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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
Picus flavinucha

Picus flavinucha

Picus flavinucha,Greater yellownape

Features:Yellow throat, long yellow crest, black tail

The Greater Yellownape is a larger green woodpecker. The difference between it and the Yellow-crowned Green Woodpecker is that it does not have a red head. There are 8 subspecies.Woodpeckers knock on trees about 500-600 times a day, pecking at an extremely fast speed, almost twice the speed of sound...

Dryocopus martius

Dryocopus martius

Dryocopus martius,Black Woodpecker

Features:It is the largest woodpecker and is almost pure black.

The black woodpecker is called Black Woodpecker in foreign language, and has 2 subspecies.The black woodpecker's flight is not stable, but not as undulating as other woodpeckers. It often acts alone. In the late breeding period, it forms a family group. It mainly feeds on tree branches, thick br...

Dryocopus javensis

Dryocopus javensis

Dryocopus javensis,White-bellied woodpecker

Features:The top of the head has a long red crest, the jawline is also red, the rest of the head, neck, chest and upper body are black, and the waist and abdomen are white

White-bellied Black Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird of the Picidae family and the genus Black Woodpecker, with 15 subspecies.White-bellied Black Woodpeckers often move alone or in pairs, and occasionally small groups can be seen. They mostly move and forage in the middle and upper parts of tall tr...

Picoides tridactylus

Picoides tridactylus

Picoides tridactylus,Eurasian three-toed woodpecker

Features:There is a white vertical stripe behind the eye, the cheek stripe is white, the jaw stripe is black, the tarsometatarsus and toes are dark brown, and there are only 3 toes.

The three-toed woodpecker is called Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker in English. It is a small bird with 8 subspecies.The three-toed woodpecker is a typical forest bird. Except for the breeding season, it often acts alone. In the late breeding period, it also forms a family group. It is active in the...

Dendrocopos leucopterus

Dendrocopos leucopterus

Dendrocopos leucopterus,White-winged Woodpecker

Features:It looks very similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker, but has white wings.

White-winged Woodpecker is a small bird with no subspecies.White-winged Woodpecker is a resident bird, often acting alone, and in pairs during the breeding season. It mainly feeds on various insects such as longhorn beetle adults and larvae, coleoptera insects, click beetles, ants, bark beetles, jew...

Alcedo hercules

Alcedo hercules

Alcedo hercules,Blyth's Kingfisher

Features:The Great Spotted Kingfisher is very similar to the Common Kingfisher, but is larger in size.

Blyth's Kingfisher is a resident bird. It is timid and often acts alone. It often lives on low branches of trees on the shore or branches extending out of the water. They often fly over the water to look for food. Usually they live alone on branches or rocks near the water, waiting for opportuni...

Alcedo meninting

Alcedo meninting

Fish tiger, water dog, fish dog,Alcedo meninting,Blue-eared Kingfisher

Features:The ear feathers are purple-blue; the throat is light brown; there is a yellow-white spot on each side of the neck

Blue-eared Kingfisher is a small bird with 6 subspecies. There is only the Yunnan subspecies in China, which is distributed in Mengla, Yunnan. There are few records of its ecological biology in China. In 1960, the famous scientist Professor Zheng Zuoxin and others caught one by a river in Mengla.The...

Halcyon smyrnensis

Halcyon smyrnensis

White-breasted fish dog,Halcyon smyrnensis, White-throated kingfisher

Features:Chin, throat, chest and center of chest white

White-throated Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird with 4 subspecies.White-throated Kingfisher often moves alone, often standing on dead branches of trees or stones by the water, and sometimes standing on power lines, often looking at the water for a long time, waiting for prey. It flies in a straight...

Pelargopsis capensis

Pelargopsis capensis

Fish-catching man, stork-billed kingfisher,Pelargopsis capensis,Stork-billed Kingfisher

Features:It is large in size, with a huge, flattened beak, like a stork's beak, red in color, and with nasal grooves on both sides of the beak.

Stork-billed Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird with 13 subspecies.The similar species of Stork-billed Kingfisher, the Blue Kingfisher, is smaller in size and bill, with a black head; the chin, throat, upper chest and collar are white, and the wing coverts are black. When flying, there are white wing...

Merops leschenaulti

Merops leschenaulti

Black-breasted Bee-eater,Merops leschenaulti,Chestnut-headed Bee-eater

Features:The feathers are mainly green and brown, with bright chestnut on the head, nape and upper back.

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, also known as Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, has 3 subspecies.The chestnut-headed bee-eater migrates to southeastern China in summer, living in hills or woodlands. It mostly flies and hunts in the air, accompanied by a trilling call, and sometimes stands on the top branches of...

Merops viridis

Merops viridis

Red-headed hummingbird,Merops viridis,Blue-throated bee-eater

Features:The top of the head and upper back are chestnut red or chocolate, the chin and throat are blue, and the rest of the lower body and wings are green

Blue-throated bee-eater, also known as Blue-throated bee-eater, has 2 subspecies.Blue-throated bee-eaters often move alone or in small groups, often flying in the sky to find food, and often resting on trees or wires.The migration time of the blue-throated bee-eater is from April to May in spring an...

