A word for a baby bird

Other than cute, adorable, and charming, what are baby birds called? Baby birds are special in many ways. They use specific sounds to get attention, they have unique behaviors to beg for food, they have soft down feathers to keep warm, and they are camouflaged to keep safe. It is no surprise, then, that there are special names for baby birds, including terms that refer to young birds of certain families. Knowing those terms can help birders refer to baby birds properly in their notes, when contacting bird rescue centers or birding organizations, or just to have fun when talking about birds.

Tip

If you see a baby bird, it’s likely a fledgling or nestling. These baby birds that seem abandoned are seldom left alone for long because they are typically under a parent’s watchful eye.

Generic Names for Baby Birds

Several generic names can refer to any baby bird, from ducks to raptors to songbirds to shorebirds. The term «chick» is the most common and can describe any baby bird of any species from the moment it hatches until it leaves the nest. There are other generic terms, however, that can also be used with baby birds of different ages.

  • Hatchling: A hatchling is a very recently hatched baby bird that does not yet have more than sparse down and may not have open eyes or any ability to care for itself. This term is most frequently used to refer to altricial chicks that are born nearly naked.
  • Nestling: A nestling is a young bird that is several days old and covered with fluffy down. These birds are more active and demanding but are not yet ready to care for themselves. They may be beginning to grow flight feathers but cannot leave the nest or go without parental care.
  • Fledgling: A young bird that has developed most of its flight feathers and is very nearly ready to leave the nest is called a fledgling. These young birds may remain under parental care for some time after actually vacating the nest. These birds are awkward and inexperienced. They do not fly well but may hop around eagerly.
  • Juvenile: A juvenile bird has grown past the most awkward youth stages but is not yet a mature adult. Juvenile birds may look similar to adults but still show some of the camouflage of their youth, and their field marks may not be as well-defined as mature birds.
  • Subadult: A subadult bird is an immature bird that, while it has left the nest and completely cares for itself, is not yet sexually mature and lacks all the distinct field marks of adults. Larger birds, such as gulls and eagles, take several years to fully mature, and subadult plumage stages can be confusing for many birders to identify.

The Spruce

Baby Bird Names for Specific Bird Families

While generic names for baby birds can be used for any bird species, specific bird families have more unique names for their young. The most popular names for baby birds include:

  • Chicken: Poult, cockerel (male), pullet (female)
  • Crane: Colt
  • Dove: Squab, squeaker
  • Duck: Duckling
  • Eagle: Eaglet
  • Falcon: Eyas
  • Goose: Gosling
  • Grouse: Cheeper, squealer
  • Guineafowl: Keet
  • Loon: Loonlet
  • Owl: Owlet
  • Puffin: Puffling
  • Sandpiper: Peep
  • Swan: Cygnet, flapper
  • Turkey: Poult, jake (male), jenny (female)

The exact bird species is irrelevant when using these baby bird names: a baby bald eagle is an eaglet, and a baby Steller’s sea eagle is an eaglet as well. To distinguish between species, terms like «bald eaglet» or «Steller’s sea eaglet» might be used, or the birds can be referred to by species with a more generic term, such as «bald eagle chick.»

If you use more specific baby bird names, be aware that these terms are typically only used when the birds are young. After they have left the nest or family group and are caring for themselves, even if they are not yet fully mature, they are no longer referred to by their baby names.

The Spruce / Giuseppe Intrieri

Click Play to Learn What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird

If You See a Baby Bird

No matter what you call it, seeing a baby bird can be exciting. Their charming behavior is designed to elicit the attention and sympathy of their parents, and those same behaviors are just as effective on humans. If you find a baby bird, however, the best course of action is to leave it alone so its parents can care for it. But if you do spot an owlet, squab, flapper, or chick:

  • Keep your distance. Approaching the bird closely will cause it more stress and may keep parent birds from returning as regularly to care for it. If you get too close to a baby bird, you may also scare it into moving to a less suitable, unsafe area.
  • Do not feed it. It can be tempting to offer a begging baby bird a treat, but baby birds have very specific dietary needs. Foods meant for adult birds, including birdseed, fruit, worms, and nuts, can choke baby birds, and do not provide the proper nutrition for growth and development. Instead, leave the baby bird alone and its parents will see that it gets fed.
  • Protect the area. Keep pets and small children indoors, and do nothing that could draw attention to the young bird and make it more vulnerable to predators. If the area is unsafe, gently move the baby bird to a safer spot, such as under a dense bush where it will be more concealed and shaded from hot sun or drenching rain.
  • Contact a rehabber if necessary. If the baby bird appears sick, injured, or in distress, or if the parent birds have not returned in several hours to care for it, contact a bird rescue organization so the baby can receive proper care.

