Looking for birds that start with Q?
While there are not many bird species that begin with this letter, those that do have unique features and fascinating behaviors.
In this article, we will explore some of the bird species that begin with the letter “Q” and learn more about their characteristics and behaviors.
8 Birds That Start With Q
Here’s a list of all of the birds that start with the letter Q.
1: The Quetzal
The Quetzal is a stunning bird found in the tropical rainforests of Central America.
It is known for its colorful plumage, with metallic green feathers on its back, bright red feathers on its belly, and a long, vibrant blue-green tail.
The Quetzal is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) in length and weighing 4-6 ounces (113-170 g).
The Quetzal is considered to be a symbol of freedom and beauty in many Central American cultures, and has been revered for centuries by the Maya and Aztec peoples.
It is a territorial bird that prefers to live in the canopy of tall trees in the cloud forests.
The Quetzal feeds mainly on fruit, although it will occasionally eat insects and small animals.
The breeding season for Quetzals typically occurs in March through June, with the male performing elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate.
Females lay a clutch of two to four eggs, which they incubate for about 18 days.
The chicks fledge after about 3-4 weeks, and both parents care for them until they become independent.
While the Quetzal is considered to be a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment remains a significant threat to their populations.
2: Quail-Plover
The Quail-Plover (Ortyxelos meiffrenii) is a small bird species found in the deserts and arid regions of northern Africa and the Middle East.
It has a distinctively round body, with a short tail, long legs, and a small head with a short, straight bill.
The Quail-Plover is well-camouflaged, with sandy-brown and gray plumage that blends in with its desert surroundings.
It feeds on insects and small invertebrates, and is known for its unique habit of eating the bones of its prey.
The Quail-Plover is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List.
3: Quail-thrush
The Quail-thrush (Cinclosoma spp.) is a group of small to medium-sized birds found in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
They have a compact, plump body with short wings and tail, and are typically colored in shades of brown, gray, and black.
The Quail-thrush is known for its distinctive habit of bobbing its tail up and down while foraging on the ground.
It feeds mainly on insects, seeds, and small invertebrates.
The different species within the Quail-thrush group have varying conservation statuses, with some being listed as vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation
4: Quaker Pigeon
The Quaker Pigeon (Mytiliparus crassirostris) is a small species of pigeon found in the mountain forests of New Guinea.
It has a dark gray head and neck, with a distinctive white stripe on its forehead and a reddish-brown breast.
The wings are dark brown with white markings, and the tail is black.
The Quaker Pigeon feeds mainly on fruits and berries, and is known for its strong, rapid flight.
This species is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, due to habitat loss and degradation caused by logging and agriculture.
5: Quailfinch
The Quailfinch (Ortygospiza atricollis) is a small bird species found in the grasslands and savannas of Africa.
It has a compact, rounded body with short wings and tail, and is colored in shades of brown and gray, with a distinctive black collar around the neck.
The Quailfinch is known for its habit of running and hopping on the ground, rather than flying.
It feeds mainly on seeds and small insects.
The Quailfinch is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List.
6: Quail Dove
The Quail Dove is a bird species found in tropical forests and woodlands in parts of Central and South America, as well as some Caribbean islands.
They are small to medium-sized birds, typically measuring around 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) in length, and have a plump body with a short tail and wings.
Their plumage is typically brown or gray, with white or buff-colored markings on the head, wings, and body.
They are known for their distinctive, melodic cooing calls, which are often heard in the early morning and late afternoon.
The Quail Dove feeds mainly on seeds and fruits, and is typically seen foraging on the ground or in low vegetation.
Some species of Quail Dove are listed as vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
7: Queen Carola’s Parotia
Queen Carola’s Parotia (Parotia carolae) is a species of bird-of-paradise found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
The male has black plumage with iridescent green and blue throat feathers, and a striking fan of iridescent orange feathers on its chest.
The bird has a unique courtship display in which it spreads its wings and raises its iridescent breast feathers to form a shape resembling a “smiley face”.
The female is less striking, with brownish-black feathers and a smaller head crest.
Queen Carola’s Parotia feeds on fruit and insects, and is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN due to habitat loss and hunting.
8: Quinalt Sharp-tailed Sparrow
The Quinalt Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus quinaultensis) is a small bird species found only in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
It has brownish-gray plumage with darker streaks on the back and wings, and a distinctive white eye ring.
The bird has a sharp, pointed tail, which gives it its name.
The Quinalt Sharp-tailed Sparrow feeds mainly on insects and small invertebrates, and is typically found in marshy or wetland habitats, such as salt marshes or tidal estuaries.
This species is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities.
FAQs
What bird is from the letter Q?
There are several bird species that begin with the letter “Q”, including the Quetzal, Quail, Quail-dove, Quail-finch, Quail-plover, Quailhawk (not a valid species), Quality Frogmouth (not a valid species), Quaker Pigeon, Quailfinch, and Quinalt Sharp-tailed Sparrow.
What is a colorful bird starting with Q?
The Quetzal is a colorful bird species that begins with the letter “Q”. It is found in the tropical rainforests of Central America and is known for its striking and vibrant plumage, with metallic green feathers on its back, bright red feathers on its belly, and a long, vibrant blue-green tail.
The Quetzal is considered to be a symbol of freedom and beauty in many Central American cultures, and has been revered for centuries by the Maya and Aztec peoples.
What animal starts with letter Q?
One animal that starts with the letter “Q” is the Quokka. The Quokka is a small marsupial found in southwestern Australia.
It is known for its friendly and curious nature, and has become famous for its cute and photogenic appearance.
The Quokka is a herbivore, feeding mainly on leaves, grasses, and bark, and is an important part of the ecosystem in its native habitat.
