Have you ever wondered why a male duck is called a drake, but a female duck is simply called a duck? Learning the masculine and feminine of birds makes bird vocabulary easier, clearer, and more interesting. From rooster and hen to peacock and peahen, these male and female bird names help you speak and write English more accurately.
Understanding Male and Female Bird Names
A masculine bird name refers to a male bird, while a feminine bird name refers to a female bird.
Common terms include:
Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|
cock | hen |
drake | duck |
gander | goose |
peacock | peahen |
cob | pen |
tom | hen |
The words cock and hen can be used for the males and females of several bird species.
Masculine and Feminine of Domestic Birds
Domestic birds are commonly raised on farms or around homes.
Bird | Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|---|
Chicken | rooster/cock | hen |
Duck | drake | duck |
Goose | gander | goose |
Turkey | tom/gobbler | hen |
Pigeon | cock | hen |
Dove | cock | hen |
Guinea fowl | guinea cock | guinea hen |
Quail | cock | hen |
A young chicken is called a chick, regardless of its gender.
Masculine and Feminine of Wild Birds
Many wild birds use the general terms cock for males and hen for females.
Bird | Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|---|
Peacock | peacock | peahen |
Pheasant | cock | hen |
Partridge | cock | hen |
Grouse | cock | hen |
Woodpecker | male woodpecker | female woodpecker |
Cuckoo | male cuckoo | female cuckoo |
Crow | male crow | female crow |
Raven | male raven | female raven |
Sparrow | cock sparrow | hen sparrow |
Blackbird | cock blackbird | hen blackbird |
The word peafowl is the general name for both peacocks and peahens.
Masculine and Feminine of Water Birds
Water birds live near lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, or coastal areas.
Bird | Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|---|
Swan | cob | pen |
Duck | drake | duck |
Goose | gander | goose |
Mallard | drake | hen |
Seagull | male seagull | female seagull |
Pelican | male pelican | female pelican |
Flamingo | male flamingo | female flamingo |
Penguin | male penguin | female penguin |
Heron | male heron | female heron |
Crane | male crane | female crane |
A baby swan is called a cygnet, while a baby duck is called a duckling.
Masculine and Feminine of Birds of Prey
Birds of prey hunt other animals for food. Most do not have widely used separate male and female names.
Bird | Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|---|
Falcon | tiercel | falcon |
Hawk | tiercel/male hawk | female hawk |
Eagle | male eagle | female eagle |
Owl | male owl | female owl |
Vulture | male vulture | female vulture |
Kite | male kite | female kite |
Osprey | male osprey | female osprey |
In falconry, tiercel is traditionally used for a male falcon and sometimes for other male birds of prey.
Masculine and Feminine of Pet Birds
Pet birds usually have the same species name for both genders. The words male and female are added when needed.
Bird | Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|---|
Parrot | male parrot | female parrot |
Budgerigar | male budgie | female budgie |
Canary | cock canary | hen canary |
Cockatiel | male cockatiel | female cockatiel |
Lovebird | male lovebird | female lovebird |
Macaw | male macaw | female macaw |
Finch | cock finch | hen finch |
Myna | male myna | female myna |
For many pet birds, physical appearance or a veterinary test may be needed to identify the gender.
Birds with the Same Name for Both Genders
Many birds use the same name for males and females.
Examples include:
- eagle
- owl
- crow
- raven
- parrot
- penguin
- flamingo
- pelican
- crane
- heron
- seagull
- kingfisher
- hummingbird
- woodpecker
- ostrich
To show gender, simply add male or female:
- male eagle
- female eagle
- male parrot
- female parrot
Interesting Facts About Male and Female Birds
Male birds are often more colourful than females. Male peacocks have large, bright tail feathers, while peahens have simpler brown feathers.
In many bird species, males sing to attract females or protect their territory. Female birds often choose mates based on songs, colours, movements, or displays.
Female birds usually lay eggs, but both parents may help build nests, protect eggs, and feed their chicks.
Male and female penguins often share parenting duties. In some penguin species, the male keeps the egg warm while the female searches for food.
Frequently Asked Questions
The masculine form is rooster or cock, and the feminine form is hen.
A male duck is called a drake, while a female is called a duck or hen.
No. They are usually called male parrots and female parrots.
A male swan is called a cob, while a female swan is called a pen.
A male goose is called a gander, while a female is called a goose.
A male pigeon is called a cock, while a female pigeon is called a hen.
A baby bird may be called a chick, hatchling, nestling, or fledgling, depending on its age.
Conclusion
Masculine and feminine bird names help learners describe male and female birds correctly. Common pairs include rooster and hen, drake and duck, gander and goose, peacock and peahen, and cob and pen.
Many birds do not have separate gender names. In such cases, use male or female before the bird’s name.
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