Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language that gave us rich scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Vedas. Learning the names of birds in Sanskrit offers fascinating insights into India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
The purpose of this blog post is to explore the Sanskrit names of various birds and their significance in Sanatana Dharma and Indian culture.
Birds in Sanskrit Literature
Birds have a special significance in Sanskrit literature. Scriptures like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as Vedas and Upanishads, feature avian creatures that symbolise aspects of life, spirituality and the divine. At a lot of instances, birds serve as metaphors for human emotions and spiritual growth in Sanskrit poetry.
The significance of birds as symbols and vehicles of gods and goddesses
Many birds in Sanskrit are symbols and vehicles of gods and goddesses, embodying their qualities. For instance, Garuda – the king of birds, is Lord Vishnu’s vehicle. Saraswati’s grace is represented by the swan (Hamsa), while the peacock (Mayura) symbolizes Kartikeya. The owl (Ulūka) is Goddess Lakshmi’s vehicle. Understanding the symbolism of Sanskrit bird names enriches one’s appreciation of Hindu scriptures and rituals.
Also read: Fruits Name In Sanskrit.
We will be exploring the deeper meaning of avian names in Sanskrit and their divine associations. By doing this, we can gain profound insights into Sanatana Dharma’s spiritual wisdom. This fascinating aspect of India’s cultural heritage reveals the beauty and depth of Sanskrit bird names.
List of bird’s names is Sanskrit:
Here is a list of 134 bird’s names in Sanskrit. You do not need any other list now!
| Sanskrit | Transliteration | English |
| अङ्गारक, धूम्याट | Aṅgāraka, Dhūmyāṭa | Black Drongo |
| अपराजित | Aparājita | Indian Roller |
| अरण्य लटूषक | Araṇya Laṭūṣaka | Common Woodshrike |
| अरण्य हहोलिका | Araṇya Haholikā | Jungle Babbler |
| आरक्तपृष्ठ लटूषक | Āraktapṛṣṭha Laṭūṣaka | Long-tailed Shrike |
| ऊष्ट्रपक्षी | Ūṣṭrapakṣī | Ostrich |
| कुक्कुभ | Kukkubha | Crow Pheasant |
| कुकरी जलरंक | Kukarī Jalaraṅka | Eurasian Curlew |
| कृकलासक | Kṛkalāsaka | Marsh Harrier |
| कृकषा | Kṛkaṣā | Little Ringed Plover |
| कृकालिका, निशाटन, पिंगचक्षू, खर्गला, उलूक | Kṛkālikā, Niśāṭana, Piṅgacakṣū, Khargalā, Ulūka | Spotted Owlet |
| कङ्क सुपर्ण | Kaṅka Suparṇa | Eastern Imperial Eagle |
| कपेक्षुक | Kapekṣuka | Black Redstart |
| कपिञ्जल | Kapiñjala | Pied Crested Cuckoo |
| कपोत, नील कपोत | Kapota, Nīla Kapota | Rock Pigeon |
| कुमुद, शबलिका | Kumuda, Śabalikā | Black-winged Kite |
| कुमारी श्यामा | Kumārī Śyāmā | White-rumped Shama |
| करायिका | Karāyikā | Rufous Treepie |
| कलहप्रिया, सारिका | Kalahapriyā, Sārikā | Common Myna |
| कलहंस | Kalahaṃsa | Greylag Goose |
