Bengali, a poetic and mesmerizing language of Eastern India, is steeped in the region’s rich cultural tapestry, traditions, and natural splendor. Deeply integrated into the history of West Bengal and Bangladesh, Bengali elegantly weaves the beauty of nature into its rhythmic verses.
With their vibrant colors and melodic songs, birds hold a special place in Bengali literature and folklore. In the Bengali cultural landscape, these feathered beings are not merely creatures of the sky but symbolize profound emotions, aspirations, and philosophical concepts.
In this article, we will explore various bird names in Bengali, providing their English equivalents and also exploring their significance within Bengali culture.
100 Bird Names In Bengali
1: Sparrow (চড়াই | Charai)
The sparrow is cherished for its delightful chirrups in both bustling cities and tranquil villages, capturing hearts with ease.
2: Peacock (ময়ূর | Moyur)
A symbol of elegance and splendor, the peacock displays a stunning array of colors, standing as a pinnacle of avian beauty.
3: Pigeon (পায়রা | Payra)
A common sight in urban gardens and yards, the pigeon embodies serenity, often representing peace and unity with its gentle presence.
4: Crow (কাক | Kak)
Ubiquitous and astute, the crow symbolizes adaptability, thriving in varied environments from bustling urban areas to remote countryside.
5: Parrot (তোতা | Tota)
Known for their vibrant colors and ability to mimic sounds, parrots are beloved companions, bringing joy to homes with their lively chatter.
6: Eagle (ঈগল | Igal)
Dominating the skies, the eagle symbolizes power and precision and is known for its impeccable hunting skills.
7: Owl (পেঁচা | Pecha)
Shrouded in the mystery of night, the owl, with its eerie calls, is often regarded as a wise figure in numerous stories.
8: Kingfisher (মাছরাঙা | Machhranga)
Frequenting water bodies, the kingfisher amazes with its swift, elegant dives to catch fish with remarkable skill.
9: Woodpecker (কাঠঠোকরা | Kaththokra)
Recognized by their rhythmic pecking on trees, woodpeckers play an essential role in forest ecosystems with their characteristic behavior.
10: Crane (সারস | Saras)
With their elegant stature, cranes are a spectacle in wetlands, known for their synchronized and melodious courtship rituals.
11: Duck (হাঁস | Hans)
With their serene glides in calm waters, Ducks are noted for their gentle quacks and amusing waddle.
12: Swan (রাজহাঁস | Rajhans)
Effortlessly moving across waters, swans, with their immaculate feathers, often feature in romantic stories and legends.
13: Cuckoo (কোকিল | Kokil)
The arrival of spring is heralded by the melodious songs of the cuckoo, bringing joy and a touch of nostalgia to the listeners.
14: Myna (শালিক | Shalik)
A common city dweller, the myna is friendly and vocal, enlivening urban environments with energetic calls.
15: Dove (ঘুঘু | Ghughu)
Embodying peace and calm, the dove’s soothing coos are a familiar and harmonious element of early morning soundscapes.
16: Vulture (শকুন | Shokun)
Despite their often misunderstood appearance, vultures are crucial to ecosystems, feeding on carrion and thus contributing to environmental cleanliness.
17: Quail (বটের | Boter)
Elusive and tiny, quails excel at concealing themselves in grasslands and are noted for their distinctive musical calls.
18: Falcon (বাজ | Baz)
Respected for their exceptional flying abilities, falcons are known for their speed and skill in capturing prey mid-air.
19: Heron (বক | Bok)
Elegant and stately, herons frequently stand motionless near water, patiently waiting to catch their prey with their long necks.
20: Penguin (পেঙ্গুইন | Penguin)
Adapted to colder regions, penguins may appear clumsy on land but are swift and graceful underwater swimmers.
21: Flamingo (ফ্লেমিংগো | Fleminggo)
Recognizable by their striking pink color and unique one-legged stance, flamingos are a captivating sight in marshy areas.
22: Canary (ক্যানারি | Canari)
Small and colorful, canaries are cherished for their melodic songs, making them popular as household pets.
