Koo-oo to caw-caw: 5 birds whose names are inspired by their sounds

The Indian Express · Lifestyle Desk · 2026-11-06 11:24 UTC

Have you ever wondered why a koel is called a koel or how the hoopoe got its unusual name?

Birds communicate through a fascinating range of sounds, from melodious whistles and rhythmic notes to loud, repetitive calls. Interestingly, some have names that imitate the very sounds they make. This naming practice is called onomatopoeia, where a word imitates a natural sound.

In India, several familiar birds have names rooted in their vocalisations. Here are five examples worth knowing.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.

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