20 Birds That Start With L

Birds are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth, showcasing an incredible variety of colors, behaviors, and adaptations.

This article will explore 20 amazing birds whose names start with the letter “L.” Each bird is described briefly, with details about its scientific name, location, and a fun fact to make learning about them enjoyable.

20 List Of Birds That Start With L

1.Lark Sparrow

Lark Sparrows are beautiful songbirds with striking facial markings and a cheerful melody. They are often seen in open grasslands and farmlands, foraging for seeds and insects.

• Scientific Name: Chondestes grammacus
• Location: Found across North America.
• Fun Fact: Lark Sparrows are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which include a combination of singing and dancing.

2.Little Egret

The Little Egret is a graceful white heron with slender black legs and yellow feet, often seen wading in shallow waters. They are expert fishers, using their feet to stir up prey.

• Scientific Name: Egretta garzetta
• Location: Found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• Fun Fact: Little Egrets were once hunted extensively for their beautiful plumes, which were used in fashion.

3.Laughing Gull

Laughing Gulls are medium-sized gulls named for their distinctive, laughter-like call. They are highly adaptable and often found near beaches, harbors, and even urban areas.

• Scientific Name: Leucophaeus atricilla
• Location: Coastal areas of the Americas.
• Fun Fact: Laughing Gulls are opportunistic feeders and have been seen snatching food right from people’s hands.

4.Lyrebird

Lyrebirds are incredible mimics, capable of imitating a wide range of sounds, from chainsaws to other bird calls. These birds are ground-dwellers and have long, ornate tail feathers.

• Scientific Name: Menura novaehollandiae
• Location: Native to Australia.
• Fun Fact: Lyrebirds are considered some of the best mimics in the animal kingdom.

5.Long-tailed Duck

The Long-tailed Duck is a striking sea duck with a distinctive tail and beautiful winter plumage. These ducks are excellent divers, often plunging to great depths for food.

• Scientific Name: Clangula hyemalis
• Location: Found in Arctic regions and migrates to coastal waters.
• Fun Fact: Long-tailed Ducks can dive over 60 meters deep to catch mollusks and crustaceans.

6.Limpkin

The Limpkin is a unique wading bird with a haunting, piercing call often heard at night. It is commonly found near wetlands, feeding primarily on apple snails.

• Scientific Name: Aramus guarauna
• Location: Found in the Americas, primarily in Florida and South America.
• Fun Fact: Limpkins are the only member of their family, making them truly one of a kind.

7.Little Penguin

Little Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins, are the smallest penguin species in the world. These adorable birds are excellent swimmers and use their flippers to “fly” underwater.

• Scientific Name: Eudyptula minor
• Location: Found along the southern coasts of Australia and New Zealand.
• Fun Fact: Little Penguins come ashore every evening in groups, a behavior called the “penguin parade.”

8.Lesser Goldfinch

The Lesser Goldfinch is a small songbird with vibrant yellow feathers and a cheerful song. They are commonly found in gardens, meadows, and open woodlands.

• Scientific Name: Spinus psaltria
• Location: Found in North and South America.
• Fun Fact: Lesser Goldfinches have a varied diet and are particularly fond of sunflower seeds.

9.Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrikes are small predatory songbirds with a bold personality. They are often referred to as “butcher birds” because of their habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire.

• Scientific Name: Lanius ludovicianus
• Location: Found in North America.
• Fun Fact: Despite their small size, Loggerhead Shrikes are skilled hunters, preying on insects, small mammals, and birds.

10.Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove

This striking dove gets its name from the vivid red patch on its chest, resembling a bleeding wound. It is a shy and elusive bird, often hiding in dense forests.

• Scientific Name: Gallicolumba luzonica
• Location: Endemic to the Philippines.
• Fun Fact: The Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove is a symbol of love and beauty in Filipino culture.

11.Laysan Albatross

The Laysan Albatross is a large seabird with an impressive wingspan that allows it to soar effortlessly over the ocean. These birds are known for their loyalty, often forming long-lasting pair bonds.

• Scientific Name: Phoebastria immutabilis
• Location: Found in the North Pacific, particularly around Hawaii.
• Fun Fact: Laysan Albatrosses can fly thousands of miles without flapping their wings.

