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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
Dendropicos abyssinicus

Dendropicos abyssinicus

Dendropicos abyssinicus，Abyssinian woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The golden-backed woodpecker is called Dendropicos abyssinicus and Abyssinian woodpecker.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Dendropicos poecilolaemus

Dendropicos poecilolaemus

Dendropicos poecilolaemus，Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Uganda Spotted Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Dendropicos poecilolaemus and Speckle-breasted Woodpecker and Uganda Spotted 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...

Dendropicos elachus

Dendropicos elachus

Dendropicos elachus，Little grey woodpecker，Sahelian woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Little grey woodpecker is known by its scientific name Dendropicos elachus and its foreign names are Little Grey woodpecker and Sahelian 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...

Dendropicos goertae

Dendropicos goertae

Dendropicos goertae，Grey Woodpecker，African grey woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Grey Woodpecker is known by its scientific name Dendropicos goertae and foreign names grey woodpecker and African grey 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 bal...

Xiphidiopicus percussus

Xiphidiopicus percussus

Xiphidiopicus percussus，Cuban Green Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Cuban Green Woodpecker is known as Xiphidiopicus percussus and Cuban Green 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!...

Sphyrapicus ruber

Sphyrapicus ruber

Sphyrapicus ruber，Red-breasted sapsucker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Red-breasted sapsucker is known as Sphyrapicus ruber or red-breasted sapsucker.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!...

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

Sphyrapicus nuchalis，Red-naped Sapsucker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

红颈吸汁啄木鸟学名Sphyrapicus nuchalis，外文名Red-naped Sapsucker，长期被认为是黄腹啄木鸟的亚种，基因遗传分析表明，现已为独立物种。已知黄腹吸汁啄木鸟，红颈吸汁啄木鸟，红胸吸汁啄木鸟这三种互相杂交，具体习性不详。Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Bird Red...

Sphyrapicus varius

Sphyrapicus varius

Sphyrapicus varius，Yellow-bellied sapsucker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Yellow-bellied sapsucker, known as Sphyrapicus varius or yellow-bellied sapsucker, feeds on insects and SAP. Nest in a hole in a tree. 5-6 eggs are laid in each clutch.Yellow-bellied succulent woodpeckers exist in some numbers, but are under threat.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Ma...

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

Sphyrapicus thyroideus，Williamson's Sapsucker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Sphyrapicus thyroideus and Williamson's Sapsucker are not known.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!...

Melanerpes superciliaris

Melanerpes superciliaris

Melanerpes superciliaris，West Indian Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The great red-bellied Woodpecker is known as Melanerpes superciliaris and West Indian 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 responsi...

Melanerpes carolinus

Melanerpes carolinus

Melanerpes carolinus，Red-bellied Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is Melanerpes carolinus and red-bellied Woodpecker, no subspecies.Red-bellied woodpeckers prefer to vary their living areas, rather than living on different levels of the same tree. And the amount of woodpecker living areas superimposed, however, the territories of the two...

Melanerpes santacruzi

Melanerpes santacruzi

Melanerpes santacruzi，Velasquez's woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Melanerpes santacruzi (Velasquez's woodpecker) is a subspecies of woodpecker that splits off from melanerpes Santacruzi.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Melanerpes aurifrons

Melanerpes aurifrons

Melanerpes aurifrons，Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Melanerpes aurifrons and Golden-fronted 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!...

Melanerpes hoffmanni

Melanerpes hoffmanni

Melanerpes hoffmanni，Hoffmann's Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmanni, also known as Hoffmann's Woodpecker, 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 everyone's responsibility!...

Melanerpes uropygialis

Melanerpes uropygialis

Melanerpes uropygialis，Gila Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Gila Woodpecker has three subspecies, Melanerpes uropygialis and Gila Woodpecker.The Gila woodpecker lives in the desert and is most easily observed because of the loud noise it makes. They search for food and roost in the tops of trees, cacti and shrubs. When it feels in danger during a conflic...

Melanerpes rubricapillus

Melanerpes rubricapillus

Melanerpes rubricapillus，Red-crowned Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus, red-crowned Woodpecker, has four subspecies.The red-crowned woodpecker is a very diligent little bird, moving up and down the trunk of the tree at times while working, frequently changing trees along the branches, showing a preference for larger t...

Melanerpes pygmaeus

Melanerpes pygmaeus

Melanerpes pygmaeus，Yucatan Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Yucatan Woodpecker is known as Melanerpes pygmaeus and Yucatan 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!...

Melanerpes hypopolius

Melanerpes hypopolius

Melanerpes hypopolius，Gray-breasted woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Melanerpes hypopolius and Gray-breasted 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!...

Melanerpes chrysogenys

Melanerpes chrysogenys

Melanerpes chrysogenys，Golden-cheeked Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Melanerpes chrysogenys and Golden-cheeked 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!...

Melanerpes radiolatus

Melanerpes radiolatus

Melanerpes radiolatus，Jamaican woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Jamaican woodpecker is known as Melanerpes radiolatus and Jamaican Woodpecker.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Red List of Birds: Not threatened.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsib...

Melanerpes striatus

Melanerpes striatus

Melanerpes striatus，Hispaniolan Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Latin American Woodpecker is known as Melanerpes striatus and Hispaniolan Woodpecker.The Latin American woodpecker is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2009 Red List of Birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is...

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