Birds inquisite people worldwide with unique calls, behaviors, and flying abilities. Many bird watchers find it hard to identify and learn about specific species, especially those beginning with the same letter.

This guide has everything needed to explore 300 fewer-heard birds whose names start with C.

You’ll find detailed information about each bird’s habits and habitats, from small, colorful cardinals to large coastal cormorants.

The list includes well-known favorites like chickadees, crows, and lesser-known species that might surprise you. Each bird has key facts about its appearance, behavior, and where to spot it in the wild.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.

Unique “C” Lettered Birds

1. California Condor

The California Condor is one of the largest flying birds in North America, with a wingspan of up to 10 feet.

This scavenger feeds on large mammal carcasses and plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Once near extinction, it has been reintroduced in parts of California and Arizona.

• Scientific Name:Gymnogyps Californianus
  
• Classification: Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
• Habitat: Rocky shrublands, coniferous forests, and coastal areas in the southwestern United States.

2. Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek bird known for its silky plumage, black eye mask, and yellow-tipped tail. They are social birds that feed on fruits and berries and are often seen in flocks. Their high-pitched calls are distinctive.

• Scientific Name:Bombycilla Cedrorum
  
• Classification: Bombycillidae
• Habitat: Open woodlands, gardens, orchards, and along streams in North and Central America

3. Common Chaffinch

The Common Chaffinch is a colorful songbird with a distinctive blue-gray cap and pinkish breast. Males are particularly bright during the breeding season. They are known for their beautiful, rhythmic songs.

• Scientific Name:Fringilla Coelebs
  
• Classification: Fringillidae (Finches)
• Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, parks, and hedgerows across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.

4. Cattle Egret

Cattle Egrets are white herons that often follow cattle or other large animals, feeding on insects disturbed by these animals. They are adaptable and have expanded their range significantly over the past century.

• Scientific Name:Bubulcus Ibis
  
• Classification: Ardeidae (Herons and Egrets)
• Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands, agricultural areas, and pastures worldwide.

5. Caspian Tern

The Caspian Tern is the largest tern species, with a robust body and large, red bill. Known for its loud calls, it hunts fish by diving from the air into the water.

• Scientific Name:Hydroprogne Caspia
  
• Classification: Laridae (Terns, Gulls)
• Habitat: Coastal regions, inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands on all continents except Antarctica.

6. Chestnut-Backed Chickadee

This chickadee species has a rich chestnut back and flanks, contrasting with its black cap and bib. They are active, inquisitive birds often found in small flocks and are common visitors to feeders.

• Scientific Name:Poecile Rufescens
  
• Classification: Paridae (Tits and Chickadees)
• Habitat: Moist coniferous forests along the Pacific Coast of North America.

7. Crested Caracara

The Crested Caracara is a striking raptor with a bold black crest, white neck, and orange facial skin. Unlike many falcons, it often scavenges and walks on the ground.

• Scientific Name:Caracara Plancus
  
• Classification: Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, and open scrublands in Central and South America.

8. Cinnamon Teal

The Cinnamon Teal is a striking reddish-brown duck, with males showcasing vivid cinnamon-colored plumage. It feeds on aquatic vegetation and insects in shallow waters.

• Scientific Name:Spatula Cyanoptera
  
• Classification: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)
• Habitat: Freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes in western North and South America

9. Collared Kingfisher

Known for its bright turquoise back and white underparts, the Collared Kingfisher is a robust bird that feeds on crabs, insects, and small reptiles.

• Scientific Name:Todiramphus Chloris
  
• Classification: Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
• Habitat: Coastal forests, mangroves, and open woodlands from the Red Sea to Australia.

10. Common Cuckoo

The Common Cuckoo is famous for its “cuckoo” call and brood parasitism behavior—laying eggs in the nests of other bird species.

• Scientific Name:Cuculus Canorus
  
• Classification: Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
• Habitat: Woodlands, moorlands, and farmlands across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

11. Crimson Rosella

This brightly colored parrot is known for its vibrant red and blue plumage. Crimson Rosellas feed on seeds, fruits, and insects and are popular in aviculture.

• Scientific Name:Platycercus Elegans
  
• Classification: Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
• Habitat: Forests, coastal woodlands, and gardens in southeastern Australia.

12. Cape Sugarbird

Specialized in feeding on nectar, the Cape Sugarbird is vital in pollinating protea plants. Males have long tails that they use during display flights.

