France is home to 108 unique bird species, each with its own role in the country’s rich ecosystem. From the secretive owls hidden in the forests to the large, flightless ostriches in reserves, these birds show the variety of France’s wildlife habitats. Each species has adapted to its own environmental niche. By learning about these birds, we gain insight into the ecological balance and conservation challenges in these areas. Let’s learn the names of these beautiful French bird species.
Common and Exotic French Birds
Very Common Birds
When you explore the birds of France, you’ll find a mix of common and unique ones. The pigeon is everywhere, easily spotted in city squares and parks. They fit right into city life. Then there’s the owl, known locally as ‘chouette’. Owls are fascinating because they’re active at night and have eerie calls. These birds, along with sparrows (‘moineau’) and chaffinches (‘pinson des arbres’), are key to the country’s natural diversity. They make France a great spot for birdwatching.
French Name | English Translation |
Merle noir | Blackbird |
Rouge-gorge | Robin |
Moineau domestique | House Sparrow |
Hirondelle | Swallow |
Pigeon ramier | Wood Pigeon |
Canard colvert | Mallard Duck |
Pie bavarde | Magpie |
Tourterelle turque | Eurasian Collared Dove |
Corbeau | Crow |
Grive musicienne | Song Thrush |
Étourneau sansonnet | Starling |
Chouette hulotte | Tawny Owl |
Alouette des champs | Skylark |
Faucon crécerelle | Kestrel |
Pic vert | Green Woodpecker |
Geai des chênes | Eurasian Jay |
Chardonneret élégant | Goldfinch |
Fauvette à tête noire | Blackcap |
Bergeronnette grise | Grey Wagtail |
Pinson des arbres | Chaffinch |
Bouvreuil pivoine | Bullfinch |
Grèbe huppé | Great Crested Grebe |
Héron cendré | Grey Heron |
Pouillot véloce | Willow Warbler |
Mésange charbonnière | Great Tit |
Mésange bleue | Blue Tit |
Cygne tuberculé | Mute Swan |
Héron garde-bœufs | Cattle Egret |
Huppe fasciée | Hoopoe |
Aigrette garzette | Little Egret |
Bécasse des bois | Woodcock |
Also Read: Months Of The Year In French
Migratory Birds
Migratory birds like the Arctic Tern, Swallow, and Blackcap are amazing navigators, flying from one end of the world to the other every year. These birds stop in France during their long trips, traveling between Europe and Africa, needing places to rest and eat. France’s wetlands are crucial for their survival and breeding. People in France work hard to protect these areas and the birds’ migration routes. Understanding bird migration shows us the wonders of nature and reminds us why we need to work together to protect our environment.
French Name | English Translation |
Hirondelle rustique | Barn Swallow |
Cygne chanteur | Whooper Swan |
Barge à queue noire | Black-tailed Godwit |
Cigogne blanche | White Stork |
Fauvette grisette | Whitethroat |
Sterne pierregarin | Common Tern |
Pipit farlouse | Meadow Pipit |
Tarin des aulnes | Siskin |
Courlis cendré | Eurasian Curlew |
Sterne arctique | Arctic Tern |
Cochevis huppé | Crested Lark |
Bécasseau variable | Dunlin |
Pluvier argenté | Grey Plover |
Grand cormoran | Great Cormorant |
Milan noir | Black Kite |
Bondrée apivore | Honey Buzzard |
Grue cendrée | Common Crane |
Loriot d’Europe | Golden Oriole |
Tournepierre à collier | Ruddy Turnstone |
Pigeon colombin | Stock Dove |
Bruant des roseaux | Reed Bunting |
Gobemouche noir | Pied Flycatcher |
Bouscarle de Cetti | Cetti’s Warbler |
Hypolaïs polyglotte | Melodious Warbler |
Fauvette passerinette | Subalpine Warbler |
Traquet motteux | Northern Wheatear |
Rousserolle effarvatte | Eurasian Reed Warbler |
Chevalier aboyeur | Greenshank |
Échasse blanche | Black-winged Stilt |
Ganga cata | Pin-tailed Sandgrouse |
Tarier pâtre | European Stonechat |
Wild/Exotic Birds
Among the exotic birds, the colorful Bee-eaters stand out. Their bright feathers light up the French countryside in the summer. Then there’s the Golden Orioles, mysterious with their yellow and black feathers, hiding in the treetops. Also, in southern France’s Camargue region, you’ll find the Greater Flamingo. These birds gather in large groups, creating a beautiful scene against the salty waters. Each type of bird makes France a great spot for those who love watching birds and enjoying nature.
