Love waking up to the chirping sounds of the birds? Or watch them fly gracefully in flocks in the open space as they take turns?
No matter the case, they are certainly one of the charming and marvelous creatures of nature that is hard to not fall in love with.
That much graceful and loving they are!
From the delicate hummingbird to the majestic eagle – over 10,400 living bird species have been discovered till now. Like the mammals, they are also warm-blooded vertebrates having four-chambered hearts.
Want to know more about them? Keep reading as we unravel various secrets of the avian world:
Just like any other creature, birds also have their unique characteristics and personalities.
Feathers: They are the most incredible features of the birds that sets them apart from other animals. Not only do they increase the beauty of the birds, but they also play a crucial role in helping them to fly and keeping their bodies warm in chilly weather conditions.
Wings: They are the ultimate symbol of freedom and grace. No wonder we feel so good while watching the birds fly around in the wide sky!
From hovering effortlessly in mid-air to reaching astonishing speeds in flight – each bird species has its unique flying style and patterns that they follow!
Beaks and Adaptations: Birds come with an incredible variety of beaks, with each of them designed for conducting specific tasks. For instance, some have long and slender beaks (for sipping nectar from flowers). In contrast, others are hooked and sharp for protecting themselves from the predators.
Eggs: Laying eggs and protecting them is one of the unique features of the birds. From building nests in the trees to laying eggs in hidden burrows or on rocky ledges – they have their own ways to tackle things in the best way possible. Talk about being clever!
Skeleton: Birds tend to come with a unique skeletal structure that just sets them totally different from the rest. Not only are they lighter in weight but at the same time they are so strong that they can fly effortlessly for several hours through the skies.
Flight: The wings that are covered in the feathers of the birds act as aerofoils – providing the necessary lift and thrust needed for a flight. Be it a graceful glide or maybe a high-speed dive – they really know how to put on a show!
Warm-blooded: As like the mammals, birds are also warm-blooded creatures. Meaning, they can regulate their body temperature – keeping it constant, despite the varying fluctuations in the surrounding environment. You ask why? Well, they have their internal thermostat to keep them comfortable and ready for action as always.
Two Legs: Birds have two legs that they use for walking, hopping, perching, and swimming purposes. And based on their varying species, their legs are adapted to their lifestyles following different shapes and sizes.
Specialized Respiratory System: While human beings breathe in and out through our lungs, birds tend to have a more complex setup.
That is, they have a series of air sacs that expand throughout their bodies – working in harmony with their lungs. Besides, the air sacs are constantly employed to supply oxygen to their muscles and organs, even during the flight. Much like having a built-in turbo boost!
Excellent Vision: Birds come with an extraordinary vision to serve different purposes as needed. For instance, some birds like eagles, hawks, and falcons have incredibly sharp eyesight – allowing them to see their prey from a much greater distance.
And for the most shocking part, they can even see the ultraviolet light which is totally invisible to us. Just to think of that, how colorful the world is to them!
Vocal Communication: Singing melody tones and music is one of the best traits that makes the birds so much popular and attractive among the people. However, this vocal communication plays a crucial role in various phases of their lives.
From creating territories to attracting mates and warning each other of potential threats – they use their diversified calls and songs as a medium of communication for passing messages.
Different Types of Birds
Birds come in various shapes, sizes, and colors – leaving us in complete amazement. Currently, there are over 10,400 extant bird species throughout the globe, with the North and South America having over 4,400 species, followed by Asia with about 2,700 varying species.
Next up is Africa with 2,300, Europe with over 500, and the Costa Rica with nearly 800 species.
Much to wonder, right?
Well, here is a list of the most twelve notable types of birds:
1. Passerines
Robin
Also known as the songbirds, they are the largest group of birds and are quite the social butterflies. Didn’t get the point?
Well, they are the ones who will find singing and dancing their hearts out on branches of the trees. Robins, finches, sparrows, and warblers are some of the common examples of these bird species.
2. Raptors
Eagle
Raptors are majestic hunters when it comes to preying with total class. They are really something!
And once they put their eyes on prey, it is quite impossible that they will miss it. Besides, how could they?
They come with an awesome combination of excellent eyesight, sharp beaks, and powerful talons to make every prey a successful one. Eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls are some of the bird species that fall under the raptors.
3. Waterbirds
Flamingo
As the name goes by, the waterbirds are one of the best swimmers and divers who really know how to adapt to life both in the land and the water world.
No wonder they come with such webbed feet that make their movement so much easier and convenient under the water. Some examples of waterbirds include flamingos, swans, mallards, and herons.
