You hear chirping outside your Taipei apartment window. A flash of white and olive swoops past. Your host family starts chatting excitedly about the 白頭翁 (bái tóu wēng) visiting their balcony. Wait, what’s a white-headed old man doing on a balcony? Welcome to the wonderfully descriptive world of Chinese bird names, where every feathered friend tells a story through its characters.
Chinese bird names aren’t arbitrary labels. They’re tiny poems that describe what the bird looks like, how it sounds, or where it lives. Once you crack the code, you’ll never forget whether a 啄木鳥 (zhuó mù niǎo) pecks wood or a 蜂鳥 (fēng niǎo) hums like a bee. This guide teaches Traditional Chinese bird names using Taiwan-standard vocabulary and pinyin, starting with the everyday birds you’ll actually encounter and building up to the creatures that grace thousand-dollar bills.
The Building Blocks of Bird Names
Before we meet individual birds, let’s understand how Chinese bird names work. Most follow predictable patterns that make memorization almost unnecessary.
The word for bird itself is 鳥 (niǎo). In Traditional Chinese, this character beautifully resembles a bird perched on a branch. Many bird names end with 鳥, though some common birds drop it in casual speech.
Bird names typically combine descriptive elements with the word for bird. The description might reference color (白 bái white, 黑 hēi black, 紅 hóng red), size (小 xiǎo small, 大 dà large), behavior (飛 fēi fly, 啄 zhuó peck), or sound (喜 xǐ joy, 鳴 míng cry). Sometimes they reference what the bird resembles (貓頭 māo tóu cat-headed for owls, 蜂 fēng bee for hummingbirds).
Understanding these building blocks turns bird-watching from a memory game into a logical puzzle. Let’s see this system in action.
Everyday Birds You’ll Actually See
Tree Sparrow
麻雀 má què tree sparrow
This is the little brown bird hopping around every park, restaurant patio, and temple courtyard in Taiwan. The name combines 麻 (má, sesame) with 雀 (què, small bird), likely referring to its sesame-seed-speckled plumage. In casual conversation, people often just say 麻雀 (má què) without adding 鳥.
Chinese Bulbul
白頭翁 bái tóu wēng white-headed old man
One of Taiwan’s most beloved birds. The name literally means “white-headed old gentleman,” describing the distinctive white ring around the back of its head that looks like an elder’s white hair. Listen for its cheerful chattering in parks and gardens. This bird is so common that local families consider it a friendly neighborhood resident.
Japanese White-Eye
綠繡眼 lǜ xiù yǎn green embroidered eye
The name paints a perfect picture: green (綠 lǜ) embroidered (繡 xiù) eye (眼 yǎn). That distinctive white ring around each eye looks like delicate embroidery on green silk. These tiny olive-green birds travel in chattering flocks and have become backyard favorites across Taiwan.
Common Backyard and Park Birds
Pigeon
鴿子 gē zi pigeon
The universal city bird. The character 鴿 (gē) is specific to pigeons and doves. The suffix 子 (zi) is a diminutive that makes the name feel familiar and friendly, like calling something “little pigeon.” You’ll see these everywhere from Taipei’s busy streets to quiet village squares.
Magpie
喜鵲 xǐ què happiness magpie
The name literally means “happiness bird,” and magpies are considered extremely lucky in Chinese culture. Hearing one’s call in the morning traditionally meant good news was coming. The character 喜 (xǐ) means joy or happiness, while 鵲 (què) specifically refers to magpies.
Crow
烏鴉 wū yā black crow
Simple and direct: 烏 (wū) means black or dark, and 鴉 (yā) is the specific character for crows. Unlike magpies, crows have a mixed reputation in Chinese folklore. Their harsh cawing is sometimes considered an ill omen, though they’re also respected for their intelligence.
Swallow
燕子 yàn zi swallow
Swallows are beloved in Chinese culture, symbolizing spring’s return and family happiness. The character 燕 (yàn) appears in many people’s names because of these positive associations. The 子 (zi) suffix again adds warmth to the name. Watch for these graceful fliers swooping low over water at dusk.
Behavior-Based Names
Some of the cleverest bird names describe what the bird does.
Woodpecker
啄木鳥 zhuó mù niǎo peck-wood bird
This name is perfectly literal: 啄 (zhuó) means to peck, 木 (mù) means wood, and 鳥 (niǎo) is bird. The name tells you exactly what this bird spends its day doing. Listen for the distinctive rat-a-tat-tat echoing through forested areas.
