Take a fun trip through the wonderful world of birds that start with the letter “G”!

From the graceful Great Blue Heron to the vibrant Gouldian Finch, these feathered marvels showcase incredible diversity across continents and ecosystems.

Did you know that birds are the only living creatures with feathers, a unique adaptation that evolved from reptilian scales over 150 million years ago?

Know more about beautiful “G” birds through detailed profiles featuring their appearances, natural habitats, scientific classifications, feeding behaviors, and distinctive vocalizations.

If you’re a dedicated bird-watcher, wildlife photographer, or simply curious about avian life, uncover surprising facts about these remarkable species. Perfect for expanding your birding knowledge!

Common Birds with “G”

1. Goose

Geese are large, heavy-bodied waterfowl with long necks, broad wings, and webbed feet. They usually have gray, white, or black plumage and are known for their migratory behavior and loud honking calls.

• Region of Habitat: Common across North America, Europe, and Asia, especially in wetlands, lakes, and grasslands.
• Scientific Name:Anser (genus, includes multiple species such as Anser anser)
• Feeding Habits: Primarily grazers, feeding on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants; occasionally forage for insects or small invertebrates.
• What Sound They Make: Loud honks and clucks, used to communicate during flight, warn of threats, or stay connected with the flock.

Fun Fact:
Geese form lifelong monogamous pairs and are fiercely protective of their mates and goslings. During migration, they fly in a V-formation to conserve energy and maintain visual contact.

2. Goldfinch

Goldfinches are small, bright yellow songbirds with black-and-white wings and a cheerful chirping song. Males have more vivid plumage, especially in breeding season.

• Region of Habitat: Found across North America and Europe in meadows, gardens, and woodland edges.
• Scientific Name:Spinus tristis (American), Carduelis carduelis (European)
• Feeding Habits: They feed mostly on seeds from thistles, sunflowers, and dandelions and also consume insects during the breeding season.
• What Sound They Make: A high-pitched, tinkling song often given in flight, plus warbling calls and twitters.

Fun Fact:
Goldfinches molt their feathers twice a year, changing to a duller brown color in winter. They are one of the few birds that feed their chicks a vegetarian diet of regurgitated seeds.

3. Gadwall

The Gadwall is a medium-sized dabbling duck with understated plumage—males are gray with a black rear, while females resemble female mallards.

• Region of Habitat: Widely found in wetlands across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, especially in marshes and ponds.
• Scientific Name:Mareca strepera
• Feeding Habits: It feeds on aquatic vegetation by dabbling on the surface or grazing on land, occasionally consuming insects and crustaceans.
• What Sound They Make: Males produce a short, reedy “rattling” whistle, while females emit a series of quacks.

Fun Fact:
Despite their plain appearance, Gadwalls are among the most aggressive dabbling ducks when it comes to defending feeding areas. They’re also known to steal food from diving ducks.

4. Gannet

Gannets are large seabirds with white plumage, black wingtips, and long pointed beaks. They are expert divers, plunging into the sea at high speeds to catch fish.

• Region of Habitat: North Atlantic coasts, particularly around Canada, Northern Europe, and the British Isles; breed on rocky islands.
• Scientific Name:Morus bassanus
• Feeding Habits: Plunges from great heights to catch fish and squid beneath the water surface.
• What Sound They Make: Harsh, guttural calls used in colonies to communicate and defend territory.

Fun Fact:
Gannets can dive from heights of 100 feet, hitting the water at speeds up to 60 mph. Their bodies are adapted to withstand the impact thanks to air sacs in their face and chest.

5. Gila Woodpecker

Gila Woodpeckers are medium-sized birds with barred black-and-white wings, a tan body, and a red cap on males. They are energetic and often seen climbing tree trunks or cactus stems.

• Region of Habitat: Southwestern United States and Mexico, especially desert areas like the Sonoran Desert.
• Scientific Name:Melanerpes uropygialis
• Feeding Habits: They feed on insects, fruits, seeds, and occasionally small lizards or bird eggs; they forage by pecking into wood or cactus.
• What Sound They Make: Loud, repetitive “churrr” calls and drumming on wood or metal to communicate or mark territory.

Fun Fact:
Gila Woodpeckers often nest in holes they drill into saguaro cacti. These abandoned holes are later used by other desert animals, such as owls and snakes.

6. Golden Eagle

The golden eagle is one of the largest and fastest raptors. It has dark brown feathers and a golden sheen on the back of its head and neck.

• Region of Habitat: Found across the Northern Hemisphere in mountains, cliffs, and open plains.

