Home>>All Animals>>Birds

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
Odontophorus columbianus

Odontophorus columbianus

Odontophorus columbianus，Venezuelan

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus columbianus, Venezuelan quins, are active at dawn or dusk and live in families in small groups of up to 12 quins. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Shy and cautious, she usually runs...

Odontophorus capueira

Odontophorus capueira

Odontophorus capueira，Spot-winged Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Known as Odontophorus capueira or Spot-winged Wood-quail, they are active at dawn or dusk. They live in families in small groups of up to 12 birds. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. The character...

Odontophorus balliviani

Odontophorus balliviani

Odontophorus balliviani，Stripe-faced Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus balliviani, or Stripe-faced Wood-quail, is active at dawn or dusk and lives in family groups of up to 12 individuals. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Usually shy and cautious, when...

Tacarcuna Wood-quail

Tacarcuna Wood-quail

Tacarcuna Wood-quail，Odontophorus dialeucos，Black-fronted Wood-quail，Black-fronted Wood Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus atrifrons is a timid species and therefore one of the most difficult birds to study or even observe. Usually active at dawn or dusk, they live in family units and generally gather in small groups of up to 12 individuals. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the gro...

Long-tailed Wood-partridge

Long-tailed Wood-partridge

Long-tailed Wood-partridge，Long-tailed Wood Partridge，Dendrortyx macroura

Landfowl LC

Features：

Dendrortyx macroura, Long-tailed wood-partridge, Long-tailed Wood Partridge, the specific habit is unknown. The breeding season occurs from February to April. Each clutch lays 4-8 eggs, with an average of 6 eggs, and the incubation period is usually 28-32 days.Listed on the International Union for C...

Dendrortyx leucophrys

Dendrortyx leucophrys

Dendrortyx leucophrys

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Dendrortyx leucophrys, but its specific habits are unknown. The breeding season is from February to April. Each clutch lays 4-8 eggs, with an average of 6 eggs, and the incubation period is usually 28-32 days.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)...

Dendrortyx barbatus

Dendrortyx barbatus

Dendrortyx barbatus，Bearded Wood-partridge

Landfowl LC

Features：It has bright red eye rings, beak and leg claws

The Bearded quail (Dendrortyx barbatus) is bearded Wood-partridge and has no bearded subspecies.The whisker quail's call consists of a loud series of whistles with three or four long, high syllables: O EE EE, with the last note strong. Female birds can be distinguished from male birds by their l...

Dactylortyx thoracicus

Dactylortyx thoracicus

Dactylortyx thoracicus，Singing Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：The toes and claws are long, the beak is short and strong, the wings are short and rounded, and the feet are stout

Singing Quail (Dactylortyx thoracicus) has 17 subspecies.Quails live in small families, searching for food on the ground. He will not immediately hide from danger, but will stand and watch. It feeds on the small bulbs and seeds of plants, as well as various insects, such as the American Champaedia (...

Cyrtonyx sallei

Cyrtonyx sallei

Cyrtonyx sallei，Spot-breasted Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Cyrtonyx sallei: Formerly a subspecies of the Montejo quail, it became a separate species in 2014.The quails feed mainly on sorrel and sedge seeds. These birds are often seen digging in moist soil, their long, slender claws suitable for digging out plant roots and tubers. Insects and pupae are also...

Ocellated Quail

Ocellated Quail

Ocellated Quail，Cyrtonyx ocellatus

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ocellated Quail (Cyrtonyx ocellatus), no subspecies.Quails are herbivorous birds. The food is mainly Oxalisspp. And sedge (Cyperusspp.) The seeds of... As a result, these birds are often seen digging in moist soil, with elongated claws suited to digging at the roots and tubers of plants. Insects and...

Cyrtonyx montezumae

Cyrtonyx montezumae

Cyrtonyx montezumae，Montezuma Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：The male bird is characterized by a distinctive black and white face

Colored Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) has five subspecies.Painted quails feed on green plants and insects on the ground, moving in clusters, usually walking or running on the ground, and feeding in the early morning. The food is mainly oxalis (oxalis SPP.) and Cyperusspp.) seeds. As a result, these bi...