Hummingbird
蜂鳥 fēng niǎo bee bird
The name captures how these tiny birds hover and buzz around flowers like bees. 蜂 (fēng) means bee, perfectly describing both the size and the humming sound of their rapidly beating wings. While not native to Taiwan, hummingbirds are well-known from nature documentaries.
Kingfisher
翠鳥 cuì niǎo kingfisher / jade bird
翠 (cuì) means jade-green or kingfisher-blue, that brilliant turquoise color of precious jade. These stunning birds dive into water to catch fish, and their iridescent plumage is instantly recognizable. The name focuses on their most striking visual feature.
Poultry and Farm Birds
Chicken
雞 jī chicken
One of the few birds that doesn’t use 鳥 in its name. The character 雞 (jī) specifically means chicken and is used for both roosters and hens. For clarity, you can say 公雞 (gōng jī, rooster) or 母雞 (mǔ jī, hen).
Rooster
公雞 gōng jī male chicken
When you need to be specific, 公 (gōng) means male. Roosters crow at dawn with their distinctive 咕咕咕 (gū gū gū) sound. The rooster is one of the twelve zodiac animals in Chinese astrology.
Duck
鴨子 yā zi duck
Like pigeon, duck uses the friendly 子 (zi) suffix. The character 鴨 (yā) specifically refers to ducks. You’ll hear this word constantly at restaurants, as duck is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. 烤鴨 (kǎo yā, roast duck) is a Beijing specialty that’s become famous worldwide.
Goose
鵝 é goose
Another standalone character without 鳥. Geese are symbols of marital fidelity in Chinese culture because they mate for life. The elegant wild goose appears frequently in classical poetry as a messenger carrying letters between separated lovers.
Turkey
火雞 huǒ jī fire chicken
Turkeys aren’t native to Asia, so when they arrived, they got named 火雞 (huǒ jī), literally “fire chicken.” Perhaps the name refers to their red wattles or the way their feathers can look flame-like when displayed. American Thanksgiving has popularized turkey in Taiwan, though it’s not a traditional food.
Birds of Prey
Eagle
老鷹 lǎo yīng old eagle
The character 鷹 (yīng) means eagle or hawk, while 老 (lǎo) adds respect and seriousness. Eagles symbolize power, courage, and keen vision in Chinese culture. They appear frequently in martial arts imagery and traditional paintings.
Owl
貓頭鷹 māo tóu yīng cat-headed hawk
This wonderfully descriptive name combines 貓 (māo, cat), 頭 (tóu, head), and 鷹 (yīng, hawk/eagle). Look at an owl’s face and you’ll immediately see why Chinese speakers thought it looked like a cat-headed hawk. Those big round eyes and flat face are distinctly feline.
Hawk
老鷹 lǎo yīng hawk
Hawks and eagles share the same name in casual speech. For precision, you can specify types: 蒼鷹 (cāng yīng, goshawk) uses 蒼 meaning grey or blue-grey, describing the bird’s coloring.
Waterbirds
Heron
蒼鷺 cāng lù grey heron
The character 鷺 (lù) specifically means heron or egret. 蒼 (cāng) means grey-blue, the color of the common heron’s plumage. These elegant long-legged birds wade through shallow water hunting fish.
Crane
鶴 hè crane
A single character, no 鳥 needed. Cranes are among the most auspicious birds in Chinese culture, symbolizing longevity, peace, and immortality. They appear constantly in traditional art, often paired with pine trees (another longevity symbol). The red-crowned crane is particularly revered.
Swan
天鵝 tiān é heaven goose
Literally “heaven goose,” the name captures swans’ graceful, almost celestial beauty. 天 (tiān) means sky or heaven, while 鵝 (é) is goose. Swans appear in ballet and Western fairy tales that have become popular in Taiwan.
Seagull
海鷗 hǎi ōu sea gull
海 (hǎi) means sea, 鷗 (ōu) means gull. Simple, direct, and perfectly descriptive. You’ll see these birds wheeling and crying around Taiwan’s extensive coastline, especially at fishing harbors.
Colorful and Exotic Birds
Peacock
孔雀 kǒng què peacock
The name means something like “hole sparrow,” with 孔 (kǒng) referring to the eye-like patterns on the peacock’s magnificent tail feathers. Peacocks symbolize beauty and dignity in Chinese culture.
