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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
Colaptes campestris

Colaptes campestris

Colaptes campestris，Campo flicker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The scientific name of the grassland winger is Colaptes campestris, and the foreign name is Campo flicker. The specific habits are unknown.Listed in the IUCN ver 3.1:2009 Red List of Birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild game.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes rupicola

Colaptes rupicola

Colaptes rupicola，Andean flicker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The scientific name Colaptes rubicola, also known as Andean flicker, is a large woodpecker found in the Andes Mountains of the Americas. Unlike most other woodpeckers, it is usually seen on the ground and feeds on ants and other insects. Occasionally, it also eats plant fruits and seeds. The flappin...

Colaptes rupicola

Colaptes rupicola

Colaptes rupicola，Chilean flicker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The scientific name of the Chilean winger is Colaptes rubicola, and the foreign name is Chilean flicker. The specific habits are unknown.Listed in the IUCN ver 3.1:2009 Red List of Birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild game.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes fernandinae

Colaptes fernandinae

Colaptes fernandinae，Fernandina's flicker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The scientific name of the Cuban flapping bird is Colaptes fernandinae, also known as Fernandina's flicker. It usually builds its own nest or occupies the nest of other woodpeckers. Both parents jointly hatch eggs and raise young birds. Their homes are often invaded by starlings and their eggs a...

Colaptes chrysoides

Colaptes chrysoides

Colaptes chrysoides，Gilded flicker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The scientific name of the yellow winged butterfly is Colaptes chrysoides, and its foreign name is Gilded Flicker. The specific habits are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild game.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes auratus

Colaptes auratus

Colaptes auratus，Northern flicker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The scientific name of the Northern Flicker is Colaptes auratus, and its foreign name is Northern Flicker. The specific habits are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild game.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes melanolaimus

Colaptes melanolaimus

Colaptes melanolaimus，Golden-breasted woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Colaptes melanolaimus, or Golden-breasted woodpecker, is a bird that eats insects in trees, but also grass and leaves. 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.Maintaining e...

Colaptes melanochloros

Colaptes melanochloros

Colaptes melanochloros，Green-barred woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is Colaptes melanochloros and Green-barred 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!...

Colaptes punctigula

Colaptes punctigula

Colaptes punctigula，Spot-breasted woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird is known as Colaptes punctigula or Spot-breasted woodpecker. Its 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 everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes atriceps

Colaptes atriceps

Colaptes atriceps，Black-crowned woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Black-crowned woodpecker is known as Colaptes atriceps and black-crowned Woodpecker。Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes atricollis

Colaptes atricollis

Colaptes atricollis，Black-necked woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Colaptes atricollis or Black-necked woodpecker.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes aeruginosus

Colaptes aeruginosus

Colaptes aeruginosus，Bronze-winged woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The copper-winged woodpecker is known as Colaptes aeruginosus and Bronze-winged woodpecker.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colaptes rivolii

Colaptes rivolii

Colaptes rivolii，Crimson-mantled woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The red-backed woodpecker's scientific name is Colaptes rivolii, and its foreign name is Crimson mantled 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...

Colaptes auricularis

Colaptes auricularis

Colaptes auricularis，Gray-crowned woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Gray-crowned woodpecker is known as Colaptes auricularis and gray-crowned 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!...

Colaptes rubiginosus

Colaptes rubiginosus

Colaptes rubiginosus，Golden-olive woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The highland woodpecker's scientific name is Colaptes rubiginosus, and its foreign name is Golden-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 everyon...

Piculus aurulentus

Piculus aurulentus

Piculus aurulentus，Yellow-browed woodpecker，White-browed woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The White-browed woodpecker is known by its scientific name Piculus aurulentus and foreign names Yellow-browed woodpecker and white-browed 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.Maintainin...

Piculus chrysochloros

Piculus chrysochloros

Piculus chrysochloros，Golden-green woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The yellow-green woodpecker is known as Piculus chrysochloros or Golden-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!...

Piculus flavigula

Piculus flavigula

Piculus flavigula，Yellow-throated woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Piculus flavigula, Yellow-throated woodpecker, is an unknown species.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!...

iculus leucolaemus

iculus leucolaemus

Piculus leucolaemus，White-throated woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Piculus leucolaemus or White-throated 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!...

Piculus litae

Piculus litae

Piculus litae，Lita woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Lita woodpecker is known by its scientific name Piculus litae and its foreign name Lita 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 responsibili...

Piculus callopterus

Piculus callopterus

Piculus callopterus，Stripe-cheeked woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Piculus callopterus and Stripe-cheeked woodpecker are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

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