When you think of bird names that start with S, the first thing that may come to mind is a sparrow or swallow.
But many more unique and fascinating bird names start with S that you may not know about!
This blog post will explore 17 bird names that start with S – from the seemingly mundane to the truly remarkable.
So buckle up and get ready to learn some interesting new bird names that start with S!
1. Sage Grouse
The first on my list of bird names that start with S is the Sage Grouse, a unique bird species in the western United States and Canada.
As its name implies, this bird is distinguished by its sage-green feathers and large, pointed tail.
The Sage Grouse is a striking sight, especially during its mating season when the males gather in display areas known as leks and perform a complex courtship ritual.
Although the Sage Grouse is not considered an endangered species, its population is declining due to habitat loss and other human activities.
The good news is that conservationists are working hard to protect the species by creating protected habitats and monitoring population trends.
2. Sage Sparrow
The second on my list of Bird names that start with S is the Sage Sparrow, an interesting bird species in the western United States and northern Mexico.
Its scientific name is Amphispiza belli, part of the Passerellidae family of birds.
The Sage Sparrow has a distinctive brown, gray and white coloration with a white belly, black bill, and pink legs. Its head is light brown with dark stripes down the crown, back, and wings.
They typically measure 5-6 inches in length and weigh between 0.3-0.5 ounces.
These Bird names that start with S are often seen in open, sparsely vegetated areas like grasslands, sagebrush, desert scrub, and cultivated fields.
They feed mainly on grasses, seeds, and insects and live in small groups or alone.
The Sage Sparrows make simple cup nests from dry vegetation, which they place in low shrubs or small trees.
In terms of their call, they have a distinctive high-pitched song that they often sing while hovering in flight. Their call is chippewa or chir-roo, with a slight rolling r at the end.
The Sage Sparrow is also known to make a scratchy trill sound. The Sage Sparrow is listed as a Least Concern species by the IUCN and is not considered threatened.
As such, it is an interesting bird to observe if you are lucky enough to come across one!
3. Sandhill Crane
The Sandhill Crane is a majestic species of bird that often stands out from the crowd due to its impressive size.
While other bird species may not measure up to their stature, it’s hard to deny the beauty of this incredible creature.
The Sandhill Crane is a large bird, typically measuring over four feet in height and having a wingspan of up to seven feet!
These Bird names that start with S usually have grey feathers and red crowns, making them quite striking.
Although these Bird names that start with S are migratory, you can often find these birds in the western United States during summer. Their distinctive call is a great way to spot them as they fly overhead.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or appreciate the beauty of nature, the Sandhill Crane is a sight to behold.
4. Scissored-tail Flycatcher
The Scissored-tail Flycatcher is one of the most striking birds that start with the letter S.
It is a medium-sized flycatcher with a distinctive long, scissor-like tail that is slightly upturned.
These Bird names that start with S have an overall grayish-brown coloration, with a white throat and breast.
Its belly and sides are more lightly colored, and it has a brown crown. The male has two black wings with a white patch at the shoulders.
The Scissored-tail Flycatcher is found in open woodlands and gardens throughout Central America, from Mexico to Colombia.
It feeds on insects, including dragonflies and grasshoppers, which it captures in midair.
It also eats fruit, making it a great addition to your garden. This bird makes a distinctive ‘tsit’ call and a sharp ‘chik’ sound when it is alarmed.
Its courtship behavior includes hovering above the ground with its wings spread before it swoops to the ground to mate.
Overall, the Scissored-tail Flycatcher is an interesting and beautiful bird names that start with S.
If you want to add some avian interest to your backyard or garden, this might be the perfect bird!
5. Sharp-shinned Hawk
One of the most interesting bird names that start with S is the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus).
This medium-sized hawk is a migratory raptor that breeds throughout North America and spends the winter in Central and South America.
It’s a small, slim raptor with a long tail and short wings, which it uses to maneuver through the trees in search of its prey.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk hunts mostly small birds, including songbirds, woodpeckers, and jays.
It will also take small mammals and insects when available. This bird’s diet varies across its range and often reflects the abundance of its prey species.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk nests in coniferous forests across North America.
The nest is usually built high in a tree, often in the branches of an evergreen. Both adults care for the young and vigorously defend their nests against intruders.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps control populations of smaller birds and mammals.
Unfortunately, its numbers have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Efforts are being made to protect this species from further decline.
