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
Cynanthus canivetii

Cynanthus canivetii

Cynanthus canivetii，Canivet's Emerald

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Green hummingbird (English name: Canivet' Emerald (Cynanthus canivetii) is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chlorostilbon bracei

Chlorostilbon bracei

Chlorostilbon bracei，Brace's Emerald

Climbing birds LC

Features：It's an extinct hummingbird endemic to New Providence Island in the Bahamas.

Chlorostilbon bracei, foreign name Brace' s Emerald, whose specific habit is unknown.In 1877, a specimen of a male Bushwhi hummingbird was found 4.8 km off Nassau, Bahamas, with a badly injured throat and was stored at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. However, the specimen was not...

Chlorostilbon assimilis

Chlorostilbon assimilis

Chlorostilbon assimilis，Garden Emerald

Climbing birds LC

Features：

assimilis Garden Emerald (Chlorostilbon assimilis) The specific habits of the species are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chlorostilbon alice

Chlorostilbon alice

Chlorostilbon alice，Green-tailed Emerald

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The greentailed hummingbird is Chlorostilbon alice and Green-tailed Emerald.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chalybura urochrysia

Chalybura urochrysia

Chalybura urochrysia，Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The species is known as Chalybura urochrysia and Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chalybura buffonii

Chalybura buffonii

Chalybura buffonii，White-vented Plumeleteer

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The white-bellied, brown-tailed hummingbird is known as Chalybura buffonii or White-vented Plumeleteer.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chalcostigma stanleyi

Chalcostigma stanleyi

Chalcostigma stanleyi，Blue-mantled Thornbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The blue-backed sharp-billed hummingbird's scientific name is Chalcostigma stanleyi, and its foreign name is Blue-mantled Thornbill.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chalcostigma ruficeps

Chalcostigma ruficeps

Chalcostigma ruficeps，Rufous-capped Thornbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird's scientific name is Chalcostigma ruficeps, and its foreign name is Rufous-capped Thornbill.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chalcostigma olivaceum

Chalcostigma olivaceum

Chalcostigma olivaceum，Olivaceous Thornbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird's scientific name is Chalcostigma olivaceum and its foreign name is Olivaceous Thornbill.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chalcostigma heteropogon

Chalcostigma heteropogon

Chalcostigma heteropogon，Bronze-tailed Thornbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The copper-tailed hummingbird is known as Chalcostigma heteropogon and Bronze-tailed Thornbill.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chalcostigma herrani

Chalcostigma herrani

Chalcostigma herrani，Rainbow-bearded Thornbill

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bearded hummingbird is known by its scientific name Chalcostigma herrani (Rainbow-bearded Thornbill).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!The bearded hummingbird is known by its scientific name Chalcostigma herrani (Rainbow-...

Chaetocercus mulsant

Chaetocercus mulsant

Chaetocercus mulsant，White-bellied Woodstar

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird is known as Chaetocercus mulsant and White-bellied Woodstar.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chaetocercus jourdanii

Chaetocercus jourdanii

Chaetocercus jourdanii，Rufous-shafted Woodstar

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird is known as Chaetocercus jourdanii and Rufous-shafted Woodstar.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chaetocercus heliodor

Chaetocercus heliodor

Chaetocercus heliodor，Gorgeted Woodstar

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird's scientific name is Chaetocercus heliodor, and Gorgeted Woodstar is not known.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chaetocercus bombus

Chaetocercus bombus

Chaetocercus bombus，Little Woodstar

Climbing birds LC

Features：

Kobayashi hummingbird Latin name Chaetocercus bombus, English name Little Woodstar, the specific habit is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chaetocercus berlepschi

Chaetocercus berlepschi

Chaetocercus berlepschi，Esmeraldas Woodstar

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Esling hummingbird's scientific name is Chaetocercus berlepschi, and its foreign name is Esmeraldas Woodstar.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Chaetocercus astreans

Chaetocercus astreans

Chaetocercus astreans，Santa Marta Woodstar

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The SAN Marin hummingbird is known as Chaetocercus astreans or Santa Marta Woodstar.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Campylopterus villaviscensio

Campylopterus villaviscensio

Campylopterus villaviscensio，Napo Sabrewing

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The specific habits of the Napo Sabrewing (Campylopterus villaviscensio) are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Campylopterus phainopeplus

Campylopterus phainopeplus

Campylopterus phainopeplus

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The scientific name of the holy horse sabre-winged hummingbird is Campylopterus phainopeplus.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Campylopterus curvipennis

Campylopterus curvipennis

Campylopterus curvipennis，Wedge-tailed Sabrewing

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The Wedge-tailed Sabrewing hummingbird is known as Campylopterus curvipennis and wedge-tailed sabrewing.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Campylopterus largipennis

Campylopterus largipennis

Campylopterus largipennis，Grey-breasted Sabrewing

Climbing birds LC

Features：

The bird is known as Campylopterus largipennis or Grey-breasted Sabrewing. Its habitat is unknown.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