Home>>All Animals>>Birds>>Climbing birds

Climbing birds

A relatively detailed introduction to climbing birds (usually referring to birds with climbing or clinging abilities and zygodactyl or heterodactyl feet), including its traditional concept, modern classification research, and order, family, and genus tables of representative groups. It should be noted in advance that "climbing birds" are often regarded as a collection based on morphology and ecological habits in traditional bird classification, rather than a strict monophyletic group. With the development of molecular systematics, many birds that were previously classified as "climbing birds" are scattered in multiple orders in modern classification systems. Climbing birds are one of the six major ecological groups of birds, covering the traditional bird classification system of Psittaciformes, Cuculiformes, Apomorpha, Mynaeformes, Trogons, Nighthawks, Pseudocranopterygiiformes, and Pipiriformes. Climbing birds include secondary ecological groups such as nighthawks, parrots, cuckoos, swifts, emeralds, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and pseudo-woodpeckers.

I. Introduction to Climbing Birds

  1. Traditional Definition of Climbing Birds

    • Foot Structure: Many “climbing birds” exhibit zygodactyl feet (toes II and III pointing forward, toes I and IV pointing backward), enabling them to cling to vertical or inclined surfaces. Some (e.g., trogons) have heterodactyl feet (toes III and IV forward, toes I and II backward), serving a similar climbing function.

    • Climbing / Wood-pecking Habits: Many rely on arboreal foraging or specialized feeding on or within trees. Woodpeckers climb trunks to chisel for insects; parrots often use their feet and curved beaks to grip branches and aid in climbing.

    • Global Distribution and Diversity: Climbing birds inhabit tropical, subtropical, and temperate forests worldwide—e.g., toucans in South America, mousebirds in Africa, parrots in Oceania, Asia, and Africa, etc.

    • Not a Single Lineage: Early morphological/ecological groupings classified all zygodactyl or tree-climbing birds together, but molecular research has demonstrated these species belong to distinct evolutionary lineages.

  2. Key Adaptations and Behaviors

    • Adapted Feet: Zygodactyl or heterodactyl feet facilitate vertical or angled perching; some (e.g., woodpeckers) have stiff tail feathers to support their body against tree trunks.

    • Bill Diversity: Parrots possess powerful, curved bills to crack seeds and assist climbing; woodpeckers have chisel-like bills; toucans have large bills for reaching fruit in the canopy.

    • Nesting and Reproduction: Many species nest in tree holes (excavated or natural cavities). Parrots, for instance, may also utilize cliff holes, ground burrows, or even human-made structures.

II. Historical Evolution and Classification Shifts

  1. Traditional (Older) Classifications

    • In early morphology-based taxonomy, many birds with zygodactyl feet or climbing habits (e.g., parrots, woodpeckers, trogons, mousebirds) were grouped into a “picarian” or “climbing bird” assembly (variously called “Picinae,” “Piciformes” in a broad sense, or “Scansores”).

    • Like other ecological-morphological groupings (e.g., “wading birds,” “waterfowl”), this approach did not accurately reflect true phylogenetic relationships.

  2. Discoveries Through Modern Molecular Systematics

    • Genetic evidence shows that parrots (Psittaciformes) are more closely related to the clade that includes swifts and nightjars than they are to woodpeckers; woodpeckers and their allies (Piciformes) are relatively closer to passerines (songbirds) on a different branch; trogons, mousebirds, and rollers each have their own separate evolutionary paths.

    • As a result, current classifications no longer place all zygodactyl birds in a single “climbing bird” order but rather distribute them among distinct orders—though from an ecological perspective, they can still be introduced collectively as “climbing birds.”

  3. Representative Evolutionary Branches (Brief)

    • Psittaciformes (Parrots): Includes parrots, macaws, lories, etc.; large, curved bills, high intelligence, found in South/Central America, Oceania, Africa, parts of Asia.

    • Piciformes (Woodpeckers & Allies): Includes woodpeckers, barbets, toucans, honeyguides, etc., mostly in tropical/subtropical regions, known for varied beak shapes and foraging strategies.

    • Trogoniformes (Trogons): Heterodactyl feet, typically in tropical/subtropical forests worldwide, known for vivid plumage.

    • Coliiformes (Mousebirds): Restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, small, crested birds with unique climbing posture and long tails.

    • Some families in Coraciiformes (like hornbills) or Musophagiformes (like turacos) also exhibit partial climbing adaptations but are usually classified independently according to molecular data.

III. Major “Climbing Bird” Groups and Classification Table

Below is a modern systematic breakdown of the main orders considered “climbing birds” (in the traditional, ecological sense), highlighting notable families and representative genera. This grouping does not denote a single lineage, but rather a shared adaptation for climbing.

