List of birds of Metropolitan France
Template:Short description Template:Use British English

This list of birds species recorded in Metropolitan France. The avifauna of France includes a total of 671 species according to the Birds of France website (oiseaux.net).<ref name="oiseaux2024">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> One is endemic to the island of Corsica.
Metropolitan France is the French mainland, adjacent islands, and Corsica. There is also a specific list for the birds of Corsica. For the birds in the French Overseas territories, see: List of birds of French Guiana, List of birds of French Polynesia, List of birds of Guadeloupe, List of birds of Martinique, List of birds of Réunion, and List of birds of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (English and scientific names) are those of the IOC World Bird List, Version 14.2 (2024).<ref name="oiseaux2024"/>
Bird species admitted to the French List are included in the following categories A, B or C, with the same definitions as the British and other Western Palaearctic bird lists. These are sourced from the 2021 edition of the French list, which followed the IOC World Bird List, Version 11.1 (2021).<ref name="oiseaux2021">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- A: species that have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1 January 1950.
- B: species that were recorded in an apparently natural state at least once between 1 January 1800 and 31 December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently.
- C: species introduced by humans, and have established breeding populations derived from introduced stock, which maintain themselves without necessary recourse to further introduction.
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: AnseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- Fulvous whistling duck Dendrocygna bicolor (Template:Langx) – C
- Brant Branta bernicla (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis (Template:Langx) – A
- Canada goose Branta canadensis (Template:Langx) – C
- Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis (Template:Langx) – AC
- Cackling goose Branta hutchinsii (Template:Langx) – A
- Snow goose Anser caerulescens (Template:Langx) – B
- Greylag goose Anser anser (Template:Langx) – AC
- Taiga bean goose Anser fabalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus (Template:Langx) – A
- Tundra bean goose Anser serrirostris (Template:Langx) – A
- Greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser white-fronted goose Anser erythropus (Template:Langx) – A
- Mute swan Cygnus olor (Template:Langx) – AC
- Black swan Cygnus atratus (Template:Langx) – C
- Tundra swan Cygnus columbianus (Template:Langx) – A
- Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus (Template:Langx) – A
- Egyptian goose Alopochen aegyptiaca (Template:Langx) – BC
- Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna (Template:Langx) – A
- Ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (Template:Langx) – BC
- Mandarin duck Aix galericulata (Template:Langx) – C
- Baikal teal Sibirionetta formosa (Template:Langx) – B
- Garganey Spatula querquedula (Template:Langx) – A
- Blue-winged teal Spatula discors (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern shoveler Spatula clypeata (Template:Langx) – A
- Gadwall Mareca strepera (Template:Langx) – A
- Falcated duck Mareca falcata (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian wigeon Mareca penelope (Template:Langx) – A
- American wigeon Mareca americana (Template:Langx) – A
- Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (Template:Langx) – AC
- American black duck Anas rubripes (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern pintail Anas acuta (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian teal Anas crecca (Template:Langx) – A
- Green-winged teal Anas carolinensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Marbled duck Marmaronetta angustirostris (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-crested pochard Netta rufina (Template:Langx) – A
- Canvasback Aythya valisineria (Template:Langx) – A
- Redhead Aythya americana (Template:Langx) – A
- Common pochard Aythya ferina (Template:Langx) – A
- Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca (Template:Langx) – A
- Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris (Template:Langx) – A
- Tufted duck Aythya fuligula (Template:Langx) – A
- Greater scaup Aythya marila (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser scaup Aythya affinis (Template:Langx) – A
- Steller's eider Polysticta stelleri (Template:Langx) – A
- King eider Somateria spectabilis (Template:Langx) – A
- Common eider Somateria mollissima (Template:Langx) – A
- Harlequin duck Histrionicus histrionicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata (Template:Langx) – A
- Velvet scoter Melanitta fusca (Template:Langx) – A
- Stejneger's scoter Melanitta stejnegeri (Template:Langx) – B
- Common scoter Melanitta nigra (Template:Langx) – A
- Black scoter Melanitta americana (Template:Langx) – A
- Long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Bufflehead Bucephala albeola (Template:Langx) – A
- Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula (Template:Langx) – A
- Barrow's goldeneye Bucephala islandica (Template:Langx) – A
- Smew Mergellus albellus (Template:Langx) – A
- Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Goosander Mergus merganser (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator (Template:Langx) – A
- Ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis (Template:Langx) – C
- White-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala (Template:Langx) – A
New World quail
Order: GalliformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World. Two have been introduced to France as gamebirds.
- California quail Callipepla californica (Template:Langx) – C
- Northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus (Template:Langx) – C
Pheasants, grouse, and allies
Order: GalliformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Phasianidae
These are terrestrial species of gamebirds, feeding and nesting on the ground. They are variable in size but generally plump, with broad and relatively short wings. In addition to the native species, several have been introduced for game shooting.
- Hazel grouse Tetrastes bonasia (Template:Langx) – A
- Rock ptarmigan Lagopus muta (Template:Langx) – A
- Western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus (Template:Langx) – A
- Black grouse Lyrurus tetrix (Template:Langx) – A
- Grey partridge Perdix perdix (Template:Langx) – AC
- Reeves's pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii (Template:Langx) – C
- Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus (Template:Langx) – C
- Common quail Coturnix coturnix (Template:Langx) – A
- Barbary partridge Alectoris barbara (Template:Langx) – C
- Red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa (Template:Langx) – AC
- Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar (Template:Langx) – C
- Rock partridge Alectoris graeca (Template:Langx) – A
Nightjars and allies
Order: CaprimulgiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
- Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-necked nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis (Template:Langx) – A
- European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (Template:Langx) – A
Swifts
Order: CaprimulgiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent.
- Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica (Template:Langx) – A
- Alpine swift Tachymarptis melba (Template:Langx) – A
- Common swift Apus apus (Template:Langx) – A
- Pallid swift Apus pallidus (Template:Langx) – A
- Little swift Apus affinis (Template:Langx) – A
- White-rumped swift Apus caffer (Template:Langx) – A
Bustards
Order: OtidiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.
- Great bustard Otis tarda (Template:Langx) – A
- Macqueen's bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii (Template:Langx) – B
- Little bustard Tetrax tetrax (Template:Langx) – A
Cuckoos
Order: CuculiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
- Great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius (Template:Langx) – A
- Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus (Template:Langx) – A
Sandgrouse
Order: PterocliformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small pigeon-like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes.
- Pallas's sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Template:Langx) – A
- Pin-tailed sandgrouse Pterocles alchata (Template:Langx) – A
Pigeons and doves
Order: ColumbiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Rock dove Columba livia (Template:Langx) – AC
- Stock dove Columba oenas (Template:Langx) – A
- Common wood pigeon Columba palumbus (Template:Langx) – A
- European turtle dove Streptopelia turtur (Template:Langx) – A
- Oriental turtle dove Streptopelia orientalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto (Template:Langx) – A
- Laughing dove Spilopelia senegalensis (Template:Langx) – C
- Mourning dove Zenaida macroura (Template:Langx) – A
Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: GruiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and moorhens. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. Many are shy and secretive birds, but some are bold and conspicuous. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and appear to be to be weak fliers, though many are capable of long-distance migration.
- Water rail Rallus aquaticus (Template:Langx) – A
- Corn crake Crex crex (Template:Langx) – A
- Sora Porzana carolina (Template:Langx) – A
- Spotted crake Porzana porzana (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser moorhen Paragallinula angulata (Template:Langx) – A
- Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian coot Fulica atra (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-knobbed coot Fulica cristata (Template:Langx) – B
- Allen's gallinule Porphyrio alleni (Template:Langx) – A
- Western swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (Template:Langx) – AC
- Grey-headed swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus (Template:Langx) – C
- Baillon's crake Zapornia pusilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Little crake Zapornia parva (Template:Langx) – A
Cranes
Order: GruiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".
- Sandhill crane Antigone canadensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Demoiselle crane Grus virgo (Template:Langx) – A
- Common crane Grus grus (Template:Langx) – A
Grebes
Order: PodicipediformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.
- Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (Template:Langx) – A
- Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena (Template:Langx) – A
- Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Slavonian grebe Podiceps auritus (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis (Template:Langx) – A
Flamingos
Order: PhoenicopteriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious warm temperate to tropical wetland birds, usually Template:Convert high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shrimps and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down.
- Greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser flamingo Phoeniconaias minor (Template:Langx) – A
Buttonquail
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Turnicidae
The buttonquail are small, drab, running birds which superficially resemble quail. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. One species is cited on the current French list, but without details.
- Common buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus (Template:Langx) – ?
Stone-curlews
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Burhinidae
The stone-curlews, also called thick-knees, are a group of waders found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes, and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
- Eurasian stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus (Template:Langx) – A
Oystercatchers
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.
- Eurasian oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus (Template:Langx) – A
Stilts and avocets
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.
- Black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus (Template:Langx) – A
- Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta (Template:Langx) – A
Plovers and lapwings
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterel, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.
- Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola (Template:Langx) – A
- European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (Template:Langx) – A
- Pacific golden plover Pluvialis fulva (Template:Langx) – A
- American golden plover Pluvialis dominica (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian dotterel Charadrius morinellus (Template:Langx) – A
- Killdeer Charadrius vociferus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula (Template:Langx) – A
- Semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus (Template:Langx) – A
- Spur-winged lapwing Vanellus spinosus (Template:Langx) – A
- Sociable lapwing Vanellus gregarius (Template:Langx) – A
- White-tailed lapwing Vanellus leucurus (Template:Langx) – A
- Caspian plover Anarhynchus asiaticus (Template:Langx) – A
- Siberian sand plover Anarhynchus mongolus (Template:Langx) – A
- Greater sand plover Anarhynchus leschenaultii (Template:Langx) – A
- Kittlitz's plover Anarhynchus pecuarius (Template:Langx) – A
- Kentish plover Anarhynchus alexandrinus (Template:Langx) – A
Sandpipers and allies
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized waders including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, woodcock, snipe, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
- Upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian whimbrel Numenius phaeopus (Template:Langx) – A
- Hudsonian whimbrel Numenius hudsonicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Slender-billed curlew Numenius tenuirostris (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata (Template:Langx) – A
- Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa (Template:Langx) – A
- Long-billed dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (Template:Langx) – A
- Short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus (Template:Langx) – A
- Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus (Template:Langx) – A
- American woodcock Scolopax minor (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola (Template:Langx) – A
- Great snipe Gallinago media (Template:Langx) – A
- Common snipe Gallinago gallinago (Template:Langx) – A
- Wilson's snipe Gallinago delicata (Template:Langx) – A
- Wilson's phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (Template:Langx) – A
- Red phalarope Phalaropus fulicaria (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (Template:Langx) – A
- Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularius (Template:Langx) – A
- Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus (Template:Langx) – A
- Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria (Template:Langx) – A
- Grey-tailed tattler Tringa brevipes (Template:Langx) – A
- Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (Template:Langx) – A
- Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola (Template:Langx) – A
- Common redshank Tringa totanus (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (Template:Langx) – A
- Willet Tringa semipalmata (Template:Langx) – A
- Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common greenshank Tringa nebularia (Template:Langx) – A
- Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca (Template:Langx) – A
- Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres (Template:Langx) – A
- Red knot Calidris canutus (Template:Langx) – A
- Ruff Calidris pugnax (Template:Langx) – A
- Broad-billed sandpiper Calidris falcinellus (Template:Langx) – A
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper Calidris acuminata (Template:Langx) – A
- Stilt sandpiper Calidris himantopus (Template:Langx) – A
- Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (Template:Langx) – A
- Temminck's stint Calidris temminckii (Template:Langx) – A
- Long-toed stint Calidris subminuta (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-necked stint Calidris ruficollis (Template:Langx) – A
- Buff-breasted sandpiper Calidris subruficollis (Template:Langx) – A
- Sanderling Calidris alba (Template:Langx) – A
- Dunlin Calidris alpina (Template:Langx) – A
- Purple sandpiper Calidris maritima (Template:Langx) – A
- Baird's sandpiper Calidris bairdii (Template:Langx) – A
- Little stint Calidris minuta (Template:Langx) – A
- Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla (Template:Langx) – A
- White-rumped sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (Template:Langx) – A
- Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos (Template:Langx) – A
- Western sandpiper Calidris mauri (Template:Langx) – A
- Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla (Template:Langx) – A
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings, and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings, and pointed bills which curve downwards.