23: Hummingbird (হামিংবার্ড | Humingbard)
Hummingbirds are enchanted with their rapid wing movements, hovering near flowers to sip nectar through their long beaks in a mesmerizing display.
24: Ostrich (উটপাখি | Utpakhi)
Originating from Africa, these flightless giants may not fly, but they showcase remarkable speed on land.
25: Hawk (বাজপাখি | Bazpakhi)
Hawks possess incredible vision and soar high, diving swiftly and accurately to capture their prey.
26: Magpie (দোয়েল | Doel)
With their striking color contrast, magpies are curious birds often seen collecting shiny objects.
27: Raven (রেভেন | Reven)
Larger than crows, ravens have deep, resonant calls and are commonly associated with wild, untamed landscapes.
28: Partridge (তিতির | Titir)
Robust and hearty, partridges fill the wilderness with melodic calls, predominantly heard in rural areas.
29: Pelican (পেলিকান | Pelikan)
Easily recognized by their large throat pouches, pelicans are adept fishermen, often seen scooping up fish from water bodies.
30: Finch (ফিঞ্চ | Finch)
Small and lively, finches bring joy to gardens with their cheerful chirping, adding vibrant sounds and colors to the natural chorus.
31: Kite (ঘুড়ি পাখি | Ghuri Pakhi)
Elegantly navigating the skies, kites are notable for their V-shaped tails, often seen silhouetted against city skylines.
32: Lark (লার্ক | Lark)
Famed for their high, spiraling flights, larks enchant with their melodious songs, inspiring poets and musicians alike.
33: Swift (সুইফট | Swift)
Swifts, known for their remarkable speed, spend most of their life in the air, often nesting high on city buildings.
34: Nightingale (রাতের পাখি | Rater Pakhi)
Steeped in legend, nightingales mesmerize with their nocturnal songs, adding musical beauty to many quiet nights.
35: Cockatoo (ককাটু | Kokatu)
Native to Australia, cockatoos are recognized for their vibrant crests and talent for mimicking diverse sounds.
36: Albatross (আলবাট্রস | Albatross)
Majestic rulers of the sea, albatrosses are admired for their wide wingspans that enable effortless glides over oceans.
37: Starling (ময়না | Moyna)
Starlings are known for their captivating group flight displays, moving in vast, synchronized formations in the sky.
38:Moorhen (মুরঘুটি | Murguti)
Inhabitants of water edges, moorhens are distinguished by their bright red bills and distinctive forehead shields.
39: Jackdaw (জ্যাকড | Jackd)
Members of the crow family, jackdaws have a notable silver-grey head and are known for their playful and social behavior.
40: Tern (টার্ন | Tarn)
Expert sea hunters, terns demonstrate efficient diving techniques, plunging headfirst to catch fish with precision.
41: Robin (রবিন | Robin)
With their bright orange breasts, Robins are associated with winter in many Western cultures and often appear on festive greeting cards.
42: Seagull (সামুদ্রিক পাখি | Samudrik Pakhi)
Easily recognized by their loud calls, seagulls are common along coastlines and have also adapted to urban environments.
43: Toucan (টুকান | Tukan)
With its large, colorful bill, the toucan is a vibrant presence in the rainforests of South America.
44: Pheasant (ফিজ্যান্ট | Fijant)
Pheasants are striking ground birds, known for their varied plumage, and have long been associated with hunting traditions.
45: Ibis (আইবিস | Aibis)
Respected since ancient Egypt, ibises use their curved beaks for foraging in wetlands and muddy areas.
46: Rook (রুক | Ruk)
Common around farmlands, rooks, identifiable by their bare faces, thrive in social groups.
47: Bunting (বান্টিং | Banting)
Small and melodious, buntings enchant with their colorful appearance, endearing themselves to bird enthusiasts.
48: Cormorant (কর্মোরান্ট | Kormorant)
Known for their distinct pose with wings outstretched, cormorants dive skillfully to catch fish from the depths.
49: Curlew (কার্লু | Karlu)
With their long, curved beaks, curlews elegantly forage in marshlands, adept at extracting prey from muddy soils.