1. Order Psittaciformes (Parrots)

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Psittacidae (True Parrots)Amazona (Amazon parrots), Ara (Macaws), Cacatua (Cockatoos), etc.Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva), etc.Predominantly found in South & Central America, also some in Oceania. Large, curved bills, strong climbing ability, high intelligence. Popular as pets.
Loriidae (Lories, Lorikeets)Trichoglossus (Rainbow Lorikeets), etc.Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus), etc.Found mainly in Australia and New Guinea, specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar and pollen.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)* sometimes merged into above familiesPsittacula (Ringneck Parakeets), Agapornis (Lovebirds), etc.Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), Black-masked Lovebird (Agapornis personatus), etc.Native to Africa, Asia, Oceania; many are well-known as aviary or pet birds.

Note: The exact family structure can differ by source, often distinguished as “New World parrots” vs. “Old World parrots,” etc.

2. Order Piciformes (Woodpeckers & Allies)

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Picidae (Woodpeckers)Dendrocopos (Pied Woodpeckers), Picus (Green Woodpeckers), etc.Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)Zygodactyl feet + stiff tail feathers aid vertical climbing. Mostly insectivorous, globally distributed except Antarctica.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)* sometimes merged or considered separate from barbetsIndicator, Prodotiscus, etc.Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator), etc.Mostly in Africa/Asia; known for guiding mammals or humans to wild bee nests, feeding on wax, larvae, honey.
Ramphastidae / Lybiidae / Megalaimidae (Toucans, Barbets, etc.)Ramphastos (Toucans), Capito (New World barbets), Psilopogon (Asian barbets), etc.Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), various barbet species (Psilopogon incognitus), etc.Primarily tropical. Large or specialized bills (e.g., toucans); feed on fruit, insects in the forest canopy.

Note: Classification within Piciformes can be intricate, with multiple families or subfamilies for barbets, toucans, honeyguides, etc.

3. Order Trogoniformes (Trogons)

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Trogonidae (Trogons)Trogon, Pharomachrus (Quetzals), etc.Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), various Trogon speciesHeterodactyl feet (toes III & IV forward, I & II backward); tropical/subtropical distribution; bright, iridescent plumage. Some (like quetzals) are culturally significant.

4. Order Coliiformes (Mousebirds)

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Coliidae (Mousebirds)Colius, UrocoliusWhite-backed Mousebird (Colius colius) etc.Endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, small birds with serrated bills, strong-grip feet, and long tails. Known for clinging upside-down to branches.

5. Other Groups with Climbing Adaptations

  • Coraciiformes (Rollers, Kingfishers, Hornbills): Some hornbills (Family Bucerotidae) show partial zygodactyly, but are generally placed in their own evolutionary branch, not traditionally among “climbing birds.”

  • Musophagiformes (Turacos): Some can climb adeptly in trees, though their foot structure differs from typical zygodactyl forms; molecular data place them in a separate lineage.

IV. Summary

  1. Multiple Evolutionary Origins

    • “Climbing birds” were historically lumped together due to zygodactyl or climbing-friendly foot structures, but modern research reveals they belong to separate orders (Psittaciformes, Piciformes, Trogoniformes, Coliiformes, etc.).

    • This showcases multiple, independent adaptations to arboreal niches and vertical surfaces across avian evolution (convergent evolution).

  2. Ecological Functions and Human Interactions

    • Many climbing birds play crucial ecological roles: for example, woodpeckers control insect pests, while parrots and toucans disperse seeds.

    • Humans keep parrots as pets, utilize woodpeckers for natural pest control, and have also threatened forest habitats through deforestation. Many species (e.g., rare parrots or quetzals) are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trade.

  3. Conservation and Research Outlook

    • Because many climbing birds depend on tropical or specialized forest habitats, they are vulnerable to logging, fragmentation, and poaching. Numerous parrot, toucan, and trogon species are listed under threatened categories.

    • Ongoing molecular and behavioral studies continue to refine our understanding of their evolutionary relationships, informing more targeted conservation approaches.

By presenting these orders and families, can illustrate how “climbing birds,” though ecologically similar in foot structure and behavior, are distributed across multiple lineages in modern avian systematics. For more in-depth data on identification, distribution, and conservation, refer to specialized ornithological literature, field guides, and the latest phylogenetic research. We hope this provides a clear, in-depth look at the fascinating world of climbing birds.

Waterfowl Wading birds Climbing birds Landfowl Bird of prey Songbird
Atelornis crossleyi

Atelornis crossleyi

Atelornis crossleyi，Rufous-headed Ground Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Atelornis crossleyi and its foreign name is Rufous-headed Ground Roller.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Atelornis pittoides

Atelornis pittoides

Atelornis pittoides，Pitta-like Ground Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird's scientific name is Atelornis pittoides, and its foreign name is Pitta-like Ground Roller.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Eurystomus azureus

Eurystomus azureus

Eurystomus azureus，Purple Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：Brightly feathered, it is a highly valued captive ornamental bird

The bird's scientific name is Eurystomus azureus, the foreign name is Purple Roller, the specific habits are unknown.The emerald blue three-treasure bird likes to eat green scarab and other beetles, but also eats locusts and longoxen, kowtovers, etc. The flight was slow, the long wings moving up...

