Birds that start with “V” include the Vulture, Vireo, and Velvet Asity, each unique in their habitats and behaviors.
From vibrant songbirds to majestic raptors, birds that start with V showcase nature’s incredible diversity. This guide explores 15 remarkable avian species beginning with the letter V, revealing their unique adaptations, behaviors, and habitats.
1. Vulture
Vultures are nature’s cleanup crew with 23 species worldwide. These large raptors play a crucial ecological role by consuming carrion.
Key Vulture Species
- Turkey Vulture: Recognizable by red head and excellent sense of smell
- Andean Condor: One of the world’s largest flying birds with 10-foot wingspan
- Egyptian Vulture: Uses tools to break eggs and has striking yellow face
Vultures have bald heads to prevent feather contamination when feeding. Their stomach acid is exceptionally strong to kill dangerous bacteria.
2. Verdin
The Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) is a tiny songbird of southwestern U.S. deserts. This active yellow-headed bird builds intricate spherical nests from twigs.
Unlike most songbirds, Verdins maintain territories year-round. They supplement their insect diet with nectar from desert flowers.
3. Veery
The Veery (Catharus fuscescens) is a forest thrush with a magical, flute-like song. These migratory birds breed in northern forests and winter in South America.
Their spiral-shaped song results from a unique syrinx structure allowing two-voice production. Veeries are skilled at finding and eating snails.
4. Violet-green Swallow
These aerial acrobats (Tachycineta thalassina) dazzle with iridescent violet and green plumage. They nest in tree cavities across western North America.
Violet-green Swallows form large migratory flocks and can drink while flying by skimming water surfaces.
5. Variable Sunbird
African sunbirds (Cinnyris venustus) are nectar specialists with curved bills. Males display spectacular iridescent colors that change with viewing angle.
Their brush-tipped tongues efficiently collect nectar. They play a key pollination role similar to hummingbirds in the Americas.
6. Velvet Asity
Endemic to Madagascar, the Velvet Asity (Philepitta castanea) is a rainforest specialist. Males develop bright green eye-rings during breeding season.
These unusual birds build hanging nests and primarily eat fruit. Their classification has puzzled ornithologists for decades.
7. Vermilion Flycatcher
This striking bird (Pyrocephalus obscurus) adds fiery color to desert habitats. Males perform dramatic aerial displays to attract mates.
Despite their bright plumage, they’re skilled insect hunters. Populations extend from the southwestern U.S. to Argentina.
8. Virginia Rail
A secretive marsh bird (Rallus limicola), the Virginia Rail has a long bill perfect for probing mud. Their laterally compressed bodies help them slip through dense reeds.
They produce a remarkable variety of calls, including pig-like grunts and machine-gun-like kek-kek-kek sounds.
9. Violet-crowned Hummingbird
This Mexican species (Amazilia violiceps) occasionally visits the southwestern U.S. The brilliant violet crown contrasts with white underparts.
Like all hummingbirds, they have incredible flight abilities including hovering and flying backwards. Their wings beat about 50 times per second.
10. Vulturine Guineafowl
The largest guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum) resembles a vulture with its bare head and neck. Native to Africa, they sport spectacular blue and white plumage.
These social birds form flocks of 20-50 individuals. Unlike other guineafowl, they rarely perch in trees.
11. Violet-backed Starling
Also called the Plum-colored Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), this African species shows extreme sexual dimorphism. Males glow violet while females are brown-streaked.
They’re important seed dispersers and often nest in abandoned woodpecker holes. Large flocks create dazzling aerial displays.
12. Varied Bunting
This colorful songbird (Passerina versicolor) inhabits brushy areas of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Males combine red, purple and blue in stunning patterns.
Their complex songs include trills and buzzes. They’re closely related to painted buntings and indigo buntings.
13. Vanuatu Petrel
This rare seabird (Pterodroma occulta) breeds only on Vanuatu islands. They spend most of their life soaring over open ocean.
Petrels have specialized salt glands to excrete excess salt from seawater. They return to land only to breed in burrows.
14. Venezuelan Flowerpiercer
Specialized high-altitude birds (Diglossa venezuelensis) that “steal” nectar by piercing flower bases. Their hooked upper mandible helps access nectar without pollinating.
Found only in Venezuela’s Andes mountains, they’re important members of páramo ecosystems.
15. Visayan Hornbill
Critically endangered Philippine species (Penelopides panini) with a distinctive casque on its bill. Deforestation has reduced their population to just a few hundred.
Hornbills have unique nesting habits where females seal themselves in tree cavities during incubation.
Birdwatching Tips for V Birds
Spotting these species requires different approaches:
| Bird Type | Best Viewing Method | Recommended Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Vultures | Scan skies in open areas | Long-range binoculars |
| Small songbirds | Listen for calls in habitat | Compact binoculars |
| Waterbirds | Dawn/dusk at wetlands | Waterproof optics |
For hummingbirds like the Violet-crowned, specialized feeders with sugar water can attract them. The Audubon Society recommends using a 4:1 water to sugar ratio.
When observing sensitive species like the Visayan Hornbill, follow ethical guidelines from organizations like the BirdLife International to minimize disturbance.
