Birds are fascinating creatures, and the variety of species is truly remarkable. This blog explores a unique group of birds whose names start with U.
From the graceful Upland Sandpiper to the striking Umbrella Bird, you’ll discover a wide range of species, each with its special features.
Whether you’re curious about their habitats, geographical range, or unique behaviors, this list offers a glimpse into the incredible diversity of bird life worldwide.
Continue reading to learn about these 20 common birds and 40 lesser-known species.
This guide will take you through forests, grasslands, and even tropical rainforests where these birds thrive.
20 Most Common Birds Starting with U
1. Upland Sandpiper
The Upland Sandpiper is a long-legged shorebird often seen in grasslands rather than coastal areas, which sets it apart from most sandpipers. Its distinctive whistle-like call is a familiar sound in North America’s breeding grounds.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Upland Sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
- Physical Description: Medium-sized bird with a small head, long neck, and yellowish legs.
- Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and farmlands.
- Geographical Range: Found across North America, it migrates to South America in winter.
- Interesting Facts: Upland Sandpipers spend more time in upland habitats than other sandpipers, typically near wetlands.
2. Umbrella Bird
The Umbrella Bird is known for its unique, umbrella-shaped crest, which gives it its name. It is typically found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, making it a striking species.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Umbrella Bird, Cephalopterus ornatus
- Physical Description: Large black bird with an umbrella-like crest and a throat wattle.
- Habitat: Tropical rainforests.
- Geographical Range: Found in Central and South America.
- Interesting Facts: Umbrella Birds are known for their deep, resonant calls that can carry through dense forests.
3. Unicolored Blackbird
The Unicolored Blackbird is a small, all-black bird found primarily in wetlands. Despite its appearance, it is quite vocal, often found in colonies during the breeding season.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Unicolored Blackbird, Agelaius cyanopus
- Physical Description: Small, entirely black bird with a glossy sheen.
- Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and agricultural areas.
- Geographical Range: Found in South America.
- Interesting Facts: Unlike other blackbird species, the Unicolored Blackbird lacks distinct color patterns or markings.
4. Ural Owl
The Ural Owl is a large, pale owl known for its haunting hoots and preference for dense, old forests. It is found across Europe and parts of Asia and thrives in undisturbed wooded areas.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Ural Owl, Strix uralensis
- Physical Description: Large, grayish-brown owl with rounded wings and a long tail.
- Habitat: Dense, old forests and wooded areas.
- Geographical Range: Found in Europe and Asia.
- Interesting Facts: The Ural Owl is highly territorial and will defend its nest fiercely, even against larger predators.
5. Unicolored Tapaculo
The Unicolored Tapaculo is a small, elusive bird often heard rather than seen. It prefers staying low to the ground in dense forests, making it challenging for bird watchers to spot.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Unicolored Tapaculo, Scytalopus unicolor
- Physical Description: Small, uniformly grayish-brown bird.
- Habitat: Dense forests, especially near the forest floor.
- Geographical Range: Found in South America, particularly in the Andes.
- Interesting Facts: Tapaculos are often identified by their repetitive, high-pitched calls rather than their visual appearance.
6. Uniform Crake
The Uniform Crake is a shy, secretive bird that inhabits dense marshes and swamps. Its reddish-brown feathers help it blend into its surroundings, making it difficult to observe in the wild.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Uniform Crake, Amaurolimnas concolor
- Physical Description: Small, reddish-brown bird with long legs suited for marshy habitats.
- Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and marshes.
- Geographical Range: Found in Central and South America.
- Interesting Facts: The Uniform Crake is rarely seen due to its secretive nature, often hidden in thick vegetation.
7. Undulated Tinamou
The Undulated Tinamou is a ground-dwelling bird found in the forests of South America. Its distinctive, haunting call can be heard echoing through the forest.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Undulated Tinamou, Crypturellus undulatus
- Physical Description: Medium-sized, round-bodied bird with brown, patterned feathers.
- Habitat: Forests and woodlands.
- Geographical Range: Found across South America, from the Amazon to the Andes.
- Interesting Facts: Tinamous are among the most primitive living birds, with a lineage that dates back millions of years.