• Scientific Name:Promerops Cafer
  
• Classification: Promeropidae
• Habitat: Fynbos vegetation in the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa.

13. Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse

This sandgrouse has a buff-colored body with a chestnut belly. They are known for their long flights to water sources and unique water-carrying ability.

• Scientific Name:Pterocles Exustus
  
• Classification: Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
• Habitat: Arid plains, deserts, and semi-arid grasslands in Africa, the Middle East, and India.

14. Collared Aracari

A small, colorful toucan with a distinctively marked bill. It is known for its frugivorous diet and social behavior, often seen in groups.

• Scientific Name:Pteroglossus Torquatus
  
• Classification: Ramphastidae (Toucans)
• Habitat: Lowland forests and forest edges in Central America.

15. Cuban Tody

This tiny, vibrant bird has a green back, pink flanks, and a red throat. It feeds on insects and is known for its buzzing call.

• Scientific Name:Todus Multicolor
  
• Classification: Todidae (Todies)
• Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and plantations throughout Cuba.

16. Crowned Pigeon

The largest and most beautiful of pigeons, adorned with a lacy crest. These birds feed on fallen fruits and seeds.

• Scientific Name:Goura Victoria
  
• Classification: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
• Habitat: Lowland forests and swampy areas in New Guinea.

17. Common Swift

Famous for most of its life in flight, the Common Swift feeds on flying insects and is known for its sickle-shaped wings.

• Scientific Name:Apus Apus
  
• Classification: Apodidae (Swifts)
• Habitat: Urban areas, cliffs, and open skies across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

18. Cinnamon Hummingbird

This hummingbird species has a cinnamon-colored underbelly and a greenish back. It feeds primarily on nectar and insects.

• Scientific Name:Amazilia Rutila
  
• Classification: Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests from Mexico to Costa Rica.

19. Crested Lark

The Crested Lark is a ground-dwelling bird known for its melodic song and distinctive crest. It feeds on seeds and insects.

• Scientific Name:Galerida Cristata
  
• Classification: Alaudidae (Larks)
• Habitat: Grasslands, deserts, and open agricultural fields across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

20. Cuban Amazon

This parrot species features green plumage with a white forehead and red throat. It is known for its loud calls and intelligence.

• Scientific Name:Amazona Leucocephala
  
• Classification: Psittacidae (True Parrots)
• Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and mangroves in Cuba and nearby islands.

21. Crowned Eagle

A powerful predator with striking plumage and strong talons, it preys on small mammals and birds. The Crowned Eagle is known for its hunting prowess.

• Scientific Name:Stephanoaetus Coronatus
  
• Classification: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
• Habitat: Dense forests and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.

