In this article, we discuss the 40 Different Types of Birds. Types of Birds: Birds are some of the most successful vertebrate animals on Earth. There are more than 9,000 bird species, and they are spread over the whole planet, from the poles to the equator.
Ornithology is the study of birds, and it comes under branches of zoology. The word ‘Ornithology’ is derived from the 16th-century Latin word ornithologia meaning “bird science“.
Due to their ability to fly, birds have managed to occupy unique ecological niches, which helped them survive the demise of their close relatives – dinosaurs.
Let us explore the astounding kinds of birds in the class Aves!
Main Characteristics of Birds
The Class Aves or Birds is just one of the classes of the bigger Kingdom Animalia. The birds share some characteristics with another closely related class – Reptiles, but they also have some features that are unique to these fantastic creatures. Let us go through their main traits.
- Birds are vertebrates – they have an inner skeleton that contains a spine, limbs, and a skull;
- Birds are endothermic – they maintain constant body temperature by themselves, without depending on outside factors;
- Birds are bipedal (i.e., they move on two limbs when they are on the ground);
- The upper limbs of birds have evolved into specialized structures – wings, that allow flight;
- The body of the most bird is spindle-shaped (to make flight more comfortable and more effective);
- The birds’ bones are hollow inside, to lower the overall weight of the body;
- The birds have a beak instead of a mouth with teeth;
- The body is covered with unique structures – feathers. Only the legs are covered with scales;
- The birds have a heart with 4 chambers – this way, the oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood is divided correctly, which helps with maintaining constant temperatures;
- Birds have complex nervous systems and well-developed brains. Many birds are known to be highly teachable and intelligent;
- There are two sexes in birds: male and female;
- Fertilization in birds is internal. As a result of fertilization, a closed-off, waterproof egg is formed.
- The eggs develop outside the body, usually under the care of both parents or sometimes only one.
If we want to define birds strictly, we would say they are warm-blooded, bipedal vertebrate animals, with forelimbs evolved into wings, covered in feathers, and with a beak instead of a mouth.
Types of Birds
Because of the constant flow of new data obtained due to the progress with DNA sequencing, the classification of birds and relationships between orders and families is continually changing. The latest classification contains 40 orders of birds instead of 23 bird orders in the previous one.
- Diurnal Birds of Prey (Accipitriformes)The first type of bird is from the order of Accipitriformes. It contains the diurnal birds of prey (i.e., active in the daytime), such as hawks, eagles and ospreys. All these large birds have a sharp, hooked beaks with visible nostrils.
- Waterfowl Birds (Anseriformes)The next kind of bird is from the order Anseriformes. Most of the birds in this classification are known birds such as ducks, swans, and geese. Birds in this order are called Waterfowl birds as they live near water sources such as marine body or freshwater ponds.
- Hummingbirds & Swifts (Apodiformes)As per the latest taxonomic classification, both hummingbirds and swifts belong to the order Apodiformes. Most of the birds in this order are very tiny and have “underdeveloped” feet. About 10% of the bird species in this group are threatened or endangered.
- Kiwis & Extinct Birds (Apterygiformes)The next group of birds belongs to order Apterygiformes, which is composed of flightless birds that live on the ground, such as the famous Kiwi – the national bird of New Zealand. A unique feature of these monogamous kiwis is that they have a long, flexible beak with a downward curve on end. Most of the bird species in this order are extinct now.Suggested Reading: Top 25 Extinct Birds
- Hornbills & Hoopoes (Coraciiformes)These types of birds were previously belonged to order Coraciiformes. However, now they are classified into the separate order of their own called Bucerotiformes. This order includes hornbills, hoopoes, and woodhoopoes. The prominent feature of all birds in this taxonomy is that they have large and hard bills.
- Nightjars, Frogmouths & Oilbirds (Caprimulgiformes)The next type of birds belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes. This group includes birds such as Nightjars, Frogmouths, and Oilbirds. These birds have large heads with large eyes and are mainly nocturnal. They primarily feed on insects.
- Seriemas (Cariamiformes)Both present-day and extinct species of birds belong to this bird order Cariamiformes such as Seriemas. These birds are terrestrial birds that live on the ground, and seldom fly. Interestingly, the heads of seriemas are similar to the heads of hawks. Seriemas are restricted to South America only.