From tiny chicks to nearly mature subadults, baby birds are always fun to see, and it’s even more fun when you know just what to call baby birds of different species. Understanding these young birds can help you get even more enjoyment out of birding during the breeding season.

250 Names Ideas With Meanings for Pet Baby Birds – Funny, Cute & Cool

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So, you have a cute new baby bird and want an appropriate name for it? You have come to the right place.

We have hundreds of baby parrot, cockatiel, budgie and parakeet names to pick from for you, and we hope you can find the one you absolutely adore.

Male Bird Names

Photo by: Jenny Hill/Unsplash.com

Here are some great boy names for your baby bird:

  1. Archimedes– You may want to name your bird after the wise historical figure.
  2. Balboa– You could name him after the fictional boxer.
  3. Batman– Or he could have a heroic name.
  4. Big Boy– This is a good one for larger baby birds.
  5. Buddy– For a bird who will be a great friend.
  6. Casper– A nice choice for a lighter colored bird, after the cartoon ghost.
  7. Chase– You can use this name for a fast bird.
  8. Chirpy– For a talkative bird.
  9. Claws– For a bird with some talons on him.
  10. Daffy– You could use the name of the cartoon duck.
  11. Dewey– Or this small duck from Duck Tales.
  12. Donald– You may want to pick the irritable Disney duck.
  13. Duke– This distinguished name is a good choice foryour bird.
  14. Einstein– A genius’ name is always a nice pick.
  15. Godfeather– We love pun names for animals.
  16. Goliath– Pick this for a strong, large bird.
  17. Hercules– Another good choice for larger, stronger birds.
  18. Hook– This pirate name is a good option as well.
  19. Huey– Cartoon duck names are always popular among bird owners.
  20. Hulk– Try this for a green bird’s name for a laugh.
  21. Indy– You could name the bird after the fictional archeologist.
  22. Iron Man– A red and yellow bird might be a good fit for this heroic name.
  23. James Bond– You could choose this spy’s name for a dapper, black and white bird.
  24. Jolly Roger– This pirate name is a nice choice for parrots.
  25. Juju– A fun, exotic name may be a good fit.
  26. King– You could name a regal-looking bird with this one.
  27. Leo– This is actually one of the most popular names for pet birds.
  28. Lightning– Use this for a fast bird.
  29. Link– You could name a green bird after the video game character.
  30. Loki– A mischievous bird might be a good fit for this name.
  31. Louie– This is yet another cartoon duck name from Duck Tales.
  32. Mach 10– For a very speedy bird.
  33. Mario– Try this video game character for a red and blue bird.
  34. Newton– Smart people make for good bird names since these are intelligent animals.
  35. Nigel– You could use this for a cockatiel after the bird from Rio.
  36. Paco– Thisis a great boy’s name for a South American bird.
  37. Petie– This version of Peter is popular for green birds like some parrots.
  38. Raptor– This fierce name may be a good fit for your talented friend.
  39. Rexy– This version T-Rex is good for green birds.
  40. Robbie– Give your bird a nice boy’s name like this.
  41. Rocky– The fictional boxer makes for a strong name.
  42. Romeo– You can use this for a lovebird.
  43. Rooster– This strong male name is perfect for birds.
  44. Scrapper– For a bird that likes to get into fights.
  45. Sinbad– For an adventurous bird.
  46. Sir Richard– Use this for a regal-looking bird.
  47. Skipper– This pirate name may work well for a parrot.
  48. Smee– Here is another pirate name that’s ideal for small birds.
  49. Sparky– This name speaks of adventure, speed and a hot temper.
  50. Spike– This is a good,intimidating name for your bird.
  51. Tango– Exotic names like this are ideal for tropical birds.
  52. Thor– You could go with the imposing name of the Norse god of thunder.
  53. Thunder– Or you could just go straight for the thunder.
  54. Titan– Give your big bird an imposing name.
  55. Tony Stork– A punny name like this might be good for a heron, egret or actual stork.
  56. Tweety– This cartoon bird is a common name for yellow birds.
  57. Warrior– Use this for a bird who likesto fight.
  58. Woody– You could name your pet after this famous cartoon character.
  59. Xander– A tough name like this has an air of danger to it.
  60. Zeus– The name of a god is always imposing.

