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50+ Bird Names In French: Learn French Vocabulary

Modified on December 29, 2025 Vibha Goyal
50+ Bird Names In French: Learn French Vocabulary

Learning bird names in French expands your vocabulary and enhances language skills. This article will cover various bird categories, providing their French names and pronunciations to aid in your language learning journey.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn names of Common Birds, Migratory Birds, Wild/Exotic Birds, Flightless Birds, in French.
  • Using correct pronunciation and articles for bird names will improve your French fluency and vocabulary.
  • Learning bird-related idioms and phrases will expand your French vocabulary.

Common Birds in French

Here is a table of common birds, their names in French, and their pronunciations:

Bird French NamePronunciation
ParrotPerroquet  peh-roh-keh
Parakeet Perruche  peh-roosh
Zebra FinchDiamant mandarin  dee-ah-mahn mahn-dah-ran
Gouldian FinchDiamant de Gould  dee-ah-mahn duh goold
Canary Canari  Kah-nah-ree
Cockatiel Calopsitte  kah-loh-peet 
Lovebird Inséparable  an-say-pah-ra-bluh
Budgerigar Perruche ondulée  peh-roosh ohn-dyoo-lay
Cockatoo Cacatoès  kah-kah-toh-eh
Macaw Ara  ah-rah 
Common Birds in French

Common Pet Birds

Here is a table of common pet birds, their names in French, and their pronunciations:

Bird French NamePronunciation
PigeonPigeon  pee-zhon
SparrowMoineau  mwah-noh
DoveColombe  koh-lohm
RobinRouge-gorge  roozh-gorzh
CrowCorbeau  kor-boh
MagpiePie  pee
Swallow Hirondelle  ee-ron-del
BlackbirdMerle  mehrl 
Woodpecker Pic  peek 
Seagull Mouette  moo-et 
Common Pet Birds

Migratory Birds in French

Migratory birds exhibit a fascinating nature, undertaking long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. Their incredible navigation skills and endurance are awe-inspiring. Here is a table of migratory birds, their French names, and their pronunciations:

Bird French NamePronunciation
Albatross Albatros  al-bah-tros
Duck Canard  kah-nar
Goose Oie  wah 
Stork Cigogne  see-gohn
Sandpiper Bécasseau  bay-kah-soh
Warbler Fauvette  foh-ve
Crane Grue  gruh 
Tern Sterne  stehrn 
Osprey Balbuzard  bahl-boo-zar
Plover Pluvier  ploo-vyay
Migratory Birds

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Wild/Exotic Birds in French

Introducing wild and exotic birds can expand your vocabulary and provide insight into the diverse avian world. Here is a table of exotic bird species, their French names, and their pronunciations:

Bird French NamePronunciation
Flamingo Flamant  flah-mahn
Eagle Aigle  eh-gl
Toucan Toucan  too-kahn
Peacock Paon  pahn 
Pelican Pélican  pay-lee-kahn
Ostrich Autruche  oh-troosh
KingfisherMartin-pêcheur  mar-tan pay-shur 
Hummingbird Colibri  koh-lee-bree
Heron Héron  ay-rohn
Condor Condor  kon-dor
Wild/Exotic Birds in French

Flightless Birds in French

Flightless birds are fascinating species that have evolved without the ability to fly, often adapting to their environments with strong legs and other unique traits. Here is a table of flightless birds, their French names, and their pronunciations:

Bird French NamePronunciation
Emu Émeu  eh-muh
Penguin Manchot  mahn-shoh
Turkey Dindon  dan-don
Kiwi Kiwi  kee-wee
Cassowary Casoar  kah-soo-ar
Rhea Nandou  nahn-doo
Kakapo Strigops kakapo stree-gohps kah-kah-poh
Flightless CormorantCormoran aptère kor-moh-rahn ap-tair
Steamer DuckCanard vapeur kah-nar vah-puhr
Galapagos RailRâle des Galápagos rahl day gal-ah-pah-gohs
Flightless Birds

Bird-Related Idioms in French

Here are five bird-related idioms, their usage, and translations:

IdiomTranslationEnglish EquivalentUsage
Quand les poules auront des dents When hens have teethWhen pigs flyUsed to indicate that something will never happen
Avoir un appétit d’oiseau To have a bird’s appetiteTo eat like a birdDescribes someone who eats very little
Être comme un coq en pâte To be like a rooster in doughTo be as snug as a bug in a rugDescribes someone who is very comfortable and well cared for
Faire d’une pierre deux coups To make two hits with one stoneTo kill two birds with one stoneDescribes achieving two goals with a single effort
Être le dindon de la farce To be the turkey of the farcTo be the laughing stockDescribes someone who is the butt of a joke or who has been tricked

Conclusion

Learning bird names in French enhances vocabulary and language skills. Continue expanding your vocabulary and practicing pronunciation. Mastering these terms is a step towards greater fluency. For more French vocabulary, check our article on Animals in French.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What birds are unique to France?

Ans: Unique birds to France include the Corsican Nuthatch, found only on the island of Corsica. For more information on French birds and to expand your vocabulary.

Q2: How many birds are in France?

Ans: France is home to over 570 bird species, ranging from common to rare. This diverse avian population makes it a great place for birdwatchers. 

Q3: What is the largest bird in France?

Ans: The largest bird in France is the Great Bustard, which can weigh up to 18 kilograms. It’s a rare sight, adding to the allure of birdwatching in France.

Q4: What is France’s national bird?

Ans: France’s national bird is the Gallic Rooster, a symbol of courage and resilience. This iconic bird is deeply rooted in French culture.

Vibha Goyal

Vibha is a skilled French trainer specializing in preparing students for DELF, TEF, and TCF exams. With FLE certification and a C1 level of proficiency in French, she is committed to helping learners build confidence and reach fluency in the language. Vibha has successfully guided many students through rigorous exam preparation. For her, French is not just a language but a way of life. Her lessons blend real-world usage with cultural insights, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable. Dedicated to her students' success, Vibha strives to ensure they not only pass their exams but also thrive in French-speaking environments.

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