Bird Vocabulary - E-G

Eagle
Defines the term “eagle” as a bird of prey with specific examples.

Eider
Defines the term “eider” as a type of duck, including examples of eider species.

Emberizidae
A lot of little brown jobs are in the "Emberizidae" bird family. Learn what these birds have in common and which birds are classified in this group.

Endangered
Defines the term "endangered" as it applies to birds, including different levels of endangered status and what threats contribute to birds becoming endangered species.

Endemic
Defines the term "endemic" as it relates to birds and birding, with examples of how endemic species evolve.

Extinct
How can an extinct bird still be alive? Learn the difference between "extinct" and "extinct in the wild" with examples of extinct bird species and suggestions for how birds go extinct.

Eyas
Defines the term "eyas" with relation to birds.

Eyebrow
Defines the term "eyebrow" as a bird field mark, with tips for how to identify birds with eyebrows.

Eye Line
Defines the term "eye line" as a birding field mark, with tips for proper bird identification using eye lines.

Eye Ring
Defines the term "eye ring" as part of a bird's anatomy, with tips for bird identification using eye ring field marks.

Facial Disc
A bird's facial disc can be a key field mark, particularly for owls. Learn what a facial disc is, how it helps a bird and how to identify birds with these unique markings.

Falcon
Defines the term “falcon” with physical characteristics and bird species.

Falconidae
The raptors that belong in the Falconidae family may be obvious, but why are they all family members? Learn what characteristics these birds share and what species are part of this classification.

Feral Cat
Defines the term "feral cat" and describes feral cats' impact on birds.

Flanks
Defines the term "flanks" as part of a bird's anatomy, with tips for bird identification using the flanks.

Fecal Sac
Defines the term "fecal sac."

Fledgling
Defines the term "fledgling."

Flock
Defines the term "flock" as it relates to birding, including examples of why birds form flocks and what different flocks are called.

Flipper
How are penguins' wings different from other birds' wings? They're flippers! But what makes flippers different?

Forehead
Defines the term "forehead" as part of a bird's anatomy, with tips for how to identify birds by their foreheads.

Forage
Defines the term "forage" as a bird behavior, including examples of different types of foraging and how birds are adapted to forage.

Fringillidae
If you love finches, you'll love the bird family "Fringillidae" - it's the home of all the true finches. But what makes a finch a finch? Learn what these birds share and what some familiar Fringillidae species are.

Frontal Shield
Defines the term "frontal shield" as part of a bird's bill, with examples of birds with frontal shields and how to a identify a bird based on the frontal shield.

Frigatebird
Defines the term "frigatebird" as a type of seabird, including a list of frigatebird species.

Frugivorous
Defines the term "frugivorous" in terms of a bird's diet, with examples of frugivorous bird species and how to attract them.

Game Bird
Defines the term "game bird" and lists examples of game bird species.

Fulmar
Defines the term "fulmar" as a type of pelagic bird, including examples of fulmar species.

Gizzard
What is a bird's gizzard, and why is it essential for their digestion?

Gleaning
Defines the term "gleaning" as a way birds feed, including examples of birds that feed by gleaning and what they typically eat.

Gannet
Defines the term "gannet" as a type of pelagic bird, including a list of gannet species.

Goldeneye
Defines the term “goldeneye” as a type of duck, including species examples.

Gorget
Defines the term "gorget" as part of a bird's plumage, with examples of birds that have gorgets and how to use a gorget for bird identification.

Gosling
Goslings are instantly recognizable, but what exactly is a gosling and what type of bird is it?

Grebe
Defines the term “grebe” as a type of bird, including examples of grebe species.

Gregarious
Defines the term "gregarious" with regards to birds and bird behavior.

Granivorous
Defines the term "granivorous" in terms of a bird's diet, with examples of granivorous bird species and how to attract granivores to your backyard.