Birds that are herbivorous include Blue Macaws, Canada Geese, Ostriches, Evening Grosbeaks, and Goldfinches.
When most people think of birds, they think of animals that eat insects or other small creatures. However, there are a number of bird species that are herbivorous, meaning that they only eat plants.
In this article, we will discuss three common types of herbivorous birds and their diets, and where they live.
Examples of Birds That Are Herbivorous
Birds that are herbivorous can be found in many different parts of the world. They typically live in areas where there is plenty of vegetation to eat, such as rainforests, woodlands, and tropical areas.
Herbivorous birds are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to disperse plant seeds and recycle nutrients.
1. Blue Macaws
| Scientific Name | Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Brazil |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The blue macaw is a large, colorful bird that is found in Central and South America. These birds eat mostly fruit, but they will also consume nuts, seeds, and other plant material. Blue macaws live in rainforests and other wooded areas.
They are monogamous birds, meaning that they mate for life. The male and female work together to build a nest and take care of their young.
2. Canada Geese
| Scientific Name | Branta canadensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North America |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Canadian geese are a common sight in North America, where they can be found in many different types of habitats. These birds eat mostly grasses and other plants, but they will also consume small insects and other creatures. Canadian geese live near water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
Canadian geese are monogamous, meaning that the birds form a pair and stay together for life. The male and female work together to build a nest out of sticks, which they line with grasses and other soft materials.
The female typically lays between two and six eggs, which the parents will incubate for about 28 days.
3. Common Ostrich
| Scientific Name | Struthio camelus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Africa |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The common ostrich is the largest bird in the world, and it is found in Africa. These birds eat a variety of plants, including fruits, seeds, flowers, and grasses. Common ostriches live in open areas such as deserts and savannas.
The ostrich has two long, powerful legs that it uses to run quickly. Ostriches can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour.
These birds also have wings, but they cannot fly. Instead, ostriches use their wings to help them balance when running.
4. Evening Grosbeak
| Scientific Name | Coccothraustes vespertinus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North America |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The evening grosbeak is a North American bird that is found in many different types of habitats, including forests, gardens, and parks. These birds eat mostly seeds and fruit, but they will also consume some insects. Evening grosbeaks live near trees and other large vegetation.
They are typically around nine inches long, with a wingspan of about fifteen inches. Evening grosbeaks are brown on the top and white on the bottom, with a black stripe that goes through their eyes.
5. Gold Macaws
| Scientific Name | Ara arauna |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | South and Central America |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The gold macaw is a large, brightly-colored bird that is found in Central and South America. These birds eat mostly fruit, but they will also consume nuts, seeds, and other plant material. Gold macaws live in rainforests and other wooded areas.
6. Goldfinch
| Scientific Name | Spinus tristis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North American |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The goldfinch is a small, brightly-colored bird that is found in North America and Europe. These birds eat mostly seeds, but they will also consume other plant materials. Goldfinches live in open areas such as fields and gardens.
Goldfinches are known for their beautiful plumage. The males have a bright yellow head and body, while the females are mostly brown. Goldfinches can be identified by their black wings and tail, which have white patches near the tips. These birds are very active, and they often sing songs to communicate with other goldfinches.
7. Gray Geese
| Scientific Name | Anser anser |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Romania, Turkey, and Russia eastwards to northeastern China |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Gray geese are a type of goose that is found in Europe and Asia. These birds eat mostly grasses, but they will also consume other plants and small creatures. Grey geese live near water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
8. Hoatzin
| Scientific Name | Ophisthocomus hoazin |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Guyana |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The hoatzin is a strange-looking bird that is found in the Amazon rainforest. These birds eat mostly leaves and other plant material, but they will also consume small insects and other creatures. Hoatzins are unusual among birds in that they have an embryonic claw on their wings which they use to climb trees.
9. House Finch
| Scientific Name | Haemorhous mexicanus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | the western United States and Mexico |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The house finch is a small, colorful bird that is found throughout North America. These birds eat mostly seeds, but they will also consume insects and other plant material. House finches live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
10. Hummingbirds
| Scientific Name | Trochilidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | America |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, but they are also some of the most colorful. These birds eat mostly nectar from flowers, but they will also consume small insects and other creatures. Hummingbirds live in many different types of habitats, including forests, gardens, and even deserts.
Related Article: Are Hummingbirds Energetic?