50: Grouse (গ্রাউস | Graus)
Adapted to colder regions, grouses blend seamlessly into snow-covered terrains with their patterned plumage.
51: Chiffchaff (চিফচাফ | Chifchaaf)
Recognizable by their repetitive tunes, chiffchaffs flit through trees, filling the air with their melodic songs.
52: Goldfinch (গোল্ডফিঞ্চ | Goldfinch)
Brightening gardens with colorful plumage, goldfinches add harmonious melodies to the natural soundscape.
53: Barn Owl (বার্ন পেঁচা | Barn Pecha)
Often inhabiting old structures, barn owls captivate with their ghostly appearance and haunting calls.
54: Hoopoe (হুপু | Hupu)
Notable for their striking crests and patterned wings, hoopoes search the ground with long beaks for sustenance.
55: Osprey (ওস্প্রে | Ospree)
Magnificent raptors, ospreys dive into waters, catching fish precisely, recognized by their distinctive eye masks.
56: Chough (চাউ | Chau)
Bright black birds, choughs stand out with their vivid red bills and legs, often seen in rugged terrains.
57: Wheatear (হুইটইয়ার | Whitiaar)
Wheatears are known for their quick tail flicks, creating a visual akin to gentle waves on land.
58: House Sparrow (বাড়ির চড়াই | Barir Charai)
Ubiquitous in urban areas, house sparrows, with their familiar chirps, are an integral part of the human environment.
59: Bulbul (বুলবুল | Bulbul)
Primarily found in the East, bulbuls are celebrated for their melodic songs, inspiring various art forms.
60: Laughing Dove (হাসি পায়রা | Hashi Payra)
The continuous, chuckle-like coos of the laughing dove resonate peacefully during mornings and evenings.
61: Roller (রোলার | Rolar)
Perched high, rollers display a stunning blend of turquoise and brown, surveying their territories.
62: Wood Pigeon (বনের পায়রা | Boner Payra)
Robust wood pigeons, with their subtle iridescence, roam forests searching endlessly for fruits and seeds.
63: Avocet (অ্যাভোসেট | Avoset)
Sporting elegant black and white colors, avocets skillfully use their curved bills to sift through water for small prey.
64: Sandgrouse (বালুচর পাখি | Baluchar Pakhi)
Robust and adapted to desert environments, sandgrouse congregates at oases, uniquely using their feathers to absorb and transport water.
65: Pallid Swift (ফিকে সুইফট | Phike Swift)
Characterized by their crescent-shaped wings and lighter underparts, these birds prefer nesting in secluded spots, especially on cliff faces.
66: Common Grackle (সাধারণ গ্র্যাকল | Sadharan Gryakal)
With glossy, dark plumage, grackles stand out with their striking pale eyes, commonly seen foraging in open landscapes.
67: European Bee-Eater (ইউরোপীয় মৌমাছি খেকো | European Moumachi Kheko)
Vibrantly colored, these birds showcase aerial agility, skillfully hunting and consuming flying insects during flight.
68: Golden Oriole (সোনালী ওরিওল | Sonali Oriol)
Males, resplendent in yellow with contrasting black wings, are known for their musical calls, enhancing the natural soundscape.
69: Common Quail (সাধারণ বটের | Sadharan Boter)
Well camouflaged in grassy terrains, these stout birds emit distinctive calls that resonate throughout their habitats.
70: Stone-Curlew (পাথর বটের | Pathor Boter)
These birds possess large, mesmerizing yellow eyes and are active at night, their haunting calls echoing in the stillness.
71: White Stork (সাদা সারস | Sada Saras)
Tall and majestic, the white stork is recognized for its large nests in trees, long legs, and striking black wings against a white body.
72: Pied Kingfisher (দাগি মাছরাঙা | Dagi Machhranga)
Exhibiting striking black and white feathers, the pied kingfisher is adept at hovering over water before diving rapidly to snatch fish.
73: Common Crane (সাধারণ সারস | Sadharan Saras)
This tall, grey bird often flies in large groups, and its intricate dancing rituals are fascinating.
