A complete guide to the different types of birds, with pictures and facts.
From budding ornithologists to folks who simply want to learn more about bird life from all around the globe, this page is for everyone interested in learning a bit more about birds.
An alphabetical list of numerous sorts of birds from all across the globe may be found below. In the index section, you may click on any of the photos to learn more about a certain kind of bird.
Types of Birds
Perching birds like sparrows and finches; huge flightless birds like ostriches and emus; raptors like eagles and hawks; seabirds such as gulls and terns; waterfowl such as ducks and swans; and specialists like flamingos, penguins, woodpeckers, and owls are all examples of various kinds of birds.
The class Aves contains birds as animals. There are approximately 10,000 different bird species, divided into 252 groups. The little bee hummingbird is one of the smallest birds, while the great common ostrich, which weighs more than most people, is one of the largest.
Passeriformes
The Passeriformes order of birds is the most diverse. Passerines are a type of bird that includes both perching birds and songbirds. In 140 families, there are approximately 6,533 passerines. In reality, passerines make up about 60% of all bird species.
Passerines include a variety of species, including well-known birds such as crows, robins, thrushes, wrens, and sparrows. The list also includes numerous different bird taxa and has been designed to give a good snapshot of the many existing species of birds that exist today.
What’s your favorite kind of bird? What was your favorite bird sighting? Tell us below in the comments section! We’re also here to help with any Bird-related inquiries you may have!
An Alphabetical List Of Different Types of Birds With Pictures & Facts
Albatrosses
- Order: Procellariiformes
- Family: Diomedeidae
Albatrosses, which spend the majority of their lives at sea, are big birds. The world’s largest flying birds, albatrosses, are found throughout the islands.
The albatross has the longest wingspan of any bird, at around 3 meters. Its average wingspan is about 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches), but some people have reported having wingspans of up to 5 meters! Wandering albatrosses may travel up to three times around the Southern Ocean each year, covering vast distances.
Sadly, many of the albatross species are endangered. Long line fishing is one of the most serious dangers to albatrosses; the birds capture bait meant for fish and become entangled on the lines, drowning.
Auks
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Alcidae
Seabirds belong to the Auks family. Puffins, guillemots, and murres are just a few of the bird species that belong to this family. Auks are excellent swimmers, with their small wings aiding them to both swim and fly in the water.
Because of overhunting in the mid-nineteenth century, the great auk (Pinguinus impennis), a flightless auk species, went extinct.
The two species are unrelated, despite a common superficial resemblance to penguins. Convergent evolution, which is a process by which unrelated species get to resemble each other as a consequence of similar habits and habitats, is what caused the groups’ similarities.
Birds-Of-Paradise
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Paradisaeidae
The intricate and vividly coloured plumage of many males is well-known among birds of paradise. The Paradisaeidae family of birds comprises 42 species. Eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia are all home to these species.
Birds Of Prey (Eagles, Hawks, Kites, Old World Vultures)
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
Birds of prey, or raptors, are members of the Accipitridae family. Eagles, hawks, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures are among the birds in the family.
The prey of the Accipitridae are dispatched by their powerful talons. The group’s other distinguishing features include sharp beaks and superb eyesight, which are used to spot prey while perched high in the sky.
Bowerbirds
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Ptilonorhynchidae
Bowerbirds belong to the family Bowerbird, and they may be found throughout New Guinea and Australia. There are between 20 and 30 species of bowerbird.
The courting ritual of bowerbirds is well-known. To attract the female, the male bird creates a complex edifice called a bower.
A female will only pick a male whose bower meets her standards. She is very picky. The male does not participate in the construction or raising of the young after mating is complete. (The bower is not utilized as a nest.)
Cassowary
- Order: Casuariiformes
- Genus: Casuarius
Cassowaries are large, flightless birds with black plumage. Casques are bony structures on the top of their heads. Wearing a casque may help to magnify the cassowary’s voice.
The three forms of cassowaries are southern, northern, and dwarf. Although all three species are indigenous to the island of New Guinea, the southern cassowary (the largest and most frequent species) can also be found in Australia.
The dwarf cassowary can grow to be up to 4.92 feet / 1.5 meters in height.
The emu, another large flightless Australian bird, belongs to the Casuariidae family of which cassowaries are a member.
Condors
- Order: Cathartiformes
- Family: Cathartidae
The Andean condor and the California condor are the two different species of condors. The Cathartidae family of New World vultures includes both of them.
The Andean condor may be found in the Andes and the area around the South American mountain range, as its name suggests. The species is considered “Vulnerable” by the IUCN.
