25 List of Seabird, Waterfowl, Flightless, Extinct Birds

Did you know that there are many birds that are flightless and some are extinct from the world?

These birds are cool in their own unique ways, whether they’re soaring over the sea, floating on the water, or waddling around on land. 

In this blog post, we will take a look at 25 birds including the most common seabirds, waterfowl, and flightless birds.

Waterfowl Birds Name List

Waterfowl are birds that are adapted to living in or around water. They have webbed feet to help them swim and paddle, and many of them have feathers that are waterproof or water-resistant.

Duck

Ducks are a diverse group of waterfowl that are found on all continents except Antarctica. They are typically smaller than swans and geese and have a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. 

Ducks are mostly aquatic birds. They use their webbed feet to swim and dive. They also have a variety of bills that are adapted for different feeding methods. 

• Ducks can be divided into two main groups: puddle ducks and diving ducks. 
• Puddle ducks are found in shallow water while diving ducks can dive deep underwater to catch fish.
• Some ducks(mallard), can be domesticated and kept as pets.
• Ducks are very social animals and they often form flocks of up to 100 birds.
• Ducks are excellent swimmers and they can stay underwater for up to two minutes.

Swan

Swans are large waterfowl that are found in temperate and Arctic regions. They are the largest of all waterfowl and the largest living bird in some parts of the world. 

Swans have long necks and legs, and they are graceful swimmers and flyers. They are also very vocal birds, and their calls can be heard for long distances. 

• The largest swan species is the trumpeter swan. They can grow up to 180 centimeters long and weigh up to 15 kilograms.
• Swans are very vocal birds and have various calls, including a loud trumpeting sound.
• Swans are very protective of their young and they will often attack predators.

Coot

Coots are small, dark waterfowl that are found in wetlands around the world. They are known for their distinctive lobed feet, which help them to move quickly through water. 

• Coots are the only waterfowl birds that have lobed feet. The lobed feet help coots to move quickly through water and to swim underwater.
• Coots are very good at swimming and diving. They can stay underwater for up to 30 seconds.
• Coots are mostly omnivorous and they eat a variety of plants and animals, including insects, snails, and small fish.
• Coots are very social birds and they often form flocks of up to 100 birds.

Smew

Smew are small, diving ducks that are found in northern Europe and Asia. They are known for their distinctive black and white plumage. 

• Smews are the smallest of all diving ducks. They grow to be about 40 centimeters long and weigh about 300 grams.
• Smews are mostly fish-eaters and they use their sharp bills to catch their prey.
• Smews are very vocal birds and they have a variety of calls, including a loud squealing sound.

Seabird names with 4 letters

Seabirds are birds that live near the sea, often spending a lot of time in the ocean, and they come to land to breed. They have special features to help them survive in the ocean and eat fish and other marine animals.

Tern

Terns are seabirds that are found in all oceans of the world. They are typically medium-sized birds with long, forked tails and pointed wings. Terns are mostly fish-eaters and they use their sharp bills to catch their prey.

Here are some interesting facts about terns:

• Terns are acrobatic fliers that feed on fish by swooping and diving.
• Some terns migrate long distances, such as the Arctic tern which flies from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year.
• Terns are monogamous and social birds that nest in colonies and mate for life.

Gull

Gulls are typically larger than terns and they have rounder bodies and shorter tails. Gulls are mostly scavengers and they eat a variety of foods, including fish, insects, and garbage.

Here are some interesting facts about gulls:

• Gulls are adaptable, intelligent, vocal, and social birds.
• Habitats: beaches, harbors, and landfills.
• They use tools to help them get food.
• They have a variety of calls, including a loud scream, and often nest in colonies.

Skua

Skuas are seabirds that are found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They are larger than terns and gulls and they have long, hooked bills. Skuas are mostly predators and they eat a variety of birds, fish, and mammals.

Here are some interesting facts about skuas:

• Skuas are aggressive birds that will attack other birds, including terns and gulls.
• They are also scavengers and will eat the leftovers from other predators.
• Skuas are monogamous and mate for life. They are solitary birds and do not form colonies.

Land Bird’s Names

Land birds are birds that primarily live and nest on land, rather than in the water or the open ocean. They can be found in a variety of terrestrial habitats such as forests, grasslands, and urban areas.

Rook:

Overview: The rook (Corvus frugilegus) is a member of the crow family and is found in parts of Europe and Asia.

• Rooks are social birds that live in colonies.
• They are intelligent and can solve problems.
• They eat various foods, including insects, fruits, and carrion.
• They have been associated with both positive and negative symbolism.

Wren:

The wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is a small bird found in various habitats across Europe, Asia, and North America.

• Wrens are small birds with loud and melodious songs.
• They eat insects and spiders.
• They build dome-shaped nests.
• The Eurasian wren is a popular symbol in folklore and mythology.

Lark:

Overview: Larks belong to the family Alaudidae and are known for their melodious songs. They are found in diverse habitats across the world.

