53 Types of Birds That Start With W

When it comes to birds, there are many species that begin with the letter “W”. From tiny songbirds to majestic waterfowl, these birds that start with W can be found all over the world. Some are known for their beautiful plumage, while others are known for their unique calls and behaviors.

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply enjoy learning about the natural world, exploring the diverse range of birds that start with “W” can be a fascinating experience.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most notable birds that start with the letter “W” and learn more about their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors.

Types of Birds That Start With W

Warbling Vireo

The Warbling Vireo is a small, olive-green bird with a gray head and white eyebrow. They have a distinctive warbling song that can be heard throughout much of North America during the breeding season. They prefer deciduous forests and woodlands and feed mainly on insects, especially caterpillars. Warbling Vireos are migratory birds and spend the winter in Central and South America.

• Scientific Name: Vireo gilvus
• Length: 4.5-5.5 inches
• Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces
• Wingspan: 7.5 inches

Western Bluebird

The Western Bluebird is a small, brightly-colored bird with blue upperparts, rusty-red breast, and a gray belly. They are found in western North America and prefer open woodlands and forest edges. Their primary diet consists of insects and berries. Western Bluebirds are cavity nesters and often use old woodpecker holes or nest boxes.

• Scientific Name: Sialia mexicana
• Length: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 1-1.2 ounces
• Wingspan: 10-12 inches

Western Grebe

The Western Grebe is a large waterbird with a long, slender neck and a pointed bill. They have black and white plumage with a distinctive black cap and red eyes. They are found in western North America and prefer freshwater lakes and marshes. Their diet consists mainly of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Western Grebes are known for their elaborate courtship display, which involves synchronized swimming and elaborate calls.

• Scientific Name: Aechmophorus occidentalis
• Length: 20-29 inches
• Weight: 24-62 ounces
• Wingspan: 26-31 inches

Western Meadowlark

The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird with brown and black plumage and a bright yellow chest with a distinctive black V-shaped patch. They are found in open grasslands and prairies throughout western North America. Their primary food source is comprised mainly of insects and seeds. Western Meadowlarks are known for their melodious song, which is often heard during the breeding season.

• Scientific Name: Sturnella neglecta
• Length: 8.5-11 inches
• Weight: 3.5-5 ounces
• Wingspan: 16-18 inches

Western Sandpiper

The Western Sandpiper is a small shorebird with brown and gray plumage and a distinctive straight bill. They are found along the Pacific coast of North America and prefer coastal mudflats and estuaries. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates such as crustaceans and insects. Western Sandpipers are migratory birds and spend the winter along the coast of Central and South America.

• Scientific Name: Calidris mauri
• Length: 5-6 inches
• Weight: 0.7-1 ounce
• Wingspan: 12 inches

Western Screech-Owl

The Western Screech-Owl is a small, nocturnal bird with gray and brown plumage and distinctive ear tufts. They are found in western North America and prefer woodlands and forest edges. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and insects. Western Screech-Owls are known for their distinctive trilling call, which can often be heard at night.

• Scientific Name: Megascops kennicottii
• Length: 7-10 inches
• Weight: 4-8 ounces
• Wingspan: 20-24 inches

Western Spot-Billed Duck

The Western Spot-Billed Duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck found in eastern Asia. It has a distinctive yellowish-orange bill with a black tip, and its plumage is mainly brown with white spotting. They are typically found in wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, and rice fields, where they feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans. These ducks are known for their loud quacking calls and are social birds that often form flocks.

• Scientific Name: Anas zonorhyncha
• Length: 50-58 cm
• Weight: 600-1100 g
• Wingspan: 80-95 cm

Western Tanager

The Western Tanager, which is found in the western regions of North America, is a medium-sized songbird. Males have bright yellow heads, a red-orange body, and black wings, while females are mainly olive-green with a yellowish head. They prefer coniferous forests and wooded areas with ample fruiting trees, where they feed on insects, fruit, and nectar. The Western Tanager is known for its melodious song and its habit of foraging in the treetops.

• Scientific Name: Piranga ludoviciana
• Length: 16-18 cm
• Weight: 24-38 g
• Wingspan: 27-30 cm

Whimbrel

The Whimbrel is a large wading bird found along the coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a long, curved bill and a mottled brown and white plumage with a striped head. Whimbrels are migratory birds that breed in the Arctic tundra and winter in coastal areas, where they feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and insects. They are known for their distinctive whistling calls and are often seen probing the mudflats for food with their long bills.

