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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
Columba maculosa

Columba maculosa

Columba maculosa，Spot-winged Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The species is known as Columba maculosa and Spot-winged Pigeon. Its 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 responsib...

Columba subvinacea

Columba subvinacea

Red pigeon, Canu pigeon, Karen pigeon,

Landfowl LC

Features：The Kanu pigeon is a medium-sized meat pigeon and is a famous pigeon in the world pigeon industry.

Columba subvinacea has a gentle temperament and strong breeding capacity, with an annual output of 8-l0 pairs of squabs and a high yield of more than 12 pairs. Its nest performance and brood performance are good, and the moulting period does not stop. Fast growth and development, feed province, like...

Columba goodsoni

Columba goodsoni

Columba goodsoni，Dusky Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Pigeon is known as Columba goodsoni and Dusky Pigeon, but its behavior 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!...

Geotrygon carrikeri

Geotrygon carrikeri

Geotrygon carrikeri，Tuxtla Quail-dove，Veracruz Quail-Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Geotrygon carrikeri, Tuxtla Quail-dove, Veracruz Quail-Dove, was once considered a subspecies of the central American purple quail-dove. The species' habitat is gradually disappearing. It is now endangered.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of B...

Geotrygon frenata

Geotrygon frenata

Geotrygon frenata，White-throated Quail-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name of the White throated Quail dove is Geotrygon frenata, and its foreign name is White throated Quail dove. The specific habits are unknown.Listed in the IUCN ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild game.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone'...

Geotrygon lawrencii

Geotrygon lawrencii

Geotrygon lawrencii，Purplish-backed Quail-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Geotrygon lawrencii and Purplish-backed Quail-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!...

Geotrygon carrikery

Geotrygon carrikery

Geotrygon carrikery，Geotrygon carrikeri，Veracruz Quail-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Geotrygon carrikery, and its foreign names are Geotrygon carrikeri and Veracruz Quail-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 b...

Spilopelia chinensis

Spilopelia chinensis

Spilopelia chinensis, Tridges, Middle spotted, floral dove, floral necked Dove, Pearl dove, spotted necked Dove, bead necked pigeon, Spilopelia chinensis,

Landfowl LC

Features：There is a large black collar on the back of the neck, which is covered with small white or yellow-white beaded spots

There are five subspecies of the pearl necked turtle dove (Spilopelia chinensis).The pearl-necked turtle dove is a resident bird. They often live in small groups and sometimes mingle with other turtledoves. They often live in twos and threes on adjacent branches. The habitat is relatively fixed, if...

Streptopelia orientalis

Streptopelia orientalis

Streptopelia orientalis, Oriental Turtle-dove, Golden back turtle, Monoceros dove, pheasant dove, Monoceros, Flower wing, Streptopelia orientalis, Oriental Turtle-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：On both sides of the neck base, there is a black plume with blue-gray margin, forming a prominent black-gray neck spot

The scientific name Streptopelia orientalis, the foreign name Oriental Turtle-dove, has 6 subspecies.Mountain turtle doves often live in pairs or small groups, sometimes in pairs to perch on trees, or in pairs to fly and feed together. If the female bird is injured, the male bird flies back to the o...

Streptopelia tranquebarica

Streptopelia tranquebarica

Streptopelia tranquebarica, Collared Turtle Dove, Red Turtle Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：The chin and upper part of the throat are white or bluish-grey, and the nape has a black collar that spans the base of the nape

The Red Turtle Dove (Oenopopelia tranquebarica) has two subspecies: Collared Turtle Dove and Red Turtle Dove.The turtle dove mainly feeds on berries, seeds and fruits of plants, but also eats rice, corn, buckwheat, wheat, sorghum, rapeseed and other crop seeds, and sometimes eats termites, pupae and...

Macropygia tenuirostris

Macropygia tenuirostris

Macropygia tenuirostris，Philippine Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Philippine Cuckoo dove is Macropygia tenuirostris and Philippine cuckoo-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.It is listed in the second level of the List of China's National Key Protected Wildlife.Protect wild animals and el...

Macropygia rufipennis

Macropygia rufipennis

Macropygia rufipennis，Andaman Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia rufipennis and Andaman Cuckoo-dove are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.National second-class protected animals.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsi...

Macropygia phasianella

Macropygia phasianella

Macropygia phasianella

Landfowl LC

Features：

Cuckoo doves (Macropygia phasianella) usually live in large groups. Take time to move, always stop for a moment before taking off when in danger. The cry was muffled. It feeds mainly on fruits, seeds and buds of plants.The breeding period is from April to July. They often nest in pairs. They usually...

Macropygia nigrirostris

Macropygia nigrirostris

Macropygia nigrirostris，Black-billed Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia nigrirostris, Black-billed Cuckoo-dove, is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Listed in the state second class protected animalsProtect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&...

Macropygia magna

Macropygia magna

Macropygia magna，Dusky Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia magna and Dusky Cuckoo-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!...

Macropygia mackinlayi

Macropygia mackinlayi

Macropygia mackinlayi，Mackinlay's Cuckoo-dove，Spot-breasted Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia mackinlayi, Mackinlay' s Cuckoo-dove, Spot-breasted Cuckoo-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...

Macropygia emiliana

Macropygia emiliana

Macropygia emiliana，Ruddy Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia emiliana and Ruddy Cuckoo-dove feed on fruits, seeds and buds.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!...

Macropygia amboinensis

Macropygia amboinensis

Macropygia amboinensis，Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：The back and tail are covered with black or brown markings

Macropygia amboinensis has 10 subspecies of Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove. It is a large brown cuckoo with a long tail. Red chest cuckoo doves and brown cuckoo bird used to be the same species, the name for "cuckoo bird", in 2014 as a subspecies of Macropygiaamboinensisphasianella independenc...

Columbina passerina

Columbina passerina

Columbina passerina，Common Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Columbina passerina, and its foreign name is Common 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!...

Columbina squammata

Columbina squammata

Columbina squammata，Scaled Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Columbina squammata, and its foreign name is Scaled 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!...

Columbina cruziana

Columbina cruziana

Columbina cruziana，Croaking Ground Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columbina cruziana and Croaking Ground 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!...

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