- Emus & Cassowaries (Casuariiformes)Casuariiformes order contains two families of flightless terrestrial birds that are both native to Australia: emus and cassowaries. Previously these herbivorous birds were grouped with Kiwis but later classified into its own order now. These monogamous birds are enormous and heavy up to 55 kgs. Females are usually larger than males.
- Shorebirds (Charadriiformes)Charadriiformes is one of the very most extensive bird orders. There are about 350 bird species in it. Surprisingly, these birds have varied in size from 0.006 to 4.4 pounds. As the name suggests, shorebirds live near the water: in wetlands, freshwater and seawater shorelines, sometimes near the ocean. Some examples of shorebirds include Great auk, Crested Auklet, Horned puffin, and African Jacana.
- Storks, Herons & Vultures (Ciconiiformes)The next group of birds also live near the water or are fully aquatic is called Ciconiiformes. Most Ciconiiformes have long necks, long beaks, and feet without webbing. The plumage of most species in the order combines most uncomplicated colors – grey, white, and black. Currently, 21 species of Ciconiiformes are seriously threatened.
- Mousebirds (Coliiformes)Coliiformes is the smallest bird order which consists of only 6 species of tiny mousebirds. These mousebirds are found in sub-Saharan Africa. These herbivorous birds are social and often found in small groups. Coliiformes nest in colonies.
- Pigeons and Dodos (Columbiformes)Columbiformes order embraces both extinct and living species of pigeons (or doves), as well as the famous dodos. Pigeons are known for feeding their young “bird milk” very similar to the milk of mammals. The species of this order can be found almost everywhere.
- Kingfishers, Rollers, & Bee-eaters (Coraciiformes)Coraciiformes is a diverse and colorful bird order which includes kingfishers, rollers, and bee-eaters. Most of the species spend a significant part of their life on trees. Ornithologists consider rollers the leading family of this order.
- Cuckoos, Roadrunners & Koels (Cuculiformes)Cuculiformes is one of the most famous bird orders, as it contains parasitic bird species – cuckoos. These birds place their eggs into the nests of birds of other species, and the hatched chicks destroy all other eggs or chicks in the nest. Many of the birds in the order are very vocal.
- Kagus & Sunbitterns (Eurypygiformes)Eurypygiformes order contains only a few species, and some of them are already extinct (Lowland kagu and Aptornis). Two living species in the order are the New Caledonian endemic kagu and sunbittern. Both the kagu and the sunbittern have plumage with an intricate pattern.
- Falcons (Falconiformes)Birds in Falconiformes order are highly efficient predators – Falcons. Virtually all these brown-eyed falcons have hooked bills that help tear up the prey. All these birds have well-developed sight and hearing. Currently, many Falconiformes species are endangered.
- Chickens & Turkeys (Galliformes)This large and diverse group of birds in order Galliformes includes species traditionally crucial to humans as domestic birds and hunting fowl (Chickens and Turkeys). Many Galliformes have bright crests and ornamental tails. These birds prefer to walking & running than flying and predominantly feed on the ground.
- Loons (Gaviiformes)This next types of birds belong to order Gaviiformes which contains several species of birds that live and hunt on the water – Loons. These sturdy webbed feet birds swim on the water to eat fish. Interestingly, the feet of loons are placed closer to their tails, so they have difficulty walking on land!
- Cranes & Rails (Gruiformes)Gruiformes order contains very diverse birds, both in size and other features. Most important species of Gruiformes are cranes and quails, but there also other less known species. Many Gruiformes have long, slender bills and long & strong legs. These birds are known for special mating rituals!
- Cuckoo Rollers (Leptosomiformes)Cuckoo roller belongs to an exclusive bird order – Leptosomiformes which contains just this bird species. Cuckoo rollers live in the Comoro Islands and Madagascar. Surprisingly, the eyes of cuckoo rollers are set back in the face. These birds live primarily in forests and feed on insects.
- Mesites (Mesitornithiformes)Mesitornithiformes order contains three species of Mesites found only in Madagascar. They are related to doves. Mesites are small birds. Mesites are nearly flightless and spend most of the time on land. Currently, all mesites are endangered.
