Did you know that the Emperor Penguin can survive the harshest winters on Earth or that the Eurasian Magpie is one of the few animals capable of recognizing itself in a mirror?
This blog explores a fascinating collection of birds whose names start with E.
This list covers a wide range of species, from the small and brightly colored Eastern Bluebird to the towering flightless Emu, each with unique traits and habitats.
As you read on, you’ll discover interesting facts about these birds, including their behavior, geographical ranges, and the environments they thrive in.
Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just curious, this guide provides a glimpse into the remarkable diversity of birds, starting with E.
20 Most Common Birds Starting with E
1. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small, brightly colored bird often seen perched on fence posts or flying in open fields. Its vibrant blue and orange plumage makes it a popular bird among birdwatchers.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis
- Physical Description: Males have bright blue upperparts and orange breasts, while females are duller.
- Habitat: Open fields, orchards, and meadows.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern North America.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes or nesting boxes.
2. European Starling
European Starlings are noisy, social birds known for their iridescent feathers and mimicry skills. Introduced to North America, they have become one of the continent’s most common birds.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris
- Physical Description: Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen.
- Habitat: Urban areas, farms, and open woodlands.
- Geographical Range: Native to Europe and Asia; widespread in North America.
- Interesting Facts: European Starlings are excellent mimics, often imitating other birds and even mechanical sounds.
3. Emperor Penguin
The Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin species and is famous for its endurance in the harsh Antarctic climate. These birds trek long distances across the ice to reach their breeding grounds.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Emperor Penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri
- Physical Description: Large, with black and white bodies and a yellow-orange neck.
- Habitat: Antarctic ice and surrounding waters.
- Geographical Range: Exclusively found in Antarctica.
- Interesting Facts: Emperor Penguins are known for their long, coordinated marches across the ice to breeding colonies.
4. Eurasian Collared-Dove
The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove with a distinctive black collar around its neck. It is an invasive species in many parts of North America but is a common sight in urban areas.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eurasian Collared-Dove, Streptopelia decaocto
- Physical Description: Pale gray with a black neck collar.
- Habitat: Urban areas, parks, and gardens.
- Geographical Range: Native to Europe and Asia, it is now widespread in North America.
- Interesting Facts: Introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s, this species quickly spread across North America.
5. Eastern Phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe is a small flycatcher known for its distinctive “phoebe” call. These birds often perch in open areas, watching for insects to catch mid-flight.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe
- Physical Description: Small, with brownish-gray upperparts and pale underparts.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, gardens, and near water.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern North America.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Phoebes often build their nests on human-made structures like bridges and buildings.
6. Eurasian Magpie
The Eurasian Magpie is a highly intelligent bird known for its striking black-and-white plumage and long tail. These birds are social and are often seen in pairs or small groups.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eurasian Magpie, Pica pica
- Physical Description: Black-and-white plumage with a long, iridescent tail.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, farmlands, and urban areas.
- Geographical Range: Widespread across Europe and Asia.
- Interesting Facts: Eurasian Magpies are among the few animals known to recognize themselves in a mirror, a sign of high intelligence.
7. Eastern Meadowlark
The Eastern Meadowlark is a colorful, ground-dwelling bird known for its melodic whistle-like song. Its bright yellow breast with a black “V” makes it easily recognizable.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella magna
- Physical Description: Yellow breast with a black “V” and brown-streaked back.
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and farmlands.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern North America and parts of Central America.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Meadowlarks build their nests on the ground, often hidden in tall grasses.
8. Eurasian Sparrowhawk
The Eurasian Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey known for its agility and hunting speed. It preys on smaller birds and is commonly seen flying through woodlands.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus
- Physical Description: Small, with grayish-blue upperparts and reddish-brown underparts.
- Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and gardens.
- Geographical Range: Widespread across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
- Interesting Facts: Eurasian Sparrowhawks are skilled hunters, often chasing prey through dense trees with remarkable agility.
9. Eastern Kingbird
The Eastern Kingbird is a large, assertive flycatcher often seen perching on fence posts or treetops, scanning for insects. It is known for its bold behavior when defending its territory.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Physical Description: Dark gray upperparts and white underparts with a distinctive white-tipped tail.
- Habitat: Open fields, farmlands, and orchards.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern North America and Central and South America.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Kingbirds are highly territorial and aggressively defend their nests from larger birds and predators.
10. Eurasian Blackbird
The Eurasian Blackbird is a familiar songbird with glossy black plumage and a distinctive orange-yellow beak. It is known for its melodious song, especially at dawn.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eurasian Blackbird, Turdus merula
- Physical Description: Glossy black plumage with a bright yellow beak and eye ring.
- Habitat: Gardens, woodlands, and parks.
- Geographical Range: Found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- Interesting Facts: Despite its name, female Eurasian Blackbirds are brown rather than black, with lighter streaks.
