15 Birds That Start With S

Birds come in many shapes and sizes, and some of the most fascinating species start with the letter “S.” From tiny songbirds to majestic raptors, these birds showcase incredible diversity. This guide explores 15 remarkable birds that begin with “S,” highlighting their appearance, habitat, and unique behaviors.

Table of Contents

List of 15 Birds That Start With S

1. Sparrow
2. Starling
3. Swallow
4. Shrike
5. Sandpiper
6. Skylark
7. Snow Bunting
8. Spoonbill
9. Saker Falcon
10. Sunbird
11. Shearwater
12. Secretary Bird
13. Shoebill
14. Siskin
15. Stilt

Let’s discuss their habits and looks that help you to know more about the theme.

1. Sparrow

Sparrows are small, social birds found in cities, forests, and grasslands. Known for their brown and gray plumage, they thrive in urban areas and often nest near human dwellings. Their cheerful chirping is a common sound in gardens and parks worldwide.

Scientific Name: Passeridae (family)
Habitat: Cities, forests, grasslands
Interesting Fact: House sparrows are among the most widespread bird species, thriving in urban environments.

2. Starling

Starlings are medium-sized birds known for their iridescent black feathers with speckles. They are highly social and often seen in massive, swirling flocks called murmurations. These birds are excellent mimics and can imitate other birds, mechanical noises, and even human speech.

Scientific Name: Sturnidae (family)
Habitat: Open fields, woodlands, urban areas
Interesting Fact: Starlings are excellent mimics, capable of imitating human speech and other bird calls.

3. Swallow

Swallows are fast-flying birds with sleek bodies and long, pointed wings. They are often seen skimming over lakes and fields, catching insects mid-flight. These migratory birds travel thousands of miles yearly between breeding and wintering grounds.

Scientific Name: Hirundinidae (family)
Habitat: Open country, near water
Interesting Fact: Swallows migrate long distances, some traveling over 6,000 miles annually.

4. Shrike

Shrikes are unique among songbirds due to their predatory behavior. They use their sharp, hooked beaks to catch small prey like insects and lizards. True to their nickname, “butcher birds,” they impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire for storage.

Scientific Name: Laniidae (family)
Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, open areas
Interesting Fact: Known as “butcher birds,” shrikes impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire.

5. Sandpiper

Sandpipers are wading birds commonly seen near beaches and wetlands. They have long, slender beaks that they use to probe the sand for insects and small crustaceans. Their rapid, darting movements make them a joy to watch.

Scientific Name: Scolopacidae (family)
Habitat: Wetlands, shorelines, mudflats
Interesting Fact: Sandpipers probe the sand with their beaks to find insects and small crustaceans.

6. Skylark

Skylarks are famous for their ability to sing while hovering in the air. Their brownish plumage blends into grassy fields, making them hard to spot. They are beloved for their continuous and melodious songs.

Scientific Name: Alauda arvensis
Habitat: Grasslands, meadows
Interesting Fact: Skylarks can hover in the air while singing, a behavior known as “song flight.”

7. Snow Bunting

Snow buntings are small, hardy birds adapted to cold environments. Their white and brown plumage provides excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes. They migrate south for the winter but prefer cold climates.

Scientific Name: Plectrophenax nivalis
Habitat: Arctic tundra, open fields
Interesting Fact: Snow buntings migrate south for winter but remain in colder regions compared to other songbirds.

8. Spoonbill

Spoonbills are large, wading birds recognized by their long, flat, spoon-shaped bills. They use their bills to sweep through shallow waters, catching fish and small invertebrates. Their striking pink or white plumage adds to their elegance.

Scientific Name: Platalea (genus)
Habitat: Wetlands, estuaries
Interesting Fact: Spoonbills sweep their bills side to side in shallow water to catch fish and crustaceans.

9. Saker Falcon

The Saker Falcon is a powerful bird of prey known for its speed and agility. It hunts in open landscapes, preying on small mammals and birds. This falcon has been widely used in falconry for centuries.

Scientific Name: Falco cherrug
Habitat: Grasslands, deserts
Interesting Fact: Saker falcons are one of the fastest birds, diving at speeds over 200 mph when hunting.

10. Sunbird

Sunbirds are small, brightly colored birds found in tropical regions. They have long, curved beaks that help them extract nectar from flowers. Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight, making them a delight to watch.

Scientific Name: Nectariniidae (family)
Habitat: Tropical forests, gardens
Interesting Fact: Sunbirds are similar to hummingbirds, feeding on nectar with rapid wingbeats.

11. Shearwater

Shearwaters are seabirds known for their long-distance flights over oceans. They glide effortlessly above the waves, using wind currents for efficient movement. These birds nest on remote islands and return to sea after breeding.

Scientific Name: Procellariidae (family)
Habitat: Oceans, coastal regions
Interesting Fact: Shearwaters can travel thousands of miles across the ocean, gliding just above the waves.

12. Secretary Bird

Secretary birds are large birds of prey with long legs and an eagle-like head. They are famous for their ability to hunt and kill snakes with powerful kicks. Found in Africa, they roam open grasslands searching for prey.

Scientific Name: Sagittarius serpentarius
Habitat: African savannas and grasslands
Interesting Fact: Known for hunting snakes, secretary birds stomp on their prey with powerful kicks.

13. Shoebill

Shoebills are large, prehistoric-looking birds found in African wetlands. They have massive, shoe-shaped bills used to catch fish. Their silent and motionless hunting technique makes them fascinating to observe.

Scientific Name: Balaeniceps rex
Habitat: Swamps, wetlands (Africa)
Interesting Fact: Shoebills remain motionless for long periods to ambush fish and small reptiles.

14. Siskin

Siskins are tiny, energetic finches with bright yellow-green feathers. They are social birds often seen in mixed flocks during winter. Their cheerful calls make them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Scientific Name: Carduelis spinus
Habitat: Coniferous forests, woodlands
Interesting Fact: Siskins are highly social and often form mixed flocks with other finches in winter.

15. Stilt

Stilts are elegant wading birds with long, thin legs that allow them to move easily through wetlands. They feed on insects and small aquatic creatures. Their striking black-and-white coloration makes them easy to identify.

Scientific Name: Himantopus (genus)
Habitat: Marshes, wetlands, coastal lagoons
Interesting Fact: Their long legs allow them to wade through deep water in search of food.

FAQs

Why do many bird names start with ‘S’?

Many bird names start with ‘S’ because they are often named based on their physical traits, behaviors, or habitats. For example, “Swallow” refers to its smooth flying motion, while “Spoonbill” is named after its distinct spoon-shaped beak.

Which ‘S’ bird is the fastest flyer?

The Saker Falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world. It can reach speeds of over 200 mph (322 km/h) when diving to catch prey, making it a top predator in open landscapes.

Are there any rare birds that start with ‘S’?

Yes, some birds like the Shoebill and Secretary Bird are rare and found only in specific regions. The Shoebill is mainly found in African wetlands, while the Secretary Bird roams the savannas hunting snakes.

Which ‘S’ bird is best for birdwatching?

Birdwatchers love spotting the Skylark due to its unique ability to sing while flying high in the sky. Its long, melodic songs make it an exciting bird to observe in grasslands and meadows.

Do all ‘S’ birds migrate?

No, not all birds that start with ‘S’ migrate. While birds like Swallows and Sandpipers are long-distance migrants, others like Sparrows and Siskins often stay in one region year-round, depending on food availability.