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Birds: different species, definitions, photos, and more

Birds are advanced vertebrates that are adapted to life on land and in the air. Birds in China are divided into six categories: waterfowl, wading birds, climbing birds, land birds, raptors, and songbirds. These six categories are collectively referred to as the six major ecological groups of birds. There are many species of birds, spread all over the world, and the ecology is diverse. There are more than 9,020 known bird species in existence, and more than 1,400 species in China.

Birds (Aves) are a unique category of vertebrates, known for their feathers covering their entire body, their ability to fly, and their ability to lay eggs. Birds are the only existing animals with feathers and play an important role in biodiversity and ecosystems.

  • Scientific name: Aves

  • Main features:

    1. Feathers: Feathers are a unique feature of birds and are used for flight, insulation and display.

    2. Homothermia: Birds are warm-blooded animals and can survive in a variety of environments.

    3. Flight ability: Most birds can fly, but there are exceptions (such as ostriches and penguins).

    4. Oviparous: Birds reproduce by laying eggs, which have hard shells.

    5. Beak: Birds have no teeth, and their beaks are adapted to different feeding needs.

  • Ecological role:

    • Pollination, seed dispersal, pest control.

    • An important link in the food chain.

  • Evolutionary history:

    • Birds originated from dinosaurs in the Mesozoic era (about 150 million years ago).

    • Archaeopteryx is considered an important transitional species between birds and dinosaurs.

Bird classification table

Birds include about 30 orders, covering more than 10,000 known species. The following is a detailed classification of birds, including major orders, families, genera and typical representatives.


Classification levelOrderFamilyGenusRepresentative birds (Examples)
Land birds
GalliformesPhasianidaePheasant (Phasianus)pheasant, peacock


Guinea fowl (Numididae)Guinea fowl (Numida)guinea fowl


MeleagrididaeMeleagrisTurkey
WaterfowlAnseriformesAnatidaeAnasWild duck, swan



BrantaBranta
Birds of preyFalconiformesFalconidaeFalcoSaker Falcon, Peregrine Falcon

AccipitriformesAccipitridaeAquilagolden eagle, vulture



MilvusRed kite, black kite
Wading birdsCiconiiformesStorks (Ciconiidae)CiconiaWhite stork, black stork

PelecaniformesPelecanidaePelecanusWhite Pelican, Brown Pelican


FregatidaeFregatafrigate bird
SongbirdsPasseriformesPasseridaePasserHouse sparrow, mountain sparrow


HirundinidaeHirundoBarn swallow, sand swallow


PsittacidaePsittacusafrican gray parrot
seabirdsCharadriiformesLaridaeLarusHerring Gull, Black-backed Gull


Plovidae (Charadriidae)CharadriusGolden Plover, Ring-necked Plover

Albatross (Procellariiformes)Albatross family (Diomedeidae)Albatross (Diomedea)Wandering Albatross
Climbing birdsWoodpeckers (Piciformes)Woodpeckers (Picidae)Woodpecker (Dendrocopos)Great Spotted Woodpecker

Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (Coraciiformes)CoraciiformesCoraciasBlue-breasted Buddha monk
Penguin categoryPenguin Order (Sphenisciformes)Penguin family (Spheniscidae)Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis)Emperor Penguin, Adélie Penguin

Main evolutionary history of birds

Origin

Birds originated from dinosaurs and are descendants of theropod dinosaurs. Archaeopteryx from the Mesozoic Era (about 150 million years ago) is the earliest known bird fossil, with dinosaur teeth and bird feathers, and is regarded as a transitional species between birds and dinosaurs.

Evolution and Diversity

  1. Cenozoic Flourish: After the extinction of the dinosaurs, birds underwent rapid adaptive radiation evolution, expanding into a variety of ecological niches.

  2. Flight and Adaptation: Birds have lightweight skeletons and streamlined bodies, which provide an evolutionary advantage for flight.

  3. Global Distribution: There are more than 10,000 existing species of birds, distributed in almost all habitats on Earth.

