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About This Quiz
Birds are an important part of our ecosystem, and they come in all different shapes, colors and sizes. Some birds are native to certain countries and continents, while others like to migrate to different parts of the world. Some eat fish and some eat mammals and others eat amphibians, insects, fruits or seeds. Today, we've compiled a list of 40 amazing birds for you to test your knowledge on.
From the domestic duck to the northern cardinal, some birds are probably very familiar to Americans. Other types of birds, like the fulmar and the fieldfare, might not be so obvious, as they live in other parts of the world. Some birds are extinct, like the upland moa and the dodo, while others are endangered. Despite this, there are still many friendly birds that fly around to this day. Some of these include the finch, the American coot and the sparrow.
Think you can tell the differences among 40 different birds? We'll give you the picture - and a hint if you need it - and all you have to do is guess the type of bird it is. Don't wait - take this bird identification quiz now to put your wits to the test!
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Starts with an "A." Also known as the sea swallow, the Arctic tern migrates to places like Antarctica, South Africa and the Irish coasts, depending on the season. Arctic terns also love to munch on marine fish. This white and grey bird belongs to the Laridae family. Can you name it?
Owl
Arctic tern
Parrot
Toucan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Look at the bird's color. The blackbird lives throughout Europe, plus parts of Asia and North Africa, and loves to eat insects and earthworms. The scientific name for the blackbird is Turdus merula. Despite its common name, the female blackbird is brown. This bird has the scientific name "Turdus merula," which is otherwise known as...
Blue jay
Northern cardinal
Mourning dove
Blackbird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Indeed!
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First word rhymes with "lean." The bean goose, whether taiga bean goose or tundra bean goose, lives in northern Europe and Asia. This bird also loves to munch on grass and fruit and has the scientific name "Anser fabalis." Which of these birds has been divided into two subspecies and can be found in Asia and Europe?
Bean goose
American robin
Song thrush
House sparrow
Correct Answer
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Belongs to the Turdidae family. You can find the fieldfare primarily munching on fruit, earthworms and insects in Central and West Eurasia. These birds also love to travel in large flocks, as they hate to fly alone. You'll find this chipper bird munching on earthworms throughout Europe and Asia.
American robin
American crow
Fieldfare
Common grackle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It's also related to shearwaters. The fulmar is white and gray in color and is similar to the gull. You'll also find them over the open ocean where they dive for prey. These birds are divided into two categories: northern and southern fulmars, which love to make their nests alongside cliffs. This bird is similar to a gull and is related to albatrosses. What's it called?
Blue jay
Northern cardinal
Fulmar
American goldfinch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Scientific name is "Haliaeetus leucocephalus." The bald eagle, called "bald" for its contrasting white head, is found in the United States. These national birds of the U.S. also eats other birds and fresh fish, with salmon and catfish as some of their favorites. You'll find this bird making its nests in trees and can primarily be found throughout forests.
Penguin
Toucan
Parrot
Bald eagle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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They also eat chickens. The augur buzzard is found in Africa and loves to eat birds, chickens, lizards and other types of reptiles. You'll also find unique white and grey colors on this bird, as well as a small (but sharp) beak. Which of these birds is native to Africa and loves to munch on lizards as a snack?
Augur buzzard
Gray catbird
Whooping crane
Northern mockingbird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Found in South America. The flag of Ecuador features the Andean condor above a coat of arms. This bird can also be found in the Andes Mountains, and features a "puffy" white neck and large jet black feathers. Look closely at the flag of Ecuador and you'll find which of these dark birds on it?
Swallow
Dove
Andean condor
Northern cardinal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Found in Asia. Coffee berries are a staple in the diet of the Asian fairy-bluebird, which is black and blue in color. This bird also lives in tropical forests throughout Asia, as well as the Philippines and the Greater Sunda Islands. You'll find this black and blue bird munching on tasty fruits in forest environments. Are you familiar with it?
Toucan
Heron
Asian fairy-bluebird
Finch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Is that true?
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It's grey in color. The African grey parrot lives in the forested areas of West Africa, as well as some parts of Central Africa. It belongs to the Psittacidae family and when domesticated, it is an excellent talker. You could call this bird "Psittacus erithacus," but it'll probably be easier to identify it as...
Stork
Goose
Moa
African grey parrot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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What color is grass? The green aracari lives in some parts of Venezuela and Brazil and loves to eat figs, crunchy insects and sweet fruits. It's also unique because of its colorful beak, as well as its black and green feathers. Can you name this tiny member of the toucan family, which also belongs to the Piciformes order?
Hornbill
Sparrow
Green aracari
Moa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Is that true?
Wiki Commons by Alastair Rae
It's not really "small." The giant cowbird looks similar to a blackbird or a crow, and it's native to Mexico and Argentina. It also prefers deep forests and woodland areas, as well as arthropods for dinner. If you're traveling to Mexico, you might see this all-black bird munching on fruit and nectar.