• Scientific Name:Aquila chrysaetos

• Feeding Habits: Predatory; feeds on mammals like rabbits and squirrels, and occasionally birds or carrion; hunts with speed and precision.

• What Sound They Make: High-pitched whistles, especially from young or during nesting season. Adults are typically quiet.

Fun Fact:
Golden Eagles can reach speeds over 150 mph when diving for prey. Their incredible vision allows them to spot a rabbit from over a mile away.

7. Gray Jay

Also known as the Canada Jay, this fluffy, gray, and white bird is clever and curious. It often approaches humans for food.

• Region of Habitat: Boreal forests across Canada and the northern United States.
• Scientific Name:Perisoreus canadensis
• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats berries, insects, small animals, and scavenged food; stores food in bark for winter.
• What Sound They Make: Soft “whispery” whistles, chuckles, and clicks used for social communication.

Fun Fact:
Gray Jays are known to cache thousands of food items in the fall, remembering their locations even after months under snow. Due to their boldness, they’re sometimes called “camp robbers.”

8. Grouse

Grouse are medium—to large-game birds with mottled brown feathers and feathered legs. Males are known for their dramatic courtship displays.

• Region of Habitat: Found in temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly forests and moorlands.
• Scientific Name: Family Tetraoninae, includes species like Tetrao urogallus (Capercaillie)
• Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; feed on buds, berries, leaves, and shoots depending on the season.
• What Sound They Make: Thumping or drumming sounds during mating displays, and clucks or cackles during flight.

Fun Fact:
Some species of grouse survive harsh winters by burrowing under snow. Male grouse can inflate air sacs in their throats to make booming sounds to attract females.

9. Grackle

Grackles are medium-sized blackbirds with iridescent blue-black feathers and piercing yellow eyes. Males are larger and glossier than females.

• Region of Habitat: Common in North and Central America in urban parks, fields, wetlands, and agricultural areas.
• Scientific Name:Quiscalus quiscula (Common Grackle)
• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats grains, seeds, insects, small fish, and even garbage; often forages in large flocks.
• What Sound They Make: Loud, squeaky, and metallic calls, often described as harsh or robotic.

Fun Fact:
Grackles are notorious for stealing food and bullying other birds at feeders. Their unique eye structure helps them see underwater when foraging for prey.

10. Glossy Ibis

The Glossy Ibis is a slender wading bird with dark, iridescent plumage that shines green and purple in sunlight and a long, curved bill.

• Region of Habitat: Found in warm wetlands across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• Scientific Name:Plegadis falcinellus
• Feeding Habits: Probes mud with its bill for insects, crustaceans, and small fish in shallow waters.
• What Sound They Make: They make low grunts and croaks, mainly during the breeding season or in flight.

Fun Fact:
The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species in the world. Its ancient Egyptian name, “Thoth,” was linked with wisdom and writing.

11. Golden Oriole

Golden Orioles are striking yellow-and-black songbirds. Males have bright yellow bodies and black wings, while females are duller and greenish-yellow.

• Region of Habitat: Europe and western Asia; migrate to central and southern Africa for the winter.
• Scientific Name:Oriolus oriolus
• Feeding Habits: Feed on insects, fruits, and nectar; often forage in the tree canopy.
• What Sound They Make: Melodic, flute-like whistles and alarm calls that sound like “wee-ooo.”

Fun Fact:
Golden Orioles are masters of camouflage despite their bright plumage. They’re elusive in the wild and are often heard more than seen.

12. Gambel’s Quail

Gambel’s Quail are plump, ground-dwelling birds with a teardrop-shaped crest and scaled feather patterns on their belly.

• Region of Habitat: Southwestern United States and northern Mexico, especially deserts, scrublands, and arid plains.
• Scientific Name:Callipepla gambelii
• Feeding Habits: They forage on the ground for seeds, fruits, and insects; they rarely fly, preferring to run from danger.
• What Sound They Make: Distinctive “chi-ca-go” call used for communication and alarm.

Fun Fact:
Gambel’s Quail live in coveys and are highly social. Males perform courtship displays by puffing their chests and calling frequently.

13. Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized songbird with slate-gray feathers, a black cap, and a rusty patch under the tail.

• Region of Habitat: Found in North and Central America in dense shrubs, woodlands, and gardens.
• Scientific Name:Dumetella carolinensis
• Feeding Habits: Eats insects, berries, and fruits; gleans food from foliage or the ground.
• What Sound They Make: A mewing call resembling a cat, along with a complex, melodic song of mimicry.