Ecological Roles of Birds

  1. Pollination and Seed Dispersal: Birds such as hummingbirds and parrots maintain plant diversity by pollinating and dispersing seeds.

  2. Pest Control: Woodpeckers and swallows control insect populations, which helps agriculture.

  3. Ecological Balance: Birds of prey such as eagles and falcons are at the top of the food chain and maintain the stability of the ecosystem.

Bird Conservation Status

  1. Habitat Loss: Deforestation and wetland destruction threaten bird survival.

  2. Climate Change: Climate change affects the reproduction and habitat of migratory birds.

  3. Conservation Actions: Bird sanctuaries, such as crane sanctuaries and wetland restoration projects, have been established around the world.

Conclusion

Birds are among the most diverse and adaptable animals on Earth. From songbirds to raptors, from land to sea, birds have demonstrated extraordinary evolutionary adaptability. Through this detailed classification list and bird introduction, users can gain in-depth knowledge of the evolutionary history, classification, and important role of birds in the ecosystem. This not only helps spread knowledge, but also provides a scientific basis for bird protection.

Waterfowl Wading birds Climbing birds Landfowl Bird of prey Songbird
Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Red List of Birds -

Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Red List of Birds -

Dendrocopos auriceps，Brown-fronted woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Brown fronted woodpecker is known as Dendrocopos auriceps or Brown-fronted woodpecker。Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.It is everyone's responsibility to maintain ecological balance！...

Dendrocopos kizuki

Dendrocopos kizuki

Dendrocopos kizuki，Yungipicus kizuki，Japanese pygmy woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Dendrocopos kizuki, Yungipicus kizuki, and Japanese pygmy woodpecker have four subspecies。Small star-headed woodpeckers are resident birds, often active alone except during the breeding period, and can be found in family groups of 3-5 individuals in the later breeding period. Usually, the sound is...

Apteryx haastii

Apteryx haastii

Apteryx haastii，Great Sportted Kiwi

Landfowl LC

Features：National bird of New Zealand

Apteryx haastii, Great Sportted Kiwi, no subspecies.A pair of large spotted kiwis may carve out up to 100 shelters in their territory, often changing shelter every day. They do not leave their burrows during the day, except in dangerous situations. They usually come out at night. Foraging takes plac...

Apteryx owenii

Apteryx owenii

Apteryx owenii，Little Spotted Kiwi

Landfowl LC

Features：National bird of New Zealand

Apteryx owenii, Little Spotted Kiwi, no subspecies.A pair of small spotted kiwis may dig up to 100 burrows in their territory and use them as shelters, often changing homes daily. They do not leave their burrows during the day, except in dangerous situations. They usually come out at night. Foraging...

Apteryx australis

Apteryx australis

Apteryx australis，Brown Kiwi，Southern Brown Kiwi

Landfowl LC

Features：It is an endemic species of New Zealand and the national bird and symbol of New Zealand

Brown Kiwi Apteryx australis, foreign languages Brown Kiwi, Southern Brown Kiwi, there are 3 subspecies (1. Brown kiwi: Apteryx australis australis. 2. Brown Kiwi subspecies: Apteryx australis awryi. 3. North Island subspecies of Brown Kiwi: Apteryx australis mantelli.) .A pair of brown kiwis may di...

Yungipicus canicapillus

Yungipicus canicapillus

Yungipicus canicapillus，Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The starheaded Woodpecker, Yungipicus canicapillus and Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, has 15 subspecies.Star-headed woodpeckers often live alone or in pairs, only appearing in family groups after the nest with young. Most of the activities and feeding in the upper part of the tree, but also occasiona...

Yungipicus ramsayi

Yungipicus ramsayi

Yungipicus ramsayi，Sulu pygmy woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

It is known by its scientific name Yungipicus ramsayi and foreign name Sulu pygmy woodpecker。Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Yungipicus maculatus

Yungipicus maculatus

Yungipicus maculatus，Dendrocopos maculatus，Philippine Woodpecker, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Yungipicus maculatus, Dendrocopos maculatus, Philippine Woodpecker, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, and its specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Mai...

