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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 Wader Woodbird Landfowl Bird of prey Songbird
Megaceryle maxima

Megaceryle maxima

Megaceryle maxima，Giant Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：It is the largest kingfisher in Africa

Megaceryle maxima, the foreign name Giant Kingfisher, has two subspecies, one is the named subspecies (M. m. maxima), distributed in the open country, and the other is the rainforest subspecies (M. m. gigantea), distributed in the rain forest. The varieties in the rainforest zone are slightly darker...

Syma megarhyncha

Syma megarhyncha

Syma megarhyncha，Mountain Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：It is similar to yellow-billed jade, but larger in size

Syma megarhyncha, Mountain Kingfisher, has three subspecies (1.Syma megarhyncha wellsiwdg is found in western New Guinea. 2.Syma megarhyncha sellamontis is found in the Onn Peninsula of northeastern New Guinea. 3.Syma megarhyncha is found in southeastern New Guinea.) .They fly low, usually below 500...

Syma torotoro

Syma torotoro

Syma torotoro，Yellow-billed Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Syma torotoro, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, has three subspecies (1.Syma torotoro torotoro is found in New Guinea, Papua and Aru Islands). 2.Syma torotoro ochracea is found on the island of Dontelcastor and the Yorke Peninsula. 3.Syma torotoro flavirostris is found in Australia.) .Yellow-billed jadeite...

Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia

Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia

Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia，Red-backed Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：The front is white, with green mottled striped cap, and the upper back is bright red from the waist to the tail

The Red-backed emerald, Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia, or red-backed Kingfisher, is a member of the Kingfisher family.The red-backed emerald both settles and migrates in northern Australia from August to April, mainly in the winter on the Cape York Peninsula. September to March in the extreme south. The...

Todirhamphus godeffroyi

Todirhamphus godeffroyi

Todirhamphus godeffroyi，Halcyon godeffroyi，Marquenan Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：It is endemic to French Polynesia

The scientific names of the Mak Island emerald are Todirhamphus godeffroyi, Halcyon godeffroyi, Marquenan Kingfisher, without subspecies.The Mark Island emerald is usually hunted alone or in pairs. Like most forest kingfishers, they are completely carnivorous. Often searching for prey in leaves or d...

Todirhamphus gertrudae

Todirhamphus gertrudae

Todirhamphus gertrudae，Tuamotu Kingfisher，Niau kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Todirhamphus gertrudae, its foreign name is Tuamotu Kingfisher, Niau kingfisher, and its specific habit is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Todirhamphus veneratus

Todirhamphus veneratus

Todirhamphus veneratus，Society kingfisher，ahiti kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Todirhamphus veneratus, Society kingfisher, ahiti kingfisher, with two subspecies (1.Todirhamphus veneratus veneratus Veneratus is found on the island of Tahiti. 2.Todirhamphus veneratus youngi is found on the island of Moorea in Society Island.) .The birdsong of the Society Island emerald before da...

Todirhamphus ruficollari

Todirhamphus ruficollari

Todirhamphus ruficollari，Halcyon ruficollaris，Mewing kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：It is a bird unique to Mangayat, the largest island in the Cook Islands

Cook Islands emerald scientific name Todirhamphus ruficollari, Halcyon ruficollaris, foreign name Mewing kingfisher, no subspecies.One characteristic of the bird song of the Cook Islands emerald is "tanga-eeeoo", repeated three to five times, hence its traditional name Tanga'eo. The Co...

Todirhamphus tuta

Todirhamphus tuta

Todirhamphus tuta，Chattering kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

The Bora emerald is known as Todirhamphus tuta, Chattering kingfisher, and has three subspecies (1.Todirhamphus tuta tutus is found in the Society island of Tahiti. 2.Todirhamphus tuta atiu is found on the social islands of Reatea, Juacine and Tahiti. 3.Todirhamphus tuta mauke is found in the southe...

