List of Birds That Start With I

Bird watching is a delightful experience for everyone, be it adults or kids. As parents, teachers, or nature enthusiasts, enhancing our knowledge and enriching our kids’ vocabulary is fun and educational. Have you ever thought about bird names that start with the letter “i”? There’s a fascinating world out there, just waiting to be explored. This list is specially curated for kids, making the ‘I’ letter bird names for preschoolers and kids easy to remember. Whether you want to expand your knowledge or broaden your kids’ vocabulary, this list will be a perfect guide.

List of Common Birds That Start With I

Birds are fascinating creatures that grace our skies, and those that have names beginning with the letter “i” are no exception. Dive into this list to discover some popular bird names with “i” that might be new to you or your little ones.

1. Ibis

Scientific Name: Threskiornithinae
Where is it Found: Widespread across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australia in both wet and dry habitats.

Ibis are medium-sized birds with long legs and necks, recognised for their slender, downward-curved bills. They are generally seen near freshwater habitats where they forage for small creatures like fish, frogs, and insects. Their distinct bill shape allows them to probe deep into mud or water to find food.

Interesting Facts:

• The ancient Egyptians considered the Ibis sacred and often associated them with the god Thoth, who was depicted as a man with the head of an ibis.

2. Icterine Warbler

Scientific Name: Hippolais icterina
Where is it Found: Across Europe and Asia, particularly in open woodlands and forests.

The Icterine Warbler is a lively, greenish-yellow bird with a melodious song. These insectivores feed primarily on caterpillars and other bugs. During the breeding season, their strong and repetitive song can be heard echoing through their habitats.

Interesting Facts:

• Unlike other warblers, the Icterine Warbler can mimic the calls of different birds, making it fascinating for birdwatchers to identify by sound alone.

3. Indian Roller

Scientific Name: Coracias benghalensis
Where is it Found: Across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia in open grasslands and light forests.

The Indian Roller is a colourful bird with shades of blue on its wings and tail, contrasted with a brownish body. When in flight, it displays a breathtaking array of colours. It feeds mainly on spiders, insects, and small reptiles.

Interesting Facts:

• The Indian Roller is often associated with legends in India, and it’s believed to bring good luck. Seeing one on the Hindu festival of Dussehra is considered particularly auspicious.

4. Inca Tern

Scientific Name: Larosterna inca
Where is it Found: Along the coasts of Chile and Peru.

Inca Terns are medium-sized seabirds with striking appearances. They possess a dark grey body, a white moustache, a bright red beak and feet. They nest on cliffs and feed on fish by diving from the air.

Interesting Facts:

• Their unique white moustache in males and females makes them one of the world’s most easily identifiable tern species.

5. Indigo Bunting

Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea
Where is it Found: Throughout North American open areas with some shrubs or trees.

The Indigo Bunting is a small songbird. The females are brown, while the males are bright blue. They feed primarily on insects during the summer and seeds in the winter.

Interesting Facts:

• While they might look blue, Indigo Buntings have no blue pigments in their feathers. Their vibrant hue results from how their feathers reflect and refract light.

6. Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Campephilus principalis
Where is it Found: Historically found in the southeastern United States, but now considered possibly extinct or very rare.

One of the largest woodpeckers in the world, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has a striking appearance with black and white feather patterns and a bright red crest on the males. Its bill, resembling ivory, gives it its name.

Interesting Facts:

• Due to habitat destruction and hunting, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker was believed to be extinct in the 20th century. However, several unconfirmed sightings have led to hope and extensive searches for this elusive bird.

7. Indian Peafowl

Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus
Where is it Found: Native to the Indian subcontinent and introduced in many other parts of the world.

More commonly known as the peacock, the Indian Peafowl is famous for its stunning tail feathers or “train.” The male’s iridescent blue and green plumage, combined with its eye-patterned tail feathers, make it one of the most recognisable birds on the planet.

Interesting Facts:

• Only the males are called “peacocks.” The females are “peahens,” and they sport a more muted brown colour. Together, they are referred to as peafowl.

Also Read: Interesting Facts and Information about Peacocks for Kids

8. Indian Pitta

Scientific Name: Pitta brachyura
Where is it Found: Across the Indian subcontinent in dense forests.

The Indian Pitta is a small, stubby-tailed bird with vibrant multi-coloured plumage. The combination of blue, yellow, green, and red makes it a visual delight in its forested habitat.

Interesting Facts:

• The bird’s name, Pitta, is derived from the Telugu word meaning “small bird.” Its distinct two-note whistle is often heard before the bird is seen.

9. Island Thrush

Scientific Name: Turdus poliocephalus
Where is it Found: Across various islands in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The Island Thrush has a variable appearance, with different populations showcasing varied plumages. However, most are spotted and possess a combination of brown, white, and black colours.

Interesting Facts:

• Due to its widespread distribution and varied habitats, the Island Thrush has around 50 recognised subspecies, each with slight variations in appearance.

10. Indian Robin

Scientific Name: Saxicoloides fulicatus
Where is it Found: Throughout the Indian subcontinent in open forests and urban gardens.