4. Flightless Birds
Penguins
They are the birds who cannot fly in the air spreading their wings wide open. Instead, they are the special ones who have made a strong presence in the terrestrial and aquatic world.
From moving gracefully to taking a dive into the ocean – they are one of a kind. Ostrich, penguins are some of the great bird species that fall under the flightless birds.
5. Pigeons and Doves
Pigeons
This bird species are the most gentle and peaceful creatures that you will come across. In fact, their mere presence is enough to bring a sense of calmness to the crowded environment.
Plus, they have a noteworthy ability to navigate to the farthest place and still find their way back to the nests. This was one of the popular reasons why the ancient people used these birds as valuable messengers to transport messages.
6. Parrots
Parrots
Parrots are always known for their colorful plumage, playful nature, and phenomenal mimicry skills. From being able to imitate human speech to making a wide range of noises – they really know how to become the center of attraction. Some examples of parrots include colorful macaws, cockatoos, African greys, etc.
7. Hummingbirds
Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are tiny avian gems who may look small but in reality, come with an extraordinary flying ability – leaving everyone in complete awe. Plus, as they feed on nectar and insects, their energy is also something that is hard to match.
8. Woodpeckers
Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are the masters of crashing who tends to use their beaks for almost everything. Whether be it searching for food or maybe communicating with other woodpeckers – they conduct everything using their strong beaks. Moreover, they have a unique skull structure with cushioning layers of bone and cartilage – offering protection to their brains, no matter the force!
9. Toucans
Toucan
These bird species are mostly known for their oversized and vibrant bills using which they can reach fruits on branches with total class. They love to feed on a variety of fruits, insects, and small reptiles. And the list of toucans includes green-billed toucan, keel-billed toucan, choco toucan, green aracari, etc.
10. Owls
Owl
Owls are nocturnal hunters who are captivating human beings from generation to generation with their unique haunting calls and enigmatic nature. From having sharp talons o powerful beaks and taking part in silent flight – they are undoubtedly one of the wisest and most mysterious creatures of the entire bird species.
11. Ostriches
Ostrich
Popularly known for their powerful long legs, kicks, and enormous eggs – these birds are the largest living species of the birds. They are usually found roaming around in the open savannahs and arid regions of the African continent.
These bird species feed on a variety of plants and seeds and have a unique digestive system that lets them extract moisture from their food in the most efficient way possible.
12. Gamebirds
Pheasant
From having sturdy legs for running or flying short distances and taking flight quickly to a safe place without getting the slightest hints of dangers – they are really the gamebirds who know to deal with varied situations. Pheasants, grouse, chickens, turkeys, quails, and wild turkeys are some of the common examples of gamebirds.
List of Birds
Chicken Bald Eagle Peregrine Falcon Emu Harpy Eagle Golden Eagle Osprey Shoebill House Sparrow Common Raven Blue Jay Mallard Budgerigar American Robin Mourning Dove Canada Goose Common Blackbird Emperor Penguin Ostrich Pileated Woodpecker Red-tailed Hawk Great Horned Owl Northern Cardinal Great Tit European Robin Common Starling Cockatiel Turkey Vulture Kakapo Barn Owl Muscovy Duck Northern Flicker Indian Peafowl Ortolan Bunting Sandhill Crane Nightingale Wild Turkey Domestic Pigeon Red-winged Blackbird California Condor Great Blue Heron Andean Condor European Goldfinch Snowy Owl Rainbow Lorikeet Northern Mockingbird Philippine Eagle Bee Hummingbird Barred Owl