20 Birds That Start With P
Birds whose names begin with the letter “P” showcase a dazzling array of colors, behaviors, and adaptations.
From the vibrant peacock to the tiny pygmy owl, these birds illustrate the incredible nature world.
Let’s explore 20 fascinating birds starting with “P,” each with its unique traits and story.
List of 20 Birds That Start With P
1.Peacock
The Peacock is one of the most recognizable birds in the world, known for its iridescent blue and green plumage and elaborate tail feathers. Males use their dazzling tail displays to attract mates.
- Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus
- Location: Native to India and Sri Lanka, but found worldwide in captivity.
- Fun Fact: Peacocks can fan out their tail feathers into a beautiful display spanning over 5 feet.
2.Pelican
Pelicans are large water birds with long beaks and expandable throat pouches used for catching fish. They are social birds, often found in large flocks.
- Scientific Name: Pelecanus spp.
- Location: Found on every continent except Antarctica.
- Fun Fact: The pouch under a pelican’s bill can hold up to 3 gallons of water.
3.Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a powerful bird of prey known for its incredible speed, making it the fastest bird in the world during a dive.
- Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus
- Location: Found worldwide.
- Fun Fact: Peregrine Falcons can reach speeds of over 240 mph when diving to catch prey.
4.Puffin
Puffins are small seabirds with colorful beaks and a waddling gait, often nicknamed “sea parrots.” They are excellent divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater.
- Scientific Name: Fratercula arctica
- Location: Found in the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Fun Fact: Puffins can carry multiple fish in their beaks, holding them sideways to keep fishing.
5.Parrot
Parrots are intelligent and colorful birds known for their ability to mimic human speech. They are highly social and thrive in flocks.
- Scientific Name: Psittaciformes spp.
- Location: Found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
- Fun Fact: Some parrots, like the African Grey, can learn a vocabulary of over 100 words.
6.Pigeon
Pigeons are highly adaptable birds that thrive in urban environments. They are known for their homing abilities and have been used in history as messengers.
- Scientific Name: Columba livia
- Location: Found worldwide.
- Fun Fact: Pigeons can recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of intelligence.
7.Pink Flamingo
Flamingos are elegant wading birds with long legs and a distinctive pink coloration derived from their diet of algae and shrimp.
- Scientific Name: Phoenicopterus spp.
- Location: Found in Africa, the Americas, and Asia.
- Fun Fact: Flamingos often stand on one leg, a behavior thought to conserve body heat.
8.Painted Bunting
The Painted Bunting is a small songbird known for its vivid plumage, with males featuring bright blue, green, and red feathers.
- Scientific Name: Passerina ciris
- Location: Found in the southeastern United States and Mexico.
- Fun Fact: Painted Buntings are often called “nonpareil,” meaning “unrivaled,” because of their stunning appearance.
9.Paradise Tanager
The Paradise Tanager is a brilliantly colored bird with a green head, blue body, and red rump. It lives in the treetops of tropical rainforests.
- Scientific Name: Tangara chilensis
- Location: Found in South America.
- Fun Fact: Despite its name, this bird is not found in Chile but thrives in the Amazon Basin.
10.Purple Martin
The Purple Martin is the largest swallow in North America, known for its glossy blue-black feathers and acrobatic flight.
- Scientific Name: Progne subis
- Location: Found in North and South America.
- Fun Fact: Purple Martins are popular among bird enthusiasts, who often set up special birdhouses to attract them.
11.Plovers
Plovers are small, short-billed shorebirds often seen scurrying along beaches and mudflats. They are known for their distinctive “broken-wing” displays to protect their nests.
- Scientific Name: Charadrius spp.
- Location: Found worldwide.
- Fun Fact: Plovers can feign injury to lure predators away from their nests.
12.Pine Grosbeak
The Pine Grosbeak is a large, colorful finch with rosy red feathers and a melodic song. They are often found in coniferous forests.
- Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator
- Location: Found in North America and Eurasia.
- Fun Fact: Pine Grosbeaks are known for their tame behavior around humans.
13.Partridge
Partridges are medium-sized game birds with plump bodies and short tails. They are ground-dwelling and prefer grassy habitats.
- Scientific Name: Perdix perdix
- Location: Found in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.
- Fun Fact: Partridges are often associated with the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
14.Pied Kingfisher
The Pied Kingfisher is a striking black-and-white bird often seen hovering above water before diving for fish.
- Scientific Name: Ceryle rudis
- Location: Found in Africa and Asia.
- Fun Fact: Pied Kingfishers are capable of hovering mid-air without the aid of wind.
15.Philippine Eagle
The Philippine Eagle is a critically endangered raptor and one of the largest eagles in the world, with a wingspan reaching up to 7 feet.
- Scientific Name: Pithecophaga jefferyi
- Location: Endemic to the Philippines.
- Fun Fact: It is often called the “Monkey-eating Eagle” due to its diet, although it primarily eats other prey.
16.Pied Avocet
The Pied Avocet is a wader with black-and-white plumage and a slender, upturned bill. They forage in shallow waters by sweeping their bill side to side.
- Scientific Name: Recurvirostra avosetta
- Location: Found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Fun Fact: Their unique feeding technique helps them catch tiny invertebrates in muddy waters.
17.Pacific Loon
The Pacific Loon is a sleek waterbird with a black-and-white checkerboard pattern on its back. It is a powerful diver, catching fish underwater.
- Scientific Name: Gavia pacifica
- Location: Found in North America and Asia.
- Fun Fact: Pacific Loons are silent during winter but have haunting calls during the breeding season.
18.Pied Crow
The Pied Crow is a large, intelligent bird with black-and-white plumage. It is highly adaptable and thrives in urban areas.
- Scientific Name: Corvus albus
- Location: Found in Africa.
- Fun Fact: Pied Crows are known for their problem-solving abilities and use of tools.
19.Purple Gallinule
The Purple Gallinule is a brightly colored bird with iridescent purple and green feathers and long, yellow legs. They are excellent swimmers and climbers.
- Scientific Name: Porphyrio martinica
- Location: Found in the southeastern United States and Central America.
- Fun Fact: Purple Gallinules can walk on floating vegetation thanks to their long toes.
20.Pygmy Owl
The Pygmy Owl is a tiny, fierce predator with a round head and piercing yellow eyes. Despite its size, it preys on small birds and mammals.
- Scientific Name: Glaucidium spp.
- Location: Found in North and Central America, Europe, and Asia.
- Fun Fact: Pygmy Owls are active during the day, unlike most owl species.
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Conclusion
From the majestic Peacock to the tiny Pygmy Owl, birds that start with “P” highlight the incredible diversity of the avian kingdom. Each species plays a vital role in its ecosystem, showcasing unique adaptations and behaviors. Which of these birds captured your interest the most? Share your thoughts and experiences below!
