A handful of well-known birds whose names begin with V include the vulture, velvet scoter, violet-backed starling, and violetear. They are spread across very different parts of the planet, which is part of what makes them interesting to learn about. Below is a closer look at each one:
Van Hasselt’s sunbird – Male species of this bird has an iridescent copperish-green head, shimmering amethyst throat, and maroon belly.
Variable antshrike – An antshrike that can be found in South America and has numerous different plumages compared to other antshrike species.
Variable seedeater – A type of passerine bird that is found in Central and South America.
Vaux’s swift – A small type of swift that has a body shaped similar to a cigar.
Velvet scoter – The male species of this bulky sea duck has black feathers, while the females are brown with two light brown patches on their heads.
Velvet-purple coronet – A colorful hummingbird that is present in Ecuador and Colombia.
Velvety black tyrant – A type of tyrant flycatcher that has a velvet black plumage and a short crest, females have chestnut chins.
Veracruz wren – A songbird that is found in the lowland tropical forests of Mexico.
Verdin – A type of small penduline tit that is found in North America.
Vermilion flycatcher – The brightly colored flycatcher has a red head and breast, an orange belly, and brown plumage in males.
Vermilion tanager – A type of tanager that is scarlet-colored, except for its black face, throat, wings, and tail.
Verreaux’s eagle-owl – As the largest African owl, it is known to be an opportunistic hunter that has powerful talons.
Versicolored emerald – A species of hummingbird that has a glowing, emerald-green body, and white belly with varying colors.
Vinaceous-breasted amazon – A type of parrot that has a wine-colored breast and colorful plumage.
Violaceous euphonia – A male species of this bird has gorgeously glossy bluish-black upper parts and golden yellow underparts.
Violet-backed starling – The male species of this starling has an iridescent violet-shaded body except for its vent and belly while females are passerine-like, with brown upperparts and heavily streaked.
Violet-bellied hummingbird – Males of this species have a shimmering violet belly and emerald-green upper parts while females are dull-colored.
Violet-crowned hummingbird – The distinct blue-violet crown in males of this species makes it easy to identify.
Violetear – A species of hummingbird with an iridescent violet-purple patch on its cheeks and belly, which gives it its name.
Vulture – Vultures are scavenging birds that feed on carrion.
Conclusion
Birds are colourful, fascinating animals that play a real part in keeping ecosystems ticking over. The species listed above are only a small slice of the birds whose names begin with V, drawn from every continent except Antarctica. Whether you watch birds seriously or simply enjoy spotting them in the garden, there is plenty to take away from this group.