11. Egret
Egrets are large wading birds known for their graceful appearance and long legs. They often stand still in shallow waters, waiting for fish to swim by.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Egret, Egretta spp.
- Physical Description: Large, with long legs and neck; mostly white feathers.
- Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and coastal areas.
- Geographical Range: Found across tropical and temperate regions worldwide.
- Interesting Facts: Egrets, such as fish and amphibians, often use slow, deliberate movements to catch prey in the water.
12. Eastern Yellow Robin
The Eastern Yellow Robin is a small, brightly colored bird commonly found in the woodlands of eastern Australia. Its cheerful appearance and active behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Yellow Robin, Eopsaltria australis
- Physical Description: Bright yellow underparts with grayish upperparts.
- Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and gardens.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern Australia.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Yellow Robins often sit motionless on low branches, waiting to pounce on insects below.
13. Eurasian Woodcock
The Eurasian Woodcock is a shy, secretive bird often found in woodlands. Its excellent camouflage makes it difficult to spot despite its relatively large size.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eurasian Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola
- Physical Description: Brown, cryptic plumage with a long bill and rounded body.
- Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and marshy areas.
- Geographical Range: Found across Europe and Asia.
- Interesting Facts: Eurasian Woodcocks are nocturnal and are most active during dawn and dusk.
14. Eastern Towhee
The Eastern Towhee is a large sparrow known for its bright colors and distinctive call, which sounds like “drink your tea.” These birds are often seen scratching in leaf litter for food.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Physical Description: Black upperparts, white belly, and rufous sides.
- Habitat: Shrublands, forests, and gardens.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern North America.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Towhees are ground feeders, using a two-footed scratching technique to uncover insects and seeds.
15. Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small owl with excellent camouflage. It comes in two color morphs—gray and reddish-brown—and is commonly seen roosting in tree cavities during the day.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Screech Owl, Megascops asio
- Physical Description: Small, with gray or reddish-brown feathers and ear tufts.
- Habitat: Woodlands, suburban areas, and parks.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern North America.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Screech Owls have an eerie, trilling call often heard at night.
16. Emu
The Emu is the second-largest bird in the world, native to Australia. These large, flightless birds are known for their long legs and ability to run at high speeds.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae
- Physical Description: Large, with long legs and neck, covered in coarse brown feathers.
- Habitat: Grasslands, forests, and open plains.
- Geographical Range: Native to Australia.
- Interesting Facts: Emus are excellent runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) when necessary.
17. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian Wigeon is a medium-sized duck with distinctive chestnut and gray coloring. It is commonly found in wetland habitats and is known for its whistling calls.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eurasian Wigeon, Mareca penelope
- Physical Description: Males have a chestnut head with a yellow crown, while females are more subdued in color.
- Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and lakes.
- Geographical Range: Found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
- Interesting Facts: Eurasian Wigeons are known for their loud, whistling calls, especially during the breeding season.
18. Eastern Whip-poor-will
The Eastern Whip-poor-will is a nocturnal bird known for its repetitive call, which sounds like its name. These birds are often heard but rarely seen due to their excellent camouflage.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eastern Whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus
- Physical Description: Small, with mottled brown and gray feathers for camouflage.
- Habitat: Forests and woodlands.
- Geographical Range: Found across eastern North America.
- Interesting Facts: Eastern Whip-poor-wills are named after their distinctive call, which can be heard repeatedly at night.
19. European Robin
The European Robin is a small, familiar songbird with a bright orange breast and face. It is a common sight in gardens and woodlands across Europe.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: European Robin, Erithacus rubecula
- Physical Description: Small, with a bright orange breast and brownish upperparts.
- Habitat: Gardens, parks, and forests.
- Geographical Range: Found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- Interesting Facts: European Robins are known for their bold behavior, often approaching humans in gardens and woodlands.
20. Eurasian Jay
The Eurasian Jay is a colorful crow family member known for its striking blue wing feathers. These birds are often found in woodlands and are known for their intelligence.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Eurasian Jay, Garrulus glandarius
- Physical Description: Medium-sized bird with pinkish-brown plumage and bright blue wing patches.
- Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and gardens.
- Geographical Range: Found across Europe and parts of Asia.
- Interesting Facts: Eurasian Jays are skilled at storing food, often hiding nuts and seeds for later consumption.