• Larks are known for their distinctive songs, often sung while flying high in the sky.
• They are ground-nesting birds, but some species build nests in low shrubs or trees.
• The skylark is one of the most famous lark species and is known for its intricate and prolonged songs.
• Larks are primarily seed-eaters, but they also consume insects and small invertebrates.

Crow:

Crows are a group of large, intelligent birds belonging to the Corvidae family. They are found on almost every continent.

• Crows are intelligent birds that can solve problems and use tools.
• They have a complex social structure and communicate with each other.
• They eat a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, small mammals, carrion, and human food scraps.
• They are often associated with both positive and negative symbolism but are generally seen as intelligent and cunning creatures.

Flightless Birds Names

Kiwi:

The kiwi is a flightless bird native to New Zealand and is known for its small size, long beak, and distinctive appearance.

• Kiwis have long, hair-like feathers that help to camouflage them in the forest.
• Kiwis lay the largest eggs relative to the body size of any bird.
• Kiwis are very good swimmers.
• Kiwis are a popular symbol of New Zealand.

Rhea:

Rheas are large, flightless birds native to South America. They are the largest birds in the Americas.

• There are two species of rheas: greater rhea and lesser rhea.
• Rheas are large birds that can run fast.
• They are herbivores but may eat insects and small animals.
• Male rheas incubate and raise the eggs.

Taka(Takahē):

The takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a large, flightless bird endemic to New Zealand. They were discovered in 1948 and are known for their striking blue-green plumage.

• Takahe are rare birds that were once thought to be extinct.
• They are found in New Zealand’s South Island.
• They are herbivores that eat grasses and other vegetation.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect and increase the takahe population.

Weka:

The weka (Gallirallus australis) is a flightless bird native to New Zealand and belongs to the rail family.

• Weka are curious and inquisitive birds that eat a variety of foods.
• They are important to the Māori culture and were historically a food source.
• Some subspecies are endangered due to habitat loss and introduced predators.

Extinct Birds 

Dodo:

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird that was native to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It became extinct in the late 17th century.

• Dodos were flightless birds that were hunted and killed by humans and invasive species
• They are now extinct, and only a few specimens remain.
• They are a symbol of human-induced extinction.

Kagu:

The kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a unique and rare bird found only on the island of New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

• Kagu are flightless birds with striking appearances and elaborate courtship displays.
• They are insectivores and are found in the forests of New Caledonia.
• They are vulnerable due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect the kagu.

Huia (Extinct Birds):

The huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) was a unique and distinctive bird species native to New Zealand. Unfortunately, it is now extinct, with the last confirmed sighting in the early 20th century.

• The huia was a beautiful bird with a distinctive appearance.
• It was sacred to the Māori people of New Zealand.
• It was hunted to extinction for its feathers and beaks.
• Conservationists are trying to learn more about the huia to prevent other species from going extinct.

More Birds

Ibis:

Ibis is a collective term for several long-legged wading birds belonging to various genera in the family Threskiornithidae. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

• Ibises are long-legged wading birds with long, curved bills. 
• They use their bills to probe for food in shallow water or soft mud.
• They are found in wetlands, marshes, and coastal areas.
• They eat aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates.
• The sacred ibis was revered in ancient Egyptian mythology.

Dove:

Doves are a group of small to medium-sized birds belonging to the family Columbidae. They are found in a wide range of habitats worldwide.

• Doves are gentle, peaceful birds that are often symbols of love, peace, and tranquility. 
• They have soft cooing calls and are associated with romantic imagery.
• They eat seeds and grains, but some species also eat fruits and insects.
• The rock dove, also known as the common pigeon, is a widely distributed species adapted to urban environments.

Kite:

Kites are medium-sized birds of prey that belong to the family Accipitridae. They are found in various parts of the world and are known for their graceful flight.

• Kites are skilled fliers and are often seen soaring on updrafts and circling in search of prey.
• They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
• The red kite, black kite, and swallow-tailed kite are some of the well-known kite species.
• Kites are known for their distinctive forked tails and keen eyesight.

Puke (Pukeko ):

The pukeko (also known as the purple swamphen) is a bird species native to New Zealand and other parts of the western Pacific.

• Pukeko are large, colorful birds that are found in wetlands. 
• They have blue-black feathers, a red bill, and long legs with large feet.
• They are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods.
• They are important in Māori culture and appear in legends and stories.

Sora:

The sora (Porzana carolina) is a small, secretive marsh bird found in North America.

• Soras are shy and elusive birds that are found in wetlands.
• They have distinctive whinnying or whistling calls.
• They eat insects, small invertebrates, and seeds.
• Their populations can fluctuate depending on wetland conditions.
• They are considered a priority species for wetland conservation.

Read More:

• Bird Names That Start With M
• Bird Name Start With Letter A

Howard L. Darnell

I am a writer and blogger who is passionate about birds. I write to inspire and educate others about the beauty and importance of avian species in our ecosystem. I love to watch birds flying and taking their photographs to capture those memories.