11 Fascinating Birds that Start with N – Info & Pictures

Birds are one of the fascinating living beings of our planet. They come in all shapes and sizes, with unique features that make them stand out.

When it comes to birds that start with “N,”some remarkable species are worth exploring. From the majestic Northern Goshawk to the tiny Nuthatch, these birds offer a glimpse into the diversity of avian life.

Let’s check out some incredible birds that start with N and discover why they’re so interesting.

List of Popular Birds Name – With Information and Pictures

Northern Hawk Owls

Owl, northern hawk-owl, Birds that start with N
Birds that start with N

Northern Hawk Owls are birds that start with N and found in the northern or open areas, marshes of Canada, Scandinavia and Russia. Their scientific name is Surnia ulula.

This medium sized bird is characterized by its white and brown coloring with streaks of black and yellow near the eyes, while its wings are darkish gray with white spots.

A northern hawk owl can be found between areas of boreal forest or tundra in both summer and winter. They feed on birds and small animals, such as squirrels, mouses and hares.

The breeding season of the northern hawk owl begins in April , when mating birds become more vocal and territorial.

Nightingale

The Nightingales are small birds that start with N, found in Western Europe, Southern Africa, North Africa, and Asia. The scientific name of these birds is Luscinia megarhynchos. It is a small songbird that usually found in woodlands and forests.

Nightingale, Birds that start with N
Birds that start with N

In terms of appearance, they have grayish-brown tail feathers with a pale underparts. These birds also have a beautiful melodic song they use to express themselves during breeding season from April to May.

The Nightingale birds are among vulnerable species due to their shrinking habitats and decreasing population.

Northern Mockingbirds

Northern mockingbirds are the birds that start with N and are found in various parts of the world. But they mostly inhabit in forest edges, subtropical regions, and open areas of North America, Central America and Canada. The scientific name of the Northern Mockingbird is Mimus polyglottos.

birds, northern mockingbird, Birds that start with N
Birds that start with N

They are small-sized birds with a wingspan of 12 to 14 inches, making them easily recognizable amongst other birds. Their breeding season typically arrives between Spring and early summer, but this varies, depending on the location.

Northern mockingbirds are considered vulnerable as development has decreased their numbers significantly in many areas.

Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinals are spectacular birds thats start with N and adds a burst of color to any landscape. Its scientific name is Cardinalis cardinalis. These small birds are found in southern Arizona, North America, South America, central America, and Guatemala.

They typically inhabit woody areas near rivers, streams, woodland edges, or lake edges but can often be seen closer to residential homes when feeding.

They have difference in appearance based on their sexes. The males have reddish body, crest and bill, while their females have pale brown and reddish body, crest and a shorter bill.

Breeding season of Cardinals usually starts in march and ends in September,also lasting until August in some locations. Further this bird species enlisted as a vulnerable species.

Northern Saw Whet Owl

The Northern Saw-whet Owls are small-sized birds that start with N. They’re found in old growth forests, grasslands and riparian areas of Canada, western Europe and North America. Their scientific name is Aegolius acadicus.

Easily identifiable by its bright yellow eyes and white spots on its feathers. This owl sports an overall dark brown coloration on its back and belly. It’s wingspan typically falls between 60 centimeters, and it weighs between 75 – 120 grams.

Northern Scrub Robin

The Northern Scrub Robin that start with N, and their scientific name is Drymodes superciliaris. It is a small sized bird that can be found in the rainforest, monsoon forest of eastern Australia and new Guinea.

A relative of the ubiquitous European Robin, these birds have patterned brown and white wings, and long tails. Plus, a fun fact about these birds is that they use their wings to communicate during courtship rituals.

Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)

The Northern Harrier, whose scientific name is Circus hudsonius. These are different birds that start with N and found in the Arctic tundra, grasslands, marshes of Canada and the northern America.

The Northern Harrier has distinct features, including gray upperparts, white underparts, black wingtips, and a dark bill.

Due to habitat loss, making them one of the critically endangered birds. And are even birds considered skittish hunters compared to other avian predators, they have sharp eyesight and can spot prey up to one mile away.

Northern Goshawks

The Northern Goshawk is a medium sized bird, one of many birds that start with “N”. Its scientific name is Accipiter gentilis.

These birds can be easy to identify due to several expressive characteristics in their appearance that includes large wingspan, distinctive oval shaped head and a gray body with barred underparts.

They are fiercely loyal when it comes to their nests and grounds, often returning to the same area year after year.

Northern Gannet

The Northern Gannet, are birds begin its scientific name, Morus Bassanus, is a large and majestic bird that belong to the Sulids.

sea bird, northern gannet, Birds that start with N
Birds that start with N

With a wingspan often reaching 2 meters from tip to tip, these are medium sized birds found on United Kingdom coasts and across the North Atlantic coastal regions.

Although striking in appearance, that makes them unique. They can dive for their food up to 100 feet straight into water. On their scavenging missions for catching fishes they can reach speeds that exceed 80 miles per hour.

Nelson’s Sparrow

Nelson’s Sparrow is small sparrow and one of the only birds that start with the letter ‘N. Their scientific name is Ammodramus nelsoni. These birds are found in Atlantic coast and Maine of the central Canada.

Their natural habitats are near residential colonies, gardens, farms, agricultural fields, and office buildings.

Nelson’s Sparrow has beautiful rusty and dark brown upper body, white underparts, and dark brown stripes on its head. Earlier, these birds were considered conspecific with the Saltmarsh Sparrows but are now treated as a separate species.

Northern Fantail

The Northern Fantail is one of the more well-known birds begining with ‘N.’ These birds can be found in areas such as the forests and grasslands of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Australia. Their scientific name is Rhipidura rufiventris.

new zealand, native, Birds that start with N
Birds that start with N


Its appearance contrasts two colors, greyish black head, black wings, bill and white underparts.

Its habitat loss has posed a growing threat to its population. As an interesting fact about these vibrant birds beginning with N they have adapted their call based on the environment.

Nile Valley Sunbird

The Nile Valley Sunbirds are the birds beginning, and their scientific name is Anthreptes metallicus. This attractive bird found in the eastern Africa and Saudi Arabia.

bird, sunbird, Birds that start with N
Birds that start with N

It’s small in size, usually between 13 to 15 cm, with a wingspan of 19-21 cm. Its feathers have vibrant colors of green, pink and yellow, and it even has a metallic sheen head.

Unfortunately, due to climate change, the strongholds of the Nile Valley Sunbird are decreasing as its natural habitats become more scarce.

Q. What birds has letter N in their name?

Northern cardinal, northern royal albatross, northern flickers are birds having N in their names.

Q. What are the 5 types of bird?

Nihoa finch, Nuttall’s woodpecker, Nankeen kestrel, neotropic cormorant, and noisy pitta are the five bird types that begin with N.

Q. What egyption bird start with N ?

Nile Valley Sunbird is an egyptionor middle east bird.

Final Thought

In exploring birds that start with the letter N, we encounter a wide range of species. The Nene, notably Hawaii’s state bird, exemplifies unique plumage and adaptability. As a goose, its presence signifies the diversity within this category. 

Another intriguing example is the Neddicky, a medium-sized bird known for its distinctive song. Unlike the Nene, the Neddicky thrives in varied habitats, showcasing the adaptability of birds starting with ‘N’.

These birds, including the rarest and endemic species, offer a glimpse into the diverse world of avian life. Their characteristics, from being a bird of prey to their unique plumage, highlight the complexity and beauty of the avian kingdom.

Finally, checkout the entire series of birds that start with or begin with the letter: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ.

Olivia Kepner