74: Secretary Bird (সেক্রেটারি পাখি | Sekretari Pakhi)
With its long legs and eagle-like appearance, this unique bird excels in hunting snakes, resembling a blend between a crane and an eagle.
75: Bearded Vulture (দাড়ি শকুন | Dari Shokun)
Distinct from other vultures, the bearded vulture prefers bones, featuring a unique appearance and playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
76: MacQueen’s Bustard (ম্যাককুইনের তিতির | Mackuiner Titir)
A large and impressive bird, MacQueen’s Bustard is admired for its aerial display dances, often performed to attract mates.
77: Eurasian Spoonbill (ইউরেশিয়ান চামচিকা | Eureshian Chamchika)
Featuring a distinctive spoon-shaped bill, this bird skillfully uses it to sift through water for fish, providing an intriguing sight.
78: Hooded Crow (হুডেড কাক | Huded Kak)
Primarily found in the Middle East, the hooded crow is notable for its grey hood, contrasting with its otherwise black body.
79: Pied Kingfisher (দাগি মাছরাঙা | Dagi Machhranga)
Recognizable by its sharp call, this kingfisher is an expert at diving into the water quickly and precisely, its black and white plumage making it distinct.
80: Rock Partridge (পাথরের তিতির | Pathorer Titir)
A beautifully marked bird with a red bill, the rock partridge is adept at camouflage, often blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
81: White-tailed Lapwing (সাদা লেজের ল্যাপউইং | Sada Lejer Lapwing)
This elegant bird, often seen flying over deserts, is recognized for its round wings and distinctive yellow legs.
82: Eurasian Collared Dove (ইউরোপীয় কলারযুক্ত পায়রা | Europeer Collar Jukto Payra)
Known for the rhythmic movement of its tail accompanying its soft calls, these doves are commonly observed in pairs.
83: African Palm Swift (আফ্রিকান পাম সুইফট | African Palm Swift)
A swift flyer, this bird weaves its way around palm trees and constructs its nests using palm leaves.
84: Yellow Wagtail (হলুদ ওয়াগটেইল | Holud Wagtail)
Vibrantly yellow, this bird is famous for its constant tail wagging, especially noticeable during the spring season.
85: Common Swift (সাধারণ সুইফট | Sadharan Swift)
With its sharply-pointed wings, this fast-flying bird is adept at catching insects mid-flight.
86: White-breasted Kingfisher (সাদা বুকের মাছরাঙা | Sada Buker Machhranga)
Featuring a blue upper body and white underbelly, this kingfisher is often found near water bodies in forests.
87: Eurasian Skylark (ইউরোপীয় স্কাইলার্ক | Europeer Skylark)
Famed for its singing ability, this bird soars high in the sky while delivering beautiful melodies.
88: Common Wood Pigeon (সাধারণ কাঠের পায়রা | Sadharan Kather Payra)
This grey pigeon, adorned with white markings on its neck, is known for its deep, resonant voice echoing through forests.
89: European Bee-eater (ইউরোপীয় মৌচোর | Europeer Mouchor)
A stunningly golden bird, it excels in aerial grace and is often seen hunting insects in flight.
90: Little Grebe (ছোট গ্রিব | Choto Greeb)
A small aquatic bird known for its surprising dives, often reemerging unexpectedly at different locations on the water’s surface.
91: Southern Masked Weaver (দক্ষিণী মুখোশধারী তাঁতি | Dakkhini Mukhoshdhari Tanti)
Adorned with a vivid yellow neck and a dark facial mask, males exhibit their nesting prowess, weaving intricate nests over water bodies.
92: Eurasian Crag Martin (ইউরেশিয়ান পাহাড়ি মার্টিন | Eureshian Pahari Martin)
Fond of cliffs, this bird, with its brownish-grey plumage, is notable for its unique nests and uplifting song that livens its rocky habitat.
93: Greater Hoopoe Lark (বড় হুপু লার্ক | Bor Hupu Lark)
Well-suited for desert environments, this bird showcases a striking combination of black, white, and brown feathers, complete with a distinctive crest.