The Indian Robin is a small bird. Males are glossy black, while females are brownish. Males flaunt a prominent white patch on their shoulders and a long tail, which they often flick.

Interesting Facts:

• Their strong and melodic calls and distinctive tail-flicking behaviour make them easily noticeable even in bustling urban settings.

11. Imperial Shag

Scientific Name: Leucocarbo atriceps
Where is it Found: Coastal regions of southern South America, especially the Falkland Islands.

The Imperial Shag, or the Blue-eyed Shag, is a black and white cormorant with striking blue eyes. It boasts a thin white ring around its eyes, setting it apart from other shag species. Its diet consists of fish, which it dives to catch.

Interesting Facts:

• These birds often nest in colonies, with hundreds of them coming together. Their bright blue eyes are believed to help them see better underwater during their deep dives for prey.

12. Indian Vulture

Scientific Name: Gyps indicus
Where is it Found: Mainly in India, Pakistan, and Nepal.

The Indian Vulture has a bald head, long neck, and broad wings. It’s mostly white or grey with a few dark streaks. These birds are scavengers, relying heavily on animal carcasses to feed.

Interesting Facts:

• Sadly, the Indian Vulture population has seen a dramatic decline due to the consumption of Diclofenac, which is found in livestock. Conservation efforts are ongoing to save this vital species.

13. Indian Sparrow

Scientific Name: Passer indicus
Where is it Found: Primarily in the Indian subcontinent.

Closely related to the House Sparrow, the Indian Sparrow is a small bird with a stout body. Males have a distinctive black bib, while females are plain with earthy brown colours.

Interesting Facts:

• Sparrows are considered an indicator species. Their decline in urban areas has raised concerns about pollution and the lack of natural food sources.

14. Iago Sparrow

Scientific Name: Passer iagoensis
Where is it Found: Cape Verde Islands.

The Iago Sparrow, or the Cape Verde Sparrow, has a stout body and a thick bill. Its plumage is a grey, brown, and white mix, with males sporting a black bib.

Interesting Facts:

• This sparrow is unique to the Cape Verde Islands and has adapted to various habitats, from dry areas to coastal regions.

15. Indigo-crowned Quail-Dove

Scientific Name: Geotrygon purpurata
Where is it Found: Trinidad and Tobago.

This medium-sized dove has a rich purple crown, which gives it its name. The rest of its body is a mix of grey, brown, and white, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its forested habitat.

Interesting Facts:

• The Indigo-crowned quail dove is known for its secretive nature. Its soft calls are often the only clue to its presence in the dense understory.

Birds beginning with the letter “i” represent a small but vibrant segment of the avian world. Their diverse habitats, intriguing behaviours, and unique appearances offer endless opportunities for discovery and learning. As you explore the skies

Other Birds Beginning With “I”

While the birds mentioned above have been detailed for a deeper insight, there are many other beautiful species where the bird starts with the letter “i”. Their names alone can spark curiosity and lead to further exploration. Here’s a list to intrigue the avid birdwatcher:

• Icelandic Gull
• Inaccessible Island Rail
• Indian Chat
• Indian Cuckoo
• Indian Golden Oriole
• Indian Grey Hornbill
• Indian Jungle Crow
• Indian Nightjar
• Indian Pond Heron
• Indian Pygmy Woodpecker
• Indian Scops Owl
• Indian Skimmer
• Indian Swiftlet
• Indian White-rumped Spinetail
• Indian Yellow Tit
• Indigo-winged Parrot
• Intermediate Egret
• Invisible Rail
• Ivory Gull
• Ivory-backed Woodswallow
• Ivory-billed Aracari
• Ivory-breasted Pitta
• Ivory-headed Coucal
• Ivory-shouldered Parakeet
• Ivory-tailed Sylph
• Izu Leaf Warbler
• Izu Thrush
• Ivory-billed Coucal
• Indian Greenfinch
• Indian Pied Starling
• Indian Silverbill
• Indian Tit
• Indo-Pacific Kingfisher
• Inland Dotterel
• Inland Thornbill
• Isabelline Bush-hen
• Isabelline Shrike
• Isabelline Wheatear
• Island Canary
• Island Flycatcher
• Island Imperial Pigeon
• Island Leaf Warbler
• Island Monarch
• Island Serin
• Island Thrush
• Ithala Sunbird
• Izu Islands Thrush

FAQs

1. How many bird species have names starting with the letter i?

The number of bird species starting with i can vary based on taxonomy and regional dialects. Still, well over 60 recognised species with names begin with this intriguing letter.

2. Are there any endangered birds that start with i?

Yes, some birds beginning with the letter i, such as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and Indian Vulture, are considered endangered due to habitat loss, human interference, and other factors.

In the vast world of avian species, those that begin with the letter “i” offer a unique blend of beauty, behaviours, and habitats. From the iconic Indian Peafowl to the elusive Ivory-billed Woodpecker, each bird captures nature’s diverse tapestry.

Birds Names That Begin With (A to Z)