• Scientific Name: Numenius phaeopus
• Length: 37-47 cm
• Weight: 270-490 g
• Wingspan: 70-82 cm

Whip-poor-will

The Whip-poor-will is a medium-sized nocturnal bird that is known for its distinctive call. It has mottled brown and black plumage with a buff-colored belly and a white patch on its throat. They are found throughout much of North America and prefer habitats with open woodlands and forest edges. Their diet consists mainly of moths and other flying insects, which they catch in mid-air. Whip-poor-wills are typically active at night and are rarely seen during the day.

• Scientific Name: Caprimulgus vociferus
• Length: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 1.6-2.3 ounces
• Wingspan: 16-18 inches

Whiskered Tern

The Whiskered Tern is a small, graceful bird with a slender body and long wings. It has a black head and upper body, white underparts, and a distinctive black mask around its eyes. They are found throughout much of Europe, Asia, and Africa and prefer shallow wetlands and marshes. Their primary food sources include small fish, insects, and crustaceans. Whiskered Terns are known for their agile flight and their ability to hover over the water as they search for prey.

• Scientific Name: Chlidonias hybrida
• Length: 9-10 inches
• Weight: 1.5-2.5 ounces
• Wingspan: 24-28 inches

White-backed Duck

The White-backed Duck is a medium-sized diving duck with a distinctive white patch on its back. It has a dark brown head and neck, a black bill, and a white underbelly. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa and prefer shallow wetlands, lakes, and rivers. They primarily feed on a diet consisting of aquatic plants and invertebrates. White-backed Ducks are known for their underwater foraging and their ability to dive to great depths in search of food.

• Scientific Name: Thalassornis leuconotus
• Length: 17-20 inches
• Weight: 1.5-2.2 pounds
• Wingspan: 31-37 inches

White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird with a distinctive black cap, gray-blue back, and white underparts. It has a long, straight bill and short legs with sharp claws that allow it to cling to tree trunks and branches. They are found throughout much of North America and prefer deciduous forests and wooded areas. Their diet consists mainly of insects, seeds, and nuts. White-breasted Nuthatches are recognized for their agile movements and their capacity to climb down tree trunks headfirst.

• Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis
• Length: 5.5-6 inches
• Weight: 0.6-1.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 8-10 inches

White-billed Crow

The White-billed Crow is a large, black bird with a heavy bill and a distinctive white patch on its throat. It has a glossy black plumage with a slightly curved bill and strong legs. They are found in the Amazon basin and prefer dense rainforests and wooded areas. Their main diet consists of fruits, nuts, and insects. White-billed Crows are known for their loud, raucous calls and their tendency to forage on the ground.

• Scientific Name: Corvus woodfordi
• Length: 16-18 inches
• Weight: 12-16 ounces
• Wingspan: 30-34 inches

White-collared Swift

The White-collared Swift is a large and powerful bird that is found in the Andes mountains of South America. It has a dark brown plumage with a white collar around its neck and a pale gray throat. These swifts are known for their incredible aerial abilities, often flying at high altitudes and speeds while catching insects on the wing. They nest in colonies on cliffs and rock faces and are found in habitats ranging from arid deserts to high-altitude forests.

• Scientific Name: Streptoprocne zonaris
• Length: 7.9-9.8 inches
• Weight: 1.8-3.3 ounces
• Wingspan: 22.8-26.4 inches

White-eared Hummingbird

The White-eared Hummingbird is a small and colorful bird that is found in the mountains of Central America. It has a metallic green and blue plumage with a white stripe behind its eye and a distinctive white patch on its ear. They feed on nectar from flowers and defend their territories aggressively against other hummingbirds. White-eared Hummingbirds are typically found in montane forests, but can also be seen in open habitats like gardens and parks.

• Scientific Name: Basilinna leucotis
• Length: 3.9-4.7 inches
• Weight: 0.16-0.25 ounces
• Wingspan: 5.9 inches

White-faced Ibis

The White-faced Ibis is a wading bird that is found in wetlands throughout the western United States and Mexico. It has a glossy purple and green plumage with a white face and red eyes. These ibises feed on small invertebrates and fish in shallow water and can often be seen probing their long, curved bills into the mud. They nest in colonies in emergent vegetation near water and are found in a variety of habitats ranging from salt marshes to irrigated fields.

• Scientific Name: Plegadis chihi
• Length: 22-27 inches
• Weight: 1.2-2.2 pounds
• Wingspan: 36-41 inches

White-faced Whistling Duck

The White-faced Whistling Duck is a medium-sized waterbird that is found throughout much of South America. It has a grayish-brown plumage with a white face and a distinctive high-pitched whistle call. These ducks feed on aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates and are typically found in wetland habitats like marshes, ponds, and rivers. They nest in tree cavities or on the ground and can form large flocks outside of the breeding season.