94: Cinereous Bunting (ছাই-রঙা বান্টিং | Chai-ronga Banting)
Commonly perched on poles, this bird enchants with its sweet song, its brown plumage accented by pale markings on the face.
95: Shining Sunbird (উজ্জ্বল সানবার্ড | Ujjwal Sanbard)
The male sparkles with a purple chest, swiftly moving among flowers and playing a crucial role in pollination.
96: Red-billed Chough (লাল-ঠোঁট চো | Lal-Thot Cho)
With its glossy dark plumage, this bird stands out for its red bill and feet, and it prefers coastal and mountainous regions.
97: Purple Sunbird (বেগুনি সানবার্ড | Beguni Sanbard)
Males display dazzling purple and green plumage, energetically flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar.
98: Yellow-vented Bulbul (হলুদ-বাতাসিত বুলবুল | Holud-Batashit Bulbul)
Recognizable by its yellow tail, this cheerful bird has become a familiar sight even in urban areas.
99: Spur-winged Lapwing (কাঁটাযুক্ত ডানার ল্যাপউইং | Kantajukto Danar Lapwing)
This bird features distinctive facial patterns and emits a unique rattling sound with its wings during flight.
100: Common Kingfisher (সাধারণ মাছরাঙা | Sadharan Machhranga)
Vibrant and striking, this adept diver plunges into water bodies with remarkable skill to catch fish.
How To Say Bird In Bengali
In Bengali, the word for ‘bird’ is “পাখি” (Pakhi).
Cultural and Literary Significance of Birds in Bengali
The term “পাখি” (Pakhi) encompasses a wide variety of bird species, each holding significant cultural, literary, and historical meanings within the Bengali-speaking community. Birds often symbolize freedom, elegance, and wisdom in Bengali culture.
Bengali Proverbs Involving Birds
- পাখির গান শুনে নিজের বাসা চিনে নেয়” (Pakhir gaan shune nijer basa chine ney) – This proverb, meaning “A bird can recognize its nest by its song,” emphasizes the importance of roots and identity.
- “আকাশে উড়ে যাওয়া পাখি মহাকাশের প্রস্থ বোঝে” (Akashe ure jawa pakhi mohakash-er prosth bojhe) – This translates to “The bird that flies in the sky knows the vastness of the heavens,” highlighting the value of firsthand experience.
Birds of Prey in Bengali Traditions
In Bengali traditions, raptors such as eagles, hawks, and falcons are revered for their strength and courage. Additionally, Bengali names reflect their majestic and robust nature.
Melodic Birds in Bengali Poetry
Birds like koels, mynahs, and larks, known for their melodious songs, often symbolize love and passion in Bengali poetry. Their names in Bengali capture this essence of musicality.
Bengali Idioms Featuring Birds
The Bengali language is rich with idioms and phrases that incorporate bird names, reflecting the region’s deep cultural and linguistic nuances.
Native Birds of West Bengal and Bangladesh
Typical birds native to the diverse landscapes of West Bengal and Bangladesh, such as the Indian peafowl, Grey hornbill, and Brahminy kite, represent the local avifauna.
Mystical Birds of Bengali Folktales
Bengali folklore is replete with stories about mythical birds, such as Garuda, an eagle associated with Lord Vishnu, weaving enchanting tales and myths.
Bird Symbolism in Ancient Bengali Dynasties
In ancient Bengali kingdoms, birds held significant symbolic importance, serving as emblems and representing various meanings and messages.
Conclusion
From the sweet melodies of the কোয়েল (Koel) to the majestic flight of the eagle, the realm of birds is deeply embedded in Bengali culture, language, and traditions. The idioms, proverbs, and folklore featuring these birds offer a glimpse into the natural beauty of West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Moreover, they highlight the deep connection of the Bengali-speaking community with these winged wonders. Birds are emblematic of Bengali heritage, serving as symbols of freedom, messengers of romantic stories, or bearers of cultural tales. They stand as a powerful reminder that, though nature and culture may be distinct, they are inextricably linked in a harmonious relationship.
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