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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
Tibetan Partridge

Tibetan Partridge

Tibetan Partridge,Perdix hodgsoniae

Features:It has a striking white brow line and a characteristic maroon collar, with black spots on the side of the face under the eyes

Alpine Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) is a Tibetan Partridge with four subspecies.Highland partridge is a common resident bird. In addition to the breeding period, it is usually active in groups of 10-15 birds. Up to more than 30, do not like to fly, good at running, running quickly on the ground and...

Perdix dauurica

Perdix dauurica

Perdix dauurica,Daurian Partridge

Features:The face, middle throat and abdomen of the male bird are orange, with a black "U" shaped patch in the middle abdomen

Partridge (Perdix dauurica) is known as Daurian Partridge and has three subspecies.Partridge usually flocks except during the breeding season. Especially in autumn and winter, there are often large groups of 15-25, or even as many as 50 animals. At the end of winter, the population gradually becomes...

Perdicula manipurensis

Perdicula manipurensis

Perdicula manipurensis,Manipur Bush-quail

Features:

The Assamese Bush quail (Perdicula manipurensis) is known as Manipur Bush-quail and has two subspecies. Sing in a clear sound, similar to whistling, as the notes get higher and higher, running together.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Sp...

Perdicula erythrorhyncha

Perdicula erythrorhyncha

Perdicula erythrorhyncha,Painted Bush-quail

Features:

Perdicula erythrorhyncha, also known as Painted Bush-quail, has two subspecies.Red-billed tubs usually gather in groups of 6 to 10 individuals. Move around in open grass or in the grass beside forest roads and driving tracks, eating and sandbathing in the morning and evening. Groups quickly gather a...

Perdicula asiatica

Perdicula asiatica

Perdicula asiatica,Jungle Bush-quail

Features:

The Jungle Bush-quail (Perdicula asiatica) has five subspecies.Tubs usually gather in groups of 6-10 individuals. Move around in open grass or in the grass beside forest roads and driving tracks, eating and sandbathing in the morning and evening. Groups quickly gather around each other by calling an...

Perdicula argoondah

Perdicula argoondah

Perdicula argoondah,Rock Bush-quail

Features:The outermost primary feathers are longer than the innermost feathers, and the primary feathers have no spots inside

Rock Bush-quail (Perdicula argoondah) has three subspecies. Usually gathers in groups of 6-10 individuals. Move around in open grass or in the grass beside forest roads and driving tracks, eating and sandbathing in the morning and evening. Groups quickly gather around each other by calling and Shout...

Peliperdix schlegelii

Peliperdix schlegelii

Peliperdix schlegelii,Schlegel's Francolin

Features:The body feathers are mainly rusty orange or reddish-brown, and the crown is dark brown

The chestnut throat forest Partridge (scientific name: Peliperdix schlegelii) is Schlegel' s Francolin feeds on grass and grain seeds and, in Sudan, on caterpillars of the cockroach family, which live on the Isoberlinia doka, a legume tree. Monogamy, the breeding season in Sudan is September-Nov...

Francolinus lathami

Francolinus lathami

Francolinus lathami,Forest Francolin

Features:

The Forest partridge Francolinus lathami, which lives in pairs or small groups, is a wild bird that will not fly unless it is in danger, but if it feels in danger, most of the time, it prefers to run around rather than take a forceful flight. He usually crouches down and adopts a fixed posture. Rest...

Peliperdix coqui

Peliperdix coqui

Peliperdix coqui,Coqui Francolin

Features:

The partridge (Peliperdix coqui) is known as Coqui Francolin and has four subspecies.Living in pairs or in small groups, chestnut partridges are wild birds that do not fly unless they are in danger, but if they feel in danger, most of the time, prefer to run around rather than take a forceful flight...

Peliperdix albogularis

Peliperdix albogularis

Peliperdix albogularis,White-throated Francolin

Features:

The partridge (Peliperdix albogularis) is White-throated Francolin and has three subspecies.Living in pairs or in small groups, white-throated forest partridges are wild birds that do not fly unless they are in danger, but if they feel in danger, most of the time, prefer to run away from each other...