- Cream-coloured courser Cursorius cursor (Template:Langx) – A
- Oriental pratincole Glareola maldivarum (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-winged pratincole Glareola nordmanni (Template:Langx) – A
- Collared pratincole Glareola pratincola (Template:Langx) – A
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls and terns. Gulls are typically grey and white, often with black markings on the head and wingtips. They have stout, longish, bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally small to medium seabirds typically with grey and white plumage, often with black cap on the head, but more extensive black in some species. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Gulls and terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
- Sooty tern Onychoprion fuscatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Bridled tern Onychoprion anaethetus (Template:Langx) – A
- Little tern Sternula albifrons (Template:Langx) – A
- Gull-billed tern Gelochelidon nilotica (Template:Langx) – A
- Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia (Template:Langx) – A
- Whiskered tern Chlidonias hybrida (Template:Langx) – A
- Black tern Chlidonias niger (Template:Langx) – A
- White-winged tern Chlidonias leucopterus (Template:Langx) – A
- Forster's tern Sterna forsteri (Template:Langx) – A
- Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea (Template:Langx) – A
- Common tern Sterna hirundo (Template:Langx) – A
- Roseate tern Sterna dougallii (Template:Langx) – A
- Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Elegant tern Thalasseus elegans (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser crested tern Thalasseus bengalensis (Template:Langx) – A
- West African crested tern Thalasseus albididorsalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Royal tern Thalasseus maximus (Template:Langx) – A
- Little gull Hydrocoloeus minutus (Template:Langx) – A
- Ross's gull Rhodostethia rosea (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (Template:Langx) – A
- Ivory gull Pagophila eburnea (Template:Langx) – A
- Sabine's gull Xema sabini (Template:Langx) – A
- Slender-billed gull Chroicocephalus genei (Template:Langx) – A
- Bonaparte's gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Template:Langx) – A
- Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Franklin's gull Leucophaeus pipixcan (Template:Langx) – A
- Pallas's gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus (Template:Langx) – A
- Audouin's gull Ichthyaetus audouinii (Template:Langx) – A
- Mediterranean gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common gull Larus canus (Template:Langx) – A
- Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Caspian gull Larus cachinnans (Template:Langx) – A
- Kelp gull Larus dominicanus (Template:Langx) – A
- European herring gull Larus argentatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Vega gull Larus vegae (Template:Langx) – A
- Yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis (Template:Langx) – A
- Great black-backed gull Larus marinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus (Template:Langx) – A
- American herring gull Larus smithsonianus (Template:Langx) – A
- Iceland gull Larus glaucoides (Template:Langx) – A
Skuas
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are medium to large seabirds, typically with greyish to brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are mostly long-distance migrants.
- Long-tailed skua Stercorarius longicaudus (Template:Langx) – A
- Arctic skua Stercorarius parasiticus (Template:Langx) – A
- Pomarine skua Stercorarius pomarinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Great skua Stercorarius skua (Template:Langx) – A
- South polar skua Stercorarius maccormicki (Template:Langx) – A
Auks, guillemots, and puffins
Order: CharadriiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Alcidae
Alcidae are a family of seabirds which are superficially similar to penguins with their black and white plumage, their upright posture, and some of their habits, but which are able to fly.
- Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica (Template:Langx) – A
- Black guillemot Cepphus grylle (Template:Langx) – A
- Razorbill Alca torda (Template:Langx) – A
- Great auk Pinguinus impennis (Template:Langx) – B (extinct)
- Little auk Alle alle (Template:Langx) – A
- Brünnich's guillemot Uria lomvia (Template:Langx) – A
- Common guillemot Uria aalge (Template:Langx) – A
Tropicbirds
Order: PhaethontiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Phaethontidae
The tropicbirds are a small group of tropical seabirds with long central tail streamers. Recent global warming has resulted in these birds being seen at higher latitudes in the last 10–20 years.
- Red-billed tropicbird Phaethon aethereus (Template:Langx) – A
Divers or loons
Order: GaviiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Gaviidae
Divers are a group of aquatic birds found in northern parts of North America and Eurasia. They are around the size of a cormorant, which they somewhat resemble in shape when swimming, but to which they are completely unrelated. In particular, their legs are set very far back which assists swimming underwater but makes walking on land extremely difficult.