The California condor is a extremely endangered species with only a few hundred individuals left in the world. The species’ wild population had dwindled to nine birds by 1985. In 1987, a breeding program was established with the intention of capturing every wild California condor.
The species’ population has grown to over 500 individuals as a result of the breeding program, and roughly 200 birds are now discovered in nature.
Crows and Jays
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Corvidae
Birds like jays, nutcrackers, ravens, and magpies are part of the Corvidae family of birds. Apart from Antarctica, Corvidae members may be found on every continent.
Of all creatures, crows are the most Clever. In mirror tests, several species have shown evidence of tool use and self-recognition.
The common raven is the biggest passerine and the biggest member of the crow family. It’s as large as, if not larger than, a common buzzard.
Cuckoos
- Order: Cuculiformes
- Family: Cuculidae
The “cuck-oo” call of the common cuckoo and the propensity of certain cuckoos to deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds, a practice known as “brood parasitism,” are two things that cuckoos are recognized for.
The common cuckoo lays its egg in the nest of a small bird, such as a pipit or warbler. It chooses its victim. The cuckoo chick will eject other eggs or chicks from the nest after hatching. Despite the cuckoo chick growing to over three times the size of its “parent,” the unsuspecting victim will continue to feed it, believing it is one of its own.
brood parasitism is practiced by only around 50 of the 140 or so species in the Cuckoo family Cuculidae, but it is these bad apples that have earned the family its bad reputation.
Ducks, Geese and Swans
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
There are 146 to 160 species in the Anatidae family. Ducks, geese, and swans are only a few of the famous water bird families in the family.
Anatids have extended necks and limbs that are set farther back on their bodies while swimming. Males and females of ducks often have contrasting appearances, with males having bright plumage during breeding season.
Many anatids travel extensively between their breeding grounds and other areas.
The trumpeter swan is the largest anatid. With a wingspan of around 3 m (10 ft.), it is the biggest North American bird.
Eagles
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
The Eagles belong to the Accipitridae family, which includes birds such as hawks and Old World vultures. Except for Antarctica, eagles may be found on every continent.
Eagles come in over 60 different varieties. Fish eagles (including the white-tailed eagle and the bald eagle), booted eagles (including the golden eagle and the booted eagle), snake eagles (including the crested serpent eagle and the Philippine eagle), and harpy eagles (including the harpy eagle and crested serpent goat) are some of their most common types.
Eagles are well known for preying on creatures bigger than themselves and can fly with weights ranging from a few kilograms in their talons, armed with strong, hooked bills and huge talons.
Falcons
- Order: Falconiformes
- Family: Falconidae
The falcons, caracas, and kestrels are among the approximately 66 species that make up the Falconidae family. Falcons are swift, nimble birds with pointed wings. Hooked beaks and excellent vision are among the other features.
In the Accipitridae family of birds, eagles are not found. Hawks (rather than falcons) use their beaks to dispatch their prey. For this purpose, a falcon’s bill has a blunt tooth on the upper mandible.
Flamingoes
- Order: Phoenicopteriformes
- Family: Phoenicopteridae
The distinctive pink color of flamingoes’ plumage has earned them the name “long-legged, long-necked birds.” The pigments present in flamingos’ food give this hue its color.
Flamingos filter food from the water using comb-like structures in their specially modified bills, which they feed with while upside-down.
Of the six flamingo species, the greater flamingo is the biggest. It can also be found in Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe, as well as other regions.
Gamebirds (Pheasants, Partridges, Turkeys, Chickens & Related Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Phasianidae
Gamebirds belong to the Phasianidae family of birds. Pheasants, partridges, and Old World quails are among the birds in this family. The Old World is home to the majority of this family’s species. Europe, Africa, and Asia are all represented.
Gamebirds spend the majority of their lives on the ground, only flying when they need to (to avoid predators).
Many gamebirds have vibrant colors. The peacock, with its highly patterned male tail feathers, is one of the most striking species.
Several regions of the globe have imported gamebirds such as pheasants for hunting and food.
Goldcrests and Kinglets
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Regulidae
The Regulidae family of 6 little birds is found across both North America and Europe and includes members. Goldcrests and firecrests are the names for the four species found in Europe. Kinglets are the common name for the two North American species.
Regulidae’s crests are brightly colored and may be displayed as a courtship or a threat display by members of the species.
Guineafowl
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Numididae
The 6 species in the family Numididae are all found in Africa. Guineafowl are large, pheasant-like birds that feed on insects and seeds. Guineafowl live in flocks. They mate for life and nest on the ground.
The helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) is a familiar sight in urban areas of South Africa.
Gulls, Terns and Skimmers
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
The Laridae family, which includes gulls, terns, and skimmers, has around 100 species. Every continent, including Antarctica, is home to members of the family. Although a few gulls may be found in cities, where they breed on roofs rather than cliffs, they are primarily seabirds.
The world’s largest gull is the huge black-backed gull. The big gull intimidates other seabirds away from their meal by using its size. In addition, it is a skilled hunter.
Every year, the Arctic tern migrates from the Artic to Antarctica, making it the longest migration of any species.
Consider for a second how far this little bird goes every year: 90,000 km (56,000 mi) in the northern hemisphere and two summers in the southern hemisphere!
Hawks and Buzzards
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
The family Accipitridae includes both hawks and buzzards (known as hawks in America). Eagles, Old World vultures, and other birds of prey are also found in the family.
The Accipitrinae subfamily contains true hawks. Woodlands are home to these swift, mid-sized birds of prey.
The sharp-shinned hawk (native to North America), the sparrowhawk (mostly found in Europe and Asia), and the goshawk (found in colder parts of the northern hemisphere) are all examples of genuine hawks.
Herons and Bitterns
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
Herons belong to the family of birds and are found on all continents except Antarctica, with roughly 64 species. Herons have long legs and necks, as well as dagger-like bills, and are typically medium-sized to large birds.
Egrets and bitterns are part of the heron family. Herons fly with their necks folded rather than extended, unlike other long-legged and necked birds such as storks and cranes.
Hoatzin
- Order: Opisthocomiformes
- Family: Opisthocomidae
The hoatzin is the only surviving member of the Opisthocomidae family. The rainforests of South America are home to this unusual and much-studied bird.
The hoatzin, which is comparable in size to a chicken, has a prominent crest and eats plants. The bend of its wings has claws on its chicks. They’re utilized while the bird’s flying, and they vanish once it can.
The hoatzin, which is herbivorous and about the size of a chicken, has a striking crest. Their wing claws are visible on its chicks. They vanish once the bird is able to fly and are utilized for climbing.
Hummingbirds
- Order: Apodiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds, flitting from blossom to blossom like insects, are able to hover and even fly backwards. This unusual mode of flying requires a lot of energy. Hummingbirds enter a condition known as torpor during the night, which is similar to hibernation. This helps them conserve the energy they need to fly.
About 42 million years ago, swifts gave birth to hummingbirds.
The world’s tiniest bird is the bee hummingbird. This little bird weighs 2 grams (0.071 ounces) and may be found in Cuba.
Kingfishers
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Alcedinidae
Some kingfishers live far from water and do not eat fish. The majority of them, on the other hand, have massive heads and powerful beaks. Hunting from a perch and dwelling in tunnels are examples of normal behavior.
Kingfishers come in around 100 different species. Throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, kingfishers may be found.
The common kingfisher, which may be found across Britain, mainland Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, and the kookaburra may be found across Australia are two well-known kingfisher species.
Kiwis
- Infraclass: Palaeognathae
- Order: Apterygiformes
- Family: Apterygidae
Only in New Zealand can you find five kinds of flightless birds.
In terms of body mass, these nocturnal birds have the least eyes among all birds. The senses of smell and hearing are far more important to Kiwis than sight, and they may live in the wild even if blind.
The kiwi is the only bird in which the nostrils are found at the end of the beak (the kiwi is also unique in that it has this feature). While its bill is buried in the soil, the kiwi can smell for worms.
The status of the five kiwis is classified as “Vulnerable” for four of them, and “Near Threatened” for the fifth.
The most frequent kiwi is the brown kiwi. In comparison to its size, it lays the most eggs of any bird.
Leaf Warblers and Allies
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Phylloscopidae
The insectivorous (insect-eating) Old World birds known as leaf warblers are a group of 77 species. These birds are highly active, flitting from limb to limb and hovering over insects to capture them.
The appearance of certain leaf warblers is similar. Learning their calls is a great way to identify them.
The chiffchaff’s cry, as depicted above, is exactly like its name!
Lyrebirds
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Menuridae
Only Australia has the two types of lyrebirds: the superb lyrebird and Albert’s lyrebird. They are poor fliers and predominantly land birds.
The ability to mimic sounds is what distinguishes lyrebirds. Sounds produced by dingoes and koalas, as well as environmental noises like car alarms and camera shutters, are included in this category. This includes not only calls from other species of birds, but also sounds from other animals.
Mockingbirds
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Mimidae
Mockingbirds are a collection of New World passerines that can imitate the sounds made by other birds (and other creatures).