11. Large Waterfowl
| Scientific Name | Anseriformes |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Large waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, are not technically birds of prey, but they are carnivorous. These animals eat mostly aquatic plants and other plant material, but they will also consume small insects and other creatures. Large waterfowl live near water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
12. Nene
| Scientific Name | Branta sandvicensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The nene is a small bird that is found on the Hawaiian islands. These birds eat mostly grasses and other plants, but they will also consume small insects and other creatures. Nenes live in open areas such as meadows and fields.
Nenes are the official state bird of Hawaii. These birds were nearly extinct in the early 1900s, but they have made a comeback in recent years. There are now estimated to be around 1000 nene birds living on the Hawaiian islands.
13. Oilbird
| Scientific Name | Steatornis caripensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | from Guyana and the island of Trinidad to Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The oilbird is a nocturnal bird that is found in the Amazon rainforest. These birds eat mostly fruit, but they will also consume insects and other small creatures. Oilbirds live in caves and other dark places.
They are able to fly in the dark because they have large eyes that allow them to see well in low light conditions.
14. Oriole
| Scientific Name | Icterus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | American |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The oriole is a brightly-colored bird that can be found in North America and parts of South America. These birds eat mostly plants, but they will also consume fruit, nectar, and other plant material. Orioles live in forests and other wooded areas.
The oriole is a migratory bird, and during the winter it can be found in Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. These birds are known for their beautiful songs, which they sing throughout the year.
Orioles build nests out of twigs and other materials and typically lay four or five eggs.
15. Parrots
| Scientific Name | Psittaciformes |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Australia, South America, and Central America |
| Diet | Herbivore |
There are many different species of parrot, all of which are herbivorous. These birds eat mostly fruit and nuts, but they will also consume other plant materials. Parrots live in tropical areas around the world.
The most popular parrot is the Budgerigar, which is also known as a budgie. These small birds are found in many colors, including blue, green, yellow, and white. Budgies are very social and can be taught to talk.
16. Pine Siskin
| Scientific Name | Spinus pinus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Canada |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The pine siskin is a small, sparrow-like bird that is found in North America. These birds eat mostly seeds, but they will also consume other plant materials. Pine siskins live in forests and other wooded areas.
These birds are usually seen in flocks, and they are known for their aerial acrobatics. Pine siskins can be identified by the yellow patches on their wings and tails. They are also the only North American bird that has a blue head.
17. Red Finches
| Scientific Name | Haemorhous mexicanus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | the United States, southern Canada, and Mexico |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Red finches are small, colorful bird that is found in North America and Europe. These birds eat mostly seeds, but they will also consume other plant materials. Red finches live in wooded areas near water bodies.
Male red finches have bright red feathers on their heads, while the females are a duller brown color.
18. Rock Ptarmigan
| Scientific Name | Lagopus muta |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | the UK |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The rock ptarmigan is a small bird that is found in the Arctic and Subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia.
These birds eat mostly plant material, but they will also consume small insects and other creatures. Rock ptarmigans live in tundra habitats where there is little vegetation.
19. Somali Ostrich
| Scientific Name | Struthio molybdophanes |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Somalia |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The Somali ostrich is the largest bird in Africa. These birds eat mostly grasses and other plants, but they will also consume small insects and other creatures. Somali ostriches live in open areas such as savannas and deserts.
Adult males weigh an average of 240 pounds, while adult females typically weigh about 220 pounds. The height of a full-grown Somali ostrich is usually around 6.9 to 9 feet in height.
20. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos
| Scientific Name | Cacatua galerita |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, the Aru Islands, and New Zealand |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The sulfur-crested cockatoo is a large, white bird that is found in Australia and New Guinea. These birds eat mostly seeds, nuts, and fruit, but they will also consume other plant materials. Sulfur-crested cockatoos live in rainforests and other wooded areas.
The cockatoo is the largest of the parrot family. They have a wingspan of up to three feet and can weigh up to two pounds. The sulfur-crested cockatoo is easily recognized by its bright white plumage, black crest, and yellow beak. These birds are also known for their intelligence and playful nature.
21. Zebra Finch
| Scientific Name | Taeniopygia guttata |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Australia |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The zebra finch is a small, common bird that is found in Australia and other parts of the world. These birds eat mostly seeds, but they will also consume other plant materials. Zebra finches live in open areas such as fields and grasslands.
Zebra finches are social birds that typically live in colonies of several hundred birds. These colonies are usually made up of several families. Zebra finches breed from late winter to early summer, and the females lay four or five eggs in a nest that is typically hidden in a bush or tree.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.