- Red-throated diver Gavia stellata (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-throated diver Gavia arctica (Template:Langx) – A
- Great northern diver Gavia immer (Template:Langx) – A
- White-billed diver Gavia adamsii (Template:Langx) – A
Southern storm petrels
Order: ProcellariiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Oceanitidae
The families Oceanitidae and Hydrobatidae are the storm petrels, small pelagic petrels with a fluttering flight which often follow ships.
- Wilson's storm petrel Oceanites oceanicus (Template:Langx) – A
Albatrosses
Order: ProcellariiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses of the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds.
- Snowy albatross Diomedea exulans (Template:Langx) – B
- Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris (Template:Langx) – A
Northern storm petrels
Order: ProcellariiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Hydrobatidae
The northern storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
- European storm petrel Hydrobates pelagicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Swinhoe's storm petrel Hydrobates monorhis (Template:Langx) – A
- Leach's storm petrel Hydrobates leucorheus (Template:Langx) – A
- Band-rumped storm petrel Hydrobates castro (Template:Langx) – A
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: ProcellariiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
- Northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis (Template:Langx) – A
- Cape petrel Daption capense (Template:Langx) – A
- Fea's petrel Pterodroma feae (Template:Langx) – A
- Cory's shearwater Calonectis borealis (Template:Langx) – A
- Scopoli's shearwater Calonectis diomedea (Template:Langx) – A
- Buller's shearwater Ardenna bulleri (Template:Langx) – A
- Sooty shearwater Ardenna griseus (Template:Langx) – A
- Short-tailed shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris (Template:Langx) – A
- Great shearwater Ardenna gravis (Template:Langx) – A
- Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Yelkouan shearwater Puffinus yelkouan (Template:Langx) – A
- Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Barolo shearwater Puffinus baroli (Template:Langx) – A
- Bulwer's petrel Bulweria bulwerii (Template:Langx) – A
Storks
Order: CiconiiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked wetland birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
- Black stork Ciconia nigra (Template:Langx) – A
- White stork Ciconia ciconia (Template:Langx) – AC
Frigatebirds
Order: SuliformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds from the tropics with a very high aspect ratio. These birds do not swim and cannot walk well, and cannot take off from a flat surface.
- Magnificent frigatebird Fregata magnificens (Template:Langx) – B
Boobies and gannets
Order: SuliformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
- Northern gannet Morus bassanus (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-footed booby Sula sula (Template:Langx) – A
- Brown booby Sula leucogaster (Template:Langx) – A
- Masked booby Sula dactylatra (Template:Langx) – A
Cormorants and shags
Order: SuliformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage.
- Pygmy cormorant Microcarbo pygmeus (Template:Langx) – A
- Reed cormorant Microcarbo africanus (Template:Langx) – A
- Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (Template:Langx) – A
- European shag Gulosus aristotelis (Template:Langx) – A
- Double-crested cormorant Nannopterum auritum (Template:Langx) – A
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: PelecaniformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and, despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
- African sacred ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus (Template:Langx) – C
- Northern bald ibis Geronticus eremita (Template:Langx) – C
- Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (Template:Langx) – A
- African spoonbill Platalea alba (Template:Langx) – A
Herons, egrets, and bitterns
Order: PelecaniformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills.
- Great bittern Botaurus stellaris (Template:Langx) – A
- Dwarf bittern Ixobrychus sturmii (Template:Langx) – A
- Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax (Template:Langx) – A
- Little egret Egretta garzetta (Template:Langx) – A
- Western reef heron Egretta gularis (Template:Langx) – A
- Striated heron Butorides striata (Template:Langx) – A
- Green heron Butorides virescens (Template:Langx) – A
- Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides (Template:Langx) – A
- Western cattle egret Bubulcus ibis (Template:Langx) – A
- Great egret Ardea alba (Template:Langx) – A
- Medium egret Ardea intermedia (Template:Langx) – A
- Grey heron Ardea cinerea (Template:Langx) – A
- Great blue heron Ardea herodias (Template:Langx) – A
- Purple heron Ardea purpurea (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-headed heron Ardea melanocephala (Template:Langx) – A
Pelicans
Order: PelecaniformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. They have four webbed toes.
- Great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (Template:Langx) – A
- Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus (Template:Langx) – A
Osprey
Order: AccipitriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Pandionidae
The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater.
- Osprey Pandion haliaetus (Template:Langx) – A
Hawks, eagles, and kites
Order: AccipitriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. They have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.
- Black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus (Template:Langx) – A
- Bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus (Template:Langx) – AC
- Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus (Template:Langx) – A
- European honey buzzard Pernis apivorus (Template:Langx) – A
- Crested honey buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus (Template:Langx) – A
- Rüppell's vulture Gyps rueppelli (Template:Langx) – A
- Griffon vulture Gyps fulvus (Template:Langx) – AC
- Eurasian black vulture Aegypius monachus (Template:Langx) – AC
- Lappet-faced vulture Torgos tracheliotos (Template:Langx) – B
- Short-toed snake eagle Circaetus gallicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser spotted eagle Clanga pomarina (Template:Langx) – A
- Greater spotted eagle Clanga clanga (Template:Langx) – A
- Booted eagle Aquila pennatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Steppe eagle Aquila nipalensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Spanish imperial eagle Aquila adalberti (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern imperial eagle Aquila heliaca (Template:Langx) – A
- Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos (Template:Langx) – A
- Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian goshawk Accipiter gentilis (Template:Langx) – A
- Western marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus (Template:Langx) – A
- Hen harrier Circus cyaneus (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern harrier Circus hudsonius (Template:Langx) – A
- Pallid harrier Circus macrourus (Template:Langx) – A
- Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus (Template:Langx) – A
- Red kite Milvus milvus (Template:Langx) – A
- Black kite Milvus migrans (Template:Langx) – A
- White-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Rough-legged buzzard Buteo lagopus (Template:Langx) – A
- Long-legged buzzard Buteo rufinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common buzzard Buteo buteo (Template:Langx) – A
Barn owls
Order: StrigiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
- Western barn owl Tyto alba (Template:Langx) – A
Owls
Order: StrigiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Strigidae
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disc.