12.Lanner Falcon

The Lanner Falcon is a fast and agile bird of prey known for its remarkable hunting skills. It is often used in falconry due to its speed and intelligence.

• Scientific Name: Falco biarmicus
• Location: Found in Africa, parts of Europe, and the Middle East.
• Fun Fact: Lanner Falcons are one of the few falcon species that hunt in pairs.

13.Lapland Longspur

The Lapland Longspur is a small, sparrow-like bird with striking black and rust-colored plumage during the breeding season. It is a ground-dwelling bird that thrives in tundra environments.

• Scientific Name: Calcarius lapponicus
• Location: Found in Arctic regions and migrates to North America during winter.
• Fun Fact: Lapland Longspurs can form flocks of up to several million during migration.

14.Lesser Flamingo

The Lesser Flamingo is the smallest flamingo species, known for its pink feathers and elegant stance. These birds feed on algae and thrive in highly alkaline lakes.

• Scientific Name: Phoeniconaias minor
• Location: Found in Africa and parts of India.
• Fun Fact: Lesser Flamingos are responsible for the vibrant pink color of some lakes due to their feeding habits.

15.Little Green Bee-eater

The Little Green Bee-eater is a vividly colored bird that catches insects mid-flight. It is often seen perched on wires or branches, scanning for prey.

• Scientific Name: Merops orientalis
• Location: Found in Africa and Asia.
• Fun Fact: These birds are immune to bee stings and remove the stinger by hitting the bee against a hard surface.

16.Luzon Hornbill

The Luzon Hornbill, also known as the tarictic hornbill, is a medium-sized bird with a prominent casque on its beak. It plays a vital role in seed dispersal in its forest habitat.

• Scientific Name: Penelopides manillae
• Location: Endemic to the Philippines.
• Fun Fact: Luzon Hornbills mate for life and are known for their cooperative parenting.

17.Leafbird

The Leafbird is a small, vibrant green bird often found in forests and gardens. Its coloration allows it to blend seamlessly with leaves, making it a master of camouflage.

• Scientific Name: Chloropsis spp.
• Location: Found in Southeast Asia.
• Fun Fact: Leafbirds are excellent mimics and can replicate the calls of other birds.

18.Lesser Kestrel

The Lesser Kestrel is a small falcon that prefers open grasslands and farmlands. It is a migratory species that travels long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.

• Scientific Name: Falco naumanni
• Location: Found in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• Fun Fact: Lesser Kestrels often nest in colonies, sharing space with other pairs.

19.Lesser Scaup

The Lesser Scaup is a diving duck commonly seen in freshwater lakes and ponds. Its striking black and white plumage makes it easy to spot.

• Scientific Name: Aythya affinis
• Location: Found across North America.
• Fun Fact: Lesser Scaups can dive up to 6 meters deep to forage for aquatic plants and invertebrates.

20.Lappet-faced Vulture

The Lappet-faced Vulture is a massive bird with a distinctive bald head and large, fleshy folds of skin, or lappets, around its face. It is a powerful scavenger and dominates other vultures at carcasses.

• Scientific Name: Torgos tracheliotos
• Location: Found in Africa and the Middle East.
• Fun Fact: Lappet-faced Vultures can tear through tough hides that other scavengers cannot penetrate.

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FAQs

What is the most unique bird starting with L?

The Lyrebird stands out for its exceptional mimicry skills, capable of imitating both natural and man-made sounds.

Which bird starting with L is critically endangered?

The Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting in its native Philippines.

Are there flightless birds starting with L?

Yes, the Little Penguin is a flightless bird that uses its wings to “fly” underwater.

Which bird starting with L has the longest wingspan?

The Laysan Albatross has an impressive wingspan of up to 7 feet, allowing it to glide effortlessly over vast distances.

What bird starting with L is known for its role in pollination?

The Leafbird plays a vital role in pollination as it feeds on nectar from flowers, helping plants reproduce.

Conclusion

Birds starting with the letter “L” showcase an incredible variety of species, each with its own unique charm and role in the ecosystem. From the graceful Laysan Albatross soaring across oceans to the colorful Leafbird blending seamlessly with its surroundings, there’s something fascinating about each one. Which of these birds caught your attention the most? Feel free to share your thoughts or your own birdwatching stories—we’d love to hear them!