Female Bird Names

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You might find a lovely name for your baby bird among these girl names:

  1. Alexa– Why not choose the name of the artificial intelligence character?
  2. Amber– This is good for a golden or orange colored bird.
  3. Aqua– Try this one for a blue or green bird.
  4. Ariel– We like this for red, green or blue birds to match the colors of the little mermaid.
  5. Baby– Why not go with an affectionate name like this?
  6. Barbie– You could choose a chic, hip name like the famous doll.
  7. Beauty– The name could describe your bird’s appearance.
  8. Bella– This popular name is from the Twilight franchise.
  9. Belle– You could name your yellow bird after a Disney princessknown or her yellow dress.
  10. Beyoncé– Or you could choose the Queen Bee as a namesake.
  11. Blondie– You may want to pick this one for a yellow bird.
  12. Bonita– This word means “pretty” in Spanish.
  13. Bonny– This is a Scottish word for pretty.
  14. Bubbles– Cutesy names like this are great for female birds.
  15. Buffy– You could name your bird after the vampire slayer.
  16. Camille– This is a lovely female name for your pet.
  17. Chloe– Here is a popular one that could work for any bird.
  18. Crystal– Gemstone names are ideal for female birds.
  19. Darling– Affectionate names like this are good choices as well.
  20. Delilah– You could choose the historical temptress as a namesake.
  21. Desiree– Or you could go with an exotic name like this.
  22. Destiny– This kind of name gives your bird an air of mystery.
  23. Diamond– Gemstones names are absolutely perfect.
  24. Dixie– Good for a bird from the southern United States.
  25. Dolly– If you have a bird that looks lovely, why not give her a lovely name like this?
  26. Domino– Good for a black and white bird.
  27. Dora– For a bird that’s an explorer.
  28. Dove– For a sweet, gentle bird.
  29. Dumpling– An affectionate name that you might want to consider.
  30. Eve– Good for any bird, but works best with green birds, as the name is reminiscent of a garden.
  31. Fairy– This is good for a bird that is light on her feet.
  32. Faith– A solid, classic name that’s great for pet birds.
  33. Fluffy– For a cuddly, snuggly bird.
  34. Gabby– For a bird that doesn’t stop talking.
  35. Gem– Consider this lovely name for your pretty bird.
  36. Harley– Like the Batman character Harley Quinn.
  37. Hazel– You might choose this for a brown bird.
  38. Honey– Good for a brown or golden bird or just as an affectionate name.
  39. Iris– Flower names are lovely for female birds.
  40. Jade– We like this one for green birds.
  41. Jasmine– You can use this for a green bird as well.
  42. Jazzy– For colorful birds.
  43. Jennifer– A solid, classic like this is good for any female bird.
  44. Jewel– For a lovely bird.
  45. Juliet– The classic lover is an ideal bird’s name.
  46. Katniss– You could go with the popular fictional character.
  47. Kenya– Or you might want to consider the name of a country.
  48. Kiss-Kiss– For a bird who is affectionate.
  49. Lady Jay– You may want something distinguished like this.
  50. Lavender– Ideal for purple birds.
  51. Lizzie– Consider this lovely girl’s name.
  52. Luna– This unique name means “moon”.
  53. Madam– You could give you bird a classy name like this.
  54. Melody– For a sweet sounding bird.
  55. Moonbeam– For a light-colored bird.
  56. Mystique– You could go with a mysterious name like this.
  57. Natalya– An exoticRussian name may be the ticket.
  58. Nessie– You could go with the name of the famous European sea creature.
  59. Nocturne– This name has some edge and mystery to it.
  60. Olive– Good for a green bird.
  61. Pandora– You could choose the name of the Greek mythology character.
  62. Patience– A lovely name for a gentle bird.
  63. Pattie– This female version of Petey is good for parrots.
  64. Peaches– A simply adorable name.
  65. Pearl– For a lovely, shimmering bird.
  66. Penny– A good name for a small, cute bird or one that is copper colored.
  67. Peppermint– For red and white birds.
  68. Petunia– Flower names are always winners.
  69. Pocahontas– You could choose the name of the Native American princess.
  70. Precious– An apt name for a dear pet.
  71. Princess- For a bird who is practically royalty.
  72. Priscilla– This beautiful name is great for a beautiful bird.
  73. Purdie– A fun way of saying “pretty”.
  74. Queenie– For a bird with regal demeanor.
  75. Rapunzel– After the long-haired princess.
  76. Rose– For a sweet, lovely bird of any color.
  77. Ruby– Good for red birds.
  78. Sally– Why not choose a simple, classic name?
  79. Sassy– For a bird that likes to talk back.
  80. Siri– You could name your bird after the Apple assistant.
  81. Skye– For a lovely blue bird.
  82. Snow White– A good name for any white bird, after the famous fictional princess.
  83. Sparrow– Why not choose another bird name?
  84. Sugar– You could go the affectionate route.
  85. Sweetie– Endearing names like this are always good choices.
  86. Talia– We like the exotic flavor of this name.
  87. Tasha– This is a shortened form of Natasha.
  88. Taylor Swift– You could use the name of the famous musician.
  89. Trixie– We love how fun and carefree this name sounds.
  90. Violet– Good for a purple bird.
  91. Vixen– You may want a cool-sounding name like this that means female fox.
  92. Zelda– You could choose the name of the famous videogame character.
  93. Zoe– This name is very popular and has a bit of edge to it.

