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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
Ptilinopus chalcurus

Ptilinopus chalcurus

Ptilinopus chalcurus，Makatea Fruit-dove，Makatea Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Makatea's scientific name is Ptilinopus chalcurus, foreign names Makatea fruit-dove, Makatea Fruit Dove, the specific habit is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat...

Ptilinopus roseicapillus

Ptilinopus roseicapillus

Ptilinopus roseicapillus，Mariana Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus roseicapillus, and its foreign name is Mariana Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Endangered (EN).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone'...

Ptilinopus pulchellus

Ptilinopus pulchellus

Ptilinopus pulchellus，Beautiful Fruit-dove，Beautiful Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus pulchellus, foreign names are Beautiful fruit-dove, Beautiful Fruit Dove, the specific habit is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecolo...

Ptilinopus alligator

Ptilinopus alligator

Ptilinopus alligator，Black-banded Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus alligator, foreign name is Black-banded Dove, the specific habit is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone...

Ptilinopus arcanus

Ptilinopus arcanus

Ptilinopus arcanus，Negros Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus arcanus and its foreign name is Negros Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Critically Endangered (CR).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&...

Ptilinopus porphyraceus

Ptilinopus porphyraceus

Ptilinopus porphyraceus，Purple-capped Fruit-dove，Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove，Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus porphyraceus, Purple-capped Fruit-dove, Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove, Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove, the specific habit is unknown. Feed on fruits, seeds, insects, etc.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and e...

Ptilinopus granulifrons

Ptilinopus granulifrons

Ptilinopus granulifrons，Carunculated Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus granulifrons, and its foreign name is Carunculated Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone...

Ptilinopus insolitus

Ptilinopus insolitus

Ptilinopus insolitus，Knob-billed Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus insolitus and its foreign name is Knob-billed Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus iozonus

Ptilinopus iozonus

Ptilinopus iozonus，Orange-bellied Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus iozonus, and its foreign name is Orange-bellied Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibilit...

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons，Orange-fronted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons, or Orange-fronted Fruit-dove. It lives in small groups in lowland rainforests.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecologi...

Ptilinopus superbus

Ptilinopus superbus

Ptilinopus superbus，Superb Fruit-dove，Purple-crowned Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Magnificent Fruit dove scientific name Ptilinopus superbus, foreign name Superb Fruit-dove, Purple-crowned Pigeon, the specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintain...

Ptilinopus perousii

Ptilinopus perousii

Ptilinopus perousii，Many-coloured Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus perousii and Many-coloured Fruit Dove are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus rarotongensis

Ptilinopus rarotongensis

Ptilinopus rarotongensis，Cook Islands Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus rarotongensis, and its foreign name is Cook Islands Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyon...

Ptilinopus eugeniae

Ptilinopus eugeniae

Ptilinopus eugeniae，White-headed Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus eugeniae and its foreign name is White-headed Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone...

Ptilinopus merrilli

Ptilinopus merrilli

Ptilinopus merrilli，Cream-bellied Fruit-dove，Cream-breasted Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus merrilli, and its foreign names are Cream-bellied fruit-dove and Cream-breasted Fruit Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintain...

Ptilinopus ornatus

Ptilinopus ornatus

Ptilinopus ornatus，Ornate Fruit-dove，Ornate Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus ornatus, its foreign name is Ornate fruit-dove, Ornate Fruit Dove, and its specific habit is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecologic...

Ptilinopus jambu

Ptilinopus jambu

Ptilinopus jambu，Jambu Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus jambu, and its foreign name is Jambu Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's re...

Ptilinopus melanospila

Ptilinopus melanospila

Ptilinopus melanospila，Black-napped Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus melanospila, and its foreign name is Black-napped Fruit Dove.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus purpuratus

Ptilinopus purpuratus

Ptilinopus purpuratus，Grey-green Fruit-dove，Grey-green Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus purpuratus, and its foreign names are Grey-green fruit-dove and Grey-green Fruit Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is e...

Ptilinopus perlatus

Ptilinopus perlatus

Ptilinopus perlatus，Pink-spotted Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus perlatus, and its foreign name is Pink-spotted Fruit Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility...

Ptilinopus insularis

Ptilinopus insularis

Ptilinopus insularis，Henderson Fruit-dove，Henderson Island Fruit-dove，Scarlet-capped Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus insularis, and its foreign names are Henderson Fruit-dove, Henderson Island fruit-Dove, and Scarlet-capped Fruit Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and elimin...

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