The northern mockingbird is the only mockingbird that lives in North America. This species has a reputation for being smart and recognizing individual humans.
Together with related species like thrashers and New World catbirds, mockingbirds belong to the Mimidae family of birds.
New Zealand Wrens
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Acanthisittidae
Only in New Zealand can you find the New Zealand wrens, a tiny family of birds. The rifleman, New Zealand’s smallest bird, belongs to the family of all wrens and is small.
New Zealand wrens are not closely related to Troglodytidae “true” wrens, despite their name.
Oilbird
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Steatornithidae
The oilbird is one of the very few birds capable of using echolocation. The echoes made by clicks emitted by the bird allow it to navigate in the dark.
Ostriches
- Infraclass: Palaeognathae
- Order: Struthioniformes
- Family: Struthionidae
The common ostrich and the Somali ostrich are the only species of Struthionidae. The Somali ostrich was recognized as a separate species from the common ostrich until 2014.
Africa is home to both ostriches. The common ostrich is also the fastest land animal and lays the biggest eggs, in addition to being the world’s largest bird. Among land vertebrates, the species also has the largest eyes.
Owls
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
The Strigidae family of true owls is also known as the Strigidae family. Except for Antarctica, owls may be found on every continent. There are217 species in the family.
The sound is directed to the ears of an owl thanks to its large, round face. The owl’s ears are positioned at various heights on its skull, allowing it to pinpoint the source of a sound. Heavy rain (which conceals the noise made by their prey) limits owls’ capacity to hunt, as they are severely reliant on their hearing.
The endangered Blakiston’s fish owl, which may be found in Japan, mainland East Asia, and portions of Russia, is the world’s biggest owl.
Parrots
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Superfamily: Psittacidae
The superfamily Psittacidae contains roughly 350 parrot species, divided into three families.
Parrots have powerful hooked beaks that can smash open seeds and nuts. Each foot has two toes on the outside that face backwards, and two toes on the inside that face forwards. Other primarily tree-dwelling birds, such as toucans and woodpeckers, have this type of arrangement known as a “zygodactyl.”
Macaws are a family of parrots with long tails, vivid colors, and face feathers that are frequently absent. The scarlet macaw shown above is one example.
Parrots rank among the brightest animals on the planet.
Pelicans
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
Large fish-eating seabirds known as pelicans. They’ve got deep pouches on their bills, which are practically as long as they are wide.
Pelicans capture fish and seawater from the depths of the water by diving in. The fish are swallowed once the seawater has been expelled.
One of North America’s longest birds is the American white pelican.
Penguins
- Order: Sphenisciformes
- Family: Spheniscidae
Penguins are flightless birds that live on penguins. Penguins are very swift and nimble swimmers who use their wings to ‘fly.’ The majority of penguins live in the southern hemisphere, however some species may be found as far north as the Equator.
Emperor penguins are the world’s largest penguin. It breeds during the harsh Antarctic winter and grows to 122 cm (48 in) in height.
Pigeons and Doves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
Pigeons are common birds that may be found across every continent except Antarctica. They are mid-sized and well-built.
The term ‘dove’ is generally used to refer to the smaller Columbidae family members, including both pigeons and doves, and there is no scientific difference between pigeons and doves.
Feral pigeons, which may be found all throughout the city of everyplace on Earth, are the most common pigeons to us.
Domesticated rock doves were originally bred for food, and feral pigeons are their descendants. In Europe, Africa, and Asia, wild rock doves still survive as a kind of pigeon that lives on sea cliffs.
Shrikes
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Laniidae
Insects and small vertebrates (mammalian, reptile, and other birds) are the food of shrikes, which are small birds. They’re well-known for impaling extra food on thorns and storing it. The grisly remnants of numerous shrike victims are frequently found in the shrike’s ‘larder.’
Sparrows (New World)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Passerellidae
New World sparrows are another name for members of the Passerellidae family. Tanagers, brushfinches, juncos, and other related species are among the birds that make up the group.
The New World Sparrows are unrelated to the old world Sparrows, despite their similar names.
The chipping sparrow and the dark-eyed junco are two well-known and widely distributed New World sparrows.
Sparrows (Old World)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Passeridae
The ancient world sparrow family includes Passeridae birds, which are small brown and grey birds with well-developed bills. They eat insects as well as seeds and are the primary source of their nutrition.
The Dunnock, or “hedge-sparrow,” is one of numerous species called sparrows that are not part of the Passeridae family.