- Tengmalm's owl Aegolius funereus (Template:Langx) – A
- Little owl Athene noctua (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern hawk-owl Surnia ulula (Template:Langx) – B
- Eurasian pygmy owl Glaucidium passerinum (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian scops owl Otus scops (Template:Langx) – A
- Long-eared owl Asio otus (Template:Langx) – A
- Short-eared owl Asio flammeus (Template:Langx) – A
- Snowy owl Bubo scandiacus (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian eagle-owl Bubo bubo (Template:Langx) – A
- Tawny owl Strix aluco (Template:Langx) – A
Hoopoes
Order: BucerotiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black and white wings and orangey-pink body plumage, with a large erectile crest on their head.
- Eurasian hoopoe Upupa epops (Template:Langx) – A
Rollers
Order: CoraciiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.
- European roller Coracias garrulus (Template:Langx) – A
Kingfishers
Order: CoraciiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails.
- Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis (Template:Langx) – A
- Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon (Template:Langx) – A
- Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis (Template:Langx) –
Bee-eaters
Order: CoraciiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near-passerine birds. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea. They have richly coloured plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. All have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater Merops persicus (Template:Langx) – A
- European bee-eater Merops apiaster (Template:Langx) – A
Woodpeckers
Order: PiciformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
- Eurasian wryneck Jynx torquilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus (Template:Langx) – A
- Middle spotted woodpecker Dendrocoptes medius (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser spotted woodpecker Dryobates minor (Template:Langx) – A
- Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major (Template:Langx) – A
- White-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos (Template:Langx) – A
- Black woodpecker Dryocopus martius (Template:Langx) – A
- European green woodpecker Picus viridis (Template:Langx) – A
- Iberian green woodpecker Picus sharpei (Template:Langx) – A
- Grey-headed woodpecker Picus canus (Template:Langx) – A
Falcons and caracaras
Order: FalconiformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.
- Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni (Template:Langx) – A
- Common kestrel Falco tinnunculus (Template:Langx) – A
- American kestrel Falco sparverius (Template:Langx) –
- Red-footed falcon Falco vespertinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Amur falcon Falco amurensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae (Template:Langx) – A
- Sooty falcon Falco concolor (Template:Langx) – A
- Merlin Falco columbarius (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian hobby Falco subbuteo (Template:Langx) – A
- Lanner falcon Falco biarmicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Saker falcon Falco cherrug (Template:Langx) – A
- Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus (Template:Langx) – A
- Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus (Template:Langx) – A
New World parrots
Order: PsittaciformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Psittacidae
A family of parrots mainly in the New World but also a few species in Africa. None are native in France, but one species has a feral population derived from escaped pets.
- Monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (Template:Langx) – C
Old World parrots
Order: PsittaciformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Psittaculidae
Old World parrots are found from Africa across southern Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand. None are native in France, but one species has a feral population derived from escaped pets.
- Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri (Template:Langx) – C
Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small- to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World.
- Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus (Template:Langx) – A
Old World orioles
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds that are not related to the New World orioles.
- Eurasian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Template:Langx) – A
Shrikes
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey.
- Great grey shrike Lanius excubitor (Template:Langx) – A
- Iberian grey shrike Lanius meridionalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Masked shrike Lanius nubicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser grey shrike Lanius minor (Template:Langx) – A
- Woodchat shrike Lanius senator (Template:Langx) – A
- Isabelline shrike Lanius isabellinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-tailed shrike Lanius phoenicuroides (Template:Langx) – A
- Brown shrike Lanius cristatus (Template:Langx) – A
Crows, jays, and magpies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, and nutcrackers. Corvids are larger than the average size for species in the order Passeriformes and some show high levels of intelligence and exceptional spatial memory.
- Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian magpie Pica pica (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-billed chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (Template:Langx) – A
- Alpine chough Pyrrhocorax graculus (Template:Langx) – A
- Western jackdaw Corvus monedula (Template:Langx) – A
- Daurian jackdaw Coloeus dauuricus (Template:Langx) – A
- House crow Corvus splendens (Template:Langx) – A
- Rook Corvus frugilegus (Template:Langx) – A
- Carrion crow Corvus corone (Template:Langx) – A
- Hooded crow Corvus cornix (Template:Langx) – A
- Pied crow Corvus albus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common raven Corvus corax (Template:Langx) – A
- Fan-tailed raven Corvus rhipidurus (Template:Langx) – A
Waxwings
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. These tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter.
- Bohemian waxwing Bombycilla garrulus (Template:Langx) – A
Tits
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Paridae
The tits are mainly small stocky woodland species with short but strong bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.
