List of Birds That Start With D

Bird watching is a fascinating hobby that bridges generations. From grandparents to preschoolers, the allure of our feathered friends has a universal charm. As we explore the bird names that start with the letter D, it’s not only an opportunity for avid bird enthusiasts to expand their knowledge but also an engaging way to enhance the kids’ vocabulary. ‘D’ letter bird names for preschoolers and kids can be a fun way to learn about the avian world, combining education with enjoyment. So, whether you’re an ornithologist at heart or just looking to add to your kids’ vocabulary, this list promises a delightful discovery for all.

List of Common Birds That Start With D

In the vast world of avian species, many captivating birds beginning with the letter D have captured the attention and hearts of enthusiasts. Their unique characteristics and behaviours make each bird’s name with D a distinct chapter in the book of nature. Here’s a look at some of them:

1. Dove

Scientific Name: Columba livia
Where Is It Found: Worldwide

Often symbolising peace and innocence, doves are medium-sized birds, recognisable by their sleek body, short legs, and rounded tails. Their colours range from pearly greys to rich browns, often accompanied by subtle patterns and shades, making them a gentle presence in any environment.

Interesting Facts:

• Universally recognised, doves hold significant symbolic weight in numerous cultures, often representing peace and love. Their soft, cooing calls, which can often be heard at dawn or dusk, resonate with a sense of serenity and calm.

2. Dunnock

Scientific Name: Prunella modularis
Where Is It Found: Europe and Asia

Dunnocks are inconspicuous birds, often mistaken for sparrows due to their streaky brown plumage. Their fine beak and slim body allow them to hop swiftly across hedges and shrubs as they search for insects, making them a regular sight in garden landscapes.

Interesting Facts:

• Behind their unassuming appearance, dunnocks hide a fascinating social life. They often have complex mating systems, including instances of polyandry, and are known to engage in fierce territorial disputes.

3. Duck

Scientific Name: Anatidae
Where Is It Found: Worldwide

An emblem of water bodies, ducks are sturdy birds, equipped with broad bodies, webbed feet, and flat bills. Their diverse plumage spans an array of vibrant colors, depending on the species. Whether it’s the iridescent display of a mallard or the stark contrast of a black and white eider, ducks bring vibrancy to ponds and lakes.

Interesting Facts:

• Ducks boast a unique feather system, which remains waterproof even after extended dives. When they emerge from the water, they can effortlessly shake off droplets and appear entirely dry.

Also Read: Amazing Duck Facts and Information for Kids

4. Dickcissel

Scientific Name: Spiza americana

Where Is It Found: North and Central America

This sparrow-like bird stands out with its yellow breast and prominent black ‘V’ on its chest. Primarily a bird of open grasslands, the Dickcissel’s song is a series of sharp notes, which they use to establish their territory and attract mates during the breeding season.

Interesting Facts:

• Dickcissels possess an incredible ability to mimic the songs of other birds. This talent can often lead birdwatchers on a wild goose chase as they search for a bird that isn’t there!

5. Darter

Scientific Name: Anhingidae
Where Is It Found: Tropical regions around the world

Darters are fascinating birds characterised by long necks and sharp, pointed bills. Their slender, snake-like necks give them a distinctive appearance when swimming, often with just the neck above water, as they stealthily approach their prey.

Interesting Facts:

• Their uncanny resemblance to snakes while swimming has earned them the moniker “snake birds”. Despite their graceful appearances, darters are formidable hunters, swiftly catching fish with their sharp bills.

6. Dusky Flycatcher

Scientific Name: Empidonax oberholseri
Where Is It Found: North America

Small in stature, the Dusky Flycatcher is a greyish-green bird that frequents shrubby areas and open forests. They are agile flyers, often darting out from their perches to catch insects in mid-air, making them a delightful sight for birdwatchers.

Interesting Facts:

• Despite their name, Dusky Flycatchers are not strictly dusk hunters. They are active throughout the day, and their sharp calls often give away their presence long before they’re spotted.

7. Drongo

Scientific Name: Dicruridae
Where Is It Found: Africa, Asia, and Oceania

Recognizable by their black plumage and forked tails, drongos are agile and adventurous birds, often seen in open forests and woodlands. Their glossy feathers give them a shimmering appearance, especially when caught under the sun.

Interesting Facts:

• Drongos are masterful mimics, often copying the calls of other birds and even animals. They use this skill to deceive other species, either to steal food or divert attention away from their nests.

8. Dowitcher

Scientific Name: Limnodromus spp.
Where Is It Found: North and Central America

Dowitchers are elegant waders with long bills, perfect for probing mud and shallow water for invertebrates. Their brown and gray plumage provides an effective camouflage against marshy landscapes, making them both a challenge and a delight to spot.

Interesting Facts:

• The name “dowitcher” is onomatopoeic, derived from their distinctive song. Birdwatchers often find them in the company of other shorebirds, making a shoreline walk a treat for the eyes and ears.

9. Dipper

Scientific Name: Cinclidae
Where Is It Found: Northern Hemisphere

These unique birds have the astonishing ability to walk underwater in search of aquatic insects. Sporting a stout body and a short tail, dippers have a peculiar bobbing behaviour that is a joy to observe by streams and rivers.

Interesting Facts:

• Dippers are the only songbirds that can swim, making them a rare spectacle. Their name comes from their signature “dipping” motion, which they perform while standing on rocks.

10. Desert Cardinal

Scientific Name: Cardinalis sinuatus
Where Is It Found: Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico

Similar to the northern cardinal but with a gray body and a red mask, the desert cardinal is an eye-catching bird found in arid regions. Its melodious songs resonate beautifully across the sparse desert landscapes.