Unisex Bird Names

Photo by: Mohan Moolepetlu/Unsplash.com

Try one of these for either boy or girl birds:

  1. Angel– Why not a lovely name like this?
  2. Apple– Good for green or red birds.
  3. Apricot– A nice name for an orange bird.
  4. Azul– This means “blue” in Spanish.
  5. Beaky– You could go with a fun name like this.
  6. Big Bird– Why not choose the name of the Sesame Street character?
  7. Big Red– A good choice for any red bird, obviously.
  8. Birdie– We love how fun literal names are.
  9. Biscuits– Food name can be fun and quirky
  10. Blueberry– You might choose this one for a blue-colored bird.
  11. Bobo– This one is just so silly sounding.
  12. Bombshell– Try this for a bird that looks amazing or sounds loud.
  13. Boomerang– For a bird that always comes when you call.
  14. Bubba– Good for a big, lumbering bird.
  15. Budgie– A nice name for any kind of small bird.
  16. Butter– This cute name works well for yellow birds.
  17. Buttons– You may want to name your cute bird this.
  18. Cackles– For a bird with a silly laugh.
  19. Cactus– For a green bird or one with a prickly personality.
  20. Chatterbox– For your bird who won’t stop talking.
  21. Chili– Good for red or brown birds.
  22. Chip– A cutesy name for a small, baby bird.
  23. Chirpy– Ideal for talkative birds.
  24. Clicky– Named after the sound your bird’s claws make on its perch.
  25. Coco– This fun name has a tropical vibe to it.
  26. Coconut– Can you get any more tropical than this one?
  27. Cookie– This just sounds so sweet.
  28. Crackers– Good for a bird who likes to eat and great for a parrot.
  29. Crow– For a dark bird.
  30. Cuddles– For an affectionate bird.
  31. Doodles– Consider this for a silly bird.
  32. Dragon– For a fierce bird.
  33. Feathers– You could go with a literal name for your pet.
  34. Firebird– A good choice for a brightly colored orange or red bird.
  35. Flappy– For a bird who loves to fly.
  36. Fowler– A funny name that’s a pun on “fowl”.
  37. Fruit Loop– This is good for a colorful bird.
  38. Giggles– Try this for a bird who laughs a lot.
  39. Hershey– You may want this name for a brown bird.
  40. Honkers– For a bird who always talks, particularly a duck.
  41. Hummer– For a hummingbird.
  42. Indigo– For a purple or blue bird.
  43. Jalapeno– A spicy name for your South American bird.
  44. Jamaica– A good tropical place name is always a safe bet.
  45. Jelly Bean– We enjoy silly bird names like this.
  46. Jet– For dark birds of any color but especially black birds.
  47. Kiwi– Might this be a good name for a green bird?
  48. Liberty– Give your bird a real patriotic sounding name if you like.
  49. Lime– Obviously, you would use this for a green bird.
  50. Lucky– A true classic that works for any pet.
  51. Mango– This tropical name is good for any colorful bird.
  52. Megabyte– A punny name for a pet bird.
  53. Nibbles– Try this for a bird who eats a lot.
  54. Ninja– For a stealthy bird.
  55. Noodles– Silly names like this are a good option.
  56. Ozzy– We love names with z’s in them for the edge they give the name.
  57. Paris– Try cool place names like this for your bird’s namesake.
  58. Pebbles– This cutesy name is a good fit for a small bird.
  59. Peeps– For birds that chirp often.
  60. Pepper– For a bird with a sassy attitude.
  61. Peppy– For a lively or happy bird.
  62. Phoenix-This fiery name is ideal for birds with red or orange coloring.
  63. Pickles– We like this for green birds.
  64. Pipsqueak– For a small, noisy bird.
  65. Plucky– For a bird with some spirit.
  66. Polly– This pirate name is good for a parrot.
  67. Preener– Try this for a bird that is always cleaning itself.
  68. Puffy– For a bird that puffs itself up.
  69. Pumpkin– Great for orange birds and good as an affectionate name.
  70. Quackers– Good for ducks and funny for any other birds.
  71. Rainbow– Welike this for colorful birds.
  72. Raven– You may want to consider this name for a dark bird.
  73. Robin– Good small bird name.
  74. Ruffles– For birds that are easily scared.
  75. Sable- For silver birds.
  76. Scooter– This is a good choice for birds who are always on the move.
  77. Scratchy– For a bird that is always itching or that scratches you sometimes.
  78. Scuttles– For a bird with a unique walk.
  79. Shadow– For dark birds.
  80. Shivers– Try this as a pirate name or for a bird who shakes often.
  81. Skittles– This is a good choice for any colorful bird.
  82. Smidgen– You can use this for any small birds as a funny name.
  83. Snickers– Food names can be adorable for pets.
  84. Snow– We like this as a cool name for a white bird.
  85. Snuggles– For your affectionate pet.
  86. Speedy– Is your bird fast? Then you can try this name.
  87. Squawker– Great for parrots or any kind of talkative bird.
  88. Starburst– We love how bright and cheery this name sounds.
  89. Starlight– This name has an awe-inspiring and mystical edge to it.
  90. Strawberry– Why not pick this for a red or pink bird?
  91. Strutter– For a bird who is full of itself.
  92. Sunshine– For a bird who lights up your day.
  93. Sweetpea– Good for small birds as well as green ones.
  94. Tabasco– A spicy name for a bird with a temper.
  95. Taco– This cool name is good for South American birds.
  96. Teale– For a blue or green bird.
  97. Teddie– For a cuddly bird or a brown one.