Todirhamphus australasia

Todirhamphus australasia

Todirhamphus australasia，Halcyon australasia，australasia，Timor Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Todirhamphus australasia, Halcyon australasia, australasia, Timor Kingfisher, has 5 subspecies (1. The subspecies Todirhamphus australasia is found in the Lesser Sunda Islands (Lombok, Sumbaweta and Timor-Leste). 2. Todirhamphus australasia dammerianus is found in the eastern part of the Lesser Sund...

Todirhamphus recurvirostris

Todirhamphus recurvirostris

Todirhamphus recurvirostris，Flat-billed Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Todirhamphus recurvirostris, Flat-billed Kingfisher, has 5 subspecies (1.Todirhamphus recurvirostris sanctus is found in Australia, Solomons East (Guadalcanal, SAN Cristobal), Indonesia and Melanesia. 2.Todirhamphus recurvirostris vagans is found in the Norfolk Islands, the Kemad Islands and New Zea...

Todirhamphus sanctus

Todirhamphus sanctus

Todirhamphus sanctus，Sacred Kingfisher，Halcyon sancta

Woodbird LC

Features：

Todirhamphus sanctus, Sacred Kingfisher, Halcyon sancta, There are five subspecies (1.Todirhamphus sanctus) found in Australia, the Western Solomons, Indonesia, and Melanesia. 2.Todirhamphus sanctus vagans is found in Norfolk Island and New Zealand. 3.Todirhamphus sanctus canacorum is found in New C...

Todirhamphus saurophaga

Todirhamphus saurophaga

Todirhamphus saurophaga，White-headed Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：It is a large kingfisher often encountered in coastal areas

Todirhamphus saurophaga, White-headed Kingfisher, Todirhamphus saurophaga saurophagus is found in the Moluccas, New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, and Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands. 2.Todirhamphus saurophaga anachoreta is found on the Bismarck Islands. 3.Todirhamphus saurophaga admir...

Todiramphus reichenbachii

Todiramphus reichenbachii

Todiramphus reichenbachii，Pohnpei kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Pohnpei jade scientific name Todiramphus reichenbachii, foreign name Pohnpei kingfisher, the specific habit is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Todiramphus pelewensis

Todiramphus pelewensis

Todiramphus pelewensis，Palau kingfisher，Rusty-capped kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Palau jade scientific name Todiramphus pelewensis, foreign names Palau kingfisher, Rusty-capped kingfisher, the specific habit is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Todirhamphus cinnamominus

Todirhamphus cinnamominus

Todirhamphus cinnamominus，Guam kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：It's the only bird that can perch on utility poles at the edge of the forest

The scientific name Todirhamphus cinnamominus, Guam kingfisher, there are 3 subspecies.The cinnamon emerald preys on lizards, reptiles, geckos, insects, small crustaceans, worms, newborn mice, locust larvae.The age of sexual maturity is 2 years. The breeding season extends from November to August, a...

Todirhamphus enigma

Todirhamphus enigma

Todirhamphus enigma，Halcyon enigma，Obscure Kingfisher，Talaud Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

The dark emerald scientific name Todirhamphus enigma, Halcyon enigma, foreign names Obscure Kingfisher, Talaud Kingfisher, is a bird in the family Kingfisher.Dark emerald prey on lizards, reptiles, geckos, insects, small crustaceans, worms, newborn mice, locust larvae. This is a wise and thoughtful...

Todiramphus sacer

Todiramphus sacer

Todiramphus sacer，Pacific Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

The South Pacific emerald is known as Todiramphus sacer and Pacific Kingfisher.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Todiramphus colonus

Todiramphus colonus

Todiramphus colonus，Islet Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

It is known as Todiramphus colonus and Islet Kingfisher, but its habitat is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Todiramphus tristrami

Todiramphus tristrami

Todiramphus tristrami，Melanesian Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

Melanesian jade is known as Todiramphus tristrami and Melanesian Kingfisher.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Todiramphus albicilla

Todiramphus albicilla

Todiramphus albicilla，Mariana Kingfisher

Woodbird LC

Features：

The Mariana emerald is known as Todiramphus albicilla and Mariana Kingfisher.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

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