6. Short-eared Owl
One of the most interesting bird names that start with S is the Short-eared Owl. This medium-sized owl is native to North America, Europe, and Asia and its scientific name is Asio flammeus.
The Short-eared Owl is most active at dawn and dusk when it does most of its hunting.
It feeds on small mammals such as mice and voles and can sometimes be seen flying low over fields in search of food.
The Short-eared Owl has a unique call that sounds like a drawn-out cooo-ahh, and its yellow eyes contrast nicely with its light brown feathers.
It is an important predator of small mammals, and its presence can help to keep rodent populations in check.
7. Skylark
The next on my list of Bird names that start with S is the Skylark, a beautiful bird with an unmistakable voice.
It is widely found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and its name is derived from its characteristic song – a fluty, jubilant bubbling of notes. The Skylark is a small bird that can grow up to 16 cm in length.
These Bird names that start with S body is brownish-grey, its back is mottled grey, and its underside is creamy white.
The Skylark has long beaks, wings, and a long tail. The Skylark’s song is one of the most iconic.
It begins with a series of loud, clear notes descending into a long, bubbling trill and descending in volume until they cease. This song lasts around 10 minutes but can go on for much longer if the bird is in a good mood.
The Skylark is not only known for its beautiful song but also its graceful flight patterns.
It often flies high above the ground, rising higher and higher until it becomes almost invisible.
As it ascends, it sings loudly, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The Skylark is one of many birds whose names begin with the S.
Others include Sparrow, Starling, Swift, and Song Thrush.
8. SNOWY EGRET
The next on my list of Bird names that start with S is the Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), a beautiful bird native to the Americas. It has a slender body, black legs and feet, and distinctive white plumage.
The Snowy Egret is well-known for its elaborate courtship dances and striking appearance during the breeding season.
Snowy Egrets are found in shallow wetlands, marshes, swamps, lagoons, estuaries, and coastal areas.
They have also been spotted in fields, gardens, parks, and rivers. They feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans they catch with their long bills.
This Egret species is classified as near-threatened due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are being made to protect these beautiful birds and ensure their survival in the wild.
9. Snowy Owl
When we think of Bird names that start with S, the first one to come to mind is the Snowy Owl.
These majestic white birds can be found in the Arctic tundra, where they hunt small mammals like lemmings and voles.
Their eyes are incredibly large, giving them a sharp vision to help them hunt and spot potential predators.
Snowy Owls are also incredibly strong flyers, able to cover hundreds of miles daily. Snowy Owls are a sight to behold with their silent flight and beautiful white plumage.
Aside from the Snowy Owl, there are many other birds whose names start with the letter S.
The Scarlet Macaw is a stunningly colorful parrot found in Central and South American rainforests.
The Swainson’s Thrush is a small gray bird in North America with a beautiful warbling song.
The Starling is a small blackbird with a distinctive white spot on its wings and is considered an invasive species in some areas.
Lastly, the Sunbittern is a medium-sized bird that inhabits the wetlands of Central and South America. It has an incredible feathered crest and long tail feathers, which it uses to display its striking plumage.
These Bird names that start with S demonstrate how diverse and interesting our avian world can be.
So, the next time you’re out bird watching, keep your eyes open for these and other birds whose names start with the letter S!
10. Sooty Tern
The Sooty Tern, also known as the Wideawake Tern, is a tern found across the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans. Its range includes the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
This tern species is named for its dark plumage, darker than many other tern species.
The Sooty Tern can be recognized by its white body with a black cap on the head, dark brown wings, and a short tail. They are known to have loud voices, making various distinct calls.
This species has an erratic flight pattern, flapping its wings slowly with several glides in between.
These Bird names that start with S often fly in large flocks, allowing them to stay together in their large migrations.
Sooty Terns can be found near coasts, nesting on rocky islands or beaches and feeding off the shoreline. They feed on fish and crustaceans, using their beaks to grab food from the water’s surface.
These Bird names that start with S also feed on squid and mollusks, usually found further in the ocean.
Sooty Terns are important to marine ecosystems, as they help control populations of small fish. They have been observed chasing after other birds to steal their prey.
They also help fertilize coastal areas with their droppings, providing food and nutrients for other wildlife.
Overall, the Sooty Tern is a remarkable bird species with a wide range and interesting behavior.
It is an important part of the tropical marine ecosystem and will surely be enjoyed by birdwatchers worldwide.
11. Spotted Dove
The next one on my list of Bird names that start with S is the Spotted Dove (Spilopelia Chinensis), a bird native to South and Southeast Asia.