• Scientific Name: Dendrocygna viduata
• Length: 17.7-21.3 inches
• Weight: 1.2-2.2 pounds
• Wingspan: 33.1-35.4 inches

White-headed Woodpecker

The White-headed Woodpecker is a large and striking bird that is found in the western United States and Canada. It has a black body with a white head and neck, and a distinctive red patch on the back of its head. These woodpeckers feed on insects and their larvae in coniferous forests and can often be seen clinging to the trunks and branches of trees. They excavate cavities in dead or dying trees for nesting and roosting.

• Scientific Name: Picoides albolarvatus
• Length: 9.8-10.6 inches
• Weight: 2.5-3.5 ounces
• Wingspan: 16.5-17.7 inches

White Ibis

The White Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird with a distinctive long, curved bill. It has all-white plumage with black wingtips, and its legs and bill are pink. They are found throughout the southeastern United States and prefer to live in freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Their diet consists of crustaceans, small fish, and insects, which they forage for in shallow waters. White Ibises are sociable birds and can often be seen in large flocks.

• Scientific Name: Eudocimus albus
• Length: 22-27 inches
• Weight: 1.5-2.4 pounds
• Wingspan: 36-41 inches

White-necked Crow

The White-necked Crow is a large, all-black bird found in the neotropical region. It has a thick, heavy bill and a distinctive white patch of feathers on the back of its neck. They prefer to live in forested areas and are often found near rivers and streams. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, but they will also eat small animals and insects. White-necked Crows are social birds and can often be seen in small flocks.

• Scientific Name: Corvus leucognaphalus
• Length: 19-21 inches
• Weight: 14-18 ounces
• Wingspan: 34-36 inches

White-rumped Sandpiper

The White-rumped Sandpiper is a small shorebird that breeds in the tundra regions of North America and migrates to the coasts of South America during the winter. It has a brownish-gray plumage with a white belly and a distinctive white patch on its rump. They prefer to live in wetland habitats and feed on small invertebrates like crustaceans, mollusks, and insects. White-rumped Sandpipers are known for their long-distance migrations and can travel up to 9,000 miles during migration.

• Scientific Name: Calidris fuscicollis
• Length: 6.5-7.5 inches
• Weight: 0.9-1.3 ounces
• Wingspan: 14-15 inches

White-tailed Hawk

The White-tailed Hawk is a large raptor found in the southwestern United States and Central and South America. It has a dark brown plumage with a white head and tail. They prefer to live in open habitats like grasslands and deserts and feed on small mammals, reptiles, and birds. White-tailed Hawks are known for their aerial acrobatics and can often be seen performing aerial displays during courtship.

• Scientific Name: Geranoaetus albicaudatus
• Length: 18-22 inches
• Weight: 1.8-2.8 pounds
• Wingspan: 46-56 inches

White-tailed Kite

The White-tailed Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found in parts of North and South America. They have a distinct white head and tail, gray wings and body, and bright red eyes. Their preferred habitat is open grasslands and marshes, and they feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their hovering behavior, where they can remain suspended in mid-air while scanning the ground for prey.

• Scientific Name: Elanus leucurus
• Length: 14-16 inches
• Weight: 9-12 ounces
• Wingspan: 38-43 inches

White-tailed Ptarmigan

The White-tailed Ptarmigan is a small, chicken-like bird that is found in alpine and subalpine habitats in North America. They have a cryptic white and gray plumage that helps them blend into their snowy environment. Their diet consists of plant material, such as leaves, flowers, and buds. During the winter months, they burrow into the snow to keep warm and avoid predators.

• Scientific Name: Lagopus leucura
• Length: 11-13 inches
• Weight: 8-10 ounces
• Wingspan: 19-22 inches

White-tailed Tropicbird

The White-tailed Tropicbird is a seabird that is found in tropical oceans around the world. They have a distinctive white body and long, streaming tail feathers that give them a graceful appearance in flight. Their diet consists mainly of fish and squid, which they catch by plunge diving into the water from high above. These birds typically form breeding colonies on rugged cliffs and isolated islands.

• Scientific Name: Phaethon lepturus
• Length: 27-30 inches
• Weight: 12-18 ounces
• Wingspan: 39-43 inches

White-throated Needletail

The White-throated Needletail is a swift that is found in parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. They have a dark brown body with a distinctive white throat patch and forked tail. They are known for their fast and acrobatic flight, which they use to catch flying insects, such as flies and moths. Their nests are constructed within tree cavities or other structures.

