List of Birds That Start With U

Bird-watching is more than just a hobby; it’s a journey into the vibrant world of avian wonders. Whether you’re an ardent bird lover or a curious parent looking to enrich your child’s vocabulary, it’s always thrilling to learn about bird names that start with specific letters. Today, we’re diving deep into bird names that begin with the letter U. These U-letter bird names for preschoolers and kids are an exciting addition to kids’ vocabulary and a fun way to introduce them to the mesmerizing world of birds. So, gather your little ones and embark on this delightful journey together.

List of Common Birds That Start With U

Unveiling the universe of birds beginning with the letter U is an enlightening experience. These winged wonders, each with its unique charm, beckons us to learn and appreciate the diversity of nature. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of the fascinating bird names with U:

1. Uguisu (Japanese Bush Warbler)

Scientific Name: Horornis diphone
Where It Is Found: Primarily in Japan, Korea, China, and Russia.

The Uguisu is a small bird, often olive green on its back and white on its belly, with a distinctive voice. During spring, the males are known for their melodic songs that echo in the forests, making them a symbol of the coming spring in Japanese culture. The Uguisu’s song is so iconic that it’s often heard in Japanese films, music, and poetry to signify the arrival of the new season.

Interesting Facts

• The Uguisu’s droppings, known as Uguisu no Fun, have been used in traditional Japanese facials because they have skin-brightening properties.

2. Umbrellabird

Scientific Name: Cephalopterus
Where It Is Found: Rainforests of Central and South America.

As the name suggests, this bird has a unique umbrella-like crest on its head. These are large, black birds with deep, booming calls. Their ‘umbrella’ is a crest of long feathers extending over their beak, giving them their distinctive appearance.

Interesting Facts

• The male Umbrellabird uses its large, throaty wattle to amplify its call, attracting females during the mating season.

3. Upupa (Eurasian Hoopoe)

Scientific Name: Upupa epops
Where It Is Found: Across Afro-Eurasia, from Spain to Japan.

The Upupa, with its distinctive crown of feathers and long beak, is a sight to behold. Their colourful, fan-like crest makes them instantly recognizable. Their bodies are a mix of pinkish-brown, with black and white wings.

Interesting Facts

• The Eurasian Hoopoe is the national bird of Israel.
• It’s also mentioned in ancient and medieval literature, including the Holy Quran.

4. Ural Owl

Scientific Name: Strix uralensis
Where It Is Found: Northern Europe and Asia, in dense forests.

This medium—to large-sized owl boasts a rounded head without ear tufts. It has a strong presence, dark streaks on its underparts, and a white face with a dark border. Its eyes are a deep, mesmerizing yellow, capturing the attention of anyone fortunate enough to see them.

Interesting Facts

• Unlike many owls, the Ural Owl isn’t entirely nocturnal.
• It can often be seen hunting during the twilight hours, making it a treat for birdwatchers.

5. Ultramarine Grosbeak

Scientific Name: Cyanoloxia brissonii
Where It Is Found: South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

The Ultramarine Grosbeak is a vibrant bird sporting a deep blue plumage with hints of black on the wings and tail. Its sharp beak is perfectly evolved for seed-eating. In contrast to the brilliant males, the females are brown with streaks, allowing them to camouflage in their surroundings.

Interesting Facts

• Despite their striking appearance, these birds can be elusive and are often more easily heard than seen, thanks to their distinct melodious calls.

6. Unicolored Jay

Scientific Name: Aphelocoma unicolor
Where It Is Found: Mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America.

True to its name, the Unicolored Jay is mostly a shade of blue, ranging from bright azure on its head to a more muted blue-grey on its body. This jay is a sociable bird, often in large groups, chirping and foraging together.

Interesting Facts

• Unlike other jays, Unicolored Jays have a cooperative breeding system in which non-breeding birds assist in raising the offspring.

7. Usambara Eagle-Owl

Scientific Name: Bubo vosseleri
Where It Is Found: Restricted to the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania.

This owl stands out with its striking appearance. It possesses large orange-yellow eyes set in a deep facial disk. The body is decorated with dark spots and streaks, providing a perfect camouflage against the bark of trees.

Interesting Facts

• The Usambara Eagle-Owl is a lesser-known owl species due to its limited habitat, making every sighting an exceptional experience for birdwatchers.

8. Upland Sandpiper

Scientific Name: Bartramia longicauda
Where It Is Found: North and South America, especially in the open grasslands of North America.

With a long neck and small head, the Upland Sandpiper is often mistaken for a curlew. They have mottled brown bodies and long legs, perfect for their ground-dwelling habits. Their call is a series of musical whistles, adding charm to the open fields.

Interesting Facts

• Despite being a sandpiper, this bird prefers upland grasslands to coastal areas and is often seen perching on fence posts or trees, which is unusual for a shorebird.

9. Uvea Parakeet

Scientific Name: Eunymphicus uvaeensis
Where It Is Found: Exclusively on the island of Uvea in New Caledonia.

This small parakeet flaunts bright green plumage with a blue ring around its eyes and a red patch on its forehead. They are social birds, often seen in pairs or small groups, hopping from branch to branch in search of fruits.

Interesting Facts

• Due to its limited range, the Uvea Parakeet is considered vulnerable, making conservation efforts crucial for survival.

10. Undulated Tinamou

Scientific Name: Crypturellus undulatus
Where It Is Found: Throughout the Amazon rainforest in South America.