French Name | English Translation |
Flamant rose | Greater Flamingo |
Ibis sacré | Sacred Ibis |
Aigle royal | Golden Eagle |
Spatule blanche | Eurasian Spoonbill |
Perruche à collier | Rose-ringed Parakeet |
Avocette élégante | Pied Avocet |
Circaète Jean-le-Blanc | Short-toed Snake Eagle |
Faucon pèlerin | Peregrine Falcon |
Outarde canepetière | Little Bustard |
Grande aigrette | Great Egret |
Milan royal | Red Kite |
Faucon crécerellette | Lesser Kestrel |
Bihoreau gris | Black-crowned Night Heron |
Oedicnème criard | Stone-curlew |
Moineau espagnol | Spanish Sparrow |
Merle bleu | Blue Rock Thrush |
Pic épeiche | Great Spotted Woodpecker |
Tadorne de Belon | Common Shelduck |
Rollier d’Europe | European Roller |
Panure à moustaches | Bearded Reedling |
Traquet deuil | Mourning Wheatear |
Bécasseau minute | Little Stint |
Gypaète barbu | Bearded Vulture |
Aigle de Bonelli | Bonelli’s Eagle |
Sterne caspienne | Caspian Tern |
Pic noir | Black Woodpecker |
Faucon kobez | Red-footed Falcon |
Butor étoilé | Eurasian Bittern |
Circaète de Madagascar | Madagascar Serpent Eagle |
Chouette effraie | Barn Owl |
Milan des marais | Marsh Harrier |
Perroquet de mer | Puffin |
Also Read: Months Of The Year In French
Flightless Birds
France is home to some fascinating flightless birds, including the ostrich and emu. Though neither species is native to France, they’ve become a common sight in specialized farms and zoos. Originally from Africa, ostriches have adapted well to the French environment. This adaptation offers birdwatchers a unique opportunity to see these giant birds up close. Similarly, emus, native to Australia, thrive in French captivity. These birds aren’t just interesting to look at; they also play a significant role in local conservation efforts.
French Name | English Translation |
Manchot empereur | Emperor Penguin |
Manchot royal | King Penguin |
Manchot papou | Gentoo Penguin |
Manchot Adélie | Adélie Penguin |
Casoar à casque | Southern Cassowary |
Autruche d’Afrique | Common Ostrich |
Kiwi austral | Southern Brown Kiwi |
Émeu d’Australie | Emu |
Manchot de Magellan | Magellanic Penguin |
Manchot de Humboldt | Humboldt Penguin |
Manchot de Snares | Snares Penguin |
Manchot antipode | Fiordland Penguin |
Manchot à jugulaire | Chinstrap Penguin |
Manchot sauteur | Rockhopper Penguin |
Manchot à œil jaune | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
Manchot pygmée | Little Penguin |
Manchot à nageoires blanches | White-flippered Penguin |
Casoar unicorne | Dwarf Cassowary |
Manchot royal de Macquarie | Royal Penguin |
Manchot pygmée de Nouvelle-Zélande | New Zealand Little Penguin |
Manchot à dos blanc | White-backed Penguin |
Manchot de Galápagos | Galápagos Penguin |
Manchot des îles Malouines | Falkland Islands Penguin |
Manchot de l’Antarctique | Antarctic Penguin |
Manchot aux yeux bleus | Blue-eyed Penguin |
Manchot à pieds noirs | Black-footed Penguin |
Manchot de l’Île de la Déception | Deception Island Penguin |
Manchot de l’Île Bouvet | Bouvet Island Penguin |
Manchot à front d’or | Gold-fronted Penguin |
Manchot d’Amsterdam | Amsterdam Penguin |
Manchot à plumes courtes | Short-feathered Penguin |
Manchot de Gough | Gough Island Penguin |
Conclusion
In short, France is home to a rich variety of birds, with 108 different species recorded. This includes everything from mysterious owls to the unusual, flightless ostriches. This variety shows just how rich France’s natural environment is. We must keep up our conservation efforts. Why? Because they help keep these habitats vibrant and alive, ensuring that future generations will have the chance to see and learn from these amazing birds just like we do. Keep visiting the Translation Blog to learn more in French.