Giant cowbird
Bald eagle
American coot
Willet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Also found in Guam. The island of Guam is home to the Guam rail bird, which thrives in forests, but doesn't like to fly that much. The diet of this bird also includes fruits, lizards and mammals since they are omnivorous creatures. The San Diego Zoo showcases this rare bird that doesn't really like to fly too much.
Upland sandpiper
Ruffled grouse
Guam rail
Finch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Indeed!
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This is a type of falcon. Lanner falcons don't like to make nests, but they do love to take over nests from other larger birds. These falcons also have large wings and thrive in open terrain and on top of rocky cliffs. This bird loves to hunt in pairs throughout Africa, as well as parts of Europe and Asia. Can you name it?
Green heron
Common yellowthroat
Lanner falcon
Grasshopper sparrow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Think about a citrus fruit. Otherwise known as the northern red bishop, this orange and black bird belongs to the Ploceidae family and can be found in Africa. These are also very chatty birds who like to sing and talk in grassy environments. Head on over to Africa to locate this black and orange bird that loves snacking on insects and seeds.
Heron
Orange bishop
Ibis
Sparrow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Indeed!
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It lives in Africa. The martial eagle hunts prey in the savanna in Africa and is unique for its golden eyes and light grey feathers. You could also say that these eagles have a strong work ethic, especially since they're constantly found flying through the air for prey. Take a trip to the savanna to find these large birds sitting on some sharp and thorny trees.
Swan
American pigeon
American black duck
Martial eagle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Can also be found in Mexico. The keel-billed toucan resides in the tropical environments of Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia. This bird also eats eggs and fruit, as well as small mammals when it becomes extra hungry. This national bird of Belize is known for its rainbow colors and cravings for seeds and fruits.
Bulbul
Keel-billed toucan
Woodpecker
Northern cardinal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It's a type of parrot. No wonder it's called the "rainbow" lorikeet, just look at its blue, orange and green colors! You can also find this parrot snacking on fruit and pollen (from flowers) in Indonesia. When in Australia, you can't miss this colorful bird that resides in rainforests and woodland environments.
Rainbow lorikeet
Common grackle
Canada goose
Blue jay
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It's a type of pigeon. The blue and green Nicobar pigeon is related to the dodo bird, which is actually extinct! You could also call these birds protective since they care for a single egg until it hatches. The genus "Caloenus" is known for this type of bird that is also related to the dodo.
American goldfinch
Nicobar pigeon
Stork
Goose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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They're very social birds. You'll find the Meyer's parrot residing in the grasslands of Botswana, as well as various parts of the savannas in Africa. For a quick snack, these birds also love to munch on berries and nuts. Another name for this brown and green bird is "Poicephalus meyeri," but we should probably just call it a...
Eurasian teal
Hornbill
Moa
Meyer's parrot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Floridapfe from S.Korea Kim in cherl/Moment Open/Getty Images
Also called a Goliath Cockatoo. The palm cockatoo, also known as the goliath cockatoo and the cape york cockatoo, thrives in Northern Australia and New Guinea. The scientific name of this bird is "Probosciger aterriumus." The "Black Macaw" is just one of several nicknames for this grey bird that has a large mohawk.
Plover
Bustard
Palm cockatoo
Auk
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It was named by Carl Linnaeus. The military macaw primarily eats walnuts, figs and corn, and typically roosts on cliffs. It also loves tropical forests and lowland habitats and can be found in Colombia and Bolivia as well. You'll find this green parrot munching on leaves and seeds in Peru, Venezuela and Mexico. Are you familiar with it?
Trumpeter swan
Auk
Military macaw
Sandpiper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Indeed!
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One of the primary colors. You'll mainly find the red bishop weaver in grasslands, as well as throughout South Africa. The diet of this bird primarily consists of seeds and insects, and it's also known for its distinct black and orange colors. Depending on the season, this South African bird can make its home in either the savanna or environments that are close to water.
Red bishop weaver
Grouse
Kingfisher
Plover
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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They love water plants. You'll find the ringed teal duck perching in Argentina and Brazil. It also loves insects and seeds, as well as forests and swamps. But try not to go near them, since they have very sharp claws! This duck belongs to the Callonetta genus and can be found in South America. Want to try and guess the name of it?
Ringed teal
Sandpiper
Auk
Finch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Indeed!
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There's a flower in the name. The roseate spoonbill lives along the coast of various regions, including Central America, Mexico and the U.S. Gulf Coast. Its pink color comes from the pigment of the crustaceans in its diet - much like the famous flamingo. It may look like a flamingo, but these white and pink birds have a very long beak that is used to catch fish from the water.