| कुवय, कुटरू | Kuvaya, Kuṭarū | Barn Owl |
| कृष्ण आटि, रक्तशीर्ष आटि | Kṛṣṇa Āṭi, Raktaśīrṣa Āṭi | Red-naped Ibis |
| कृष्ण कलविङ्क, कालचटक | Kṛṣṇa Kalaviṅka, Kālacaṭaka | Indian Blackbird |
| कृष्ण महाबक, कुरंटक | Kṛṣṇa Mahābaka, Kuraṇṭaka | Black Stork |
| कृष्णचूड गोवत्सक | Kṛṣṇacūḍa Govatsaka | Red-vented Bulbul |
| कृष्णचूड पीत गोवत्सक | Kṛṣṇacūḍa Pīta Govatsaka | Black-crested Bulbul |
| कृष्णपीत स्थूलचंचू | Kṛṣṇapīta Sthūlacan̄cū | Pied Bushchat |
| कृष्णा जलकुक्कुटी | Kṛṣṇā Jalakukkuṭī | Common Moorhen |
| काचाक्ष | Kācākṣa | Painted Stork |
| काञ्चन | Kāñcana | Indian Golden Oriole |
| कादम्ब हंस | Kādamba Haṃsa | Bar-headed Goose |
| कालशीर्ष कृष्णक | Kālaśīrṣa Kṛṣṇaka | Black-headed Cuckooshrike |
| कालशीर्ष काञ्चन | Kālaśīrṣa Kāñcana | Black-hooded Oriole |
| कालशीर्ष गङ्गाचिल्ली | Kālaśīrṣa Gaṅgācillī | Black-headed Gull |
| कालशीर्ष मीनरंक | Kālaśīrṣa Mīnaranka | Black-capped Kingfisher |
| काष्ठकूट | Kāṣṭhakūṭa | Lesser Goldenback |
| कोकिल | Kokila | Asian Koel |
| खकामिनी | Khakāminī | Brahminy Kite |
| खातहंस | Khātahaṃsa | Northern Shoveler |
| गंगा सारिका | Gaṅgā Sārikā | Bank Myna |
| गृध्रराज | Gṛdhrarāja | Cinereous Vulture |
| ग्राम काक | Grāma Kāka | House Crow |
| घर्घर हंसक | Gharghara Haṃsaka | Spot-billed Duck |
| चटक | Caṭaka | House Sparrow |
| चटकिका | Caṭakikā | Oriental White-eye |
| चंद्रकांत मीनरंक | Candrakānta Mīnaranka | White-throated Kingfisher |
| चित्रांग | Citrāṅga | Wryneck |
| चिरिटीक | Ciriṭīka | Crested Bunting |
| छिप्पिका | Cippikā | Indian Nightjar |
| जलकपोत | Jalakapota | Pheasant-tailed Jacana |
| जलरंक | Jalaraṅka | Common Sandpiper |
| जाण्ट सारिका | Jānṭa Sārikā | Jungle Myna |
| ताम्रमुखी टिट्टिभ | Tāmramukhī Ṭiṭṭhib | Red-wattled Lapwing |
| तिलककण्टक कलविङ्क | Tilakakaṇṭaka Kalaviṅka | Crested Lark |
| दिर्घदल पूर्णकूट | Dirghadal Pūrṇakūṭa | Red-billed Blue Magpie |
| दीर्घशिर पाणविक | Dīrghaśira Pāṇavika | Great Thick-knee |
| धूति | Dhūti | Besra Sparrowhawk |
| नासाच्छिन्ना | Nāsācchinnā | Knob-billed Duck |
| नील बक | Nīla Baka | Purple Heron |
| नील मक्षाद | Nīla Makṣāda | Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher |
| नील शिलींध्री | Nīla Śilīṃdhrī | Velvet-fronted Nuthatch |
| नीलग्रीव हंसक | Nīlagrīva Haṃsaka | Mallard |
| पुत्रप्रिय | Putrapriya | Common Hoopoe |
| पन्नगाद | Pannagāda | Crested Serpent Eagle |
| प्रख्यात शराली | Prakhyāta Śarālī | Lesser Whistling Duck |
| पर्यण्टिका | Paryaṇṭikā | Black Bulbul |
| पुरल्लिका | Purllikā | Ashy Prinia |
| पश्च वर्णक लटूषक | Paśca Varṇaka Laṭ | Bay-backed Shrike |
| पुष्पंधय | Puṣpandhaya | Purple Sunbird |
| पाटल सारिका | Pāṭala Sārikā | Rosy Starling |
| पाण्डु श्यामा | Pāṇḍu Śyāmā | Blue Rock Thrush |
| पिंगलिका | Pingalikā | Cattle Egret |
| पीत खञ्जन | Pīta Khañjana | Yellow Wagtail |
| पीत गोवत्सक | Pīta Govatsaka | Yellow-browed Bulbul |