Parrot
鸚鵡 yīng wǔ parrot
Both characters in this name are specific to parrots, with no direct meaning beyond that. Parrots are popular pets in Taiwan, valued for their intelligence and ability to mimic speech.
Flamingo
火烈鳥 huǒ liè niǎo fire-fierce bird
火 (huǒ) means fire, 烈 (liè) means fierce or intense, perfectly describing the flamingo’s shocking pink-to-red plumage. While not native to Taiwan, flamingos are famous from nature shows and zoo exhibits.
Penguin
企鵝 qǐ é standing goose
The name suggests a goose that stands upright: 企 (qǐ) means to stand on tiptoe or to hope, 鵝 (é) is goose. Picture a penguin’s upright waddle and the name makes perfect sense.
Taiwan’s Special Birds
Taiwan has several endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. These appear on currency, stamps, and tourist materials.
Taiwan Blue Magpie
臺灣藍鵲 tái wān lán què Taiwan blue magpie
Taiwan’s unofficial national bird. 藍 (lán) means blue, and this bird’s stunning azure plumage makes it unforgettable. They travel in noisy family groups and are surprisingly unafraid of people. Often called 長尾山娘 (cháng wěi shān niáng, long-tailed mountain lady) because of their elegant trailing tail feathers.
Mikado Pheasant
黑長尾雉 hēi cháng wěi zhì black long-tailed pheasant
Also called 帝雉 (dì zhì, emperor pheasant). This magnificent bird appears on Taiwan’s thousand-dollar bill. 帝 (dì) means emperor, fitting for such a regal bird. The full name describes its black plumage (黑 hēi) and long tail (長尾 cháng wěi).
Taiwan Barbet
五色鳥 wǔ sè niǎo five-color bird
Called the five-color bird because its plumage includes blue, red, yellow, green, and black. The modern formal name is 臺灣擬啄木 (tái wān nǐ zhuó mù, Taiwan pseudo-woodpecker), but everyone still calls it 五色鳥. Its distinctive gurgling call echoes through Taiwan’s forests.
Mini Dialogues
A: 你看！那邊有一隻白頭翁！ A: nǐ kàn! nà biān yǒu yì zhī bái tóu wēng! A: Look! There’s a Chinese bulbul over there!
B: 哪裡？哦，我看到了。牠在吃果子。 B: nǎ lǐ? ò, wǒ kàn dào le. tā zài chī guǒ zi. B: Where? Oh, I see it. It’s eating berries.
A: 早上我聽到啄木鳥的聲音。 A: zǎo shang wǒ tīng dào zhuó mù niǎo de shēng yīn. A: This morning I heard a woodpecker.
B: 真的嗎？我也想看看！ B: zhēn de ma? wǒ yě xiǎng kàn kàn! B: Really? I want to see it too!
A: 臺灣藍鵲是臺灣的國鳥嗎？ A: tái wān lán què shì tái wān de guó niǎo ma? A: Is the Taiwan blue magpie Taiwan’s national bird?
B: 算是吧，雖然沒有正式的國鳥。 B: suàn shì ba, suī rán méi yǒu zhèng shì de guó niǎo. B: Sort of, though there’s no official national bird.
A: 你有養寵物嗎？ A: nǐ yǒu yǎng chǒng wù ma? A: Do you have any pets?
B: 有，我養了一隻鸚鵡。牠會說話！ B: yǒu, wǒ yǎng le yì zhī yīng wǔ. tā huì shuō huà! B: Yes, I have a parrot. It can talk!
Copy-Ready Patterns
Identifying Birds
那是什麼鳥？ nà shì shén me niǎo? What bird is that?
那是〔bird name〕。 nà shì 〔bird name〕. That’s a 〔bird name〕.
Describing Bird Actions
〔Bird〕在〔action〕。 〔bird〕 zài 〔action〕. The 〔bird〕 is 〔doing action〕.
公雞在叫。 gōng jī zài jiào. The rooster is crowing.
Talking About Bird Sounds
〔Bird〕的叫聲是〔sound〕。 〔bird〕 de jiào shēng shì 〔sound〕. The 〔bird〕’s call is 〔sound〕.
烏鴉的叫聲是”啊啊啊”。 wū yā de jiào shēng shì “ā ā ā”. The crow’s call is “caw caw caw.”
Comparing Birds
〔Bird A〕比〔Bird B〕更〔adjective〕。 〔bird A〕 bǐ 〔bird B〕 gèng 〔adjective〕. 〔Bird A〕 is more 〔adjective〕 than 〔bird B〕.