It has a greyish-brown head and neck, white spotted wings, and a light brown back. Its tail is pale, and its belly is whitish.
It is also known for its distinctive call, which has been likened to the sound of a mourning dove.
The Spotted Dove is found in various habitats, from open woodlands and grasslands to urban areas. ‘
It feeds on various foods, including grains, fruits, and insects. The Spotted Dove is an important part of many cultural traditions in South and Southeast Asia, often being used as a symbol of peace and luck.
12. Spotted Owl
The spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) is found throughout western North America. The species has distinctive markings, including spots on its chest and wings.
These Bird names that start with S are typically found in old-growth forests and semi-open habitats with plenty of trees and foliage to provide shelter from the elements. ‘
The spotted owl is a threatened species and an indicator species due to its sensitivity to habitat changes.
As such, the conservation of spotted owls is important for protecting their ecosystems and habitats.
13. Smoky-brown Woodpecker
The next on my list of Bird names that start with S is the Smoky-brown Woodpecker (Scopus umbretta), a woodpecker species native to Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
As its name implies, this bird is dark brown with a distinctive smoky hue. It has a distinctive black crown with a white patch at the back of its neck. Its long bill is pinkish-yellow in color.
This species prefers open habitats such as savannas, pastures, and shrublands and can also be found in orchards and gardens.
The Smoky-brown Woodpecker feeds on insects, including beetles, caterpillars, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
It nests in tree cavities or natural crevices in trees. This species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population.
It is found in many protected areas throughout its range, ensuring its survival.
14. Surfbird
The surfbird is among one of the most beautiful Bird names that start with S. It is a small to medium-sized shorebird found along the western coasts of North and South America.
This species has gray and brown mottled feathers and a white belly with a distinctive long, thin bill.
The Surfbird spends most of its time foraging for food along the shoreline, but it also frequents freshwater wetlands and meadows.
While not endangered, the Surfbird population is declining due to habitat destruction, human disturbance, and competition with other birds for food. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this unique species.
15. Swallow-tailed Kite
The next on my list of Bird names that start with S is the Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), a beautiful and graceful bird native to the warmer parts of the Americas.
It has a distinctive, long, pointed tail and a unique silhouette that makes it one of the most recognizable birds in its range.
Its wingspan can be up to four feet across, and its diet consists mostly of large insects, such as dragonflies and grasshoppers.
The Swallow-tailed Kite is also known to eat smaller birds and mammals, such as bats and squirrels.
As an apex predator, this bird plays an important role in the balance of nature, helping to keep its ecosystem in check.
16. Stellar’s jay
The Stellar’s Jay is a large songbird native to North America and found throughout much of the continent.
This bird has an unmistakable blue-black body with a bright blue crest, yellow eyes, and a black tail. It is renowned for its distinctive loud call, which sounds like shaa, shaa.
The Stellar’s Jay is a highly intelligent bird known to have been observed caching food and making tools.
Other bird names that start with S include the Snail Kite, Swainson’s Thrush, Short-tailed Hawk, and Snowy Egret.
All of these Bird names that start with S are unique and interesting species that can be seen throughout the United States. You can spot one of these incredible birds in the woods or a city park!
17. Spotted towhee
The Spotted Towhee is one of the most common bird names that start with S .’ These beautiful black and white songbirds are native to North America and can be found in many parts of the country.
They have a distinct black head and wings and white underparts with large, round spots.
These Bird names that start with S Feed mainly on seeds but enjoy fruits, berries, insects, and even small frogs or lizards. They can be seen hopping around in low vegetation in search of food.
In the winter, they will often join mixed flocks of other birds. Spotted towhees sing a sweet melodic song of long trills and whistles.
They are social birds and often call each other in the spring when mating season starts.
To attract them to your backyard, you can put bird feeders filled with seeds, suet, and fruit.
These birds are easily identified by their large size, white spots, and distinctive song. They make a great addition to any backyard bird-watching experience!
Conclusion
The list of bird names starting with S is extensive, ranging from small sparrows to larger seabirds.
We’ve covered some popular bird names that start with S, including the starling, swift, seagull, and shearwater.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced birder, these birds will add an interesting element to your backyard or favorite bird-watching spot.
It’s important to remember that birds are an integral part of our ecosystem, so take time to appreciate and respect them when you have the chance.
With a little research, you can learn more about the bird names that start with S and other interesting species in your area.