| पीतकंठ कुलिङ्ग | Pītakaṇṭha Kuliṅga | Chestnut-shouldered Petronia |
| पीतनयन गुपिल | Pītanayana Gupila | Yellow-eyed Babbler |
| पीतमुखी टिट्टिभ | Pītamukhī Ṭiṭṭhib | Yellow-wattled Lapwing |
| पोदकी | Podakī | Indian Robin |
| बभृपिङ्गा मत्स्योलुक | Babhṛpiṅgā Matsyoluka | Brown Fish Owl |
| बभृशीर्ष गङ्गाचिल्ली | Babhṛśīrṣa Gaṅgācillī | Brown-headed Gull |
| बलाकिका | Balākikā | Little Egret |
| बृहद् कृष्णक | Bṛhad Kṛṣṇaka | Large Cuckoo-shrike |
| बृहद् बक | Bṛhad Baka | Greater Adjutant |
| बृहद् भस्म हहोलिका | Bṛhad Bhasma Haholikā | Large Grey Babbler |
| भरत शबल सारिका | Bharata Śabala Sārikā | Asian Pied Starling |
| भासोलूक | Bhāsolūka | Dusky Eagle-owl |
| मणितुण्ड कलविङ्क | Maṇituṇḍa Kalaviṅka | Grey-winged Blackbird |
| मत्स्य कुरर | Matsya Kurara | Osprey |
| मदन सारिका | Madana Sārikā | Common Hill Myna |
| मयूर | Mayūra | Indian Peafowl |
| मयूरग्रीव शलभाश | Mayūragrīva Śalabhāśa | Verditer Flycatcher |
| महा जलकाक | Mahā Jalakāka | Great Cormorant |
| महाप्लव | Mahāplava | Spot-billed Pelican |
| रक्त श्मश्रु गोवत्सक | Rakta Smaśru Govatsaka | Red-whiskered Bulbul |
| रक्तशीर्ष कलविङ्क | Raktaśīrṣa Kalaviṅka | Common Rosefinch |
| रज्जुवाल | Rajjuvāla | Asian Paradise Flycatcher |
| राजीव अम्बुकुक्कुटी | Rājīva Ambukukkūṭī | Grey-headed Swamphen |
| रोचिष्णु | Rochiṣṇu | Red-billed Leiothrix |
| रोहिणिक हंसक | Rohiṇika Haṃsaka | Common Teal |
| लघु जलकाक | Laghu Jalakāka | Little Cormorant |
| लघु मीनरंक | Laghu Mīnarank | Common Kingfisher |
| लघु रक्तकंठक | Laghu Raktakaṇṭhaka | Little Grebe |
| लघु विष्फुलिंग | Laghu Viṣphuliṅga | Small Minivet |
| लोहतुण्ड काकोल | Lohatuṇḍa Kākola | Red-billed Chough |
| वन काक | Vana Kāka | Jungle Crow |
| वन जलरंक | Vana Jalaraṅka | Wood Sandpiper |
| वर्तुलाक्ष | Vartulākṣa | Bonelli’s Eagle |
| वार्ध्रीणास, मातृनिंदक | Vārdhrīṇāsa, Mātṛnindaka | Indian Grey Hornbill |
| शङ्करा | Śaṅkarā | Brahminy Starling |
| शङ्कुहंस | Śaṅkuhaṃsa | Northern Pintail |
| शंबूक भंजन | Śambūka Bhaṅjana | Asian Openbill Stork |
| शबल मीनरंक | Śabala Mīnarank | Pied Kingfisher |
| शुभ्रकर्ण गोवत्सक | Śubhrakarṇa Govatsaka | White-eared Bulbul |
| शराटिका | Śarāṭikā | Black-headed Ibis |
| श्रीवद | Śrīvad | Oriental Magpie Robin |
| श्वेत आटि | Śveta Āṭi | Eurasian Spoonbill |
| श्वेत उदर कृशकूट | Śveta Udara Kṛśakūṭ | White-bellied Treepie |
| श्वेत कंठ कस्तुरिका | Śveta Kaṇṭha Kasturikā | Orange-headed Thrush |
| श्वेतकंठ जलकुक्कुटी | Śvetakaṇṭha Jalakukkūṭī | White-breasted Waterhen |
| श्वेतकंठ महाबक | Śvetakaṇṭha Mahābaka | Woolly-necked Stork |
| शोण विष्फुलिंग | Śoṇa Viṣphuliṅga | Scarlet Minivet |
| सुगृहकर्ता, पितमुण्ड कलविङ्क | Sugṛhakartā, Pitamuṇḍa Kalaviṅka | Baya Weaver |
| सट्वा, भस्म बल्गुली | Saṭvā, Bhasma Balgulī | Great Tit |
| सुभग, शुकिक, मधुक श्रीवद | Subhaga, Śukika, Madhuka Śrīvad | Common Iora |
| सेव्य कलविङ्क, लट्वाका | Sevya Kalaviṅka, Laṭvākā | Red Avadavat |