Fun Fact:
Gray Catbirds can mimic other birds and even mechanical sounds. They often sing for long stretches without repeating a phrase.

14. Gray Hawk

The Gray Hawk is a small, elegant raptor with pale gray plumage and bold black-and-white tail bands.

• Region of Habitat: Southwestern U.S. through Central America; prefers woodlands and river valleys.
• Scientific Name:Buteo plagiatus
• Feeding Habits: Hunts from perches for reptiles, especially lizards, as well as small mammals and birds.
• What Sound They Make: High-pitched whistled “keeeer” used during flight or while nesting.

Fun Fact:
Gray Hawks are highly territorial during breeding season and often return to the same nesting site year after year.

15. Goshawk

The Goshawk is a powerful, medium-large hawk with a bold white eyebrow stripe, gray barring, and strong talons for hunting.

• Region of Habitat: Found across North America, Europe, and Asia in dense forests and mountain ranges.
• Scientific Name:Accipiter gentilis
• Feeding Habits: It feeds on birds and mammals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and grouse, and it uses surprise attacks from cover.
• What Sound They Make: Repetitive “kak-kak-kak” alarm calls and whistles, especially during nesting season.

Fun Fact:
Goshawks were historically used in falconry for their fierce hunting ability. Their name means “goose hawk,” reflecting their strength in capturing large prey.

More animals with “G”