Unique Bird Names

The name you choose for your bird should reflect its unique qualities, and for that reason, it’s important to choose a unique name. Here are some examples.

  1. Adonis – A Greek myth: lover of Aphrodite.
  2. Ajax – A Greek name meaning “eagle”.
  3. Aldara – A Greek name meaning “winged gift”.
  4. Altaira – An Arabic name meaning “bird”.
  5. Aphrodite – A Greek goddess of love.
  6. Ariel – A mermaid from The Little Mermaid.
  7. Atlas – A Greek mythic name.
  8. Ava – The Latin word for “bird”.
  9. Buffy – Name in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
  10. Calypso – A Greek myth: daughter of Atlas.
  11. Charis – A Greek name meaning “grace and beauty”.
  12. Corvina – Is like a raven in Latin.
  13. Cyra – Persian name meaning “moon”.
  14. Dasan – A son of bird clan leader (Native American).
  15. Diona – A Greek myth: Mother of Aphrodite.
  16. Drake – The meaning “dragon.”
  17. Efron – Hebrew name meaning “singing bird”.
  18. Eris – A Greek goddess of discord.
  19. Feeny – A little raven (Irish).
  20. Flavian – The Latin name meaning “yellow”.
  21. Fleur – A flower in French.
  22. Hula – An eagle (Native American).
  23. Jacy – Native American name meaning “moon”.
  24. Jax – Name from Mortal Kombat.
  25. Jetta – The meaning “jet-black”.
  26. Kanara – ​A little bird (Hebrew).
  27. Koko – The night (Native American).
  28. Lark – A playful songbird.
  29. Linette – A small songbird in Welsh.
  30. Manu – A bird in Maori.
  31. Mavis – A songbird in French.
  32. Meena – A blue semiprecious stone, bird (Hindi).
  33. Melena – The meaning “yellow as a canary”.
  34. Midas – A Greek mythic name.
  35. Morgan – A sea defender.
  36. Nelia – Spanish name meaning “yellow”.
  37. Neo – Name from The Matrix.
  38. Paco – An eagle (Native American).
  39. Selena – A Greek name meaning “moon”.
  40. Susan – lily (Hebrew).
  41. Sweetie – A bird in Tiny Toon Adventures.
  42. Talon – A name meaning the claw of a bird of prey.
  43. Tori – Means bird (Japanese).
  44. Tyro – A Greek mythic name.
  45. Yara – A white flower (Arabic).
  46. Zeus – A well known Greek god.

Creative Parrot Name Ideas

Naming a parrot is a big, big deal. Parrots often live for decades, so the name you pick is one you and your pet should both like.