The house sparrow is the most well-known member of the old world sparrow family. Several regions of the globe have a high concentration of it. The species is found in many cities and towns and can live alongside humans.
The house sparrow, which is native to Europe and Asia, has been introduced to the Americas, Australia, and other areas outside its natural range. As a result, it is now the most widely distributed bird on Earth.
Storks
- Order: Ciconiiformes
- Family: Ciconiidae
With their lengthy legs, long necks, and long bills, storks are huge waterbirds. The family includes 19 species of stork, and they may be found throughout most regions of the globe (excluding the Polar Regions and portions of North America and Australia).
Storks are recognized for creating massive, unattractive stick nests that they reuse year after year.
The white stork, which frequently nests on roofs and is said to give birth, is a European folktale. Sweets should be left on the windowsill by couples who want to start a family in order to attract birds.
Swallows and Martins
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family contains between 80 and 90 birds. Except for Antarctica, they may be found on every continent. Insects in mid-flight may be caught with their long pointed wings.
The barn swallow, or simply the “swallow” in Britain, is one of numerous migratory Hirundinidae family members. In Africa, the species overwinters and migrates to Europe to breed in the spring. It heralds spring’s arrival with its arrival.
Thrashers
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Mimidae
Thrashers are a group of mid-sized passerines found in the Americas. Many have distinctive long, downward-curving bills and speckled / streaked chests.
Together with related species like mockingbirds and New World catbirds, thrashers belong to the Mimidae family. Mimids are members of this family who are well-known. The California thrasher is the world’s largest mimid.
Thrushes
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Turdidae
The Turdidae family (thrush family) includes approximately 170 species. Thrushes cover the majority of the Earth’s surface. Two of the most well-known European birds in the family are the song thrush and blackbird.
The song thrush’s melodic call, which includes multiple phrases repeated, is well-known.
Toucans
- Order: Piciformes
- Family: Ramphastidae
The toucanets and aracaris are all members of the Ramphastidae family, which also includes toucans. The bills of birds in this family are long and bright. The bill is thin, and the bird’s temperature may be controlled in its most common application. In order to eat without moving, the toucan uses its bill.
The biggest toucan is the toco toucan. In the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, the keel-billed toucan can be found.
Tyrant Flycatchers
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Tyrannidae
The Tyrannidae family contains almost 400 species, making it the world’s biggest bird family. Only in the Americas can you find tyrant flycatchers. The majority of the birds are tiny, drab creatures, but there are a few exceptions, such as the vermillion flycatcher.
Vultures (New World)
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Cathartidae
The condor and other vultures native to the Americas, including the king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) and the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), belong to the New World vulture family. These are carrion-eating scavengers.
Old World vultures and New World vultures aren’t closely related. While the lineages are distinct, many of the same features and roles have evolved, and they occupy the same niche. Convergent evolution is exemplified by this example.
Unlike their Old World counterparts, many New World vultures have an acute sense of smell. This, along with the birds’ powerful vision, is used to locate food.
The largest land bird in North America is the California condor. It was extirpated from the wild in the 1980s, but has since been reintroduced. The species is still in severe danger.
Vultures (Old World)
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
The Old World vultures are members of the Accipitridae family, similar to eagles, hawks, and other raptors. The Old World vultures, on the other hand, are not closely related to the New World vultures despite their similar appearance and behavior.
scavengers that eat carrion, Old World vultures are the most common. They lack the keen sense of smell found in some New World vultures, so they rely on sight to find their meal. Several Old World vultures (including the African lappet-faced vulture) capture prey on their own.
Vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered status has been assigned to over half of the 16 Old World vulture species.
Woodpeckers
- Order: Piciformes
- Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are a kind of bird that evolved in wooded and forest environments. The outer two toes face backwards, and the inner two toes face forwards, in their zygodactyl arrangement.
Sapsuckers, wrynecks, and piculets are all members of the Picidae family of woodpeckers.
Foraging beneath bark and creating holes in tree trunks require woodpeckers to have robust bills. Their bills are used to produce the familiar drumming noise that functions as a territorial call. Woodpeckers’ tongues are long and sticky, which makes insect collecting easier.
Wrens
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Troglodytidae
The Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is the only kind of wren found in the Old World, and most of the 88 species of wren are named after it. The Pacific wren, which can be found in North America, is a close relative of this species.
Most wrens are very small, brown birds.
Wrens are a group of birds that includes species not in the Troglodytidae family. The New Zealand wren and the Australasian wren families are among these birds.
Types of Birds: Conclusion
We hope that you have enjoyed this look at the world’s birds. Let us know your favorite type of bird in the comments below!