Learning bird names in French expands your vocabulary and enhances language skills. This article will cover various bird categories, providing their French names and pronunciations to aid in your language learning journey.
Common Birds in French
Here is a table of common birds, their names in French, and their pronunciations:
| Bird | French Name | Pronunciation |
| Parrot | Perroquet | peh-roh-keh |
| Parakeet | Perruche | peh-roosh |
| Zebra Finch | Diamant mandarin | dee-ah-mahn mahn-dah-ran |
| Gouldian Finch | Diamant de Gould | dee-ah-mahn duh goold |
| Canary | Canari | Kah-nah-ree |
| Cockatiel | Calopsitte | kah-loh-peet |
| Lovebird | Inséparable | an-say-pah-ra-bluh |
| Budgerigar | Perruche ondulée | peh-roosh ohn-dyoo-lay |
| Cockatoo | Cacatoès | kah-kah-toh-eh |
| Macaw | Ara | ah-rah |
Common Pet Birds
Here is a table of common pet birds, their names in French, and their pronunciations:
| Bird | French Name | Pronunciation |
| Pigeon | Pigeon | pee-zhon |
| Sparrow | Moineau | mwah-noh |
| Dove | Colombe | koh-lohm |
| Robin | Rouge-gorge | roozh-gorzh |
| Crow | Corbeau | kor-boh |
| Magpie | Pie | pee |
| Swallow | Hirondelle | ee-ron-del |
| Blackbird | Merle | mehrl |
| Woodpecker | Pic | peek |
| Seagull | Mouette | moo-et |
Migratory Birds in French
Migratory birds exhibit a fascinating nature, undertaking long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. Their incredible navigation skills and endurance are awe-inspiring. Here is a table of migratory birds, their French names, and their pronunciations:
| Bird | French Name | Pronunciation |
| Albatross | Albatros | al-bah-tros |
| Duck | Canard | kah-nar |
| Goose | Oie | wah |
| Stork | Cigogne | see-gohn |
| Sandpiper | Bécasseau | bay-kah-soh |
| Warbler | Fauvette | foh-ve |
| Crane | Grue | gruh |
| Tern | Sterne | stehrn |
| Osprey | Balbuzard | bahl-boo-zar |
| Plover | Pluvier | ploo-vyay |
Wild/Exotic Birds in French
Introducing wild and exotic birds can expand your vocabulary and provide insight into the diverse avian world. Here is a table of exotic bird species, their French names, and their pronunciations:
| Bird | French Name | Pronunciation |
| Flamingo | Flamant | flah-mahn |
| Eagle | Aigle | eh-gl |
| Toucan | Toucan | too-kahn |
| Peacock | Paon | pahn |
| Pelican | Pélican | pay-lee-kahn |
| Ostrich | Autruche | oh-troosh |
| Kingfisher | Martin-pêcheur | mar-tan pay-shur |
| Hummingbird | Colibri | koh-lee-bree |
| Heron | Héron | ay-rohn |
| Condor | Condor | kon-dor |
Flightless Birds in French
Flightless birds are fascinating species that have evolved without the ability to fly, often adapting to their environments with strong legs and other unique traits. Here is a table of flightless birds, their French names, and their pronunciations:
| Bird | French Name | Pronunciation |
| Emu | Émeu | eh-muh |
| Penguin | Manchot | mahn-shoh |
| Turkey | Dindon | dan-don |
| Kiwi | Kiwi | kee-wee |
| Cassowary | Casoar | kah-soo-ar |
| Rhea | Nandou | nahn-doo |
| Kakapo | Strigops kakapo | stree-gohps kah-kah-poh |
| Flightless Cormorant | Cormoran aptère | kor-moh-rahn ap-tair |
| Steamer Duck | Canard vapeur | kah-nar vah-puhr |
| Galapagos Rail | Râle des Galápagos | rahl day gal-ah-pah-gohs |
Bird-Related Idioms in French
Here are five bird-related idioms, their usage, and translations:
| Idiom | Translation | English equivalent | Usage |
| Quand les poules auront des dents | When hens have teeth | When pigs fly | Used to indicate that something will never happen |
| Avoir un appétit d’oiseau | To have a bird’s appetite | To eat like a bird | Describes someone who eats very little |
| Être comme un coq en pâte | To be like a rooster in dough | To be as snug as a bug in a rug | Describes someone who is very comfortable and well cared for |
| Faire d’une pierre deux coups | To make two hits with one stone | To kill two birds with one stone | Describes achieving two goals with a single effort |
| Être le dindon de la farce | To be the turkey of the farc | To be the laughing stock | Describes someone who is the butt of a joke or who has been tricked |
Final Thought
Learning bird names in French enhances vocabulary and language skills. Continue expanding your vocabulary and practicing pronunciation. Mastering these terms is a step towards greater fluency. For more French vocabulary, check our article on Animals in French.
Frequently Asked Questions
What birds are unique to France?
Unique birds to France include the Corsican Nuthatch, found only on the island of Corsica. For more information on French birds and to expand your vocabulary, visit the La Forêt blog on Animals in French.
How many birds are in France?
France is home to over 570 bird species, ranging from common to rare. This diverse avian population makes it a great place for birdwatchers.
What is the largest bird in France?
The largest bird in France is the Great Bustard, which can weigh up to 18 kilograms. It’s a rare sight, adding to the allure of birdwatching in France. Learn more about French bird species on https://www.frenchclass.in/ on Animals in French.
What is France’s national bird?
France’s national bird is the Gallic Rooster, a symbol of courage and resilience. This iconic bird is deeply rooted in French culture. For more fascinating details about French birds, visit the La Forêt blog on Animals in French.