  1. Argento– Try this tropical-sounding name for your male parrot.
  2. Bandito– This is a more daring name you could give an adventurous bird.
  3. Baron– This one has tones of elegance and daring to it.
  4. Berri– A good name that reminds you of the bird’s colorful look similar to that
    of a blueberry or strawberry.
  5. Blue– Named after the bird from the movie Rio.
  6. Buddy– Good for s bird who is a great friend to you.
  7. Buttersworth– Elegant names like this can sound funny or distinguished.
  8. Chico– A cool, exotic name for your bird.
  9. Crackerjack– This fun play on the work “cracker” is a great choice.
  10. Elvis– Some parrots look a bit like the singer, if you squint really hard.
  11. Fancy Dan– For well-dressed parrots.
  12. Greenie– You could choose one that describes your bird’s color.
  13. Hulk– You could go with a silly pop culture name.
  14. Jackson– This is a strong name that is good for any parrot.
  15. Joey– You could give your parrot a really cool name like this.
  16. Jolly– Or you could give your bird a happy name.
  17. Long John Silver– This is another great pirate choice.
  18. Lord Bobo– This funny mix of distinguished and silly is a great choice.
  19. Lucky– You might want a simple, fun name like this.
  20. Marvin– Or you could choose a normal human one for your bird.
  21. Mowgli– Or you could use this jungle character.
  22. T– Or you could go with this strong celebrity name.
  23. Pan– Like Peter Pan, the literary character, who wears green.
  24. Paulie– This is another very popular parrot name.
  25. Peg Leg– Pirate names work well for parrots.
  26. Peter– Names that start with “P” are very common for parrots.
  27. Petey– Let’s start with this classic parrot name.
  28. Petrie– This is another common and fun “P” name for a parrot.
  29. Pirate Pete– This is one of our favorite pirate names.
  30. Raptor– For his sharp claws.
  31. Rio– Like the cartoon that features a bird.
  32. Rooster– You could name your bird after a male chicken for a laugh.
  33. Shades– For a cool, suave parrot.
  34. Sir Lancelot– You could go with something very distinguished sounding.
  35. Spike– Or you could choose a very dangerous name for your parrot.
  36. Squawky– For the parrot that will never quiet down.
  37. Tarzan– A famous jungle name for a famous jungle bird.
  38. Toby– This simple name works well too.
  39. Wobbles– For the way your bird walks across his perch.
  40. Zorro– Or you could give your bird an exotic hero’s name.

Did you find a name from this list that works for your bird? We certainly hope so!

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What to call a baby bird can vary depending on the species and age of the bird. The name for a baby bird varies by species, which means there’s not one unifying term to describe all baby birds. Instead, the generic term for a baby bird is ‘chick’.

There are three different names for baby birds, that change depending on the bird’s age and life stage.

  • Hatchling is when they have newly hatched out of their eggs in the nest and have not developed feathers yet.
  • Nestling is a name given whilst they are still in the nest and haven’t yet ventured out into the world.
  • Fledgling is the next stage, once their true feathers have grown out and are ready to leave the nest, but usually not ready to fly yet.

We’ll break down into further stages that are also used for different stages of a birds life below:

What is a hatchling?

Hatchling is the term given for a bird that has recently hatched out of its egg. Baby birds as chicks or hatchlings are entirely dependent on their parents to provide food, care and protection.

The majority of hatchlings are born completely naked and often have just a few feathers on their skin. Generally speaking, they’ll huddle with other nestlings at this stage to keep warm. Most chicks are also born with their eyes open, and they won’t typically open for a few days. The beaks also tend to look extremely out of proportion, although they will soon grow into them.

Altrical is the term given to this state that many birds hatch like — particularly songbirds. It means they are born undeveloped, and their survival relies on their parent(s) to protect them and bring them food.

Generally speaking, most birds don’t look that cute and can look very alien-like at this stage. Unless you happen to stumble across a nest or have the sad sight of a hatchling that has been ejected from the nest, you never tend to see birds in this state, as most of them will make their nests in safe and discreet places, away from predators.

The recently hatched chicks of a robin, also referred to as hatchlings

What is a nestling?

Nestling is the term given to a baby bird when it usually reaches three to thirteen days old. When they reach this next stage, they are slightly more capable than a hatchling but still require and are incredibly dependent on their parents care.

Birds at the nestling stage mostly have their eyes open now and tend to have a covering of ‘real’ feathers instead of the fluffy down they had when they were newly hatched. On closer inspection, the nestling feathers can look like they are covered with some sort of coating, and this is just where the feathers are new and still require grooming or ‘fluffed’.

Nestlings generally still don’t look or resemble their parents at all at this stage and can still look a bit strange!

Birds at their nestling stage

What is a fledgling?

