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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
Ramphiculus subgularis

Ramphiculus subgularis

Ramphiculus subgularis，Banggai Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：The body is relatively fat, the head is slightly smaller, the neck is thick and short, and the feathers are soft and dense

Banggai Fruit Dove (scientific name: Ramphiculus subgularis), no subspecies.Cardoves are resident birds, often solitary, rarely clustered. Roost in a tree, good at flying, always stop for a moment before taking off when in danger. The flight is fast and powerful. It is often active in the canopy, es...

Ptilinopus monacha

Ptilinopus monacha

Ptilinopus monacha，Blue-capped Fruit-dove，Blue-capped Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus monacha, and its foreign names are Blue-capped fruit-dove and Blue-capped 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 ec...

Ptilinopus wallacii

Ptilinopus wallacii

Ptilinopus wallacii，Wallace's Fruit-dove，Wallace's Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Scientific name Ptilinopus wallacii, foreign name Wallace' s Fruit-dove, Wallace' s 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 ecologica...

Ptilinopus rivoli

Ptilinopus rivoli

Ptilinopus rivoli，White-bibbed Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The behavior of the White-bibbed Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus rivoli) is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus bernsteinii

Ptilinopus bernsteinii

Ptilinopus bernsteinii，Scarlet-breasted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus bernsteinii or Scarlet-breasted Fruit-dove 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's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus tannensis

Ptilinopus tannensis

Ptilinopus tannensis，Tanna Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus tannensis and Tanna 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 nanus

Ptilinopus nanus

Ptilinopus nanus，Dwarf Fruit-dove，Ptilinopus naina

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus nanus, and its foreign names are Dwarf Fruit-dove and Ptilinopus naina.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 r...

Ptilinopus regina

Ptilinopus regina

Ptilinopus regina，Rose-crowned Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：It has a pink head, green wings, a gray chest and an orange-yellow belly

The Rose-crowned Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus regina), with five subspecies, is a very beautiful small pigeon.Pink doves often act alone and rarely cluster, sometimes gathering more than 5 small groups, and mixing with other doves to form a beautiful and spectacular flock of doves. These birds are particu...

Ptilinopus solomonensis

Ptilinopus solomonensis

Ptilinopus solomonensis，Yellow-bibbed Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus solomonensis, and its foreign name is Yellow-bibbed 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 responsib...

Ptilinopus richardsii

Ptilinopus richardsii

Ptilinopus richardsii，Silver-capped Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus richardsii, and its foreign name is Silver-capped 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 responsibil...

Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii

Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii

Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii，White-capped Fruit dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii, and its foreign name is White-capped 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 respons...

Ptilinopus marchei

Ptilinopus marchei

Ptilinopus marchei，Flame-breasted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus marchei, and its foreign name is Flame-breasted 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 fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri，Red-eared Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：Palau island bird

Ptilinopus fischeri, also known as Red-eared Fruit-dove, feeds mainly on tree tops, but occasionally comes to the ground. Individual activities, rarely clustered. Eat mainly small, oily fruits, usually swallowed whole, digesting the flesh and removing the seeds.Listed in the International Union for...

Ptilinopus fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri，Red-eared Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

His scientific name is Ptilinopus fischeri, and his foreign name is Red-eared 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 ecolo...

Ptilinopus coralensis

Ptilinopus coralensis

Ptilinopus coralensis，Atoll Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus coralensis, and its foreign name is Atoll 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 greyii

Ptilinopus greyii

Ptilinopus greyii，Red-bellied Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus greyii and its foreign name is Red-bellied Fruit Dove.The Red billed fruit dove is 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 ever...

Ptilinopus cinctus

Ptilinopus cinctus

Ptilinopus cinctus，Banded Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus cinctus, and its foreign name is Banded 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 victor

Ptilinopus victor

Ptilinopus victor，Orange Dove，Orange Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus victor, and its foreign names are Orange Dove and Orange 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 resp...

Ptilinopus layardi

Ptilinopus layardi

Ptilinopus layardi，Whistling Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus layardi, and its foreign name is Whistling 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 dohertyi

Ptilinopus dohertyi

Ptilinopus dohertyi，Red-naped Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus dohertyi, and its foreign name is Red-naped 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's...

Ptilinopus occipitalis

Ptilinopus occipitalis

Ptilinopus occipitalis，Yellow-breasted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus occipitalis, and its foreign name is Yellow-breasted Fruit-dove.They live in tropical and subtropical forests, feeding mainly on tree tops and occasionally on the ground. They eat mainly small, oily fruits, usually swallowing them whole, digesting the flesh and rele...

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