| सुवर्णभाळ पत्रगुप्त | Suvarṇabhāḷa Patragupta | Golden-fronted Leafbird |
| स्वल्पकंक, अंधबक, कारण्डव | Svalpakank, Andhabaka, Kāraṇḍava | Indian Pond Heron |
| सागर सुपर्ण | Sāgara Suparṇa | White-bellied Sea Eagle |
| साचिहंस | Sācihaṃsa | Garganey |
| सित महाबक | Sita Mahābaka | White Stork |
| सितभ्रू गोवत्सक | Sita-bhrū Govatsaka | White-browed Bulbul |
| सितोदर अङ्गारक | Sito-dara Aṅgāraka | White-bellied Drongo |
| हरित कपोत | Harita Kapota | Emerald Dove |
| हरितपाद जलरंक | Haritapāda Jalaraṅka | Common Greenshank |
Also read about animal names in Sanskrit.
What is Swan in Sanskrit?
Swan is called “हंस” (Hamsa) in Sanskrit and holds a profound cultural and spiritual significance in Sanatan Dharma. It is a symbol of spiritual purity, wisdom, and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. The following shloka highlights this feature:
Shloka:
हंसः शुचिषद् वसुरन्तरिक्षसद् होता वेदिषदतिथिर्दुरोणसद्।
Transliteration:
Hamsaḥ śuciṣad vasurantarikṣasad hotā vediṣadatithirduroṇasad.
Meaning in English:
The swan is pure, it resides in the air, it is the sacrificer in the celestial altar, the divine guest and the destroyer of darkness.
The swan (Hamsa) in Vedic tradition symbolizes spiritual purity, wisdom, and inner illumination. Embrace the grace of the swan and let it guide you towards the light of truth!
#SwanWisdom #VedicTradition 🦢✨
What is Peacock in Sanskrit?
Peacock is called Mayura (मयूर) in Sanskrit and it carries substantial cultural and spiritual importance. Peacock is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Lord Kartikeya (elder son of Lord Shiva) in Sanatana Dharma. This shloka highlights Lord Kartikeya’s connection:
Shloka:
मयूरध्वजवाहिनं कुक्कुटद्वजमण्डितम् |
कार्त्तिकेयं नमाम्यहं देवसेनापतिं गुहम् ||
Transliteration:
mayūradhvajavāhinaṃ kukkuṭadvajamaṇḍitam |
kārttikeyaṃ namāmyahaṃ devasenāpatiṃ guham ||
Meaning in English:
I bow to Kartikeya, the commander of the celestial armies and the son of Lord Shiva, who is adorned with the peacock flag and the rooster emblem.
In Vedic tradition, the peacock (Mayura) represents beauty, grace, and divine connection, closely linked to Lord Krishna and Lord Kartikeya. Embrace the vibrant spirit of the peacock and celebrate life’s wonders!
#PeacockSymbolism #VedicTradition 🦚✨
Lean why Sanskrit is one of the most beautiful language in the world.
What is Eagle in Sanskrit?
Eagle is called Shyena (श्येन) in Sanskrit and it holds substantial importance in Vedic tradition. The Eagle is associated with the power of the gods, particularly Indra, the god of thunder and storms. It embodies spiritual determination and the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges.
There is a Rigvedic hymn dedicated to the deity Indra. Where his strength is compared to that of Eagle.