When baby birds reach the fledgling stage, this means that they are finally ready to leave their nests and step out into the world for the first time. This, on average, is anywhere between two and three works for most birds. After two to three weeks of growth, the nests can start to become crowded with all siblings reaching much larger sizes, so it’s a good thing that they leave the nests!

Fledglings usually have the majority of their adult feathers and are starting to look much more like their parents. However, they are generally still not fully developed and can still have quite dull plumages. Both the tail and wings can also appear ‘stubby’ at this point, as the feathers are still not all there yet.

Once they have left their nests, it’s not unusual for fledglings to be unable to fully fly just yet. They often spend the first few days out of the nest hopping and walking about with no problem. They can often be seen ‘practising’ flying, with occasional fluttering.

For the next few days (and sometimes weeks), fledglings will stay with their families. This is a vital period of time, where young birds will observe and learn from their parents on how to behave. How to forage for food is one of the most crucial things, and these young birds will watch their parents to learn how to do so.

Generally speaking, parents will still feed their young, as fledglings will often still beg for food. This can be observed on feeders and on the ground. Young birds will ‘shake’ their wings and call to let the parents know they want to feed, and most parents will continue feeding for a short period.

Parents will usually keep an eye on fledglings for some time and will intervene if their safety is at risk.

An American Robin recently fledged from the nest

What is a juvenile bird?

Juvenile is the term that’s the equivalent term for teenagers for birds. They are at a stage of their life where they are mostly capable of fending for themselves if necessary but still partially rely on their parents for food and protection.

When birds reach their juvenile stage, they will often spend a few weeks with their parents and will sometimes still beg for food. During this period, young birds will continue to learn things like hunting and catching food by watching their parents and other family members.

Juvenile birds are almost similar looking to their adult plumage, but can often still lack some of the vibrant colors or markings, found on the adult plumage.

A Juvenile Blackbird being fed

Special names for young birds

Some species of birds have unique names for their young. Some examples of these are:

  • Chickens: Poult, cockerel (male), pullet (female)
  • Cranes: Colt
  • Doves: Squab, squeaker
  • Ducks: Duckling
  • Eagles: Eaglet
  • Falcons: Eyas
  • Geese: Gosling
  • Grouse: Cheeper, squealer
  • Guineafowl: Keet
  • Loons: Loonlet
  • Owls: Owlet
  • Puffins: Puffling
  • Sandpipers: Peep
  • Swans: Cygnet, flapper
  • Turkeys: Poult, jake (male), jenny (female)

What is a group of baby birds called?

The most common collective nouns to describe a group of baby birds is either a clutch or brood. Clutch is the term also given to the eggs laid by a bird in the nest.

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what are baby birds called

Sometimes in your garden or in the park, you hear or see baby birds chirping and waiting for their parents to feed them. Adult birds have their own names for each species, but what about young birds? Do they have their own names as well? The answer is yes!

Usually, their names are determined based on age and species. Knowing the names of young birds can broaden your understanding or you can simply have fun while chatting with friends about them. Or, in the rare case where you save newborn baby birds, knowing the name and species will make things simpler.

Through this article on what are baby birds called, you’ll find out more about baby birds’ names at each of their growing phases, from hatching, nestling, fledgling, juvenile to subadult. Moreover, the article draws interesting facts about their baby names and know-hows when meeting a baby bird. Let’s go through the piece for more information!

Table of Contents

  • What are Baby Birds Called? Generic Terms for Young Birds Based on Ages
    • 1. Hatching
    • 2. Nestling
    • 3. Fledgling
    • 4. Juvenile
    • 5. Subadult
  • Species-Specific Baby Birds Names
  • You Do If You See a Baby Bird
  • Conclusion

name-for-a-baby-bird

There are various terms to name a baby bird, regardless of its species, from raptors, shorebirds, songbirds to waterfowl. The most frequent phrase is a chick, which refers to a young bird from when it hatches until when it leaves the nest. However, there are other names based on the age of the chick as well.

1. Hatching

Hatching is a newly born chick without sparse feathers and still-closed eyes. At this time, the bird is incapable of taking care of itself. This term refers to chicks that are recently hatched in an almost nude state.

2. Nestling

When a young bird is only a few days olds and coated in fluffy down, it is a nestling. These birds may be more energetic and have higher demands. Still, they are not able to take care of themselves. They may be growing flying feathers, but they can’t leave the nest without their parents’ supervision.

3. Fledgling

A baby bird is called a fledgling when it has grown most of its flying feathers and is ready to leave its aerie. After leaving its home, the parents may still take care of the fledgling because it is learning how to survive in the wild.

