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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
Geotrygon violacea

Geotrygon violacea

Geotrygon violacea，Violaceous Quail-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The purple Quail dove is known as Geotrygon violacea and Violaceous Quail 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!...

Gallicolumba keayi

Gallicolumba keayi

Gallicolumba keayi，Negros Bleeding-heart

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba keayi and its foreign name is Negros Bleeding-heart.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!...

Gallicolumba xanthonura

Gallicolumba xanthonura

Gallicolumba xanthonura，White-throated Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba xanthonura, and its foreign name is White-throated Ground-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...

Gallicolumba erythroptera

Gallicolumba erythroptera

Gallicolumba erythroptera，Polynesian Ground-dove，Society Islands Ground-dove，White-collared Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba erythroptera, Polynesian Ground-dove, Society Islands Ground-dove, White-collared Ground-dove, 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.Maintaining ecologi...

Gallicolumba menagei

Gallicolumba menagei

Gallicolumba menagei，Sulu Bleeding-heart

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba menagei and its foreign name is Sulu Bleeding-heart.Two specimens of Tawi pigeon were collected in Sulu in 1891, but no definitive records have been recorded since. In 1995, several local findings were reported. They are believed to be so rare that they are listed...

Gallicolumba platenae

Gallicolumba platenae

Gallicolumba platenae，Mindoro Bleeding-heart

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba platenae and its foreign name is Mindoro Bleeding-heart.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 e...

Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis

Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis

Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis，Santa Cruz Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis, and its foreign name is Santa Cruz Ground-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 everyo...

Gallicolumba rufigula

Gallicolumba rufigula

Gallicolumba rufigula，Cinnamon Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba rufigula, and its foreign name is Cinnamon Ground-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!...

Gallicolumba jobiensis

Gallicolumba jobiensis

Gallicolumba jobiensis，White-bibbed Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba jobiensis, and its foreign name is White-bibbed Ground-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 responsibi...

Gallicolumba beccarii

Gallicolumba beccarii

Gallicolumba beccarii，Bronze Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba beccarii and its foreign name is Bronze Ground-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!...

Gallicolumba criniger

Gallicolumba criniger

Gallicolumba criniger，Mindanao Bleeding-heart

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba criniger, and its foreign name is Mindanao Bleeding-heart.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&#...

Gallicolumba kubaryi

Gallicolumba kubaryi

Gallicolumba kubaryi，Caroline Islands Ground-dove，Caroline Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba kubaryi, and its foreign names are Caroline Islands Ground-dove and Caroline Ground-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 e...

Gallicolumba canifrons

Gallicolumba canifrons

Gallicolumba canifrons，Palau Ground Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba canifrons, and its foreign name is Palau Ground 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&#...

Gallicolumba tristigmata

Gallicolumba tristigmata

Gallicolumba tristigmata，Sulawesi Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba tristigmata, Sulawesi Ground-dove, is quite docile. 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.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibilit...

Gallicolumba luzonica

Gallicolumba luzonica

Gallicolumba luzonica，Luzon bleeding-heart（英文），Dolchstichtaube（德文），ヒムネバト（日文）

Landfowl LC

Features：The white chest is characterized by red spots

Luzon pigeon (scientific name: Gallicolumba luzonica) Luzon bleeding-heart (English), Dolchstichtaube (German), ヒムネバト (Japanese), there are 3 subspecies.The Luzon chicken dove is a very secretive and shy bird that spends most of its time on the forest floor. When approaching it, they can...

Gallicolumba hoedtii

Gallicolumba hoedtii

Gallicolumba hoedtii，Wetar Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba hoedtii, and its foreign name is Wetar Ground-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's re...

Gallicolumba rubescens

Gallicolumba rubescens

Gallicolumba rubescens，Marquesan Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba rubescens and Marquesan Ground-dove are 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.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Gallicolumba stairi

Gallicolumba stairi

Gallicolumba stairi，Shy Ground-dove，Friendly Ground-dove，Tongan Ground Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba stairi, Shy ground-dove, Friendly ground-dove, Tongan Ground Dove, the specific habits are 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.Maintaining ecological bal...

Streptopelia lugens

Streptopelia lugens

Streptopelia lugens，Dusky Turtle-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Streptopelia lugens, and its foreign name is Dusky Turtle-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!...

Streptopelia bitorquata

Streptopelia bitorquata

Streptopelia bitorquata，Island Collared-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Javan turtle dove, known as Streptopelia bitorquata or Island Collared dove, forages on the ground and eats a large number of small seeds. Migratory birds wintering in northern Africa.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild...

Streptopelia semitorquata

Streptopelia semitorquata

Streptopelia semitorquata，Red-eyed Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name Streptopelia semitorquata, or Red-eyed Dove, is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010. It is a treasured species.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's res...

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