Are you interested in learning about birds? You’re not alone!
Humans have been fascinated by birds since immemorial, with cultures worldwide having their names and mythology surrounding these air creatures.
If you want to learn more about birds that start with N, keep reading!
We’ve put together this comprehensive list of bird names that start with N, plus the meaning behind each one and its origins in various cultures worldwide.
It’s perfect whether you’re looking to expand your ornithological vocabulary or want to know what your favorite bird species means in another language!
1. Nightingale
One of the most popular bird names that start with N is the Nightingale. The Nightingale is a beautiful songbird described as a voice of beauty and joy.
This small brown-colored bird is most active during the twilight hours, often singing its captivating melodies through the night.
The Nightingale’s signature call is a fluty warble, often reaching up to 20 tones.
It’s said that this stunning bird was once favored by poets, royalty, and other elite individuals for its enchanting singing abilities.
Whether you’re looking for a unique name for your pet bird or love the sound of its song, the Nightingale is a great choice!
2. Nene
Nene, sometimes called the Hawaiian goose, is one of the bird names that start with N and is also an endemic species of wild goose found in Hawaii.
Its Latin name is Branta sandvicensis, and its Hawaiian name is nēnē.
The Nene is the only species of bird native to Hawaii, and it’s also the state’s official bird.
The Nene is a medium-sized goose that is around 20 inches tall. It has a distinct yellow bill with black stripes and a grey-brown body with a white face and neck.
Nenes are social birds and prefer to live in flocks, although they can often be found alone or in pairs.
These bird names that start with N feed mainly on grasses, shoots, seeds, fruits, and insects.
Nenes are listed as endangered due to loss of habitat, predation by feral cats and mongooses, and hunting.
However, their population has been increasing thanks to conservation efforts. If you’re looking for a unique bird name for your pet, why not go with Nene?
3. Nankeen Kestrel
Nankeen Kestrel is among the unique bird names that start with N to consider for your pet bird!
These beautiful birds are native to Australia and have striking pale sandy-brown plumage.
They have a distinctive call that sounds like a loud whistling whee-ip sound, and they can be found near open grassland and woodlands.
Nankeen Kestrels are also known to inhabit urban areas and are considered an important part of the ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a bird name that stands out, Nankeen Kestrel is one to consider!
4. Neddicky
Nedicky might be among the perfect bird names that start with N. This creative bird name is of unknown origin and has a fun, quirky sound that will set your pet apart.
Nedicky is also short and sweet so that it won’t take up too much room on a tag or collar.
Plus, if you have other bird names that start with N, you could have a complete family of pets with matching first initials!
Nedicky is a perfect name for a pet bird that loves to chirp and sing. It evokes an image of a small, bright-eyed bird with a beautiful song and a sunny disposition.
Whether your pet is a parakeet, canary, finch, or bird, it will certainly appreciate a name as unique and special as Nidicky!
5. Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl, one of the smallest species of owls, is a popular choice for bird names that start with N owners.
This tiny raptor only measures about 7-9 inches tall and can be found throughout the northern United States and Canada.
Despite its size, it is a fierce predator and an incredibly skilled hunter.
It can hunt anything from insects to small mammals, making it a great companion for bird owners who want a reliable pet.
If you are looking for unique bird names that start with N, consider the Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Not only is it an amazing bird, but it will also make a great name for your feathered friend.
6.Northern Royal Albatross
The Northern Royal Albatross is a truly remarkable bird with a majestic presence.
With a wingspan of up to 3.5m, these bird names that start with N are one of the largest birds in the world and can be found soaring over ocean waves.
If you’re looking for a unique bird name that starts with N, the Northern Royal Albatross will make a great choice!
Not only is this bird beautiful to look at, but it has a powerful story behind it.
The Northern Royal Albatross was once an endangered species, but thanks to the efforts of conservationists, they are now thriving in many parts of the world.
This amazing bird would make a wonderful addition to your home, and it would be a fitting tribute to its strong spirit and resilience to give it a name that begins with N.
7. Northern Screamer
Northern Screamer – This South American native is named for its loud calls, which can be heard up to three miles away.
These birds are surprisingly diverse in color, ranging from white to grey, tan to reddish brown, and black to blue-black.