Yungipicus moluccensis

Yungipicus moluccensis

Yungipicus moluccensis，Dendrocopos moluccensis，Sunda Woodpecker， Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Sunda Woodpecker, whose scientific names are Yungipicus moluccensis, Dendrocopos moluccensis, Sunda Woodpecker, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, mainly feeds on insects in the tree trunks, mainly pests. Other specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)...

Yungipicus nanus

Yungipicus nanus

Yungipicus nanus，Dendrocopos nanus，Brown-capped Woodpecker，Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known by its scientific names Yungipicus nanus and Dendrocopos nanus, and by its foreign names Brown-capped Woodpecker and Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker。Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate w...

Yungipicus temminckii

Yungipicus temminckii

Yungipicus temminckii，Dendrocopos temminckii，Sulawesi pygmy woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species' scientific names are Yungipicus temminckii, Dendrocopos temminckii and Sulawesi pygmy woodpecker.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone'...

Dendropicos xantholophus

Dendropicos xantholophus

Dendropicos xantholophus，Chloropicus xantholophus，Golden-crowned Woodpecker，Yellow-crested woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Golden-crowned woodpecker, Yellow-crested woodpecker, Chloropicus xantholophus and golden-crowned Woodpecker. It mainly eats longiceps, through-wing moths, gidding insects and other pests hidden inside the trunk, and its specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation...

Chloropicus pyrrhogaster

Chloropicus pyrrhogaster

Chloropicus pyrrhogaster，Dendropicos pyrrhogaster，Fire-bellied Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Fire-bellied Woodpecker is known as Chloropicus pyrrhogaster, Dendropicos pyrrhogaster, and fire-bellied woodpecker.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyo...

Dendropicos namaquus

Dendropicos namaquus

Dendropicos namaquus，Bearded woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Bearded woodpecker is bearded woodpecker (Dendropicos namaquus, Bearded woodpecker).Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Dendrocopos obsoletus

Dendrocopos obsoletus

Dendrocopos obsoletus，Brown-backed Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Brown-backed Woodpecker is known as Dendrocopos obsoletus and brown-backed woodpecker.SAP from certain trees during a certain season. In spring, the male woodpeckers that occupy their territories call loudly, often pecking at hollow tree trunks and occasionally tapping metal to increase the soun...

Dendropicos griseocephalus

Dendropicos griseocephalus

Dendropicos griseocephalus，Olive Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The African grey Woodpecker is known as Dendropicos griseocephalus and Olive Woodpecker.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Picus canus

Picus canus

Picus canus，Dendropicos spodocephalus，Eastern grey woodpecker，Grey-headed woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Picus canus, Dendropicos spodocephalus, and Eastern Grey woodpecker, grey-headed woodpecker, have 11 subspecies。Grey-headed woodpeckers are solitary or in pairs, rarely in groups. Flying fast, in a wave. They often feed in the middle and lower part of the trunk, and often feed on the ground, especi...

Dendropicos stierlingi

Dendropicos stierlingi

Dendropicos stierlingi，Stierling's Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Woodpecker's scientific name is Dendropicos stierlingi, and its foreign name is Stierling's Woodpecker.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecolog...

Dendropicos lugubris

Dendropicos lugubris

Dendropicos lugubris，Melancholy Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Melancholy Woodpecker named Dendropicos lugubris, foreign language Melancholy Woodpecker, the specific habit is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyo...

Dendropicos gabonensis

Dendropicos gabonensis

Dendropicos gabonensis，Gabon Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Gabonese Woodpecker is known as Dendropicos gabonensis and Gabon Woodpecker.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Dendropicos fuscescens

Dendropicos fuscescens

Dendropicos fuscescens，Cardinal Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species Dendropicos fuscescens and Cardinal Woodpecker are unknown. Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red List.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

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