What Are the Different Types of Birds in the World?

What Are the Different Types of Birds in the World?

The most common types of birds in the world include game birds, such as chickens and turkeys. There are over 250 species of game birds around the world, and many of them are very large.

In addition to game birds, the herons and storks group contains more than 100 different species, and hummingbirds and swifts have more than 400 varieties.

Another important group of birds includes the ostrich, which is the world’s largest bird. Other important types of birds include owls, which are small birds found in forests, mountains, and wetlands.

Peafowl

Birds come in a variety of sizes and colors, and all are part of the eco-system. These creatures are classified according to their size, weight, and mannerisms.

Many birds migrate long distances each year. These creatures have strong chest muscles, wings, and are warm-blooded. Some species have crests, while others are merely gray. You might be surprised to learn that some of these birds are nocturnal!

Nightjars

Nightjars are insectivores, which means that they feed on insects. Often, they are able to take advantage of their undeveloped state to swoop and catch their prey while hovering in the air. Insects are the main source of food for nightjars, but they may also eat seeds or plant matter. Besides insects, nightjars also enjoy singing and mimicking human voices.

Oilbirds

Birds are classified by family and species. There are around 350 species of birds in the world. Some of these species live only in certain parts of the world, while others are migratory and are adapted for hunting and other uses.

Among these types of birds are the gulls, nightjars, woodpeckers, and toucans. Their beaks are the most distinctive feature, and they are also known as raptors.

Regulidae

The Regulidae family includes seven species, including the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, which was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766. They are small, flightless birds that feed on insects and berries. When feeding, they hover over the branches of trees.

The birds live in temperate regions, but are most common in open land. They prefer forests with a mixture of conifers and other vegetation, such as those in the Macaronesia and Azores.

Numididae

There are various kinds of Numididae birds in the entire world. The Numididae family has been considered closely related to the Phasianidae. It is named for its resemblance to turkeys and was previously thought to consist of six species.

Today, it is believed to be comprised of eight to twelve species, including one extinct species. Their appearances can vary widely.

Parrots

There are different kinds of birds, but the most common ones are parrots, hummingbirds, and falcons. All of these birds are classified as perching birds, and their different bill shapes and sizes reflect their diet.

For example, passerines feed on seeds, while insectivores have thin dagger-like bills. However, nectar-feeders have long, thin bills with downward curves.

Most perching birds have a distinct color palette, with males sporting vibrant plumage and subdued colors for females.

Pelicans

There are many kinds of birds in the world, and the American Robin is a key species to identify if you’re unfamiliar with a new bird.

This species measures about 17 inches from bill tip to tail tip, making it larger than blackbirds but smaller than ravens. Its plumage consists of a thick black bill and rounded head. Its tail is short and squared, with primary feathers separated into “fingers.” It has a long, thick bill and glossy black body.

Turacos

If you are interested in the different kinds of birds found in the world, you can learn more about the turaco family. Turacos are large birds in the subfamily Criniferinae and live in central and western Africa.

These birds are mostly plantain eaters and can weigh as much as 2 pounds. They are gray-colored with a white belly and lack brilliant coloration.

Their plumage is gray and flecked with brown and they have black bills and red feet. The go-away-birds are highly regarded by hunters and are often mistaken for pigeons, though their plumage is gray with black markings.

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