Additional Birds Starting with E
- Eurasian Hobby
- Eastern Olivaceous Warbler
- Eurasian Curlew
- Eastern Orphean Warbler
- Eastern Bearded Reedling
- European Bee-eater
- Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon
- Eastern Nightjar
- European Shag
- Eurasian Teal
- Eastern Chat-Tanager
- Eastern Great Egret
- Ecuadorian Ground-Dove
- Eastern Grass Owl
- Eurasian Dotterel
- Eurasian Reed Warbler
- Eastern Barn Owl
- European Roller
- Ecuadorian Trogon
- Eurasian Siskin
- Eastern Grasshopper Warbler
- Eurasian Hoopoe
- Eastern Chanting Goshawk
- European Nightjar
- Eurasian Bittern
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- Eared Pitta
- European Turtle Dove
- Eastern Black Redstart
- Eastern Kingbird
- European Storm Petrel
- Eskimo Curlew
- European Crested Tit
- Everglade Kite
- European Serin
- European Herring Gull
- Eyebrowed Thrush
- Eastern Yellow Wagtail
- Elegant Sunbird
- Eastern Cattle Egret
- Eastern Wattled Lapwing
- European Penduline Tit
- Eurasian Griffon
- Eastern Barn Swallow
- Eurasian Skylark
- Eurasian Dotterel
- Eastern Marsh Harrier
- Eurasian Pygmy Owl
- Eurasian Linnet
- Eurasian Dipper
- Eastern Marsh Wren
- Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler
- Eastern Crowned Warbler
- Eastern Tawny Owl
- Eastern Honey Buzzard
- Eurasian Crake
- Eurasian River Warbler
- Eastern Woodhaunter
- Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill
- Eastern Red-tailed Hawk
- Eastern Golden Weaver
- Eastern Wattled Crow
- Eurasian Blue Tit
- Eastern Crimson-winged Finch
- European Greenfinch
- Eastern Imperial Eagle
- Ecuadorian Hillstar
- Eurasian Minivet
- Eastern Pied Flycatcher
- Eastern Red Bishop
- Eastern Rosella
- Eurasian Treecreeper
- Eastern Black-headed Bunting
- Eastern Double-collared Sunbird
- Eastern Fijian Bush-warbler
- Eastern Great Reed Warbler
- Eastern Osprey
- European Shelduck
- Eurasian Tree Sparrow
- Eurasian Coot
- Eurasian Oystercatcher
- Eastern Ortolan Bunting
- Eastern White Pelican
- Eastern Spotted Dove
- Eurasian Jackdaw
- Eastern Bearded Vulture
- Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker
- Eared Quetzal
- Eurasian Blackcap
- Eurasian Woodcock
- European Goldfinch
- European Stonechat
- European Honey Buzzard
- Eurasian Lesser Black-backed Gull
- Eastern Spectacled Owl
- Eastern Yellow-crowned Night Heron
- European Redstart
- Eastern Parotia
- Eastern Paradise Flycatcher
- Eastern Rock Thrush
- European Goldcrest
- Eurasian Bittern
- Eurasian Lynx
- Eastern Screech Owl
- Eastern Nightingale
- Eurasian Nuthatch
- Eastern Yellow Wagtail
- European Crested Tit
- Eurasian Golden Plover
- Eastern Reed Bunting
- European Bee-eater
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
- Eurasian Wryneck
- Eurasian Golden Oriole
- Eastern Spot-billed Duck
- European Shoveler
- Eastern Great Tit
- Eastern Rock Nuthatch
- Eurasian Treecreeper
- Eastern Bluebird
- Eurasian Blackcap
- Eastern Crowned Pigeon
- Eastern Golden Plover
- Eurasian Teal
- European Shelduck
- Eastern Yellow Wagtail
- Eurasian Magpie
- Eurasian Serin
- Eurasian Nutcracker
- Eurasian Pochard
- Eastern Black Kite
- Eastern Jungle Crow
- Eastern Olive Sunbird
- Eurasian Crag Martin
- Eastern Black-eared Wheatear
- Eastern Buzzard
- Eastern Jacana
- Eastern Siberian Wagtail
- Eastern Yellow-throated Bunting
- Eastern Meadow Pipit
- Eastern Hooded Pitta
- Eastern Imperial Vulture
- Eastern Red-footed Falcon
- Eastern Rufous Kingfisher
- Eurasian Roller
- Eastern Thornbill
- Eastern Whimbrel
- Eastern Yellow-billed Stork
- Eastern Bonelli’s Eagle
- Eastern Rufous Bristlebird
- Eastern White-eye
- Eurasian Snowcock
- Eastern Zebra Dove
- Eurasian Bearded Tit
- Eastern Grey Hornbill
- Eastern Himalayan Buzzard
- Eastern Marsh Sandpiper
- Eastern Spot-billed Pelican
- Eastern Crowned Kinglet
- Eastern Rufous Woodpecker
- Eastern White-backed Vulture
Summing Up
In exploring birds that begin with the letter “E,” we’ve covered various species.
- Habitat Diversity: From the frigid Antarctic home of the Emperor Penguin to the suburban settings favored by the Eurasian collared dove, these birds thrive in various environments.
- Behavioral Insights: We’ve learned about the Eastern Phoebe’s unique feeding habits and the complex social behaviors of the Eurasian Magpie.
- Conservation Status: Highlighting the importance of protecting species like the endangered Emu, which plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.
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