They are omnivorous, eating insects, small fish, fruits, and vegetables. Northern screamers are social and often seen in groups.
If you’re looking for creative bird names that start with N, look no further than the northern screamer.
8. Northern Scrub Robin
One unique bird names that start with N is the Northern Scrub Robin. This robin is found in parts of Europe and North Africa and is known for its distinctive red-brown feathers and white-tipped tail.
They are a very adaptable species and are often found in open fields, gardens, and woodland areas. They feed mainly on insects but will also eat small berries and seeds.
If you’re looking for an unusual pet bird name that starts with N, then the Northern Scrub Robin would be an excellent choice!
9. Nightjar
Naming your pet bird can be tough. To help you out, we’ve come up with some great bird names that start with N to get you started!
The Nightjar is a nocturnal bird species known for its mottled grey and brown plumage.
Its Latin name Caprimulgus translates to goat sucker, and its habit of nesting in dark crevices gives it an almost mythical aura.
If you want to give your bird a name reflecting its unique spirit, Nightjar might be a perfect choice.
10. Nuttall’s Woodpecker
Nuttall’s Woodpecker is also among the notable bird names that start with N!
These small birds are mainly found in western parts of North America, including western Canada and the USA. ‘
They have a black and white barred pattern on their wings, head, back, and tail.
The belly is red or pink, and the throat is white. The bill is short and stout, and the legs are strong for gripping tree trunks.
Nuttall’s Woodpeckers feed mainly on insects and larvae but eat fruit, nuts, and sap from trees.
They use their bills to chisel into the wood to find food. These bird names that start with N make various calls, including drumming noises to attract mates.
They also create large holes in trees when searching for food, which can benefit other animals.
If you’re looking for an unusual name for your pet bird that starts with N, why not consider Nuttall’s Woodpecker? It’s sure to be a conversation starter at your next pet gathering!
11. Nile Valley Sunbird
If you’re looking for bird names that start with N, the Nile Valley Sunbird is an excellent choice.
This stunningly beautiful creature is endemic to Africa, and its range covers most of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Its scientific name is Cinnyris pulchellus, and it’s easily recognizable by its glossy metallic green feathers and long curved beak.
The male has a distinctive yellow throat patch, which makes it stand out from other sunbird species.
The Nile Valley Sunbird feeds mainly on nectar from flowers and takes advantage of the occasional insect.
It is an acrobatic species that can often be spotted hovering midair while feeding.
In addition to its attractive plumage, the Nile Valley Sunbird also has a beautiful song that features a variety of whistles and trills.
The Nile Valley Sunbird is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a bird name that starts with the letter N.
Not only is it visually striking, but its cheerful song will bring joy to your backyard or aviary. Why not try out these charming bird names that start with N?
12. Narina Trogon
The Narina Trogon, known as Apaloderma narina, is an incredibly beautiful bird native to South Africa.
These bird names that start with N have a distinctive black and white plumage with an iridescent purple-green sheen. In addition, its bill is black, while its legs and feet are grey.
These stunning bird names that start with N are quite small, only growing to around 8 inches in length.
The Narina Trogon is a solitary creature and typically spends most of its day perched in trees, searching for insects and other small invertebrates.
It is most active during the daytime and prefers to forage for food in shady, wooded areas near rivers or streams.
Although it does not migrate, the Narina Trogon can be found across sub-Saharan Africa.
During the breeding season, males will court females by puffing their chests and singing. They build nests in tree cavities and lay two to three eggs at a time.
The Narina Trogon is a protected species listed as the Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
This is largely due to ongoing conservation efforts to protect these birds and their habitats.
13. Nihoa Finch
The Nihoa finch, also known as the Nihoa Millerbird, is an endangered bird found only on the Hawaiian island of Nihoa.
This species is highly threatened, and its population is estimated to be between 100 and 500.
The Nihoa finch is classified as a subspecies of the Millerbird, which can also be found on other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago.
The Nihoa finch is distinctively different from other Millerbirds in that it has a shorter bill, more pointed tail feathers, and shorter wings.
The Nihoa finch is an important part of the island’s ecosystem, playing a vital role in seed dispersal and pollination.
These bird names that start with N feed on insects, seeds, and fruits in the native vegetation.
