This list includes 13 Birds that start with U that start with U, from “Amazonian Umbrellabird” to “Uvea Parakeet”. They include canopy specialists, island endemics, and a few urban species, useful for birdwatching, education, and quick reference.

Birds that start with U are common-name groupings of species whose English names begin with the letter U. A notable example is the Amazonian Umbrellabird, famous for its dramatic crest and booming calls.

Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Habitat, Wingspan (cm), Range, and Conservation status.

Common name: The everyday English name you see in the list; it helps you recognize and search for species quickly.

Scientific name: The Latin binomial gives precise species identity, so you can match common names to formal taxonomies.

Habitat: A concise habitat category tells you where the bird is most often found, aiding field planning and study.

Wingspan (cm): Wingspan in centimeters helps you gauge size and flight capability when comparing birds in the field.

Range: A brief geographic range shows where the species occurs, so you can focus sightings or research accordingly.

Conservation status: A short status note flags species at risk, helping you prioritize observation ethics and conservation awareness.

Birds that start with U

Common nameScientific nameHabitatWingspan (cm)
Amazonian UmbrellabirdCephalopterus ornatusTropical lowland forests in the Amazon basin66–71
Bare-necked UmbrellabirdCephalopterus glabricollisMontane forests in Costa Rica and Panama65–70
Long-wattled UmbrellabirdCephalopterus penduligerMontane cloud forests of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador66–71
Ultramarine GrosbeakCyanocompsa brissoniiScrubland, forest edges, and second-growth woodland23–26
Ultramarine LorikeetVini ultramarinaCoconut plantations and montane forests on the Marquesas Islands28–30
Uniform CrakeAmaurolimnas concolorWetlands, swampy forests, and mangroves22–25
Uniform FinchHaplospiza unicolorBamboo thickets and forest undergrowth in South America18–20
Unspotted Saw-whet OwlAegolius ridgwayiMontane cloud forests and pine-oak woodlands46–53
Upcher’s WarblerHippolais languidaDry scrub, riverine thickets, gardens, and orchards20–23
Upland BuzzardButeo hemilasiusOpen steppes, grasslands, and high-altitude plateaus143–161
Upland SandpiperBartramia longicaudaGrasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields64–68
Ural OwlStrix uralensisMature mixed and coniferous forests, often near water110–134
Uvea ParakeetEunymphicus uvaeensisNative forests on the island of Uvea, New Caledonia30–32

Descriptions

Amazonian Umbrellabird
The largest passerine in South America. The male’s spectacular umbrella-like crest and deep, booming call make it a rainforest icon.
Bare-necked Umbrellabird
This endangered bird is named for the male’s featherless, bright red throat sac, which he inflates during impressive courtship displays in the cloud forest.
Long-wattled Umbrellabird
Famous for the male’s single, long throat wattle that can hang down 35 cm. This feature is used in mating displays.
Ultramarine Grosbeak
A stunning South American songbird. The male is a brilliant deep blue, creating a striking contrast with the much plainer brown female.
Ultramarine Lorikeet
This critically endangered parrot from French Polynesia is threatened by invasive species. Its beautiful deep blue and white plumage makes it highly distinctive.
Uniform Crake
A secretive rail from Central and South America. Its plain, uniform brownish plumage provides excellent camouflage in the dense undergrowth of its wetland home.
Uniform Finch
A small, inconspicuous finch of southeastern South America. The male is a plain slate-gray while the female is olive-brown, fitting their “uniform” name.
Unspotted Saw-whet Owl
A small, secretive owl from Central America. Unlike its northern relative, the Northern Saw-whet Owl, it lacks distinct spots on its head.
Upcher’s Warbler
A migratory warbler that breeds in the Middle East and winters in East Africa. It is known for its habit of frequently wagging its long tail.
Upland Buzzard
One of the largest buzzards, found across the high plateaus of Asia. It has a varied diet, often preying on pikas and other small mammals.
Upland Sandpiper
A unique shorebird of open grasslands, known for its distinctive wolf-whistle call. It often perches on fence posts, a behavior unusual for sandpipers.
Ural Owl
A large, powerful owl of Europe and Asia. It’s known for being highly aggressive in defense of its nest and young, even against humans.
Uvea Parakeet
An endangered parakeet with a distinctive green crest of six feathers. It is found only on one small island and is a focus of conservation.
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