• Scientific Name: Hirundapus caudacutus
• Length: 7-9 inches
• Weight: 1-1.5 ounces
• Wingspan: 18-20 inches

White-throated Sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow is a medium-sized bird with gray-brown upperparts and a bright white throat bordered by black stripes on each side. They are found in North America, with a range that extends from Canada to the eastern United States. They prefer habitats with dense underbrush and trees, such as forests and woodland edges. Their diet comprises seeds, insects, and fruits. White-throated Sparrows are known for their sweet, clear whistled song, which is often heard in the early morning.

• Scientific Name: Zonotrichia albicollis
• Length: 6.3-7.9 inches
• Weight: 0.8-1.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 inches

White-winged Crossbill

The White-winged Crossbill is a small bird with a distinctive curved bill that is adapted for prying open conifer cones to access the seeds inside. They have red or greenish-brown plumage with white wing bars and a forked tail. They are found in North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the northeastern United States. They prefer habitats with conifer forests and are often found in high elevation areas. Their diet consists mainly of conifer seeds. White-winged Crossbills are highly nomadic and can be difficult to find outside of their breeding areas.

• Scientific Name: Loxia leucoptera
• Length: 5.5-6.7 inches
• Weight: 0.8-1.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 9.1-10.2 inches

White-winged Dove

The White-winged Dove is a medium-sized bird with brown-gray plumage and a distinctive white wing patch. These birds can be found in the southwestern region of the United States, as well as in Mexico and Central America. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, such as mesquite thickets and riparian areas. Their primary source of nutrition comes from consuming seeds and fruits. White-winged Doves are known for their soft, low-pitched cooing call, which is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon.

• Scientific Name: Zenaida asiatica
• Length: 11-12 inches
• Weight: 4.2-6.4 ounces
• Wingspan: 18.5-20.5 inches

White-winged Scoter

The White-winged Scoter is a large sea duck with black plumage and distinctive white patches on its wings. They are found in the northern parts of North America and Eurasia, with a range that extends from Alaska to the eastern coast of Canada. They prefer habitats with open water, such as coastal areas and large lakes. Their main source of nutrition is derived from mollusks and crustaceans. White-winged Scoters are strong swimmers and divers, and can stay underwater for up to a minute at a time.

• Scientific Name: Melanitta fusca
• Length: 19-23 inches
• Weight: 2.2-4.4 pounds
• Wingspan: 32-35 inches

Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey is an indigenous bird species found in North America, known for its large size. Males have iridescent feathers that are dark brown, copper, and green, while females are more muted with feathers that are a mix of brown and gray. These bird species can be found in various habitats such as forests, grasslands, and swamps. Their diet consists of insects, acorns, berries, and seeds. Wild Turkeys are known for their unique mating displays, which include fanning out their tail feathers and puffing up their bodies.

• Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
• Length: 3.6-4.9 feet
• Weight: 5.5-24 pounds
• Wingspan: 4-5.1 feet

Willow Ptarmigan

The Willow Ptarmigan is a medium-sized bird that is found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. During the summer, males have brown and black plumage with a white belly, while females have brown and gray plumage with a speckled belly. In the winter, their plumage turns completely white, providing them with camouflage in the snow. They prefer habitats with willow and birch shrubs and feed on buds, leaves, and insects.

• Scientific Name: Lagopus lagopus
• Length: 14-16 inches
• Weight: 0.7-1.2 pounds
• Wingspan: 24-26 inches

Wilson’s Phalarope

The Wilson’s Phalarope is a small shorebird that is found throughout North America. Males have gray and white plumage with a rusty-colored neck, while females have brown and white plumage with a rusty-colored neck and crown. They prefer habitats near shallow water, such as marshes and mudflats, and feed on insects and small crustaceans. Unlike most bird species, females are larger and more brightly colored than males and take the lead in courtship and breeding.

• Scientific Name: Phalaropus tricolor
• Length: 7.9-9.8 inches
• Weight: 1.3-2.3 ounces
• Wingspan: 16.9-18.9 inches

Wilson’s Plover

The Wilson’s Plover is a small bird that is found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North and South America. They have brownish-gray plumage with a white belly and a black band across their forehead. They prefer habitats near sandy beaches and feed on insects, small crustaceans, and mollusks. Wilson’s Plovers are known for their distinctive three-note whistle call.