Despite the challenges it faces, conservation efforts have helped increase the population of this species, with several birds being released into the wild.
The Nihoa finch is an important part of the island’s biodiversity and is integral to maintaining the ecosystem’s health.
As such, this species must be protected and conserved to ensure its survival for future generations.
14. Northern Goshawk
The next on my list of bird names that start with N is the Northern Goshawk, a medium-large bird of prey with a long tail, broad wings, and dark plumage.
This impressive predator is found in wooded habitats across the Northern Hemisphere.
It is the largest accipiter species and can weigh up to 800g and reach a length of 50–65 cm.
The Northern Goshawk hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles, usually from an elevated perch.
It relies on surprise to swoop down onto its prey and has even been known to attack hares and ducks.
These powerful hunters can live for up to 15 years in the wild and nest in the same area each year if left undisturbed.
The male and female are similar in appearance, and their call is a loud ‘keh-keh-keh.’
15. Northern Flicker
The fifteenth on my list of bird names that start with N is the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), a medium-sized woodpecker native to North America.
This species has two subspecies, the Yellow-shafted Flicker and the Red-shafted Flicker.
The Northern Flicker is easily identified by its wings and tail feathers’ bright red or yellow markings.
The birds are usually seen perched on tree trunks or branches, loudly drumming with their bills as they search for food.
In addition to being seen in open woodlands and parks, Northern Flickers can also be spotted in backyards and urban areas.
These bird names that start with N are quite popular with birders, as they are adaptable and make for interesting studies.
The Northern Flicker is a great example of a bird whose name begins with the letter N.
Not only is it recognizable and easily found, but it is also an important member of the North American avian community.
16. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common songbird with a bright red head, crest, and tail.
These bird names that start with N are found throughout North America, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the continent. It is easily identified by its size, striking red plumage, and cheerful song.
Cardinals prefer habitats such as thickets, forest edges, and open woodlands. They feed on seeds, fruits, and insects.
The male cardinal is especially vocal during the breeding season. He can often be heard singing his bright whistles throughout the day.
17. Nashville Warbler
The next on my list of bird names that start with N is the Nashville Warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla), a small songbird in North America.
Its name derives from Nashville, Tennessee, where the first specimen was collected in 1811.
These birds are grayish-olive with yellow-orange underparts and have a distinctive white line over their eyes.
Nashville Warblers prefer to live in deciduous and mixed forests, often near streams or wetlands. They feed on insects and spiders, as well as some berries.
The males sing a soft, complex song often described as buzzy or tinkling. Nashville Warblers are closely related to the Northern Parula and the Blue-winged Warbler.
Together, these three species form the group known as New World warblers.
18. Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a fascinating bird native to the northern parts of North America and Eurasia.
This owl species is known for its unique plumage and striking yellow eyes.
The Northern Hawk Owl’s diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as mice and voles, but it will also take birds and some large insects when available.
As with most owls, this species is nocturnal, spending its nights hunting in open forests and wooded areas.
During the day, they can often be seen perched atop trees or rocks, watching for prey.
With its beautiful colors and charming personality, the Northern Hawk Owl is a captivating sight to behold.
19. Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier is a species of bird names that start with N. This distinctive raptor is often seen hovering in the sky over open fields, using its keen eyesight to spot small mammals.
The Northern Harrier is easily recognizable, with a long tail and wingspan reaching nearly four feet.
These bird names that start with N prefer habitats such as marshes, meadows, and wet grasslands and often hunt in these areas by flying low and close to the ground.
During the winter, they may migrate to more temperate climates or join in flocks.
20. Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized passerine bird found throughout North America. It is the state bird of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida.
These birds are very vocal and known for their impressive vocal mimicry of other birds and other sounds they may hear.
These bird names that start with N are also very intelligent and have been known to imitate human voices.
Northern Mockingbirds have a grey head, white eye rings, white underparts, black wings, and a long tail. They have a diet consisting mainly of insects, fruits, and seeds.
Conclusion
After exploring the various bird names that start with N, we can conclude that there are plenty of interesting and unique birds to learn about.
These birds provide hours of entertainment and joy, from the noisy nuthatch to the majestic night heron.
Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual observer, there’s something special about observing a beautiful creature in its natural habitat.
We hope this article has helped you discover some new bird names starting with N!