Other “C”- Lettered Birds

22. Crested Pigeon

23. Crested Lark

24. Clark’s Nutcracker

25. Cassin’s Finch

26. Common Myna

27. Chestnut-fronted Macaw

28. Copper-rumped Hummingbird

29. Crested Goshawk

30. Cinnamon Ground Dove

31. Crested Auklet

32. Crested Serpent Eagle

33. Carolina Wren

34. Citrine Wagtail

35. Crested Barbet

36. Cinnamon-breasted Bunting

37. Common Potoo

38. Chestnut Munia

39. Crested Quetzal

40. Curlew Sandpiper

41. Cattle Tyrant

42. Crimson-breasted Shrike

43. Cape Vulture

44. Collared Pratincole

45. Citrine Canary-Flycatcher

46. Cinnamon Becard

47. Crowned Crane

48. Chukar Partridge

49. Chestnut-winged Babbler

50. Crested Fireback

51. Crested Ibis

52. Cuban Martin

53. Crested Francolin

54. Crested Hornero

55. Crested Shrike-tit

56. Crowned Hornbill

57. Chestnut-capped Brushfinch

58. Cochabamba Mountain Finch

59. Common Scoter

60. Chestnut-rumped Thornbill

61. Cape Rockjumper

62. Crimson Chat

63. Choco Toucan

64. Crowned Woodnymph

65. Collared Redstart

66. Crested White-eye

67. Cinnamon Warbling Finch

68. Chestnut-headed Oropendola

69. Common Pheasant

70. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

71. Common Redpoll

72. Cuban Vireo

73. Crested Finchbill

74. Common Yellowthroat

75. Cuckoo Finch

76. Cape Robin-chat

77. Crested Jay

78. Common Kingfisher

79. Chestnut-tailed Minla

80. Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker

81. Chilean Flamingo

82. Crimson-collared Tanager

83. Chestnut-backed Thrush

84. Curlew

85. Chestnut-shouldered Petronia

86. Crested Bellbird

87. Cattle Tyrant

88. Crimson-winged Finch

89. Collared Babbler

90. Chestnut-winged Laughingthrush

91. Choco Vireo

92. Crimson-bellied Parakeet

93. Chestnut-throated Seedeater

94. Cuban Emerald

95. Crested Malimbe

96. Cochinchina Babbler

97. Common Moorhen

98. Common Nighthawk

99. Crimson-fronted Parakeet

100. Crested Duck

101. Cinnamon Attila

102. Crested Cuckoo-Dove

103. Cuban Black Hawk

104. Cinnamon Becard

105. Chilean Hawk

106. Crimson Finch

107. Cuban Grassquit

108. Chestnut-collared Longspur

109. Crowned Lapwing

110. Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting

111. Crested Owl

112. Choco Manakin

113. Crimson-browed Finch

114. Cuban Parakeet

115. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler

116. Chestnut-backed Owlet

117. Crested Honey Buzzard

118. Common Wood Pigeon

119. Chestnut-breasted Mannikin

120. Crested Mynah

121. Cape Petrel

122. Crimson-mantled Woodpecker

123. Common Crossbill

124. Chatham Island Pigeon

125. Citrine Thrush

126. Crested Guineafowl

127. Chestnut-faced Babbler

128. Common Greenshank

129. Crimson-backed Tanager

130. Cochabamba Mountain-Tanager

131. Crowned Slaty Flycatcher

132. Cuban Pewee

133. Chestnut-breasted Whiteface

134. Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet

135. Common Quail

136. Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo

137. Cinnamon-vented Piha

138. Crimson-bellied Woodpecker

139. Chihuahuan Raven

140. Crested Partridge

141. Cinnamon Tyrannulet

142. Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager

143. Crested Puffbird

144. Common Flameback

145. Crimson-crested Woodpecker

146. Cape Crow

147. Cinnamon-backed Tanager

148. Cuban Trogon

149. Chirruping Wedgebill

150. Chestnut-bellied Starling

151. Crimson-browed Tanager

152. Cinnamon Flycatcher

153. Crested Hawk-Eagle

154. Common Firecrest

155. Crimson-capped Woodpecker

156. Cape Bulbul

157. Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon

158. Cuban Gnatcatcher

159. Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler

160. Crested Black-Tyrant

161. Chopi Blackbird

162. Cinnamon-breasted Greenbul

163. Cuban Crow

164. Chestnut-cheeked Starling

165. Common Bronzewing

166. Crested Coot

167. Crowned Horned Lark

168. Crimson-winged Woodpecker

169. Chestnut-shouldered Antwren

170. Cinnamon-winged Minla

171. Cuban Oriole

172. Crested Myna

173. Chestnut-bellied Starling

174. Crimson-backed Sunbird

175. Cuban Blackbird

176. Crested Shriketit

177. Choco Warbler

178. Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer

179. Common Redshank

180. Crested Tinamou

181. Cinnamon-rumped Trogon

182. Cape Longclaw

183. Crested Shelduck

184. Cuban Emerald Hummingbird

185. Common Gull

186. Crimson-fronted Barbet

187. Chestnut-headed Tesia

188. Cochin Laughingthrush

189. Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler

190. Common Coot

191. Crested Swift

192. Cuban Grassquits

193. Crimson-backed Antbird

194. Cinnamon-throated Hermit

195. Cape Eagle-Owl

196. Cuban Green Woodpecker

197. Common Shelduck

198. Chestnut-breasted Partridge