• Scientific Name: Charadrius wilsonia
• Length: 6.7-7.9 inches
• Weight: 1.6-2.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 17-18 inches

Wilson’s Snipe

The Wilson’s Snipe is a medium-sized shorebird that is known for its long, straight bill and distinctive drumming sound during mating season. It has mottled brown and black plumage with a white belly and a striped head. They are found throughout North America and breed in marshy areas with tall grasses. Their diet consists mainly of insects, small fish, and crustaceans. Wilson’s Snipes are typically active at dawn and dusk and are known for their aerial displays during courtship.

• Scientific Name: Gallinago delicata
• Length: 9.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 2.8-5.2 ounces
• Wingspan: 16-18 inches

Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross is a large seabird that is known for its impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 11 feet. They have white feathers with black wingtips and a pink bill. They are found in the Southern Ocean and breed on remote islands. Their diet consists mainly of squid and fish, which they catch on the wing. Wandering Albatrosses are long-lived birds and can live for up to 50 years.

• Scientific Name: Diomedea exulans
• Length: 6-8 feet
• Weight: 15-25 pounds
• Wingspan: 8-11 feet

Wandering Tattler

The Wandering Tattler is a small shorebird that is known for its distinctive call and patterned plumage. It has gray-brown feathers with a white belly and a barred tail. They are found in coastal areas throughout the Pacific Ocean and breed in rocky areas. Their primary food source consists of insects and crustaceans. Wandering Tattlers are known for their rapid, staccato calls, which can be heard from a distance.

• Scientific Name: Tringa incana
• Length: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 1.5-2.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 16-18 inches

Wandering Whistling Duck

The Wandering Whistling Duck is a medium-sized duck that is known for its whistling call and striking plumage. It has black and white feathers with a pink bill and legs. They are found in wetland habitats throughout much of the world and feed on aquatic plants and insects. Wandering Whistling Ducks are social birds and are often seen in large flocks.

• Scientific Name: Dendrocygna arcuata
• Length: 18-22 inches
• Weight: 1.4-2.4 pounds
• Wingspan: 34-37 inches

Warblers

Warblers are a diverse group of small, colorful songbirds that are found throughout the world. There are over 100 species of warblers in North America alone, with each species having its unique coloration and patterns. Most warblers are migratory, and they spend the winter in the tropics, where they feed on insects and fruit. During the breeding season, they can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to grasslands. Warblers are known for their intricate songs, and birdwatchers often use their songs to identify them.

• Scientific Name: Family Parulidae
• Length: Varies by species (typically 4-6 inches)
• Weight: Varies by species (typically 0.3-0.5 ounces)
• Wingspan: Varies by species (typically 7-9 inches)

Wedge-tailed Eagle

The Wedge-tailed Eagle, which is native to Australia, is a sizeable bird of prey. It has dark brown feathers, a white tail, and a wingspan that can reach up to 9 feet. Wedge-tailed Eagles are apex predators, and they feed on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their impressive flying abilities, and they can soar for hours without flapping their wings. Wedge-tailed Eagles are also an important part of indigenous Australian culture and are considered sacred by many Aboriginal people.

• Scientific Name: Aquila audax
• Length: 30-40 inches
• Weight: 6-13 pounds
• Wingspan: Up to 9 feet

Whistler

The Whistler is a small, colorful bird that is found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It has a distinctive whistling call and is known for its bright plumage, which can vary by species. Whistlers feed on insects and other small invertebrates, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and scrublands. Some species of Whistler are also known for their ability to mimic other bird calls.

• Scientific Name: Pachycephala
• Length: Varies by species (typically 5-8 inches)
• Weight: Varies by species (typically 0.6-1.3 ounces)
• Wingspan: Varies by species (typically 8-10 inches)

White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small, stocky bird that is found throughout much of North America. It has a distinctive black and white pattern, with a white belly and a black cap. White-breasted Nuthatches are known for their acrobatic abilities, and they can often be seen running headfirst down tree trunks in search of insects and seeds. They are also known for their territorial behavior, and they will defend their nesting sites aggressively.

• Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis
• Length: 5-6 inches
• Weight: 0.6-1 ounce
• Wingspan: 8-10 inches

White-crowned Sparrow

The White-crowned Sparrow is a medium-sized bird that is known for its striking black and white striped crown, which distinguishes it from other sparrows. They have a brownish-gray body with a pale belly and a long tail. White-crowned Sparrows are found throughout much of North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and prefer habitats with open woodlands and shrubby areas. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and berries.