Merops ornatus

Merops ornatus

Rainbow Bee-eater,Merops ornatus,Rainbow Bee-eater

Features:The throat is reddish brown with a black triangular stripe under the throat

Rainbow Bee-eater, also known as Rainbow Bee-eater, is a medium-sized green bee-eater with no subspecies.Rainbow Bee-eater mainly preys on bees and wasps. Other prey include butterflies, moths, damselflies, dragonflies, beetles and most flying insects. They mostly forage in flight, quickly swooping...

Merops philippinus

Merops philippinus

Red-throated Bee-eater,Merops philippinus,Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Features:The throat is chestnut red, the eye stripes are black, the wings and back are green, and the tail is blue

Blue-tailed Bee-eater, no subspecies.Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a resident bird in southwestern Yunnan and Hainan Island, China, and a summer migratory bird in other areas. It migrates in April-May and leaves in September-October.Chestnut-throated bee-eaters usually move in groups of several to dozens...

Merops persicus

Merops persicus

Merops persicus,Blue-cheeked Bee-eater,Guêpier de Perse,القارية زرقاء الخدين

Features:The flying posture is graceful, like a swallow

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, also known as Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, has two subspecies.At dusk or after the rain, large groups of blue-cheeked bee-eaters will fly in the air to chase flying insects, especially when there are breeding termites flying around. The sound of the upper and lower jaws beating ca...

Merops orientalis

Merops orientalis

Merops orientalis,Green Bee-eater

Features:The throat is green, the forehead, top of the head and upper back are rusty red, and the rest of the upper body is bright green

Green Bee-eater, also known as Green Bee-eater in English, is a small bird with 9 subspecies.The green-throated bee-eater is a resident bird that moves in small groups. It is often seen perching on flying insects and suddenly rushing into the air to bite them. After catching the flying insects, it w...

Nyctyornis athertoni

Nyctyornis athertoni

Blue-bearded night bee-eater,Nyctyornis athertoni,Blue-bearded Bee-eater

Features:When perched, it constantly raises its tail like an angler

Blue-bearded Bee-eater is a green forest-dwelling bee-eater with two subspecies.Blue-bearded Bee-eaters live in pairs and seem to be inactive for most of the day. They live high up in the trees, in the shade of leaves, or in the sun near the canopy. They stand next to the inflorescences and will pec...

Nyctyornis amictus

Nyctyornis amictus

Red-bearded Bee-eater, Red-bearded Night Bee-eater, Red-bearded Night Bee-eater,Nyctyornis amictus,Red-bearded Bee-eater

Features:The feathers at the base of the throat are long and loose, forming a vibrisket

Red-bearded Bee-eater, no subspecies.Although Red-bearded Bee-eater belongs to the genus Nyctyornis, their diet is very similar to that of the bee-eaters of the genus Merops. However, their hunting behavior is completely different. Red-bearded Bee-eaters hunt alone or in pairs. They stand on lookout...

Aceros undulatus

Aceros undulatus

Aceros undulatus,Rhyticeros undulatus,wreathed hornbill,Bar-pouched wreathed hornbill

Features:The call is monotonous, hoarse, and like a dog barking

The wreathed hornbill is called wreathed hornbill in foreign language, and has 2 subspecies.The wreathed hornbill often moves in small groups of 3 to 5. The call is monotonous, hoarse, and like a dog barking, and sometimes it can also make a low two-syllable sound. It appears to be rather clumsy whe...

Aceros nipalensis

Aceros nipalensis

Rufous-necked Hornbill,Aceros nipalensis,rufous-necked hornbill

Features:The mouth is huge and curved downwards, without a helmet

Rufous-necked hornbill is a large bird with no subspecies.Rufous-necked hornbill nests in tree holes. They often move in pairs or small groups of more than 10. They mainly feed on fleshy wild fruits such as banyan fruit.The brown-necked hornbill is a resident bird. Both males and females make a soft...

Buceros bicornis

Buceros bicornis

Rodentia, Sciuridae, Flying Squirrel,Buceros bicornis,Great Hornbill

Features:The beak and casque are both large, black at the base, orange-red at the tip of the beak and the top of the casque, orange-yellow at the sides of the beak, and milky white at the lower beak.

Great Hornbill has two subspecies.Great Hornbill often moves alone during the breeding season, and likes to move in groups on tall banyan trees during the non-breeding season. When the fruits are ripe, most hornbills feed in one place until all the food is eaten. They often fly in groups, one after...

Anthracoceros coronatus

Anthracoceros coronatus

Anthracoceros coronatus,Malabar pied hornbill,Crowned Hornbill, Airplane Bird

Features:The mouth has a large helmet process, which is waxy yellow or ivory white in color. There is a significant black spot in front of the helmet process.

The Malabar pied hornbill is called Malabar pied hornbill in English, and has 2 subspecies.The Malabar pied hornbill is a resident bird. It often moves in groups except during the breeding season. It often lives and moves in trees, and sometimes forages on the ground. The call is "Gak, Gak, Gak...