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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
Meiglyptes jugularis

Meiglyptes jugularis

Meiglyptes jugularis，Black-and-buff woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：It's a relatively rare bird

The species is known as Meiglyptes jugularis and Black-and-buff 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!...

Meiglyptes tristis

Meiglyptes tristis

Meiglyptes tristis，White-rumped woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Meiglyptes tristis or White-rumped woodpecker.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Meiglyptes grammithorax

Meiglyptes grammithorax

Meiglyptes grammithorax，Buff-rumped woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Meiglyptes grammithorax and Buff-rumped 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!...

Dinopium psarodes

Dinopium psarodes

Dinopium psarodes，Red-backed flameback

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Red-backed three-toed woodpecker is known as Dinopium psarodes and red-backed flameback。The conservation level is listed in the World Federation of Nature Conservation (IUCN) ver3.1:2009 Red List of Birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone...

Dinopium benghalense

Dinopium benghalense

Dinopium benghalense，Black-rumped flameback，lesser golden-backed woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Dinopium benghalense, Black-rumped flameback and lesser golden-backed woodpecker。Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.It is everyone's responsibility to maintain ecological balance！...

Dinopium everetti

Dinopium everetti

Dinopium everetti，Spot-throated Flameback

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The three-toed woodpecker is known as Dinopium everetti and Spot-throated Flameback。Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Dinopium shorii

Dinopium shorii

Dinopium shorii，Himalayan flameback

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The three-toed woodpecker is named Dinopium shorii, Himalayan flameback, and has the same sound as the golden-backed three-toed woodpecker. Other 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 elimi...

Dinopium rafflesii

Dinopium rafflesii

Dinopium rafflesii，Olive-backed Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The greenback three-toed Woodpecker is known by its scientific name Dinopium rafflesii and its foreign name is Olive backed 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 me...

Dinopium javanense

Dinopium javanense

Dinopium javanense，Common Flameback

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The golden-backed three-toed woodpecker is known by its scientific name Dinopium javanense and foreign name Common Flameback, with six subspecies.Golden-backed three-toed woodpeckers often move alone or in pairs and call each other frequently. More activities and foraging on tree trunks and branches...

Geocolaptes olivaceus

Geocolaptes olivaceus

Geocolaptes olivaceus，Ground woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Geocolaptes olivaceus and Ground 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.It is everyone's responsibility to maintain ecological balance！...

Campethera caroli

Campethera caroli

Campethera caroli，Brown-eared Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird's scientific name is Campethera caroli, and its foreign name is Brown-eared 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 responsibi...

Campethera nivosa

Campethera nivosa

Campethera nivosa，Buff-spotted Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The brown-spotted Woodpecker is known as Campethera nivosa and Buff-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 responsibility!...

Campethera tullbergi

Campethera tullbergi

Campethera tullbergi，Tullberg's Woodpecker，Fine-banded Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Cameroonian Woodpecker is known as Campethera tullbergi, Tullberg's Woodpecker, and Fine-banded 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 maint...

Campethera cailliautii

Campethera cailliautii

Campethera cailliautii，Green-backed Woodpecker、Little Spotted Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The greenback Woodpecker is known as Campethera cailliautii and Green-backed Woodpecker or Little 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.It is everyone's responsibility to mai...

Campethera maculosa

Campethera maculosa

Campethera maculosa，Little Green Woodpecker，Golden-backed Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Little Green Woodpecker is known by its scientific name Campethera maculosa and its foreign names are Little Green Woodpecker and Golden-backed 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....

Campethera notata

Campethera notata

Campethera notata，Knysna Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The South African Woodpecker's scientific name is Campethera notata, and its foreign name is Knysna 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.It is everyone...

Campethera mombassica

Campethera mombassica

Campethera mombassica，Mombasa Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Mombasa Woodpecker's scientific name is Campethera mombassica, and its foreign name is Mombasa 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 mainta...

Campethera abingoni

Campethera abingoni

Campethera abingoni，Golden-tailed Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Campethera abingoni or Golden-tailed 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！...

Campethera scriptoricauda

Campethera scriptoricauda

Campethera scriptoricauda，Reichenow's Woodpecker，Speckle-throated woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird's scientific name is Campethera scriptoricauda, and its foreign name is Reichenow's woodpecker, Speckle-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 ecolog...

Campethera bennettii

Campethera bennettii

Campethera bennettii，Bennett's Woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Woodpecker's scientific name is Campethera bennettii, and its foreign name is Bennett's 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...

Campethera nubica

Campethera nubica

Campethera nubica，Nubian woodpecker

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The East African woodpecker's scientific name is Campethera nubica, and its foreign name is Nubian 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 maintai...

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