16. Green Heron

17. Green Jay

18. Golden Pheasant

19. Green Woodpecker

20. Glaucous Gull

21. Glaucous-winged Gull

22. Galah

23. Garden Warbler

24. Grasshopper Buzzard

25. Greenfinch

26. Golden-crowned Kinglet

27. Green Bee-eater

28. Glossy Starling

29. Goldie’s Lorikeet

30. Gray Partridge

31. Gray Wagtail

32. Green Kingfisher

33. Gray Heron

34. Gnatcatcher

35. Galápagos Penguin

36. Golden-crowned Sparrow

37. Gray Flycatcher

38. Gray Goshawk

39. Green Parakeet

40. Golden-cheeked Warbler

41. Gray-cheeked Thrush

42. Green Pigeon

43. Green Honeycreeper

44. Gouldian Finch

45. Galápagos Hawk

46. Golden-winged Warbler

47. Gray Kingbird

48. Glossy Swiftlet

49. Giant Petrel

50. Giant Hummingbird

51. Golden Tanager

52. Green Tinkerbird

53. Golden Swallow

54. Green Broadbill

55. Gray-crowned Rosy Finch

56. Golden Masked Owl

57. Goliath Heron

58. Green Wood Hoopoe

59. Golden-collared Macaw

60. Golden Vireo

61. Gray Shrike

62. Green-backed Camaroptera

63. Green-tailed Towhee

64. Golden Weaver

65. Gray Tit

66. Green Oriole

67. Golden-fronted Woodpecker

68. Golden Bush Robin

69. Gray-cheeked Fulvetta

70. Green Mango

71. Gold-and-white Tanager

72. Gartered Trogon

73. Golden Pipit

74. Golden Whistler

75. Green Parrotlet

76. Green Catbird

77. Golden Finch

78. Green Cochoa

79. Golden Nightjar

80. Grassland Sparrow

81. Giant Coua

82. Gray-capped Flycatcher

83. Golden Shrike

84. Green Shrike Vireo

85. Glittering-bellied Emerald

86. Greenlet

87. Green-barred Woodpecker

88. Green-backed Firecrown

89. Gray Vireo

90. Golden-bellied Gerygone

91. Green-breasted Mango

92. Golden-breasted Starling

93. Gould’s Sunbird

94. Grayish Saltator

95. Gray Petrel

96. Golden Robin

97. Golden Mynah

98. Green-rumped Parrotlet

99. Gray-crowned Crane

100. Golden-browed Warbler

101. Gloster Canary

102. Gray Phalarope

103. Gray-headed Fish Eagle

104. Gray-necked Wood Rail

105. Giant Ibis

106. Green Peafowl

107. Golden Parakeet

108. Giant Swiftlet

109. Gould’s Frogmouth

110. Green Rosella

111. Golden-backed Weaver

112. Green-winged Macaw

113. Griffon Vulture

114. Ground Dove

115. Ground Hornbill

116. Gray-headed Kite

117. Grass Owl

118. Goliath Weaver

119. Golden-tailed Sapphire

120. Gray Warbler

121. Green-capped Tanager

122. Golden-chested Tanager

123. Gray-headed Babbler

124. Ground Robin

125. Golden-olive Woodpecker

126. Gray-headed Chickadee

127. Goldie’s Sunbird

128. Grandala

129. Giant Barbet

130. Grayish Eagle-Owl

131. Ground Parrot

132. Galápagos Dove

133. Green-tailed Goldenthroat

134. Green-throated Carib

135. Green-throated Mango

136. Green-crowned Brilliant

137. Gray-faced Buzzard

138. Green-billed Coucal

139. Green Plumage Tanager

140. Galápagos Mockingbird

141. Gnatwren

142. Golden-headed Tanager

143. Gobi Lark

144. Giant Nuthatch

145. Guira Cuckoo

146. Giant Shrike

147. Galápagos Rail

148. Glade Wren

149. Gooseberry Warbler

150. Gongshan Moustached Laughingthrush

151. Garden Emerald

152. Goblet Parrot

153. Gillham’s Finch

154. Gilolo Monarch

155. Giant Antshrike

156. Green-winged Pytilia

157. Green-chested Hummingbird

158. Greenish Warbler

159. Glaucous Macaw

160. Green Lory

161. Galápagos Short-eared Owl

162. Gaudy Flycatcher

163. Guinea Turaco

164. Granite Swift

165. Ginkgo Bird

166. Giant Pitta

167. Green Racquet-tail

168. Golden-hooded Tanager

169. Golden-rumped Tinkerbird

170. Grenada Dove

171. Gray Pewee

172. Green Iora

173. Genovesa Ground Finch

174. German Roller

175. Georgia’s Booby

176. Gilson’s Finch

177. German Spitz Pigeon

178. Glen’s Sparrow

179. Gaurauda

180. Gayal

181. Geelbek

182. Gavilan

183. Geyser Petrel

184. Giant Wood Rail

185. Goliath Imperial Pigeon

186. Galápagos Martin

187. Galápagos Shearwater

188. Galápagos Storm Petrel

189. Galápagos Yellow Warbler

190. Golden-naped Tanager

191. Golden-rumped Euphonia

192. Golden-shouldered Parrot

193. Gray Bunting

194. Green Imperial Pigeon

195. Greenland Wheatear

196. Gray-tailed Tattler

197. Galápagos Cormorant

198. Green Magpie

199. Golden-thighed Finch

200. Greenwood Hoopoe

201. Ground Jay

202. Grand Comoro Drongo

203. Grallaria

204. Green Crombec

205. Gordon’s Warbler

206. Grey-backed Shrike

207. Grey-bellied Cuckoo

208. Grey-breasted Wood Wren

209. Grey-collared Oriole

210. Grey-crowned Babbler

211. Grey-hooded Gull

212. Grey-hooded Warbler

213. Grey-necked Wood Rail

214. Grey Parrot

215. Gomero Canary

216. Galápagos Barn Owl

217. Gaudy Sunbird

218. Green Lory Parakeet

219. Grey-faced Petrel

220. Grey-headed Swamphen

221. Golden-winged Cacique

222. Gray-bellied Wren

223. Giant Swift

224. Green-crowned Warbler

225. Green Parrotfinch

226. Glittering Starfrontlet

227. Giant Broadbill

228. Golden-naped Finch

229. Giant Cowbird

230. Granulated Finch

231. Goose-throated Hummingbird

232. Gray-and-white Tyrannulet

233. Golden-naped Woodpecker

234. Ghost Antbird

235. Gray-winged Trumpeter

236. Grasswren

237. Giant Laughingthrush

238. Golden-eyed Trogon

239. Green-hooded Tanager

240. Glistening-green Tanager

241. Golden-breasted Fruiteater

242. Glowing Puffleg

243. Giant Antpitta

244. Grey-cheeked Parakeet

245. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher

246. Glimmering Hummingbird

247. Glorious Antwren

248. Glinting Starling

249. Green-browed Sparrow

250. Glow-throated Hummingbird

251. Ghost Owl

252. Glittertail

253. Ghost Screech Owl

254. Gloomy Tinamou

255. Giant Tinamou

Final Insight

Learned so much about birds that start with “G”! From the colorful Goldfinch to the tall Great Blue Heron, these amazing birds live in many different places around the world.

Some eat seeds, others catch fish, and some even eat nectar from flowers. Each bird makes its sound—some chirp, others squawk, and a few have beautiful songs.

These “G” birds help our planet by spreading seeds, controlling pests, and alerting us when the environment is in trouble.

If you’re interested in more informative animal and wildlife content, feel free to click here and explore other blogs that you might enjoy!