- Coal tit Periparus ater (Template:Langx) – A
- Crested tit Lophophanes cristatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Marsh tit Poecile palustris (Template:Langx) – A
- Willow tit Poecile montanus (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus (Template:Langx) – A
- Azure tit Cyanistes cyanus (Template:Langx) – A
- Great tit Parus major (Template:Langx) – A
Penduline tits
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Remizidae
The penduline tits are a group of small insectivorous birds related to the true tits, but with complex pendulous nests.
- Eurasian penduline tit Remiz pendulinus (Template:Langx) – A
Bearded reedling
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Panuridae
This species, the only one in its family, is found in reed beds throughout temperate Europe and Asia.
- Bearded reedling Panurus biarmicus (Template:Langx) – A
Larks
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.
- Bar-tailed lark Ammomanes cinctura (Template:Langx) – A
- Wood lark Lullula arborea (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Thekla's lark Galerida theklae (Template:Langx) – A
- Crested lark Galerida cristata (Template:Langx) – A
- Shore lark Eremophila alpestris (Template:Langx) – A
- Greater short-toed lark Calandrella brachydactyla (Template:Langx) – A
- Bimaculated lark Melanocorypha bimaculata (Template:Langx) – A
- Calandra lark Melanocorypha calandra (Template:Langx) – A
- Dupont's lark Chersophilus duponti (Template:Langx) – B
- Mediterranean short-toed lark Alaudala rufescens (Template:Langx) – A
Swallows
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding on flying insects. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
- Brown-throated martin Riparia paludicola (Template:Langx) – A
- Sand martin Riparia riparia (Template:Langx) – A
- Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian crag martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris (Template:Langx) – A
- Barn swallow Hirundo rustica (Template:Langx) – A
- Western house martin Delichon urbicum (Template:Langx) – A
- European red-rumped swallow Hirundo rufigula (Template:Langx) – A
- American cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (Template:Langx) – A
Bush warblers and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Cettiidae
The members of this family are found across warmer areas of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Polynesia. They are insectivores.
- Cetti's warbler Cettia cetti (Template:Langx) – A
Long-tailed tits
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects, spiders and small seeds.
- Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus (Template:Langx) – A
Leaf warblers
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Phylloscopidae
Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow or white below, or more subdued with greyish-green to greyish-brown colours. The highest diversity is in eastern Asia, but many are long-distance migrants, also prone to vagrancy, and several east Asian species regularly occur in western Europe including France in the late autumn.
- Wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Template:Langx) – A
- Western Bonelli's warbler Phylloscopus bonelli (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern Bonelli's warbler Phylloscopus orientalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Hume's leaf warbler Phylloscopus humei (Template:Langx) – A
- Yellow-browed warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Pallas's leaf warbler Phylloscopus proregulus (Template:Langx) – A
- Radde's warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi (Template:Langx) – A
- Dusky warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (Template:Langx) – A
- Iberian chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern crowned warbler Phylloscopus coronatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Two-barred warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus (Template:Langx) – A
- Greenish warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (Template:Langx) – A
- Arctic warbler Phylloscopus borealis (Template:Langx) – A
Reed warblers and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Acrocephalidae
The members of this family are medium size to large warblers. Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above and yellow to pale buff below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, and several species in Africa.
- Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus (Template:Langx) – A
- Moustached warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon (Template:Langx) – A
- Aquatic warbler Acrocephalus paludicola (Template:Langx) – A
- Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (Template:Langx) – A
- Paddyfield warbler Acrocephalus agricola (Template:Langx) – A
- Blyth's reed warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum (Template:Langx) – A
- Common reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (Template:Langx) – A
- Marsh warbler Acrocephalus palustris (Template:Langx) – A
- Thick-billed warbler Arundinax aedon (Template:Langx) – A
- Booted warbler Iduna caligata (Template:Langx) – A
- Sykes's warbler Iduna rama (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern olivaceous warbler Iduna pallida (Template:Langx) – A
- Western olivaceous warbler Iduna opaca (Template:Langx) – A
- Melodious warbler Hippolais polyglotta (Template:Langx) – A
- Icterine warbler Hippolais icterina (Template:Langx) – A
Grassbirds and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Locustellidae
Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.
- Gray's grasshopper warbler Helopsaltes fasciolatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Pallas's grasshopper warbler Helopsaltes certhiola (Template:Langx) – A
- Lanceolated warbler Locustella lanceolata (Template:Langx) – A
- River warbler Locustella fluviatilis (Template:Langx) – A
- Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides (Template:Langx) – A
- Common grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia (Template:Langx) – A
Cisticolas and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are a family of warblers found in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance, found in open country such as grassland or scrub.
- Zitting cisticola Cisticola juncidis (Template:Langx) – A
Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous birds. They mainly occur in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa; the highest diversity is in the Mediterranean region. Most are generally grey-brown, but often with black or grey head patterns, and a white throat; some have a reddish breast and/or rufous wings. Many have distinctive songs.
- Eurasian blackcap Sylvia atricapilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Garden warbler Sylvia borin (Template:Langx) – A
- Barred warbler Curruca nisoria (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser whitethroat Curruca curruca (Template:Langx) – A
- Western Orphean warbler Curruca hortensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern Orphean warbler Curruca crassirostris (Template:Langx) – A
- Asian desert warbler Curruca nana (Template:Langx) – A
- Tristram's warbler Curruca deserticola (Template:Langx) – A
- Rüppell's warbler Curruca ruppeli (Template:Langx) – A
- Sardinian warbler Curruca melanocephala (Template:Langx) – A
- Western subalpine warbler Curruca iberiae (Template:Langx) – A
- Moltoni's warbler Curruca subalpina (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern subalpine warbler Curruca cantillans (Template:Langx) – A
- Common whitethroat Curruca communis (Template:Langx) – A
- Spectacled warbler Curruca conspicillata (Template:Langx) – A
- Marmora's warbler Curruca sarda (Template:Langx) – A
- Dartford warbler Curruca undata (Template:Langx) – A
Laughingthrushes and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Leiothrichidae
The laughingthrushes are a family of mainly Asian passerine birds, diverse in size and colour. One species has become established in France from escaped cagebirds.