Common Buzzard Common Cuckoo Bearded Vulture Red Junglefowl Carolina Wren Spix’s Macaw Barn Swallow Eurasian Magpie American Goldfinch Eurasian Eagle-owl Blue-footed Booby Rose-ringed Parakeet Rock Dove Tufted Titmouse Baltimore Oriole Australian Magpie Cooper’s Hawk Common Chaffinch House Finch Killdeer Common Grackle Common Pheasant Hyacinth Macaw Wandering Albatross Mute Swan Common Myna White-tailed Eagle American Crow Kea Black-capped Chickadee Red Kite Asian Koel Great Spotted Woodpecker Mandarin Duck Rose-breasted Grosbeak Great Egret Eurasian Blue Tit Black Swan Cedar Waxwing Ivory-billed Woodpecker Steller’s Sea Eagle Western Jackdaw Secretarybird Song Thrush Common Quail Eastern Whip-poor-will Common Wood Pigeon Eurasian Blackcap Atlantic Puffin Red-bellied Woodpecker Eurasian Sparrowhawk White Stork Little Blue Penguin Adélie Penguin Scarlet Macaw Wood Duck Gyrfalcon Grey Heron Wedge-tailed Eagle Eastern Bluebird Gray Catbird Common Kestrel Eurasian Collared Dove Steller’s Jay Downy Woodpecker Brown Thrasher Black Vulture Red-shouldered Hawk Great Indian Bustard American Kestrel Burrowing Owl Purple Martin Merlin African Penguin Common Swift Red-headed Woodpecker Carrion Crow Eurasian Wren House Wren Domestic Duck Chukar Patridge Brown-headed Cowbird Scarlet Tanager Whooping Crane Greater Flamingo Common Chiffchaff Dunnock Common Kingfisher Domestic Turkey Laughing Kookaburra Domestic Canary Monk Parakeet King Penguin Common Loon Southern Cassowary Black Kite Anna’s Hummingbird Tawny Owl Blue-and-gold Macaw Tawny Frogmouth Arctic Tern
Chicken Bald Eagle Peregrine Falcon Emu Harpy Eagle Golden Eagle Osprey Shoebill House Sparrow Common Raven Blue Jay Mallard Budgerigar American Robin Mourning Dove Canada Goose Common Blackbird Emperor Penguin Ostrich Pileated Woodpecker Red-tailed Hawk Great Horned Owl Northern Cardinal Great Tit European Robin Common Starling Cockatiel Turkey Vulture Kakapo Barn Owl Muscovy Duck Northern Flicker Indian Peafowl Ortolan Bunting Sandhill Crane Nightingale Wild Turkey Domestic Pigeon Red-winged Blackbird California Condor Great Blue Heron Andean Condor European Goldfinch Snowy Owl Rainbow Lorikeet Northern Mockingbird Philippine Eagle Bee Hummingbird Barred Owl Common Buzzard Common Cuckoo Bearded Vulture Red Junglefowl Carolina Wren Spix’s Macaw Barn Swallow Eurasian Magpie American Goldfinch Eurasian Eagle-owl Blue-footed Booby Rose-ringed Parakeet Rock Dove Tufted Titmouse Baltimore Oriole Australian Magpie Cooper’s Hawk Common Chaffinch House Finch Killdeer Common Grackle Common Pheasant Hyacinth Macaw Wandering Albatross Mute Swan Common Myna White-tailed Eagle American Crow Kea Black-capped Chickadee Red Kite Asian Koel Great Spotted Woodpecker Mandarin Duck Rose-breasted Grosbeak Great Egret Eurasian Blue Tit Black Swan Cedar Waxwing Ivory-billed Woodpecker Steller’s Sea Eagle Western Jackdaw Secretarybird Song Thrush Common Quail Eastern Whip-poor-will Common Wood Pigeon Eurasian Blackcap Atlantic Puffin Red-bellied Woodpecker Eurasian Sparrowhawk White Stork Little Blue Penguin Adélie Penguin Scarlet Macaw Wood Duck Gyrfalcon Grey Heron Wedge-tailed Eagle Eastern Bluebird Gray Catbird Common Kestrel Eurasian Collared Dove Steller’s Jay Downy Woodpecker Brown Thrasher Black Vulture Red-shouldered Hawk Great Indian Bustard American Kestrel Burrowing Owl Purple Martin Merlin African Penguin Common Swift Red-headed Woodpecker Carrion Crow Eurasian Wren House Wren Domestic Duck Chukar Patridge Brown-headed Cowbird Scarlet Tanager Whooping Crane Greater Flamingo Common Chiffchaff Dunnock Common Kingfisher Domestic Turkey Laughing Kookaburra Domestic Canary Monk Parakeet King Penguin Common Loon Southern Cassowary Black Kite Anna’s Hummingbird Tawny Owl Blue-and-gold Macaw Tawny Frogmouth Arctic Tern Trumpeter Swan Dark-eyed Junco Galah Gouldian Finch Great Hornbill Carolina Parakeet Ruby-throated Hummingbird Anhinga Cattle Egret Goldcrest Sharp-shinned Hawk Snow Goose Song Sparrow Egyptian Goose Hoatzin Painted