Pavo cristatus

Pavo cristatus

Pavo cristatus,Common Peafowl,Indian Peafowl,Peafowl

Features:The male has an erect occipital crown, ornate plumage, and a particularly extended tail covering

Blue peacock (Pavo cristatus) Common Peafowl, Indian Peafowl, Peafowl, no subspecies.In the wild or domestic, blue peacocks naturally select mates, that is, one male and multiple females (1:3-5), family-style activities, within a certain range of activities, collective feeding and roost, very few in...

Ophrysia superciliosa

Ophrysia superciliosa

Ophrysia superciliosa,Himalayan Quail

Features:The tail feathers are long, longer than other quails

The Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa) is a medium sized pheasant bird with no subspecies.Himalayan quails were described in 1846 by John Edward Gray, based on live specimens taken by the Earl of Derby at Knowsley, who was suspicious of their discovery in India. They were not officially found i...

Meleagris ocellata

Meleagris ocellata

Meleagris ocellata,Ocellated Turkey

Features:The tail is covered by some eye-like spots named after it

The Ocellated Turkey (Ocellated Turkey) is one of two species of Turkey with no subspecies.The eye spotted Turkey is generally solitary, spending most of its time on the ground, and although its wings are large, its flight ability has been severely degraded, and it can only fly short distances. They...

Meleagris gallopavo

Meleagris gallopavo

Meleagris gallopavo,Turkey,Wild Turkey

Features:The head and neck are almost naked, only sparse feathers, and there is a red sarcoma down the throat

The Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is known as Turkey, Wild Turkey, and has six subspecies.Outside of the breeding season, males and females live separately, roosting in trees as high as possible. Meek and slow in action. When they are frightened, they quickly run to a hidden place, and they can fly 5...

Melanoperdix nigra

Melanoperdix nigra

Melanoperdix nigra,Black Partridge

Features:Having a short, thick beak

Black quail (Melanoperdix nigra) is known as Black Partridge and has two subspecies.Black quails are omnivorous, and plants include: grains, seeds, roots, tubers, nuts, fruits, berries and leaves. Animals include: arthropods (orthoptera, trichoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera), mollusks, worms.The bre...

Margaroperdix madagarensis

Margaroperdix madagarensis

Margaroperdix madagarensis,Madagascar Partridge

Features:

Its scientific name is Margaroperdix madagarensis and its foreign name is Madagascar Partridge.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Lophura × imperialis

Lophura × imperialis

Lophura × imperialis

Features:

Lophura × imperialis, one of the world's rarest chickens, was discovered in the 1920s, but only a few individuals were found in Vietnam in the 1990s.Jean Theodore Delacour discovered a live specimen of a pair of golden Pheasants in 1923 and brought it to Europe. They were not discovered until 1...

Lophura rufa

Lophura rufa

Lophura rufa,Malay Crested Fireback

Features:It is favored for its facial decoration with impressive blue cheeks

Malay Crested Fireback (Lophura rufa), a single species without subspecies differentiation. The Malay Pheasant was once a subspecies of the Pheasant, but was classified as a separate species in 2014.Malay crested pheasants are often active alone or in pairs. It is most active in the early morning or...

Lophura pyronota

Lophura pyronota

Lophura pyronota,Bornean Crestless Fireback

Features:Has striking scarlet facial skin

Bornean Crestless Fireback (Lophura pyronota), a single species without subspecies differentiation. It was once a subspecies of Pheasant's Pheasant, but was classified as a separate species in 2014.Bornean pheasants are often found alone or in pairs. It is most active in the early morning or eve...

Lophura inornata

Lophura inornata

Lophura inornata,Salvadori’s Pheasant

Features:

Lophura inornata (Salvadori's Pheasant), usually in small groups of three to six individuals, either alone or in pairs. In winter, there are sometimes as many as 16-17 clusters. Especially in the early morning or evening the most active, poor activity at noon, night more perches in trees. Activi...

Lophura ignita

Lophura ignita

Lophura ignita

Features:

Lophura ignita is a medium pheasant measuring 70cm in length. The pheasant's pheasant mainly eats plants, fruits, and small animals. The female will lay four to eight eggs at a time, which are milky white.Due to continued habitat loss and excessive hunting, the Pheasant's pheasant has been l...