Birds

Birds of Prey

Diurnal Birds of Prey (Accipitriformes)

The first type of birds is from the order Accipitriformes. It contains the diurnal birds of prey (i.e., active in the day time), such as hawks, eagles and ospreys. All these large birds have a sharp, hooked beak with visible nostrils.

Waterfowl Birds

Waterfowl Birds (Anseriformes)

The next kind of birds 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

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

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

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

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

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 heads of hawks. Seriemas are restricted to South America only.

Emus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Sunbitterns

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

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.

Turkeys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 and Gannets

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

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

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.