The classification is primarily based on the behavior and characteristics of the birds, particularly how they hunt and feed.
Birds that do not use their claws to inflict wounds or prey on other animals are generally considered Halal, while those that do are categorized as Haram.
List of Halal Birds In Islam (Permitted)
The following is a list of birds that are considered Halal and permissible to eat according to Islamic dietary laws:
| Bird Name | Description | Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Martin | A small, insect-eating bird that does not prey on other animals. | Insects |
| Swallow | Known for its agility in flight, this bird feeds primarily on insects. | Insects |
| Quail | A small game bird, often consumed in various cuisines. | Seeds, Insects |
| Duck | A waterfowl that feeds on aquatic plants and small fish. | Aquatic Plants, Small Fish |
| Crane | A large bird that feeds on grains and small animals but does not hunt with its claws. | Grains, Small Animals |
| Nightingale | A songbird that primarily feeds on insects. | Insects |
| Weaver Bird | Known for its intricate nests, this bird feeds on grains and seeds. | Grains, Seeds |
| Partridge (All types) | Ground-dwelling birds that feed on seeds and insects. | Seeds, Insects |
| Sparrow | A small bird that feeds on grains and insects. | Grains, Insects |
| Ruddy Goose | A type of goose that feeds on grasses and grains. | Grasses, Grains |
| Crested Lark | A small bird that feeds on seeds and insects. | Seeds, Insects |
| Ostrich | The largest bird in the world, it feeds on plants and small animals. | Plants, Small Animals |
| Parrot | Known for its bright plumage and ability to mimic sounds, it feeds on fruits and seeds. | Fruits, Seeds |
| She Parrot (smaller than regular) | Similar to the parrot but smaller in size, feeding on fruits and seeds. | Fruits, Seeds |
| Dove | A symbol of peace, this bird feeds on seeds and grains. | Seeds, Grains |
| Goose | A waterfowl that grazes on grasses and aquatic plants. | Grasses, Aquatic Plants |
| Ringdove (Khumri) | A type of dove with a distinctive ring around its neck. | Seeds, Grains |
| Pigeon | A common bird that feeds on seeds and grains. | Seeds, Grains |
| Heron Fork-Tailed Butcher Bird | Feeds on fish and small animals but does not hunt with its claws. | Fish, Small Animals |
| Crow (Zage Kusht) | This type of crow feeds on corn and is permissible to eat. | Corn |
| Crow (Zage Akhakh) | A crow that feeds on corn and sometimes carrion, but is permissible if it mainly eats grains. | Corn, Carrion, Grains |
| Cuckoo | A bird known for laying eggs in other birds’ nests, feeds primarily on insects. | Insects |
| Blue-Necked Bird (Subzak, Neel Kanth) | A bird with distinctive blue plumage, feeding on grains and insects. | Grains, Insects |
List of Haram Birds In Islam (Prohibited)
The following is a list of birds that are considered Haram and prohibited to eat according to Islamic dietary laws:
| Bird Name | Description | Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Owl | A nocturnal bird of prey that hunts with its sharp claws. | Small Animals, Birds |
| Falcon | A bird of prey known for its speed and hunting abilities. | Small Animals, Birds |
| Sparrowhawk | A small bird of prey that hunts other birds. | Birds |
| Vulture | A scavenger bird that feeds on carrion. | Carrion |
| Hawk (All types including female) | A bird of prey that hunts using its sharp talons. | Small Animals, Birds |
| Shikra | A small bird of prey found in South Asia, known for its hunting skills. | Small Animals, Birds |
| Latora | Another type of bird of prey, prohibited due to its hunting behavior. | Small Animals, Birds |
| Phoenix (Huma) | A mythical bird, often depicted as feeding on carrion, thus prohibited. | Carrion |
Classification Criteria
Islamic dietary laws classify birds based on their hunting and feeding behaviors. Birds that peck at grains and do not use their claws to hunt or injure other animals are generally considered Halal.
This includes birds like sparrows, pigeons, doves, partridges, and ducks.
On the other hand, birds that hunt with their claws and cause injury, such as hawks, falcons, and vultures, are considered Haram.
Additionally, birds that feed on carrion, like vultures, are also prohibited.
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