Northern Bobwhite

Northern Bobwhite

Northern Bobwhite，Colinus virginianus

Landfowl LC

Features：It is the most widely distributed partridge in the United States and is distributed in North America

Northern Bobwhite Partridge (Colinus virginianus) is a small partridge with 20 subspecies.Partridge is distributed in North America, is the most widely distributed partridge in the United States, almost throughout the eastern United States, in parts of Mexico can also be seen, although the number is...

Colinus leucopogon

Colinus leucopogon

Colinus leucopogon，Spot-bellied Bobwhite

Landfowl LC

Features：

Spot-bellied Bobwhite (Colinus leucopogon) has six subspecies.Male quail birds are most common in spring and summer, with a loud song and a bob-bob-white call.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1 - Not Threatened (LC).Protect...

Colinus nigrogularis

Colinus nigrogularis

Colinus nigrogularis

Landfowl LC

Features：

The name Colinus nigrogularis is unknown.International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Not Threatened (LC).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colinus cristatus

Colinus cristatus

Colinus cristatus，Crested Bobwhite

Landfowl LC

Features：The brown back has black spots, and the head has white brow stripes with a short crest

Colinus cristatus, Crested Bobwhite, is an insect eater. In spring and summer, male birds are most often seen, with a loud, clear call that produces a bob-bob-white call.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1: Not Threatened (L...

Callipepla squamata

Callipepla squamata

Callipepla squamata，Scaled Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：The body feathers are scaly moire, pale gray to pale white in color

Callipepla squamata is called Scaled Quail and has four subspecies.The quail mainly eats seeds, berries, and sometimes leaves, roots, and insects. Foraging is usually done by digging your toes and then using your beak. There are usually two adult birds and a variable number of subadult birds in smal...

Gambel's Quail

Gambel's Quail

Gambel's Quail，Callipepla gambelii

Landfowl LC

Features：There is a black curved crown feather on the forehead, similar to the beaded quail

Callipepla gambelii belongs to the family Callipepla, there are 7 subspecies, and the distribution area is slightly different.Black-bellied quails are usually active in the morning and late afternoon. 90% of our food comes from plants. A variety of seeds and leaves are ingested throughout the year....

Callipepla douglasii

Callipepla douglasii

Callipepla douglasii，Elegant Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Quail's scientific name is Callipepla douglasii and its foreign name is Elegant Quail.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Protection Level: No Threat (LC).Protect wi...

Callipepla californica

Callipepla californica

Callipepla californica，California Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：It was plump and stocky, with a black curving crown on its forehead

Callipepla californica (California Quail) has eight subspecies.The quails feed on green plants and insects on the ground, and are highly clustered. Although they have strong flying ability, they mostly walk or run, and nest in the shelter of low branches. It likes to eat plants, seeds, insects and o...

Tympanuchus phasianellus

Tympanuchus phasianellus

Tympanuchus phasianellus，Sharp-tailed Grouse

Landfowl LC

Features：The tail is short but has a slender central plumage, giving the tail a sharp appearance

The Sharp-tailed prairie Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) is known as sharp-tailed grouse and has seven subspecies.The pintail prairie grouse is a forest bird, usually hiding in the branches of the pine tree, sometimes people walk nearby, still not moving: in the underforest brush slowly, when frig...

Tympanuchus pallidicinctus

Tympanuchus pallidicinctus

Tympanuchus pallidicinctus，Lesser Prairie-chicken

Landfowl LC

Features：It's a sandy grouse with brown markings

The Lesser Prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) has no subspecies.The range of the little grass fowl is up to 5 square kilometers for males, and 2.3 square kilometers for females. The fragmentation of local habitats by farming and human construction has put considerable pressure on the range...

Email: jsset#163.com (change # to @) Please indicate your purpose of visit!
Guangdong ICP No. 2022053326 XML| map| Chinese