parks, gardens, and even on city streets.

Recognition

This Dove has a plump body with a small head and a long, tapered tail. It has grayish-brown plumage that exhibits a subtle iridescent sheen, especially on the wings. The most distinctive feature is a small patch of elongated feathers, called “ear tufts,” at the sides of the neck.

Habitat

They are highly adaptable birds found across open woodlands, agricultural areas, grasslands, and suburban environments. They are native to the Southern regions of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Emerald Tanager

Source: @tippyfrog

• Scientific Name: Tangara florida
• Size: 10.6 to 13 cm (4.2 to 5.1 in)
• Locality: Southern Costa Rica Through Northern Ecuador
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: January to April

The Emerald Tanager has adapted so well to subtropical forests that their plumage became a perfect camouflage. However, their coloration is more beautiful than simple vibrance. The plumage often shimmers in different shades under different lighting conditions.

Recognition

This cute, little bird has a compact body with a relatively short tail. It has mostly green plumage that is vivid and jewel-like, along with blue, yellow, and black mixtures and stripes. It has black patches behind its eyes and wings, and the beak is short, pointed, and black.

Habitat

They are typically found in tropical and subtropical forests, including both lowland and montane regions of Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, and Ecuador.

Elegant Tern

Source: @rsoufrine

• Scientific Name: Thalasseus elegans
• Size: 39 to 43 cm (15.5 to 17 in)
• Locality: Pacific Coasts of North and South America
• Status: Near Threatened
• Breeding Season: Early April to Mid-June

Lastly, I’m going to tell you about a bird that is elegant even in its name and behavior! Elegant Terns rely on a combination of celestial cues, such as the position of the sun and stars, as well as Earth’s magnetic field, to guide them during their long-distance journeys.

Recognition

The Elegant Tern has a distinct and elegant appearance. Its head features a black cap that extends down to its nape. Its eyes are dark, and it has a slender, pointed, bright red bill with a sharp hook at the end.

Habitat

They are primarily found along the coasts of North and South America. They inhabit sandy beaches, estuaries, and coastal wetlands. Their breeding colonies are often located on islands or coastal sandbars.

FAQ

All these talks about birds with E might provoke a lot of new questions in your mind. Let’s check if these answers can clear out the fog!

Q: What is the largest bird that starts with the letter “E”?

Ans: The largest bird starting with “E” is the Emu, which is native to Australia. Emus can reach heights of up to 1.8 meters (6 ft) and are known for their large size and distinctive appearance.

Q: Are there any birds that start with “E” that can mimic sounds or talk?

Ans: Yes, the Eclectus Parrot is a bird that starts with “E” and has the ability to mimic sounds, including human speech. They are known for their excellent intelligence, mimicry skills and can learn a wide range of vocalizations.

Thoughts

So, that is all for today! How many of the birds with E did you already know about? How many could you already visually identify? How many of their calls could you recognize?

Whatever the number is, I hope it has increased after reading this article! Because now you know about birds that range from the majestic Eagles ruling the skies to the resilient Eiders of the Arctic.

Either way, these birds will capture your imagination and remind you of the incredible wonders of the avian world.

Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the world around us, let’s keep on exploring, observing, and protecting these amazing creatures. Cheers to the birds that start with “E”!

Audio Credits: xeno-canto, wikimedia

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