Shloka:
श्येनस्येव वज्रिणो विप्रसातः संवत्सरावर्तयदुष्टरम् |
इन्द्रस्य वाजिविष्णोरवस्थाम् यः सुष्टुतिं सत्पतिमायजे स्वाहा ||
Transliteration:
śyenasyeva vajriṇo viprasātaḥ saṃvatsarāvartayaduṣṭaram |
indrasya vājiviṣṇoravasthām yaḥ suṣṭutiṃ satpatimāyaje svāhā ||
Meaning:
Like the swift eagle with its powerful wings, I invoke the mighty Indra, the lord of the thunderbolt, who is the sustainer of the year and the one who overcomes obstacles. May he be pleased with our hymns and praises and grant us his protection.
In Vedic tradition, the eagle (Shyena) revered in Vedic tradition, symbolizes strength, courage, and divine vision. As the carrier of the sun’s wisdom, the eagle inspires us to rise above challenges and illuminate our path to enlightenment.
#EagleSymbolism #VedicTradition 🦅✨
What is Vulture in Sanskrit?
Vulture is called Gridhra (गृध्र) in Sanskrit and it symbolizes the essential role of these birds in maintaining the natural ecosystem. In Vedic literature, vultures are recognized for their crucial part as scavengers, consuming dead carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases.
By understanding the cultural and historical context of the vulture in Hinduism, we can appreciate its significance as a vital element in preserving the balance of life and death in the natural world. Here is a shloka for example:
Shloka:
ये गृध्रासः समद्रिशो नृचक्षसो दिवः शिश्रिये |
तेभिर्नो वि शवस्तरे रक्षस्वा नृभिर्विशाम ||
Transliteration:
ye gṛdhrāsaḥ samadriśo nṛcakṣaso divaḥ śiśriye |
tebhirno vi śavastare rakṣasvā nṛbhirviśām ||
Meaning:
These vultures, who see from afar and gaze upon the heavens, watch over the bodies of the deceased. Protect us from harm and misfortune through their presence, O lord of men.
In Vedic tradition, the vulture (Gridhra) symbolizes the natural cycle of life and death and the essential role of scavengers in maintaining environmental balance. Embrace the wisdom of the vulture as a reminder of the interconnectedness of life!
#VultureSymbolism #VedicTradition 🦅✨
What is Crow in Sanskrit?
Crow is called Kāka (काक) in Sanskrit and holds a unique position in Sanatana Dharma due to its multifaceted symbolism. Crows are often associated with both ancestral reverence and divine wisdom. They are revered as messengers of the divine and are believed to bring omens and messages from the ancestors.
The following shloka highlights the significance of the crow as a symbol of wisdom:
Shloka:
यथा काको विपक्षीयान् गृह्णाति प्रति गृह्णति |
तथा बुद्धिमता वाचं गृह्णीयात् वदतोऽपरे ||
Transliteration:
yathā kāko vipakṣīyān gṛhṇāti prati gṛhṇati |
tathā buddhimatā vācaṃ gṛhṇīyāt vadato’pare ||
Meaning:
Just as a crow seizes the opportunity to take from its rivals, so should a wise person seize the words of others to learn and grow.
In Vedic tradition, the crow (Kāka) represents wisdom, ancestral connections, and divine messages. Embrace the crow’s wisdom and be open to the insights it brings from the divine and our ancestors.
#VultureSymbolism #VedicTradition 🖤✨
What is Owl in Sanskrit?
Owl is called Ulūka (उलूक) in Sanskrit. Owl is associated with wisdom and insight, as well as darkness and inauspiciousness. The owl is the vehicle of the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and is believed to bring fortune to those who respect its presence.
Shloka:
विद्युत्संसर्गाद् विभिन्नरूपाद् उलूकमाशांसित सद्ग्रहाय।
Transliteration:
Vidyut-saṃsargād vibhinna-rūpād ulūkam āśāṃsit sadgrahāya।
Meaning:
Due to its association with lightning and its distinct form, the owl is praised for its ability to discern truth.
The mysterious Owl (Ulūka), revered in Vedic tradition, represents wisdom and insight. As the divine vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, the owl symbolizes fortune and prosperity. Embrace the power of intuition!
#Owl #Hinduism #SpiritualInsight
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