• Scientific Name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
• Length: 6.3-7.9 inches
• Weight: 0.8-1.2 ounces
• Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 inches

White-faced Whistling Duck

The White-faced Whistling Duck is a medium-sized duck that is known for its distinctive whistling call. They have a brownish-gray body with a white face, throat, and neck. They are found in parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and prefer habitats with wetlands and marshes. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, seeds, and insects.

• Scientific Name: Dendrocygna viduata
• Length: 18-21 inches
• Weight: 1.6-2.6 pounds
• Wingspan: 34-37 inches

White-tipped Dove

The White-tipped Dove is a medium-sized bird that is known for its soft cooing call. They have a brownish-gray body with a distinctive white patch on the tips of their tail feathers. They are found throughout much of Central and South America, and prefer habitats with open woodlands and forest edges. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects.

• Scientific Name: Leptotila verreauxi
• Length: 9.1-10.2 inches
• Weight: 4.4-6.3 ounces
• Wingspan: 14.6-15.8 inches

Whooper Swan

The Whooper Swan is a large waterbird that is known for its distinctive trumpeting call. They have a white body with a long neck and a black beak with a yellow base. They are found in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, and prefer habitats with wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, algae, and small invertebrates.

• Scientific Name: Cygnus cygnus
• Length: 4.4-5.6 feet
• Weight: 15-30 pounds
• Wingspan: 7.5-9.4 feet

Whooping Crane

The Whooping Crane is a large, majestic bird known for its striking white plumage and impressive wingspan. They are found in North America and breed in Canada and winter in the southern United States. The population of this species was once severely threatened due to hunting and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped increase their numbers. They prefer wetland habitats and their diet consists mainly of fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals.

• Scientific Name: Grus americana
• Length: 4.6-5 feet
• Weight: 13-17 pounds
• Wingspan: 7.5-8 feet

Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey is a large bird native to North America, with a distinctive bald head and a long, curved beak. They have iridescent feathers in shades of brown, black, and green, and males have a characteristic fleshy protuberance called a “snood” on their head. They are primarily ground-dwelling birds and are often found in forests and fields. These birds consume a variety of food sources including insects, seeds, and fruits.

• Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
• Length: 3-4 feet
• Weight: 5.5-18 pounds
• Wingspan: 4.5-5 feet

Winter Wren

The Winter Wren is a small bird with a round body and a short tail. They have brown plumage with a distinctive white throat and a narrow beak. They are found throughout much of North America and prefer habitats with dense vegetation, such as forests and shrublands. Their primary source of food is predominantly composed of insects and other tiny invertebrates. Despite their small size, they are known for their loud, complex songs.

• Scientific Name: Troglodytes hiemalis
• Length: 3.7-4.3 inches
• Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces
• Wingspan: 5.9-6.3 inches

Wood Duck

The Wood Duck is a medium-sized perching duck that is known for its stunning and colorful plumage. The males have a striking iridescent green and blue head, red eyes, and a white throat, while the females are more subdued with grayish-brown plumage. They are found throughout much of North America, particularly in wooded wetlands and swamps, where they nest in tree cavities near water. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and insects, as well as small fish and crustaceans.

• Scientific Name: Aix sponsa
• Length: 19-21 inches
• Weight: 1-1.6 pounds
• Wingspan: 26-29 inches

Wood Stork

The Wood Stork is a large wading bird with a distinctive bald head and long, thick bill. They have a blackish-gray plumage with a white underbelly and legs. They are found in freshwater and saltwater wetlands, particularly in the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America. They feed primarily on fish and crustaceans, which they catch by wading in shallow water. The species is classified as threatened because of the loss and deterioration of their natural habitats.

• Scientific Name: Mycteria americana
• Length: 33-45 inches
• Weight: 5-7.5 pounds
• Wingspan: 5-6 feet

Wood Thrush

The Wood Thrush is a medium-sized songbird with a brownish-gray upper body and a white underbelly with dark spots. They are found in deciduous forests throughout much of eastern North America, where they breed and nest in the understory of the forest. They feed mainly on insects, but also eat berries and other fruits. They are known for their beautiful and complex songs, which can be heard throughout the forest during the breeding season.

• Scientific Name: Hylocichla mustelina
• Length: 7-8.3 inches
• Weight: 1-1.5 ounces
• Wingspan: 11-12 inches

Birds That Start With “W” 4 Letters

Weka

The Weka is a flightless bird that is native to New Zealand. They have brown feathers with a lighter underbelly and a strong, curved beak. Wekas are known for their inquisitive and bold personalities, and can be found foraging in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and coastal areas. They have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. Wekas are considered to be a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals.