老鷹比麻雀更大。 lǎo yīng bǐ má què gèng dà. Eagles are bigger than sparrows.
Usage Notes and Common Mistakes
Measure word confusion: The measure word for birds is 隻 (zhī). Say 一隻鳥 (yì zhī niǎo, one bird), not 一個鳥. This is a common beginner mistake since 個 is the default measure word for many things.
Dropping 鳥: For very common birds, speakers often drop the 鳥 (niǎo) suffix in casual speech. You’ll hear 麻雀 (má què) more often than 麻雀鳥, and 白頭翁 (bái tóu wēng) rather than 白頭翁鳥. However, adding 鳥 is never wrong, just slightly more formal.
Taiwan versus Mainland names: Taiwan and Mainland China sometimes use different bird names. Taiwan tends to use more descriptive names inherited from Japanese ornithology (Taiwan was under Japanese rule from 1895-1945), while the Mainland systematized names in the 20th century. For example, the Taiwan barbet is called 五色鳥 (wǔ sè niǎo) in Taiwan but 擬啄木 (nǐ zhuó mù) formally. When learning, stick with Taiwan usage since you’re learning Traditional Chinese.
Literal versus colloquial: Some birds have both literary and colloquial names. Owls are called 貓頭鷹 (māo tóu yīng) by ordinary people, but naturalists might use classical names like 鴞 (xiāo). For daily conversation, stick with the common names.
Gender confusion: 公 (gōng) is male, 母 (mǔ) is female. This matters for chickens and ducks where you might need to specify. 公雞 (gōng jī) is a rooster, 母雞 (mǔ jī) is a hen. Don’t mix these up when ordering food or talking about farm animals.
Quick Reference Table
| English | Traditional Chinese | Pinyin |
| bird | 鳥 | niǎo |
| sparrow | 麻雀 | má què |
| Chinese bulbul | 白頭翁 | bái tóu wēng |
| pigeon | 鴿子 | gē zi |
| magpie | 喜鵲 | xǐ què |
| crow | 烏鴉 | wū yā |
| swallow | 燕子 | yàn zi |
| woodpecker | 啄木鳥 | zhuó mù niǎo |
| owl | 貓頭鷹 | māo tóu yīng |
| eagle/hawk | 老鷹 | lǎo yīng |
| chicken | 雞 | jī |
| rooster | 公雞 | gōng jī |
| hen | 母雞 | mǔ jī |
| duck | 鴨子 | yā zi |
| goose | 鵝 | é |
| crane | 鶴 | hè |
| heron | 蒼鷺 | cāng lù |
| swan | 天鵝 | tiān é |
| seagull | 海鷗 | hǎi ōu |
| peacock | 孔雀 | kǒng què |
| parrot | 鸚鵡 | yīng wǔ |
| penguin | 企鵝 | qǐ é |
| hummingbird | 蜂鳥 | fēng niǎo |
| flamingo | 火烈鳥 | huǒ liè niǎo |
| kingfisher | 翠鳥 | cuì niǎo |
| white-eye | 綠繡眼 | lǜ xiù yǎn |
| Taiwan blue magpie | 臺灣藍鵲 | tái wān lán què |
| Mikado pheasant | 帝雉 | dì zhì |
| Taiwan barbet | 五色鳥 | wǔ sè niǎo |
Pronunciation Tips
The -ng versus -n endings: Many bird names contain finals with -ng (like 鷹 yīng, 鵝 é from 天鵝). Taiwanese Mandarin speakers sometimes soften the -ng sound compared to standard Mandarin, but try to maintain the distinction between -n and -ng endings. 鷹 (yīng) should have a clear -ng, not sound like 因 (yīn).
Tone sandhi in 一隻: When counting birds with 一隻 (yì zhī), the tone on 一 changes based on what follows. Before a fourth tone, 一 becomes second tone (yí). Before other tones, it becomes fourth tone (yì). So it’s 一隻鳥 (yì zhī niǎo) but the change happens naturally as you speak faster.
The zh-, ch-, sh- initials: Birds like 啄木鳥 (zhuó mù niǎo) and 鶴 (hè) use retroflex initials. Put your tongue further back in your mouth for zh-, ch-, sh- compared to z-, c-, s-. This distinction is important for clarity, especially with 雀 (què, sparrow) versus 鵲 (què, magpie), which are different characters despite having the same pronunciation.