- Turacos & Plantain Eaters (Musophagiformes)The next bird order Musophagiformes contains birds that are found in sub-Saharan Africa, namely turacos and plantain eaters. Musophagiformes have a long tail compared to the overall body length. All of the birds in the order have a crest on their heads. Pigments in these birds’ feathers are copper-based, which is unique in the bird kingdom.Suggested Reading: Top 25 Colorful Birds
- Hoatzins (Opisthocomiformes)Previously, it was thought that Hoatzins was related to Galliformes, but recently they were assigned to a separate order – Opisthocomiformes. The faces of hoatzins are bare and are blue. These herbivorous Hoatzins have a crest on their heads that resembles a fan!
- Bustards (Otidiformes)The birds of the order Otidiformes may belong to the bigger clade Gruiformes in some classifications. However, these birds (Bustards) have several conspicuous characteristics, from appearance to behavior, that place them apart. Otidiformes birds prefer walking and running, but can fly when frightened.
- Perching Birds (Passeriformes)The next types of birds are perching birds which are in the order Passeriformes (the largest bird order in the bird kingdom). All passerines have 12 tail feathers, and they have strong muscles in their voice box or syrinx. Some examples include Oriental Skylark, Long-tailed tit, and Asian fairy-bluebird.
- Pelicans & Frigate Birds (Pelecaniformes)The next set of birds come under Pelecaniformes which unites several families of water birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and frigatebirds. These birds can be found in the coastline of freshwater basins as well as in marine habitats. Many bird species in this order are critically endangered, and some are even extinct.
- Tropicbirds (Phaethontiformes)The tropical birds are closely related pelicans and comprised of sea birds in the order Phaethontiformes. There are only three tropicbirds in this order, namely Red-billed tropicbird, White-tailed tropicbird, and Red-tailed Tropicbird. As the name suggests, these birds are usually found in the tropical and subtropical regions.
- Flamingoes (Phoenicopteriformes)Flamingoes belong to the order Phoenicopteriformes which contains only six species of flamingoes. All Phoenicopteriformes are tall & large birds and have several unique traits. Flamingoes have bristles inside the bills and on their tongues.
- Woodpeckers (Piciformes)Woodpeckers are the next types of birds belong to the order Piciformes. The main uniting feature of Piciformes is their tendency to nest in tree cavities. Piciformes have strong jaw muscles. Some examples of Piciformes are Downy woodpecker, Northern flicker, Brown jacamar, and Moustached puffbird.
- Grebes (Podicipediformes)The order Podicipediformes contains birds that live mainly in freshwater or near the coast. Interestingly these birds are different from other known waterbirds. The nails of Podicipediformes are flat. Grebes make floating nests on the water. Some species of Grebes are great crested grebe, red-necked grebe, and short-winged grebe.
- Albatrosses & Petrels (Procellariiformes)The next bird order Procellariiformes unites sea birds that come on land only for the breeding season! Procellariiformes have a long, hooked bill with tubular nostrils. These birds can eject foul-smelling stomach oil as a defense against predators. Laysan albatross, Shy albatross, Peruvian diving petrel, and Black-capped petrel are some of the example species in Procellariiformes.
- Parrots (Psittaciformes)The most beloved birds are parrots which belong to the bird order Psittaciformes. The most recognizable feature of parrots is a short, curved beak. Parrots are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds. Some parrot species are Rose-ringed parakeet, Gray parrot, Rainbow lorikeet, Roseate cockatoo, and Kakapo (endangered).
- Sandgrouses (Pteroclidiformes)Previously, Pteroclidiformes was a part of a family of Charadriiformes. It unites several species of desert birds (Sandgrouses), and they are now a separate order. Sandgrouse has pointed wings. Most of the Pteroclidiformes have pinlike central feathers. Tibetan sandgrouse, Spotted sandgrouse, Black-faced Sandgrouse, and Lichtenstein sandgrouse are some of the species of Pteroclidiformes.
- Rheas or Nandus (Rheiformes)Rheiformes is a small order of large flightless birds (Rheas) that are similar to emus and ostriches, but they are smaller than ostriches. Most of the species in this order are extinct. Rheas have large wings that they can spread like sails while running. These birds are found in South America.