Fowl
Nightjar
Roseate spoonbill
Turaco
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It is "scarlet" in color. You'll find this bird in the wetland areas of South America and in the Caribbean. Its long black beak allows it to efficiently catch a variety of small insects and crustaceans for food. This red bird loves to munch on mollusks and frogs for food and can even live up to 20 years old!
Potoo
Scarlet ibis
Penguin
Finch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It's one of the noisiest birds. Known for its loud and piercing noises, the screaming piha thrives in humid rainforests of the Amazon. When it's not busy screaming, this small grey bird also loves to snack on insects. If you had this noisy bird as a pet, you would probably never get a good night's sleep again.
Screaming piha
Domestic canary
Finch
Cockatiel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Opposite of "down." Once native to New Zealand, the upland moa was a thriving species that lived in mountainous terrain. This flightless bird became extinct during the 15th century due to human hunting. Ever heard of a flightless bird? Meet the __________, which belongs to the Aves class, but is now sadly extinct.
Swallow
Albatross
Upland moa
Parrot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It's not a rubber duck, but a...? The ruddy duck resides in parts of North and South America and mainly feeds on aquatic plant roots, insects and crustaceans. They are also nocturnal creatures that love marshes and lakes. This brown duck features a distinct blue beak and loves to snack on food at night. Try and guess what it is!
Marbled duck
Mallard
Domestic duck
Ruddy duck
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Belongs to the Aves class. The spangled cotinga resides in the Amazon rainforest and lives on a diet of fruits and insects. It belongs to the Cotinga genus and can also be found at the Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio. Travel to South America to find this small bird that has a purple-colored throat and distinct black and blue feathers.
Spangled cotinga
Lesser whistling duck
Owl
Pigeon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Indeed!
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Starts with an "S." The silver gull typically catches fresh fish from open water environments and loves to hang out by the beach. As the silver gull gets older, its beak turns into a bright red color as well. You'll find plenty of these birds in Australia, especially if you'll be spending the day at the beach.
Albatross
Hummingbird
Heron
Silver gull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Found in Eurasia. Snowy owls love arctic areas, as well as lemmings and rodents for food. They typically breed during May and are unique for their golden yellow eyes and "puffy" white feathers with dark markings. Love the cold? Then you'll love hanging out with this white bird that loves arctic environments.
Grebes
Snowy owl
Finch
Bustard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It's a duck. The smew, otherwise known scientifically as the "Megellus albellus," can be found hunting for food near rivers and lakes. You'll also find this duck in Europe and Asia, particularly in the northern areas during breeding season. This bird dives into the water to catch its prey and can be found near rivers. Are you familiar with it?
Smew
Lilac breasted roller
Ostrich
Malachite kingfisher
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Found in Venezuela. Troupial birds are known as nest pirates because of how often they steal nests from other birds. They are also found in Colombia and the Caribbean, and are considered to be the national bird of Venezuela. You could call this bird a "nest pirate," but it will probably feel better if you call it a...
Ostrich
Finch
Troupial
Saddle-billed stork
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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It's an owl. The spectacled owl is known for its distinct facial markings and bright yellow eyes. This owl also lives in the rainforests of Central and South America and is considered to be a nocturnal creature. The ____________ is native to South America and belongs to the Strigidae family. Can you remind us what it's called?
Mourning dove
Spectacled owl
Willet
Bald eagle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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The longest answer. The white-crested laughing thrush is quite loud, with whistling noises that sometimes sounds like laughter! These birds can also be found in India, China and Vietnam, and belongs to the Aves class. This noisy bird lives in the southeastern parts of Asia and loves to fly with its friends.
Cockatiel
Finch
Canary
White-crested laughing thrush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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These birds are currently endangered. If you can imagine what a falling firecracker sounds like, that is the sound that the wattled curassow makes! Not much is known about the habits of this endangered bird, but they are unique for their orange beak. This bird's whistle is reminiscent of a falling firecracker and also belongs to the Cracidae family.
Spectacled owl
Violaceous euphonia
Wattled curassow
Troupial
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Really?
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They love fruit. Violaceous euphonias are found in forests, orchards and parks, and they feature blue and yellow plumage. They primarily munch on fruit, but when they're really hungry, they'll begin to hunt for some insects too. The _____________ belongs to the Fringillidae family and is native to Trinidad.
Lark sparrow
American coot
Willet
Violaceous euphonia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Look for two "S" letters. Superb starlings make their nests among deadly ants because they are a threat to other predators. This will allow the superb starlings to eat, breed and sleep in peace (primarily in the savanna). Which of these birds intentionally makes a nest among deadly ants?
Mallard
Canvasback
Superb starling
Marbled duck
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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Look for a color. The black kite bird features unique brown and white markings, and it often eats its prey "on the go" (in the air without landing). This bird can also adapt to almost any kind of terrain. If you've ever eaten food while walking, try doing this while flying, like the ____________ bird.
Mallard
Black kite
Domestic duck
Spotted whistling duck
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
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