- Red-billed leiothrix Leiothrix lutea (Template:Langx) – C
Crests
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Regulidae
The crests and kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble some warblers. They are very small insectivorous birds in the single genus Regulus. The adults have coloured crowns, giving rise to their name.
- Common firecrest Regulus ignicapillus (Template:Langx) – A
- Goldcrest Regulus regulus (Template:Langx) – A
Wrens
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. They have short wings and thin down-turned bills, and often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. The family is almost entirely found in the New World, with just one species widespread in the Old World, including France. A second species is cited on the current French list, but without details.
- Eurasian wren Troglodytes troglodytes (Template:Langx) – A
- Marsh wren Cistothorus palustris (Template:Langx) – ?
Nuthatches
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet. The Corsican nuthatch is the sole endemic species in France.
- Eurasian nuthatch Sitta europaea (Template:Langx) – A
- Corsican nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi (Template:Langx) (endemic) – A
Wallcreeper
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Tichodromidae
The wallcreeper is a small bird of mountain crags related to the nuthatch family, which has stunning crimson, grey, and black plumage. It is the only species in its family.
- Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria (Template:Langx) – A
Treecreepers
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.
- Eurasian treecreeper Certhia familiaris (Template:Langx) – A
- Short-toed treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla (Template:Langx) – A
Starlings
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Their plumage is variable; many are dark with a strong to very strong metallic sheen, others are brightly patterned in pink, yellow, or other colours.
- Rosy starling Pastor roseus (Template:Langx) – A
- European starling Sturnus vulgaris (Template:Langx) – A
- Spotless starling Sturnus unicolor (Template:Langx) – A
Thrushes and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Turdidae
The thrushes are a family of birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft-plumaged, small-to-medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
- Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina (Template:Langx) – ?
- Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Grey-cheeked thrush Catharus minimus (Template:Langx) – A
- Veery Catharus fuscescens (Template:Langx) – A
- White's thrush Zoothera aurea (Template:Langx) – A
- Siberian thrush Geokichla sibirica (Template:Langx) – A
- Song thrush Turdus philomelos (Template:Langx) – A
- Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus (Template:Langx) – A
- Redwing Turdus iliacus (Template:Langx) – A
- Common blackbird Turdus merula (Template:Langx) – A
- Eyebrowed thrush Turdus obscurus (Template:Langx) – A
- Fieldfare Turdus pilaris (Template:Langx) – A
- Ring ouzel Turdus torquatus (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-throated thrush Turdus atrogularis (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-throated thrush Turdus ruficollis (Template:Langx) – A
- Dusky thrush Turdus eunomus (Template:Langx) – A
- Naumann's thrush Turdus naumanni (Template:Langx) – A
Old World flycatchers
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of birds which are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- Rufous-tailed scrub robin Cercotrichas galactotes (Template:Langx) – A
- Asian brown flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica (Template:Langx) – A
- Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata (Template:Langx) – A
- Mediterranean flycatcher Muscicapa tyrrhenica (Template:Langx) – A
- European robin Erithacus rubecula (Template:Langx) – A
- White-throated robin Irania gutturalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Thrush nightingale Luscinia luscinia (Template:Langx) – A
- Common nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos (Template:Langx) – A
- Bluethroat Luscinia svecica (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula parva (Template:Langx) – A
- Taiga flycatcher Ficedula albicilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Semicollared flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata (Template:Langx) – A
- European pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (Template:Langx) – A
- Collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-flanked bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus (Template:Langx) – A
- Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros (Template:Langx) – A
- Common redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus (Template:Langx) – A
- Moussier's redstart Phoenicurus moussieri (Template:Langx) – A
- Common rock thrush Monticola saxatilis (Template:Langx) – A
- Blue rock thrush Monticola solitarius (Template:Langx) – A
- Whinchat Saxicola rubetra (Template:Langx) – A
- Siberian stonechat Saxicola maurus (Template:Langx) – A
- European stonechat Saxicola rubicola (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (Template:Langx) – A
- Atlas wheatear Oenanthe seebohmi (Template:Langx) – A
- Isabelline wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (Template:Langx) – A
- Desert wheatear Oenanthe deserti (Template:Langx) – A
- Western black-eared wheatear Oenanthe hispanica (Template:Langx) – A
- Pied wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern black-eared wheatear Oenanthe melanoleuca (Template:Langx) – A
- Kurdish wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna (Template:Langx) – A
- White-crowned wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga (Template:Langx) – A
- Black wheatear Oenanthe leucura (Template:Langx) – A
Dippers
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements.
- White-throated dipper Cinclus cinclus (Template:Langx) – A
Old World sparrows
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Passeridae
In general, Old World sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.
- Rock sparrow Petronia petronia (Template:Langx) – A
- White-winged snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus (Template:Langx) – A
- Spanish sparrow Passer hispaniolensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Italian sparrow Passer italiae (Template:Langx) – A
- House sparrow Passer domesticus (Template:Langx) – A
Waxbills and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colour and patterns. Many are popular cagebirds, and one species has become established in France from escapes.