• Scientific Name: Gallirallus australis
• Length: 45-50 cm (18-20 inches)
• Weight: 900-1300 grams (2-3 pounds)
• Wingspan: N/A (flightless)

Wren

The Wren is a small, lively bird that is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They have brown plumage with a lighter underside and a distinctive upright tail. Wrens are known for their energetic behavior and loud, melodious songs. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, such as woodlands, and feed on insects and spiders. Wrens are important to many ecosystems as they help control insect populations.

• Scientific Name: Troglodytidae
• Length: 9-10 cm (3.5-4 inches)
• Weight: 8-12 grams (0.3-0.4 ounces)
• Wingspan: 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches)

Small Bird That Starts With “W”

Willow Warbler

The Willow Warbler is a small, migratory songbird that belongs to the Old World warbler family. It has olive-green upperparts, pale yellow underparts, a light eye-ring, and a slightly curved beak. These birds breed across much of Europe and Asia, and winter in sub-Saharan Africa. They inhabit open woodlands, scrub, and other types of vegetation, and feed primarily on insects and spiders. Willow Warblers are known for their sweet, melodic song, which is often heard during the breeding season.

• Scientific Name: Phylloscopus trochilus
• Length: 4.3-5.1 inches
• Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces
• Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches

Bird Starting With “W” 7 Letters

Wagtail:

The wagtail is a small, slender bird that is known for its distinctive tail-wagging behavior. There are several species of wagtails found throughout the world, but they all share similar characteristics such as their long tails and preference for open habitats near water. They have predominantly gray or black plumage with white or yellow accents, and they feed mainly on insects and small invertebrates. Wagtails are known for their energetic and active behavior and are often seen running or wagging their tails while foraging.

• Scientific Name: Motacilla sp.
• Length: 5-7 inches
• Weight: 0.5-0.7 ounces
• Wingspan: 8-10 inches

Warbler

Warblers are a diverse group of small, insect-eating birds that are found throughout the world. They are known for their brightly colored plumage and often have distinctive patterns and markings. There are many species of warblers, and their diet and habitat preferences vary depending on the species. Most warblers feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, and they are found in a range of habitats including forests, shrublands, and wetlands.

• Scientific Name: Parulidae family
• Length: 4-6 inches
• Weight: 0.2-0.5 ounces
• Wingspan: 7-10 inches

Waxbill

The waxbill is a small, colorful bird that is native to Africa. They are known for their brightly colored plumage, which ranges from red and orange to yellow and green. They are social birds and are often found in large flocks, especially during the breeding season. Waxbills feed mainly on seeds and other plant material, and they are found in a range of habitats including grasslands, savannas, and wetlands.

• Scientific Name: Estrildidae family
• Length: 3-6 inches
• Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces
• Wingspan: 6-8 inches

Waxwing

The waxwing is a medium-sized bird that is found in North America and Eurasia. They are known for their distinctive crest and wax-like wing tips, which give them their name. Waxwings have predominantly brown and gray plumage, with red and yellow accents on their wings and tail. They feed mainly on fruit and other plant material and are found in a range of habitats including forests, orchards, and suburban areas.

• Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum (Cedar Waxwing)
• Length: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 1.1-1.5 ounces
• Wingspan: 11-12 inches

Weebill

The Weebill is a small bird found in Australia. They have olive-green upperparts and a pale yellow belly. They have a small and round head with a short, curved bill. They are found in open woodlands, scrubs, and gardens throughout Australia. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They are active and vocal birds that move quickly through the trees in search of food.

• Scientific Name: Smicrornis brevirostris
• Length: 8-10 centimeters
• Weight: 6-8 grams
• Wingspan: 12-14 centimeters

Woodhen

The Woodhen is a flightless bird found on Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea. They have brownish-gray feathers with a reddish-brown neck and a white belly. They are herbivorous and feed mainly on vegetation and fruits. The Woodhen was once considered extinct until a small population was discovered on the island in 1980. Conservation efforts have helped to increase their population in recent years.

• Scientific Name: Gallirallus sylvestris
• Length: 35-40 centimeters
• Weight: 400-500 grams
• Wingspan: N/A (flightless)

Wrentit

The Wrentit is a small bird found along the Pacific coast of North America. They have grayish-brown feathers with a reddish-brown eye and a long, curved tail. They are found in dense shrubbery habitats and are known for their loud and complex songs. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.

