Baby Bird Names: From Cygnet to Owlet

Birds have some of the most unique and poetic baby names in the animal kingdom.

Common Baby Bird Names

BirdBaby NameFun Fact
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SwanCygnetFrom Latin "cygnus" (swan)
OwlOwletBorn with closed eyes
HawkEyasFrom medieval falconry
PigeonSquabFed "pigeon milk" by both parents
PeacockPeachickMales develop feathers at age 3
DuckDucklingCan swim within hours
GooseGoslingCan swim within 24 hours
PenguinChickCovered in fluffy down
EagleEagletLearn to fly at 10-12 weeks

Why "Eyas"?

The word "eyas" for baby hawks comes from Middle French "niais," used in medieval falconry. It specifically refers to a young hawk taken from the nest before it can fly.

Shared Names

Many baby birds are simply called chicks — including chickens, penguins, and most songbirds. But the specialized names like cygnet and eyas show how deeply humans have interacted with specific bird species throughout history.