Therefore, even fledglings have feathers and don’t usually get chilled like nestlings, as they are not completely independent. The untrained young bird can’t properly fly but can jump around a lot.

4. Juvenile

When a fledgling has matured through the most awkward stage, it becomes a juvenile. Juveniles may resemble adults, but they are not fully adults. They remain a part of their youth camouflage, and their markings may be less distinct than those of older birds.

5. Subadult

The term speaks it all. As a subadult, a bird has fled the nest and can take care of itself. However, it is not sexually aware and lacks an adult’s field markings. Many birders find it difficult to recognize the subadult phase of some larger birds. For example, eagles or gulls because these species take a few years before reaching maturity.

Species-Specific Baby Birds Names

baby-bird-is-called

While generic terms for newborn birds can be used for numerous species, certain bird families name their children distinctively. So, what is the name for a baby bird for:

  • A baby chicken: Cockerel for male, pullet for female, or poult
  • A baby duck: Duckling
  • A baby dove: Squab or squeaker
  • A baby falcon: Eyas
  • A baby goose: Gosling
  • A baby owl: Owlet
  • A baby swan: Flapper or cygnet
  • A big and strong eagle used to be a baby too! It was an eaglet.
  • And the most interesting is a baby turkey: Jake for male, Jenny for female, or poult.

However, there is some irrelevance when using these names for certain species. For instance, both newborn bald eagles and Steller’s sea eagles are called eaglets. To differentiate them, you can call bald eaglets or Steller’s sea eaglets, or you can use the generic term above – bald eagle chicks.

Sometimes you are lucky to come across many baby birds at once because birds usually lay more than one egg. So, do you know what a group of baby birds is called? A group of baby birds is a brood or clutch. Also, you can call them by generic names like chicks or hatchlings.

Congratulations! You are now an expert on baby birds’ names!

If you are interested in these little, noisy, but cute flying chicks, I have some interesting facts for you!

Facts about baby birds

  • Some babies do not look like their parents
  • They are not born with feathers
  • Baby bird siblings can be a different bird species
  • Baby birds have special diets, and they vary based on the baby’s age and their bird kind

You Do If You See a Baby Bird

Coming across a newborn bird, whatever you call it, can be exciting. The newborn bird’s attractive conduct is for drawing the attention and compassion of the parent, and those same actions are equally successful on humans.

If you come across a baby chick, it is preferable to stay at a distance and leave the baby for its parents to take care of, even when the parents leave it alone for a prolonged period of time. However, if you encounter an abandoned baby bird, here’s what you should do:

  • Keep your distance: If you approach it too closely, you will unintentionally cause more stress to the bird, and the parents may not return as often to tend to it. Moreover, getting too near a young bird may scare it to flee to an unsuitable and unsafe location.
  • Avoid feeding it: It may be tempting to give a pleading young bird food, but newborn birds have particular nutritional requirements. Their food types depend on their ages and species, whether they are carnivorous, herbivorous, or omnivorous. Adult bird foods, such as fruits, worms, nuts, or seeds, can choke baby birds and do not supply adequate nutrition for their growth. Leave them for the parents to feed.
  • Keep the area safe: Keep pets, children, or anything that can draw attention to the baby bird away. If the neighborhood is not secured, carefully relocate the bird to a safer area. For example, a dense scrub to hide from the scorching sun and soaking rain.

If you are unsure of what to do when coming across a baby chick that is out of its nest, you can seek advice from Taylor Craig, who used to work at the wildlife rehabilitation centre in this video.

Conclusion

To summarize, newborn birds are adorable at all stages of development and maturation. It’s usually useful and fun to know what you will call the baby at each of their growing phases.

It’s also nice to discover the baby names of different bird species. Coming across baby birds can be a joyful experience. If you are not sure what and how to do it, seek advice from a wildlife expert.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on what are baby birds called. If you know more about a different baby bird name for any species or have any experience with them, please share!

Before you go, don’t forget to check our other articles that are related to bird behavior:

  • The place do baby birds go when they leave the nest.
  • The time it takes for bird eggs to hatch.

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L.C. Nøttaasen/Flickr/CC-BY-2.0

Baby birds are called hatchlings and may also be generally referred to as chicks. Depending on their stage of development, young birds may be further classified into hatchlings, fledglings or nestlings.

Hatchlings are birds that have just come out of their eggs. When these young birds are hatched, most of them are naked and unable to see with their closed eyes. During the day, hatchlings need to be fed every 15 minutes.

Some bird species have specific baby names. A baby swan, for example, is called a flapper. Cockerel refers to a baby rooster, while cheeper is the term for a baby partridge.

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