8. Unspotted Saw-whet Owl
The Unspotted Saw-whet Owl is a tiny nocturnal owl found in high-altitude forests. Its name comes from its unmarked plumage, which distinguishes it from other saw-whet owl species.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Unspotted Saw-whet Owl, Aegolius ridgwayi
- Physical Description: Small owl with uniformly brown feathers and a round face.
- Habitat: High-altitude forests.
- Geographical Range: Found in Central America.
- Interesting Facts: Unlike other saw-whet owls, this species lacks the distinctive white spots or streaks on its feathers.
9. Ultramarine Grosbeak
The Ultramarine Grosbeak is a striking blue songbird found in South America. Its bright plumage makes it easy to spot in the open woodlands where it forages for seeds and fruit.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Ultramarine Grosbeak, Cyanocompsa brissonii
- Physical Description: Medium-sized bird with deep blue plumage and a thick bill.
- Habitat: Open woodlands and scrublands.
- Geographical Range: Found in South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina.
- Interesting Facts: The Ultramarine Grosbeak is often heard before it is seen, as its melodious song carries through the air.
10. Ultramarine Flycatcher
The Ultramarine Flycatcher is a small, brightly colored bird known for its aerial acrobatics. It is commonly found in forested areas, feeding on insects while darting through the air.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Ultramarine Flycatcher, Ficedula superciliaris
- Physical Description: Small bird with bright blue upperparts and white underparts.
- Habitat: Forested areas, particularly near water sources.
- Geographical Range: Found in parts of South and Southeast Asia.
- Interesting Facts: The Ultramarine Flycatcher is a highly active bird that constantly flits from branch to branch in search of food.
11. Uniform Swiftlet
The Uniform Swiftlet is a small, fast-flying bird known for its aerial feeding habits. These birds are often found near cliffs and caves, where they build their nests using their saliva.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Uniform Swiftlet, Aerodramus vanikorensis
- Physical Description: Small bird with uniformly dark feathers and a streamlined body.
- Habitat: Cliffs, caves, and forested areas.
- Geographical Range: Found across the Indo-Pacific region.
- Interesting Facts: Swiftlets are unique in using echolocation to navigate in the dark caves where they nest.
12. Usambara Weaver
The Usambara Weaver is a small, colorful bird found in the montane forests of East Africa. It is known for its intricate nest-building skills and vibrant plumage.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Usambara Weaver, Ploceus nicolli
- Physical Description: Small bird with bright yellow and black plumage.
- Habitat: Montane forests.
- Geographical Range: Found in Tanzania, particularly in the Usambara Mountains.
- Interesting Facts: The Usambara Weaver builds complex, woven nests, often hanging from trees or shrubs.
13. Uvea Parakeet
The Uvea Parakeet is a small, green parrot found on the island of Uvea in the Pacific. It is critically endangered due to habitat loss and introduced species.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Uvea Parakeet, Eunymphicus uvaeensis
- Physical Description: Small, bright green parakeet with a yellow crest.
- Habitat: Forested areas on the island of Uvea.
- Geographical Range: Endemic to the island of Uvea.
- Interesting Facts: The Uvea Parakeet is critically endangered, with only a small population remaining in the wild.
14. Uruguayan Swallow
The Uruguayan Swallow is a small, sleek bird known for its graceful flight. It is often seen in open areas, flying low over fields and rivers in search of insects.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Uruguayan Swallow, Tachycineta meyeni
- Physical Description: Small bird with a glossy blue back and white underparts.
- Habitat: Open areas, grasslands, and near water bodies.
- Geographical Range: Found in South America, particularly in Uruguay and Argentina.
- Interesting Facts: These swallows are highly social and often nest in colonies near water.
15. Ultramarine Kingfisher
The Ultramarine Kingfisher is a brightly colored bird found near water bodies in the Pacific Islands. Known for its striking blue plumage, it hunts small fish and aquatic insects.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Ultramarine Kingfisher, Todiramphus leucopygius
- Physical Description: Medium-sized bird with bright blue upperparts and white underparts.
- Habitat: Mangroves, rivers, and coastal forests.
- Geographical Range: Found in the Pacific Islands, particularly around the Solomon Islands.
- Interesting Facts: The Ultramarine Kingfisher is an efficient hunter, diving into the water to catch its prey.
16. Upland Goose
The Upland Goose is a large terrestrial bird found in the southernmost parts of South America. It grazes in open fields like a typical goose but is adapted to high-altitude environments.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Upland Goose, Chloephaga picta
- Physical Description: Large bird with white or gray plumage and orange legs.