Interesting Facts:

• Unlike its vibrant red cousin, the desert cardinal has adapted its colours to the desert, helping it blend in seamlessly. However, its song remains just as melodious, adding a touch of magic to the desert air.

11. Dollarbird

Scientific Name: Eurystomus orientalis
Where Is It Found: Asia and Australasia

The dollar bird is a medium-sized bird with a striking blue-green plumage. Its name comes from the distinctive coin-like spots on its wings, which are prominently displayed during flight.

Interesting Facts:

• These birds are one of the few roller species found outside Africa. They are known to catch their prey mid-air, showcasing their agility and precision.

12. Dunlin

Scientific Name: Calidris alpina
Where Is It Found: Arctic regions and temperate shores worldwide during migration

A small wader, the dunlin boasts a beautifully streaked back and a distinctive black belly patch in breeding plumage. Their long, drooping bills are used adeptly to probe for invertebrates in the mud and sand.

Interesting Facts:

• Dunlins are known for their impressive flock formations during migration. Their synchronized flight patterns, consisting of thousands of birds, create mesmerizing shapes against the sky, a must-watch for bird enthusiasts.

13. Diamond Dove

Scientific Name: Geopelia cuneata
Where Is It Found: Australia

The diamond dove, one of the smallest dove species, sports a delicate grey colour with white speckles resembling diamonds on its wings and upper body. Their red-ringed eyes provide a stark contrast to their muted bodies.

Interesting Facts:

• These doves have a tranquil and gentle demeanour, making them popular pets. Their soft cooing, similar to the familiar dove sound but more subtle, can be a soothing backdrop in quiet woodlands.

14. Double-Crested Cormorant

Scientific Name: Phalacrocorax auritus
Where Is It Found: North America

This large waterbird displays a dark plumage with a long neck, webbed feet, and a hooked beak. As their name suggests, during breeding seasons, they sport two tufts or “crests” on either side of their head.

Interesting Facts

• Double-crested cormorants often perch with their wings outstretched to dry them. This iconic stance, combined with their deep-green eyes, makes them a striking figure by lakes and rivers.

15. Dusky Lark

Scientific Name: Pinarocorys nigricans
Where Is It Found: Sub-Saharan Africa

Primarily ground dwellers, dusky larks have a plain brown appearance which aids them in blending into grasslands and open savannahs. Their stout build and short tails are often seen as they hop along, foraging for seeds and insects.

Interesting Facts

• Unlike many lark species that are known for their songs, the dusky lark is more discreet, often heard emitting short, sharp calls, especially during mating rituals.

16. Divine Starling

Scientific Name: Cinnyricinclus sharpii
Where Is It Found: Central Africa

This eye-catching bird is adorned with iridescent purple and green plumage, giving it a shimmering appearance. The divine starling is a sociable bird, often seen in groups, frolicking in treetops or darting through the air catching insects.

Interesting Facts

• Despite their radiant appearance, divine starlings are known for their boisterous and aggressive nature, especially during feeding times. They’re also known to mimic human-made sounds, occasionally imitating alarms or other mechanical noises.

Other Birds Beginning With D

While we’ve delved deep into the fascinating world of some prominent birds that start with the letter D, the avian kingdom is vast and full of wonder. There are numerous other birds whose name begins with this letter, each with its unique charm and characteristics. Each given name of the bird starts with letter D. Here’s a quick list for those curious minds who wish to know every bird that starts with the letter D:

• Dalmatian Pelican
• Damara Tern
• Dark Chanting Goshawk
• Dark-eyed Junco
• Darwin’s Finch
• Daubenton’s Bat
• David’s Fulvetta
• Demoiselle Crane
• Derbyan Parakeet
• Desert Finch
• Desert Sparrow
• Desert Warbler
• Diademed Plover
• Dickcissel
• Diego Garcia Sparrow
• Dimorphic Egret
• Dipped-billed Pigeon
• Djibouti Francolin
• Dominican Gull
• Dot-winged Antwren
• Double-banded Courser
• Double-banded Sandgrouse
• Double-collared Seedeater
• Double-toothed Kite
• Downy Woodpecker
• Dracula Parrot
• Dry-forest Sabrewing
• Dusky Antbird
• Dusky Bush-Tanager
• Dusky Grouse
• Dusky Hummingbird
• Dusky Munia
• Dusky Parrot
• Dusky Pigeon
• Dusky Robin
• Dusky Warbler
• Dusky-capped Flycatcher
• Dusky-headed Conure
• Dusky-legged Guan
• Dwarf Bittern
• Dwarf Jay
• Dwarf Kingfisher
• Dwarf Sparrowhawk
• Dybowski’s Twinspot
• Dynamic Auklet

FAQs

1. How many bird species start with the letter D?

While the exact number may vary due to taxonomy changes and discoveries, there are over a hundred bird species that have names starting with the letter D.

2. Which D-named bird is the smallest?

The Diamond Dove, native to Australia, is one of the smallest birds that starts with the letter D.

3. Are all D-birds found worldwide?

No, while some birds like the Duck and Dove are found almost everywhere, others have specific habitats limited to certain continents or regions.

4. Which bird with a name starting with D is known for its mimicking abilities?

The Drongo is renowned for its impressive mimicking abilities, often copying the calls of other birds and even animals.

5. Can the Double-crested Cormorant be found outside North America?

While the Double-crested Cormorant is native to North America, similar cormorant species can be found worldwide.

The diverse realm of birds beginning with the letter D offers a captivating look into the wonders of the avian world. From common backyard visitors to exotic species in distant lands, each bird tells a unique story of nature’s splendour and complexity. As you embark on your ornithological journey, may the wings of these fascinating creatures inspire endless curiosity and appreciation.

Birds Names That Begin With (A to Z)