The world of birds is beautiful and full of life, holding a special place in both nature and Arab culture. In this detailed article, we will embark on a fascinating journey to explore birds in Arabic, from essential vocabulary to popular proverbs, helping you expand your knowledge and enrich your language skills.
The Word for “Bird” in Arabic
The word طَائِر is the most common Arabic word for bird. You can use it to refer to any type of bird.
- Singular: طَائِر (ṭāʾir) – I saw a beautiful bird flying in the sky.
- Dual: طَائِرَان (ṭāʾirān) – Two small birds on the tree.
- Plural: طُيُور (ṭuyūr) – There are many types of birds.
Another common word, especially for small birds, is عُصْفُور.
- Singular: عُصْفُور (ʿuṣfūr)
- Plural: عَصَافِير (ʿaṣāfīr)
Names of Different Birds (Birds Name in Arabic)
Here is a longer list of famous bird names that will help you in your daily conversations, categorized for easier learning.
Domestic & Farm Birds
Many birds live with or near humans, either on farms or as pets. Learning their names is a great way to talk about everyday life. This list includes common domestic and farm birds.
| Arabic Name | English Name | Example Sentence (Arabic & Transliteration) | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| بَبَّغَاء – babbaġāʾ | Parrot in Arabic | الببغاء يتكلم ويقلد الأصوات – Al-babbaġāʾ yatakallam wa yuqallidu al-aṣwāt. | The parrot talks and imitates sounds. |
| دِيك – dīk | Rooster in Arabic | سمعت صوت الديك في الصباح -Samiʿtu ṣawt al-dīk fī al-ṣabāḥ. | I heard the rooster’s voice in the morning. |
| دَجَاجَة – dajājatu | Hen in arabic | الدجاجة تضع بيضاً لذيذاً -Al-dajājatu taḍaʿu bayḍan laḏīḏan. | The hen lays delicious eggs. |
| حَمَامَة – ḥamāmah | Pigeon in Arabic / Dove in Arabic | أطلقنا الحمامة لتطير – Aṭlaqnā al-ḥamāmata li-taṭīr. | We released the pigeon to fly. |
| بَطَّة – baṭṭah | Duck in Arabic | البطة تسبح في البحيرة – Al-baṭṭatu tasbaḥu fī al-buḥayrah. | The duck is swimming in the lake. |
| إِوَزَّة – iwazzah | Goose in Arabic | الإوزة أكبر من البطة – Al-iwazzatu akbaru min al-baṭṭah. | The goose is bigger than the duck. |
Wild Birds
Wild birds live freely in nature, often in forests, mountains, or deserts. Some of these birds are known for their hunting skills, while others hold symbolic importance in culture and literature.
| Arabic Name | English Name | Example Sentence (Arabic & Transliteration) | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| نَسْر – nasr | Eagle | النسر طائر قوي جداً – Al-nasru ṭāʾirun qawiyyun jiddan. | The eagle is a very strong bird. |
| صَقْر – ṣaqr | Falcon | الصقر يصطاد الفريسة بسرعة – Al-ṣaqru yaṣṭādu al-farīsa bi-surʿah. | The falcon hunts its prey quickly. |
| بُومَة – būmah | Owl | البومة تطير ليلاً – Al-būmatu taṭīru laylan. | The owl flies at night. |
| غُرَاب – ġurāb | Raven / Crow | الغراب لونه أسود – Al-ġurābu lawnuhu aswad. | The raven is black. |
| نَعَامَة – naʿāmah | Ostrich | النعامة لا تطير لكنها تجري بسرعة – Al-naʿāmatu lā taṭīru lākinna-hā tajrī bi-surʿah. | The ostrich does not fly but runs very fast. |
| هُدْهُد – hudhud | Hoopoe | الهدهد له تاج جميل على رأسه – Al-hudhud lahu tāj jamil ʿalā raʾsi-h. | The hoopoe has a beautiful crest on its head. |
| سُنُونُو – sunūnū | Swallow | السنونو يرجع في فصل الربيع – Al-sunūnū yarjiʿu fī faṣl al-rabīʿ. | The swallow returns in the spring. |
Water Birds & Others
This final category includes birds that are typically found near water bodies like lakes, seas, or rivers. It also features some unique birds that have distinct characteristics, like the flightless penguin.
| Arabic Name | English Name | Example Sentence (Arabic & Transliteration) | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| بَجَعَة – bajaʿah | Swan | البجعة تملك عنقاً طويلاً – Al-bajaʿatu tamliku ʿunuqan ṭawīlan. | The swan has a long neck. |
| لَقْلَق – laqlaq | Stork | اللقلق يأكل الأسماك الصغيرة – Al-laqlaqu yaʾkulu al-asmāka al-ṣaġīrah. | The stork eats small fish. |
| نَوْرَس – nawras | Seagull | النورس يحب البحر – Al-nawrasu yuḥibbu al-baḥr. | The seagull loves the sea. |
| بَطْرِيق – baṭrīq | Penguin | البطريق يعيش في الأماكن الباردة – Al-baṭrīqu yaʿīshu fī al-amākini al-bāridah. | The penguin lives in cold places. |
Important Birds in Arab Culture
Some birds aren’t just animals; they are cultural symbols.
- The Falcon (الصَّقْر): The falcon is an Arab symbol of strength, freedom, and courage. It is an important part of the region’s history, especially in the Arabian Gulf countries, where falconry is a beloved and ancient tradition.
- The Hoopoe (الهُدْهُد): The Hoopoe is mentioned in the Quran in the story of Prophet Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This bird is known for its intelligence, beautiful appearance, and the golden crest that distinguishes it.
Arabic Proverbs with the word “Bird”
Proverbs give a special flavor to a language. Here are some popular proverbs that use the word bird or sparrow:
- “عُصْفُورٌ فِي اليَدِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ عَشَرَةٍ عَلَى الشَّجَرَةِ.”
- Meaning: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” This means a small thing you have is better than a promise of many things you might not get.
- Meaning: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” This means a small thing you have is better than a promise of many things you might not get.
- “يَضْرِبُ عُصْفُورَيْنِ بِحَجَرٍ وَاحِدٍ.”
- Meaning: “To kill two birds with one stone.” This means to perform a single action to achieve two goals at the same time.
- Meaning: “To kill two birds with one stone.” This means to perform a single action to achieve two goals at the same time.
- “أَسْرَعُ مِنْ حَمَامَة زَاجِلَة.”
- Meaning: “Faster than a homing pigeon.” Homing pigeons were historically used to send messages quickly, and this proverb describes anything that is very fast.
Bird Riddles
Test your knowledge and share these riddles with your friends!
- Riddle 1: I am a beautiful bird with colorful feathers, I can imitate human speech, and I love fruit very much. Who am I?
- (Answer: The Parrot)
- Riddle 2: I am a very large bird that cannot fly, but I can run very, very fast. Who am I?
- (Answer: The Ostrich)
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed this fascinating journey into the world of birds. Don’t stop using these new words, and always remember that Kaleela is your companion on the journey of learning the Arabic language. Continue learning with us and discover the beauty of the Arabic language and culture.