199. Cinnamon-backed Kingfisher

200. Crimson-breasted Gonolek

201. Crested Francolin

202. Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo

203. Crimson-headed Partridge

204. Common Tody-Flycatcher

205. Cape Rock Thrush

206. Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater

207. Cuban Flycatcher

208. Common Swiftlet

209. Chestnut-backed Monarch

210. Crested Cormorant

211. Crimson-throated Barbet

212. Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper

213. Cuban Spindalis

214. Crested Firetail

215. Common Nightjar

216. Cuban Solitaire

217. Cinnamon-rumped Flowerpiercer

218. Crimson-rumped Toucanet

219. Cochin Hawk-Cuckoo

220. Chestnut-tailed Starling

221. Crested Helmetshrike

222. Common Blackbird

223. Cuban Snowy Plover

224. Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet

225. Cape Weaver

226. Crested Finch

227. Crimson-winged Woodpecker

228. Cuban Martin

229. Common Babbler

230. Cinnamon-bellied Thrush

231. Crested Bunting

232. Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker

233. Cochabamba Wren

234. Chestnut-eared Aracari

235. Cuban Vireo

236. Cape Glossy Starling

237. Crested Tit-Warbler

238. Cinnamon-throated Kingfisher

239. Common Grasshopper-Warbler

240. Crested Serpent-Kite

241. Cuban Parrot

242. Crimson-winged Grosbeak

243. Cochabamba Tapaculo

244. Common Hoopoe

245. Crested Paroquet

246. Chestnut-rumped Minivet

247. Cuban Mockingbird

248. Cinnamon-rumped Seedeater

249. Crimson-collared Grosbeak

250. Cape Teal

251. Crested Tern

252. Cuban Solitaire

253. Chestnut-backed Antbird

254. Common Hill Myna

255. Crested Laughingthrush

256. Crimson-headed Woodpecker

257. Cinnamon-vented Flycatcher

258. Cape Shoveler

259. Cuban Nightjar

260. Crested Bronzewing

261. Chestnut-throated Apalis

262. Common Tailorbird

263. Crested Whitewing

264. Cochin Frogmouth

265. Crimson-bellied Lorikeet

266. Cuban Screech Owl

267. Cape White-eye

268. Cinnamon-faced Parakeet

269. Crested Grebe

270. Common Buzzard

271. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater

272. Crimson-bellied Starling

273. Cuban Golden Warbler

274. Crested Oropendola

275. Cochin Starling

276. Cinnamon-vented Tanager

277. Common Cuckoo-Dove

278. Crested Wood-Partridge

279. Chestnut-throated Spinetail

280. Crimson-rumped Waxbill

281. Cuban Emerald Tanager

282. Cape Canary

283. Crested Lark-Warbler

284. Chestnut-breasted Flycatcher

285. Crimson-masked Tanager

286. Cinnamon-breasted Munia

287. Cuban Grasshopper Warbler

288. Crested Ant-Tanager

289. Cochin Honeyeater

290. Chestnut-sided Warbler

291. Crimson-bellied Trogon

292. Cuban Grassfinch

293. Cape Batis

294. Crested Fruit-Dove

295. Chestnut-winged Cuckoo

296. Common Emerald Dove

297. Crested Malimbe

298. Crimson-rumped Myzomela

299. Cinnamon Woodpecker

300. Cuban Black Swift

Intriguing Facts About Birds Starting with the Letter “C”

Birds make our world lively with their songs and bright colors. Looking at birds that start with the letter C, there are some interesting details that many people don’t know about. Let’s get to know the unheard facts:

• Crows can recognize and remember human faces for extended periods. They pass this information to other crows in their group.
• Cardinal males feed their mates during courtship by placing seeds directly into the female’s beak, similar to sharing a romantic meal.
• Chickadees can remember thousands of hiding spots where they store food for winter months. Their brain grows larger in the fall to help with this memory.
• Cooper’s Hawks fly through dense forests at high speeds, using their long tails as rudders to make quick turns between trees.
• California Condors can soar for hours without flapping their wings, using warm air currents to stay aloft.
• Cockatoos use tools in the wild, crafting sticks to drum on tree hollows as part of their social communication.
• Canada Geese mate for life and show strong family bonds. Both parents protect their young, and families stay together for a year.
• Common Ravens solve complex problems and can plan. Studies show they’re as smart as a seven-year-old human child.

In a Nutshell

Let’s recap our flight through the world of C-named birds. These feathered friends show us how varied and wonderful nature can be – from the smart crows to the caring cardinals.

Want to keep learning about more birds? You’re in luck! Please take a look at our other bird guides.

Meet the graceful geese and gentle grosbeaks in our G-series, say hello to the playful parrots and peaceful plovers in our P-collection, or bond with the bold bluejays and bright blackbirds in our B-edition.

Let the learning going!

Stay curious! Stay Growing!