Third tone sequences: When you have two third tones in a row, like in 老鷹 (lǎo yīng), the first one changes to second tone in actual speech. It becomes láo yīng. However, both are still written with third tone marks because that’s their underlying tone.
The tricky ü sound: 雀 (què) and 鵲 (què) both contain the ü sound (written as ‘ue’ after q, j, x). Round your lips as if saying “oo” but try to say “ee.” It’s like French ‘tu’ or German ‘ü.’ Practice with 綠 (lǜ, green) in 綠繡眼.
Practice Plan: Five Honest Minutes
Day 1-2: Learn the six most common birds you’ll actually see in Taiwan: 麻雀 (má què), 白頭翁 (bái tóu wēng), 綠繡眼 (lǜ xiù yǎn), 鴿子 (gē zi), 烏鴉 (wū yā), 燕子 (yàn zi). Write each one three times while saying it aloud. Then go outside and try to spot one real bird and identify it.
Day 3-4: Focus on the behavior-based names that tell stories: 啄木鳥 (zhuó mù niǎo), 蜂鳥 (fēng niǎo), 翠鳥 (cuì niǎo). Break down each character and see how it builds the meaning. This helps cement the logic of Chinese bird naming.
Day 5-6: Learn the poultry you’ll hear about in markets and restaurants: 雞 (jī), 公雞 (gōng jī), 母雞 (mǔ jī), 鴨子 (yā zi), 鵝 (é). Use flashcards or write them while imagining each bird. Practice the measure word: 一隻雞 (yì zhī jī).
Day 7-8: Study the waterbirds with distinct characters: 鶴 (hè), 蒼鷺 (cāng lù), 天鵝 (tiān é), 海鷗 (hǎi ōu). Notice how 鷺 and 鵝 appear in multiple names. This pattern recognition speeds up learning.
Day 9-10: Tackle the exotic and colorful birds: 孔雀 (kǒng què), 鸚鵡 (yīng wǔ), 火烈鳥 (huǒ liè niǎo), 企鵝 (qǐ é). These are fun conversation starters and appear often in nature documentaries.
Day 11-12: Learn Taiwan’s endemic species: 臺灣藍鵲 (tái wān lán què), 帝雉 (dì zhì), 五色鳥 (wǔ sè niǎo). These matter for cultural literacy and show locals you care about Taiwan’s unique natural heritage.
Day 13-14: Practice the mini-dialogues in this guide. Say them aloud until they feel natural. Record yourself and compare to native speaker pronunciation on Forvo or Google Translate.
Day 15: Review everything with the quick reference table. Cover the Chinese column and test yourself on the English names. Then reverse it. Finally, go to a park and try to identify real birds using your new vocabulary.
Beyond the Basics
Once you’re comfortable with common bird names, explore specialized vocabulary. The word for birdsong is 鳥鳴 (niǎo míng) or 鳥叫聲 (niǎo jiào shēng). A birdwatcher is 賞鳥者 (shǎng niǎo zhě). Feathers are 羽毛 (yǔ máo), wings are 翅膀 (chì bǎng), and a beak is 鳥嘴 (niǎo zuǐ) or 喙 (huì) in more formal contexts.
Taiwan has excellent birding locations, and knowing bird names lets you connect with local enthusiasts. The Chinese Wild Bird Federation (中華民國野鳥學會 zhōng huá mín guó yě niǎo xué huì) organizes birdwatching events where you can practice your vocabulary with passionate experts.
Bird symbolism runs deep in Chinese culture. Cranes represent longevity, mandarin ducks symbolize marital happiness, and phoenixes embody nobility and grace. Understanding bird names opens doors to appreciating classical poetry, traditional painting, and cultural metaphors that pervade daily conversation.
Yak’s Final Word
Bird names in Chinese are basically cheat codes. Instead of memorizing random syllables, you’re learning tiny descriptive phrases that stick in your brain. A 貓頭鷹 (māo tóu yīng) obviously has a cat-like head. A 啄木鳥 (zhuó mù niǎo) obviously pecks wood. Once you see the pattern, you’re not just memorizing—you’re understanding how Chinese speakers see the natural world.
Next time a 白頭翁 lands on your apartment balcony, you’ll know exactly why it’s called a white-headed old gentleman. And when you spot that flash of brilliant blue streaking through the mountains, you’ll be ready to exclaim, “Look, a 臺灣藍鵲!” Your vocabulary isn’t just growing—you’re learning to see the world through Chinese characters, one feathered friend at a time.