- Indian silverbill Euodice malabarica (Template:Langx) – C
Accentors and dunnocks
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Prunellidae
The accentors and dunnocks are the only bird family which is endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows, but with a slender bill.
- Alpine accentor Prunella collaris (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-throated accentor Prunella atrogularis (Template:Langx) – A
- Dunnock Prunella modularis (Template:Langx) – A
Wagtails and pipits
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small birds with medium to long tails which includes the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender ground-feeding insectivores of open country.
- Western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava (Template:Langx) – A
- Eastern yellow wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Citrine wagtail Motacilla citreola (Template:Langx) – A
- Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea (Template:Langx) – A
- White wagtail Motacilla alba (Template:Langx) – A
- Richard's pipit Anthus richardi (Template:Langx) – A
- Blyth's pipit Anthus godlewskii (Template:Langx) – A
- Tawny pipit Anthus campestris (Template:Langx) – A
- Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Tree pipit Anthus trivialis (Template:Langx) – A
- Olive-backed pipit Anthus hodgsoni (Template:Langx) – A
- Pechora pipit Anthus gustavi (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-throated pipit Anthus cervinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Buff-bellied pipit Anthus rubescens (Template:Langx) – A
- Water pipit Anthus spinoletta (Template:Langx) – A
- European rock pipit Anthus petrosus (Template:Langx) – A
Finches, euphonias, and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
- Common chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (Template:Langx) – A
- African chaffinch Fringilla spodiogenys (Template:Langx) – A
- Brambling Fringilla montifringilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (Template:Langx) – A
- Pine grosbeak Pinicola enucleator (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (Template:Langx) – A
- Trumpeter finch Rhodopechys githaginea (Template:Langx) – A
- Common rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus (Template:Langx) – A
- European greenfinch Chloris chloris (Template:Langx) – A
- Twite Linaria flavirostris (Template:Langx) – A
- Common linnet Linaria cannabina (Template:Langx) – A
- Common redpoll Acanthis flammea (Template:Langx) – A
- Lesser redpoll Acanthis cabaret (Template:Langx) – A
- Arctic redpoll Acanthis hornemanni (Template:Langx) – A
- Parrot crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus (Template:Langx) – A
- Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra (Template:Langx) – A
- Two-barred crossbill Loxia leucoptera (Template:Langx) – A
- European goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (Template:Langx) – A
- Citril finch Carduelis citrinella (Template:Langx) – A
- Corsican finch Carduelis corsicana (Template:Langx) – A
- European serin Serinus serinus (Template:Langx) – A
- Eurasian siskin Spinus spinus (Template:Langx) – A
Longspurs and snow buntings
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Calcariidae
The Calcariidae are a family of birds that had been traditionally grouped with the buntings, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas.
- Lapland longspur Calcarius lapponicus (Template:Langx) – A
- Snow bunting Plectrophenax nivalis (Template:Langx) – A
Old World buntings
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Emberizidae
Emberizidae is a family of Old World passerine birds containing a single genus. Until 2017, the New World sparrows (Passerellidae) were also considered part of this family.
- Corn bunting Emberiza calandra (Template:Langx) – A
- Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (Template:Langx) – A
- Pine bunting Emberiza leucocephalos (Template:Langx) – A
- Rock bunting Emberiza cia (Template:Langx) – A
- Grey-necked bunting Emberiza buchanani (Template:Langx) – A
- Ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana (Template:Langx) – A
- Cretzschmar's bunting Emberiza caesia (Template:Langx) – B
- Cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus (Template:Langx) – A
- House bunting Emberiza sahari (Template:Langx) – A
- Little bunting Emberiza pusilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Yellow-browed bunting Emberiza chrysophrys (Template:Langx) – B
- Rustic bunting Emberiza rustica (Template:Langx) – A
- Yellow-breasted bunting Emberiza aureola (Template:Langx) – A
- Chestnut bunting Emberiza rutila (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-headed bunting Emberiza melanocephala (Template:Langx) – A
- Red-headed bunting Emberiza bruniceps (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-faced bunting Emberiza spodocephala (Template:Langx) – A
- Pallas's reed bunting Emberiza pallasi (Template:Langx) – A
- Common reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus (Template:Langx) – A
New World sparrows
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Passerellidae
Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns. Several are transatlantic vagrants; two have reached France.
- White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys (Template:Langx) – A
- White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis (Template:Langx) – A
Troupials and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colourful birds restricted to the New World. Most species have black as a predominant plumage colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red. Several are transatlantic vagrants; three have reached France.
- Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Template:Langx) – A
- Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula (Template:Langx) – A
- Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater (Template:Langx) – A
New World warblers
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Parulidae
Parulidae are a group of small, often colourful birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal and insectivorous. Several are transatlantic vagrants; 11 have reached France.
- Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Louisiana waterthrush Parkesia motacilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis (Template:Langx) – A
- Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia (Template:Langx) – A
- American redstart Setophaga ruticilla (Template:Langx) – A
- Northern parula Setophaga americana (Template:Langx) – A
- Blackburnian warbler Setophaga fusca (Template:Langx) – A
- American yellow warbler Setophaga aestiva (Template:Langx) – A
- Chestnut-sided warbler Setophaga pensylvanica (Template:Langx) – A
- Blackpoll warbler Setophaga striata (Template:Langx) – A
- Pine warbler Setophaga pinus (Template:Langx) – A
Cardinals and allies
Order: PasseriformesTemplate:NbspFamily: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. Several are transatlantic vagrants; three have reached France.
- Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea (Template:Langx) – A
- Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus (Template:Langx) – A
- Dickcissel Spiza americana (Template:Langx) – A