• Scientific Name: Chamaea fasciata
• Length: 11-12 centimeters
• Weight: 9-12 grams
• Wingspan: 16-18 centimeters

Wrybill

The Wrybill is a small bird found in New Zealand. They have grayish-brown feathers with a distinctive curved bill that is bent to the right. They are found in rocky riverbeds and alpine meadows and feed mainly on small invertebrates. The Wrybill is the only bird in the world with a beak that is naturally bent to one side.

• Scientific Name: Anarhynchus frontalis
• Length: 17-18 centimeters
• Weight: 50-70 grams
• Wingspan: 27-29 centimeters

Wryneck

The Wryneck is a small bird found in Europe and Asia. They have brownish-gray feathers with a distinctive pattern of black and white stripes on their head and neck. They are found in woodlands and forests and feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates. The Wryneck is known for its ability to twist its head and neck in a corkscrew fashion.

• Scientific Name: Jynx torquilla
• Length: 16-18 centimeters
• Weight: 25-35 grams
• Wingspan: 28-32 centimeters

Birds That Start With “Wh”

Wheatear

These small, insect-eating birds are found in open habitats across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Wheatears have distinctive white rumps and black “bandit” masks around their eyes. They breed in the tundra and migrate to Africa for the winter.

Whimbrel

This medium-sized wading bird is known for its long, down-curved bill. They breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to South America for the winter. Whimbrels are found in coastal habitats and feed on insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Whipbird

The Whipbird is a medium-sized bird found in Australia. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a whip cracking. Whipbirds are often heard but not seen, as they spend most of their time foraging on the ground in dense vegetation.

Whistler

The Whistler is a bird found in Asia, Australia, and Africa. They have a melodious song and are often kept as pets for their singing ability. Whistlers feed on insects, fruit, and seeds and are found in a variety of habitats, from forests to gardens.

Whiteface

The Whiteface is a small bird found in Central and South America. They have distinctive white faces and are often found in flocks. Whitefaces feed on insects and fruit and are found in a variety of habitats, including forests and gardens.

Whitethroat

The Whitethroat is a small songbird found in Europe and Asia. They have a distinctive white throat and are known for their beautiful song. Whitethroats feed on insects and berries and are found in a variety of habitats, from hedgerows to woodland edges.

Whitetip

The Whitetip is a bird found in the forests of Southeast Asia. They have a distinctive white tip on their tail and feed on insects and fruit. Whitetips are often found in mixed flocks with other birds.

Whydah

The Whydah is a bird found in Africa. They have a distinctive long tail and are known for their elaborate courtship displays. Whydahs feed on insects and seeds and are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands and savannas.

Birds That Start With “Wood”

Wood Sandpiper

The Wood Sandpiper is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the boreal forests of northern Europe and Asia. It has a distinctive white eyebrow stripe and a down-curved bill. During migration, it can be found in wetlands and grasslands throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Wood Warbler

The Wood Warbler is a small, yellowish-green bird that breeds in deciduous and mixed woodlands throughout Europe and Asia. It is known for its high-pitched, trilling song and can be identified by its yellow supercilium and dark eye-stripe. During migration, it can be found in a variety of wooded habitats.

Woodcock

The Woodcock is a small, plump bird that is found in woodland habitats throughout Europe and Asia. It is known for its cryptic plumage and its distinctive, high-pitched courtship flight. It feeds primarily on earthworms and insects that it finds by probing the soil with its long bill.

Woodlark

The Woodlark is a small, brownish-yellow bird that is found in open habitats throughout Europe and Asia. It is known for its beautiful song and can be identified by its white-bordered ear coverts and streaked breast. During the breeding season, it can be found in grasslands, heaths, and other open habitats.

Woodpigeon

The Woodpigeon is a large, plump bird that is found in a variety of wooded habitats throughout Europe and Asia. It is known for its distinctive cooing call and can be identified by its pale grey plumage, white collar, and iridescent neck feathers. The bird mainly consumes seeds and fruits as its primary source of food.

Birds That Start With “Wr”

Wren

Wren is a family of small, brown passerine birds known for their powerful voices and intricate songs. There are around 80 species of wrens found throughout the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa. They are typically found in woodland, shrubland, and grassland habitats, and are insectivorous, feeding mainly on spiders, insects, and other small invertebrates. Wrens are known for their active and curious behavior, and their tendency to build multiple nests, often using elaborate materials and designs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, birds that start with the letter W are diverse and unique. From the elegant Whooping Crane to the tiny Wren, these birds vary greatly in size, habitat, behavior, and appearance. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply enjoy observing wildlife, there is something fascinating about each of these feathered creatures.

As with any group of animals, understanding their characteristics and behaviors can provide insight into the natural world and help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of life on Earth.​​​​​​​