- Habitat: Grasslands and open fields.
- Geographical Range: Found in southern South America, especially in Argentina and Chile.
- Interesting Facts: Upland Geese are often seen grazing in pairs or small flocks and are known to be monogamous.
17. Ursula’s Sunbird
Ursula’s Sunbird is a small, nectar-feeding bird found in the tropical forests of Africa. Known for its iridescent feathers, it plays an important role in pollination.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Ursula’s Sunbird, Cinnyris ursulae
- Physical Description: Small bird with metallic green and yellow plumage.
- Habitat: Tropical forests and gardens.
- Geographical Range: Found in West Africa.
- Interesting Facts: Sunbirds are important pollinators, often seen darting between flowers in search of nectar.
18. Uganda Woodland Warbler
The Uganda Woodland Warbler is a small, inconspicuous bird often found flitting about in the forest canopy. Despite its drab appearance, it is an active insectivore.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Uganda Woodland Warbler, Phylloscopus budongoensis
- Physical Description: Small, plain greenish bird with a white belly.
- Habitat: Forests and woodland areas.
- Geographical Range: Found in Uganda and parts of East Africa.
- Interesting Facts: This warbler is often heard before it is seen, due to its high-pitched song.
19. Ultramarine Lorikeet
The Ultramarine Lorikeet is a small, colorful parrot known for its bright blue and green plumage. It is found in the forests and coastal areas of French Polynesia.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Ultramarine Lorikeet, Vini ultramarina
- Physical Description: Small parrot with vibrant blue and green plumage.
- Habitat: Forests, coastal areas, and gardens.
- Geographical Range: Endemic to French Polynesia.
- Interesting Facts: The Ultramarine Lorikeet is endangered due to habitat destruction and competition with introduced species.
20. Upland Bulbul
The Upland Bulbul is a medium-sized songbird found in Southeast Asia. It is known for its distinctive, loud call and preference for high-altitude forests.
- Common Name and Scientific Name: Upland Bulbul, Ixos mcclellandii
- Physical Description: Medium-sized bird with olive-green plumage and a short crest.
- Habitat: High-altitude forests.
- Geographical Range: Found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Myanmar.
- Interesting Facts: Upland Bulbuls are often found in pairs or small groups and are known for their musical calls.
40 Uncommon Birds Starting with U
- Undulated Antshrike
- Ussuri Pipit
- Uluguru Greenbul
- Ultramarine Warbler
- Uganda Thrush
- Uluguru Bushshrike
- Usambara Eagle-Owl
- Usambara Ground Thrush
- Uvea Monarch
- Ubatuba Antwren
- Upper Magdalena Tapaculo
- Urrao Antpitta
- Ushant Wren
- Undulated Nightjar
- Upland Antshrike
- Umber Pigeon
- Uguisu
- Urubamba Woodcreeper
- Upper Guinea Nicator
- Upland Finch
- Unicolored Greenlet
- Uluguru Mountain Warbler
- Undulated Manakin
- Usambara Akalat
- Ural Long-eared Owl
- Upper Amazonian Woodpecker
- Ultramarine Cotinga
- Uruguayan Finch
- Ubangui Sunbird
- Ulva Island Tomtit
- Uganda Spinetail
- Ubatuba Tyrannulet
- Umboi Island Meliphaga
- Urrao Woodcreeper
- Ugandan Black-headed Gonolek
- Upper Guinea Swamp Warbler
- Upland Finch
- Uganda Ibis
- Ultramarine Bowerbird
- Umbria Finch
Summing Up
As we’ve seen, birds starting with U offer a remarkable variety of species, each with unique traits.
From the Upland Sandpiper, which prefers grasslands over wetlands, to the Umbrella Bird, with its distinctive crest, these birds showcase the diversity of the avian world.
The Ural Owl thrives in dense forests, while the Ultramarine Grosbeak stands out with its vibrant blue plumage.
Species like the Uvea Parakeet and Ultramarine Lorikeet are critically endangered, reminding us of the importance of conservation.
Each bird plays a significant role in its environment, from pollinating flowers to controlling insect populations.
Exploring these species deepens our appreciation for the natural world and its incredible variety of life.