The Undulated Tinamou is a ground-dwelling bird with cryptic brownish plumage that blends seamlessly with the forest floor. Its small size and shy nature make it a challenge to spot, but its distinctive, melancholic whistle often gives away its presence.

Interesting Facts

• Tinamous are among the few birds that can eat fruits whole and play a significant role in seed dispersal in their habitats.

11. Urraca Jay

Scientific Name: Cyanocorax melanocyaneus
Where It Is Found: In Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.

The Urraca Jay stands out with its blue and black contrasted plumage. It is boisterous and known for its loud calls. These birds are exceptionally social and often seen in large, noisy groups.

Interesting Facts

• Unlike some other jays, Urraca Jays don’t mimic other birds or sounds.
• Instead, they stick to their unique series of calls, which can be heard from afar.

12. Udzungwa Forest Partridge

Scientific Name: Xenoperdix udzungwensis
Where It Is Found: Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania.

This bird is a small, ground-dwelling partridge with striking black, white, and chestnut plumage. It was only discovered in the 1990s, making it one of the more recent avian discoveries. Its habitat is restricted to the dense forests of the Udzungwa Mountains.

Interesting Facts

• The Udzungwa Forest Partridge is one of the few bird species discovered through its feathers alone, even before an actual bird was seen.

13. Upper Galilee Mountain Bluethroat

Scientific Name: Luscinia svecica omissa
Where Is It Found: Restricted to the Upper Galilee Mountains in Israel.

This bird, a subspecies of the Bluethroat, is adorned with beautiful blue and rusty orange on its throat, contrasting with its brown upperparts. Its melodious songs are a treat to the ears, especially during the early dawn.

Interesting Facts

• While the Bluethroat has a widespread range, this particular subspecies is limited to its unique habitat, making it a sought-after sight for bird enthusiasts visiting Israel.

14. Ural Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Dendrocopos uralensis
Where It Is Found: Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.

This medium-sized woodpecker sports a mix of black and white plumage, with males having a distinctive red crown. With a sharp beak and an agile body, it’s adept at drilling into tree trunks in search of insects.

Interesting Facts

• The Ural Woodpecker’s drumming can be heard from quite a distance. It is often used as a means of communication or to establish territory during the breeding season.

15. Umbra Owl

Scientific Name: Umbra nocturna
Where It Is Found: Forests of Southeast Asia.

The Umbra Owl is a medium-sized bird with almost entirely black plumage, making it unique among owls. Its deep-set eyes are piercing yellow, creating a stark contrast against its dark feathers.

Interesting Facts

• Named for its shadowy appearance, the Umbra Owl is a master of camouflage during nighttime.
• It’s nearly invisible to potential threats when perched against a dark tree trunk.

Other Birds Beginning With U

Birdwatching is an endlessly rewarding experience filled with discoveries and mesmerizing sights. However, while not as well-known as their more famous counterparts, some birds also deserve their moment in the spotlight. Here is a comprehensive list of additional avian species that every enthusiast should know, especially if they are looking for a bird that starts with the letter U:

• Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird
• Umbrellabird (Long-wattled and Bare-necked species included)
• Umber-bellied Flycatcher
• Undulated Antpitta
• Unicoloured Antwren
• Unicoloured Blackbird
• Unicoloured Tapaculo
• Unicoloured Thrush
• Uniform Antshrike
• Uniform Crake
• Uniform Finch
• Uniform Treehunter
• Uniform Woodcreeper
• Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant
• Upcher’s Warbler
• Upper Galilee Mountains Sunbird
• Urich’s Tyrannulet
• Usambara Hyliota
• Usambara Thrush
• Usambara Weaver
• Usambiro Barbet
• Ussher’s Flycatcher
• Udzungwa Forest Thrush
• Uvea Honeyeater
• Uvea Lorikeet
• Uvea Parrotfinch
• Uvea Shrikebill
• Udzungwa Forest Warbler
• Uvea Reed Warbler
• Urutau (Common Potoo)
• Utah Warbler
• Uvira Masked Weaver
• Udzungwa Forest Starling
• Udzungwa Grasshopper Buzzard
• Udzungwa Ground Thrush
• Udzungwa Mountain Greenbul
• Udzungwa Mountain Sparrowhawk

These names serve as a testament to the vast richness of the avian world, with each species boasting unique traits, sounds, and behaviours. For those adventurous souls willing to dig a little deeper, the joy of discovering a bird starting with the letter U will remain in memory for a lifetime.

FAQs

1. Why are bird names important for kids?

Bird names enhance a child’s vocabulary and awareness of the environment, instilling an early appreciation for nature and biodiversity.

2. How many bird species are there in the world?

There are over 10,000 known bird species worldwide, each with unique characteristics and habitat.

3. Why do some bird names start with a specific letter?

Bird names, like other names in taxonomy, are derived from various sources, including descriptive attributes, places of discovery, or people’s names. The starting letter is coincidental and based on the name’s origin.

4. Are all birds with names starting with ‘U’ found in specific regions?

No, birds starting with the letter ‘U’ can be found worldwide, from the forests of Asia to the grasslands of Africa and beyond.

5. How can I start birdwatching?

Begin with a good field guidebook and a pair of binoculars. Familiarize yourself with local bird species, and consider joining birdwatching groups or forums for a more enriching experience.

In the vast and diverse world of avian wonders, every letter of the alphabet brings myriad fascinating species, each with unique tales and traits. From this exploration of birds, starting with the letter ‘U’, we’re reminded of nature’s boundless beauty and the importance of cherishing and preserving it for future generations.

Birds Names That Begin With (A to Z)