- Penguins (Sphenisciformes)All of the birds (penguins) in the order Sphenisciformes live in the Southern hemisphere. They mostly live in the ocean or near the ocean’s coast. The bills of penguins are long and compressed from the sides. There are 18 types of penguins in the world which includes the famous species such as Emperor penguin (largest), Galapagos penguin, and Gentoo penguin.
- Owls (Strigiformes)Strigiformes order unites mostly nocturnal and carnivorous birds. Owls have unique soft plumage. All owls have a so-called facial disk that frames the eyes and the bill. Owls use cavities in trees or abandoned nests instead of building their own. There are 244 known types of owls in this order.
- Ostriches (Struthioniformes)Struthioniformes order contains the only species – Ostriches. Ostriches are different from other ratites – birds without a keel. Ostriches are polygamous and form harems. Interestingly, Ostriches have zero feathers on their legs and necks. Some example subspecies of the common ostrich are North African ostrich, Masai ostrich, and Arabian ostrich (extinct).
- Boobies & Gannets (Suliformes)Suliformes order unites sea birds that nest in colonies such as boobies and gannets. Previously, they used to belong to the same order as frigate birds (Pelecaniformes). However, they are on their own order – Suliformes. All Suliformes are marine species and spend a large portion of the year far from land. Species in this order diverse and here are some examples: Adams Booby, Red-footed booby, Masked booby, and Australasian Gannet.
- Tinamous (Tinamiformes)Order Tinamiformes contains several families of chicken-like birds (tinamous) that live predominantly in neotropics. Tinamous can fly but prefer to stay on the ground. Tinamous have short wings and a short tail. A white-throated tinamou, Hooded tinamou, Barred tinamou, Chilean tinamou, and dwarf tinamou are some of the example species in this order.
- Trogons & Quetzals (Trogoniformes)The last type of birds belongs to the bird order Trogoniformes which hosts birds such as trogons & quetzals, that mostly live in warmer areas. All Trogoniformes are brightly colored and have long-tails. This bird order includes species such as Narina trogon, Red-naped trogon, Cuban trogon, Mountain Trogon, Pavonine Quetzal, and Resplendent Quetzal.
Birds Native To The USA
Here are the top birds native to America categorized by different states:
- Fabulous Florida BirdsBecause of its unique geographic location and suitable tropical climate, the state of Florida is home to some of the most awesome birds ever discovered. Here, we explore the top 10 most spectacular birds of Florida which are native to the state of Florida from Scrub-Yay to Killdeer and much more.
- Famous Hawaiian BirdsHawaii is home to a tremendous diversity of a wide array of birds. Here are 11 of the most endangered Hawaiian Birds with their scientific names and facts. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the islands of Hawaii exhibit a vast diversity of flora and fauna and these amazing birds of Hawaii.
- Terrific Texas BirdsBecause of its geographic location and extra diverse regions, Texas is blessed with rich bird wildlife. It is even considered as the most diverse bird state in the United States. Here is the list of some of the most famous Texas birds that are native to Texas.
- Classic Colorado BirdsThe state of Colorado has a wide range of potential bird habitats: from grasslands to alpine forests and even tundra. Here are the top 15 amazing birds of Colorado and their interesting facts.
- Magnificent Birds of MichiganThe state of Michigan has a variety of habitats that are inviting for different bird species. Explore the best birds of Michigan and their interesting facts here.
- Outstanding Birds of OhioAt present, Ohio has 5 distinct geographical regions from Lake & Till Plains to Appalachian Plateau and Bluegrass Region. Find 15 Best Birds of Ohio here.
- Marvellous Birds of MissouriHere are the top 15 birds of Missouri and their fascinating fun facts along with where can one spot each of them in the State of Missouri.
Key References
- “Introduction to the Aves” – Berkeley University. Last Accessed on May-24-2019 Link.
- “Fichier:Subdesert Mesite.jpg – Wikipedia. Accessed June 01, 2019. Link.
- “File:4 day trip to La Selva Lodge on the Napo River in the Amazon jungle of E. Ecuador – Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) – (26592958760).jpg – Wikimedia Commons”. Accessed June 01, 2019. Link.
- “Sandgrouse – Wikipedia”. Accessed June 01, 2019. Link.
- “Elegant crested tinamou – Wikipedia”. Accessed June 01, 2019. Link.
- 40 Different Types of Birds Link.