Eurystomus gularis

Eurystomus gularis

Eurystomus gularis，Blue-throated Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Eurystomus gularis, also known as Blue-throated Roller, is unknown.Listed in the International Red Book of Birds of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 2009 list ver 3.1 - Not Threatened (LR).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyo...

Eurystomus glaucurus

Eurystomus glaucurus

Eurystomus glaucurus，Broad-billed Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Eurystomus glaucurus, also known as Broad-billed Roller, is a brown three-billed bird whose specific habits are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Eurystomus orientalis Linnaeus

Eurystomus orientalis Linnaeus

Eurystomus orientalis Linnaeus，Broad-billed Roller，Oriental Dollarbird

Climbing birds LC

Features：The name is translated from Japanese

Eurystomus orientalis Linnaeus, Broad-billed Roller, Oriental Dollarbird, specific habits are unknown.Sanbao birds like to eat green scarab beetles and other beetles, but also eat locusts, longans, golden flower insects, pear tigers, lifting tail insects, stone silkworm, kowtowing insects and so on....

Coracias cyanogaster

Coracias cyanogaster

Coracias cyanogaster，Blue-bellied Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Blue-bellied Buddhist monk scientific name Coracias cyanogaster, foreign name blue-bellied Roller, no subspecies.Blue-belted Buddhas live in pairs or small groups. In some areas, the species is very unsociable. In Cote d 'Ivoire, small groups of 3 to 6 individuals may gather (up to 20 individual...

Coracias temminckii

Coracias temminckii

Coracias temminckii，Purple-winged Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：Indonesian endemic species

The scientific name of the Purple winged monk is Coracias temminckii, and the foreign name is purpur-winged Roller.Due to habitat loss, this once relatively common local species was added to the IUCN Endangered Species list in 2006 and is in danger of extinction。Protect wild animals and eliminate w...

Coracias benghalensis

Coracias benghalensis

Coracias benghalensis，Indian Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Coracias benghalensis, Indian Roller, is unknown.Brown-chest Buddhas often live alone or in pairs, and often stand on dead branches or wires at the top of trees in forest, village or farmland areas. Flocks of the birds are extremely rare and may form family groups. Diving into the water from a high...

Coracias naevius

Coracias naevius

Coracias naevius，Purple Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Coracias naevius is the scientific name of the red-crowned Dharma monk, the foreign name is Purple Roller, the specific habits are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Coracias spatulatus

Coracias spatulatus

Coracias spatulatus，Racket-tailed Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The wide-tailed monk's scientific name is Coracias spatulatus, the foreign name is Racket-tailed Roller, the specific habits are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Coracias caudatus

Coracias caudatus

Coracias caudatus，Lilac-breasted Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Coracias caudatus and Lilac-breasted Roller are unknown.Purple chest Buddhas like vast woodland and grassland, group or solitary, living in a variety of environments, from mountains to plains, around rivers and lakes; Large forests to gardens and fields near settlements; From the water, in the soil,...

Coracias abyssinicus

Coracias abyssinicus

Coracias abyssinicus，Abyssinian Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The blue-throated monk's scientific name is Coracias abyssinicus and foreign name is Abyssinian Roller. His specific habits are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Coracias garrulus

Coracias garrulus

Coracias garrulus，European Roller

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The blue-chested Buddhist monk is known as Coracias garrulus or European Roller, and has two subspecies。Blue-chested Buddhas often work alone or in pairs. Many fly in the air to hunt, but also to the ground to hunt food. Rest on dead branches or wires. It feeds on invertebrates such as beetles, cri...

Rhinopomastus minor

Rhinopomastus minor

Rhinopomastus minor，Abyssinian Scimitarbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Rhinopomastus minor, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Rhinopomastus aterrimus

Rhinopomastus aterrimus

Rhinopomastus aterrimus，Black Scimitarbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Black Scimitarbill is Rhinopomastus aterrimus and black scimitarbill.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Rhinopomastus cyanomelas

Rhinopomastus cyanomelas

Rhinopomastus cyanomelas，Common Scimitarbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Rhinopomastus cyanomelas and Common Scimitarbill are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Phoeniculus castaneiceps

Phoeniculus castaneiceps

Phoeniculus castaneiceps，Forest Wood Hoopoe

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Phoeniculus castaneiceps, Phoeniculus castaneiceps, Forest Wood Hoopoe. His specific behavior is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Phoeniculus bollei

Phoeniculus bollei

Phoeniculus bollei，White-headed Wood Hoopoe

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Phoeniculus bollei, also known as White-headed Wood Hoopoe, is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Phoeniculus somaliensis

Phoeniculus somaliensis

Phoeniculus somaliensis，Black-billed Wood Hoopoe

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Phoeniculus somaliensis, also known as Black-billed Wood Hoopoe, is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Phoeniculus damarensis

Phoeniculus damarensis

Phoeniculus damarensis，Violet Wood Hoopoe

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Phoeniculus damarensis (Phoeniculus damarensis) and Violet Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus Damarensis).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

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