Bunting Nicobar Pigeon Gentoo Penguin Marabou Stork Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Greylag Goose Red-crowned Crane Ruffed Grouse Belted Kingfisher American Flamingo Harris’s Hawk Griffon Vulture Green-cheeked Parakeet Golden Pheasant Sarus Crane American Coot Common Merganser Wood Stork Macaroni Penguin Little Owl Gray Jay Resplendent Quetzal Northern Bobwhite Brown Pelican Zebra Finch Australian Raven California Quail Chimney Swift Northern Saw-whet Owl Eastern Screech Owl Helmeted Guineafowl Mountain Bluebird Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-bellied Sapsucker White-bellied Sea Eagle Hawaiian Goose Great Cormorant Roseate Spoonbill American White Pelican Australian White Ibis House Crow Rufous Hummingbird Swallow-tailed Kite Long-eared Owl White Cockatoo Eastern Phoebe Eurasian Hoopoe Red-vented Bulbul Northern Harrier Double-crested Cormorant Green Heron Green Peafowl Carolina Chickadee Great White Pelican Toco Toucan White Wagtail Alpine Chough Willow Warbler Broad-winged Hawk Barnacle Goose Chipping Sparrow Pine Siskin Common Nighthawk Siberian Crane Lake Duck Great Bustard Little Egret Noisy Miner Galápagos Penguin Ocellated Turkey Great-tailed Grackle Red-whiskered Bulbul Hairy Woodpecker Tree Swallow European Green Woodpecker Hooded Merganser Purple Finch European Honey Buzzard Egyptian Vulture Black-headed Gull Red-eyed Vireo Indian Roller Grey Crowned Crane Himalayan Monal Scarlet Ibis Martial Eagle African Fish Eagle Great Potoo Pied Crow Cinereous Vulture American Woodcock Whooper Swan Mississippi Kite Western Tanager White-throated Sparrow Australian Brushturkey Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Red Avadavat Bar-headed Goose Tui Eurasian Coot Rüppell’s Vulture Red-breasted Nuthatch Little Auk Brahminy Kite Western Scrub-jay Crested Caracara King Vulture Western Meadowlark Northern Gannet Eastern Imperial Eagle Great Black-backed Gull Vermilion Flycatcher Eurasian Nuthatch Fieldfare Hawaiian Crow Ferruginous Hawk Grey Partridge Loggerhead Shrike Yellow-billed Cuckoo Palm Cockatoo Dalmatian Pelican Congo Peafowl Snowy Egret Oriental Magpie-robin Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Hooded Pitohui Rosy-faced Lovebird Japanese Quail Short-eared Owl Common Eider Summer Tanager Greater Prairie Chicken African Sacred Ibis Masked Lapwing Magellanic Penguin Spotted Dove Water Pipit Great Crested Grebe American Black Duck Mistle Thrush Common Redstart Common Hill Myna Greater Rhea Common Linnet Common Tailorbird Golden Oriole Northern Pintail Piping Plover Spotted Owl Swainson’s Hawk Ring-necked Dove Northern Lapwing White-crowned Sparrow Common Moorhen Tundra Swan Hadada Ibis Spotted Towhee Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Humboldt Penguin Willow Ptarmigan Bewick’s Wren Brown Booby Bohemian Waxwing Northern Hawk-owl Baya Weaver Shikra Houbara Bustard Laughing Dove Chinstrap Penguin Great Crested Flycatcher Northern Shoveler Veery Acorn Woodpecker Black-bellied Whistling Duck Black-chinned Hummingbird Western Bluebird Sri Lankan Junglefowl White-winged Dove Hermit Thrush Gadwall Kori Bustard Jacobin Cuckoo Black Drongo Crested Honey Buzzard Fischer’s Lovebird Grey Junglefowl Chuck-will’s-widow Lilac-breasted Roller Grey Francolin Glossy Ibis Yellow-breasted Chat Saker Falcon Somali Ostrich Superb Fairywren Eastern Kingbird Black Redstart Eurasian Hobby Black Phoebe Himalayan Vulture Eurasian Teal Australian King Parrot Steppe Eagle Powerful Owl Black Grouse Red-footed Booby European Storm Petrel Red-wattled Lapwing Greater Sage Grouse Hen Harrier Magnificent Frigatebird Willie Wagtail Brant Ruddy Duck Little Blue Heron Scaly-breasted Munia Java Sparrow White-tailed Kite South Island Takahē Magpie-lark Black-headed Grosbeak Eastern Rosella White-headed Vulture Long-wattled Umbrellabird Common Goldeneye American Bittern Keel-billed Toucan Elf Owl Rainbow Pitta Ruby-crowned Kinglet White-throated Kingfisher Yellow Warbler Yellow-crowned Night Heron Amur Falcon Goliath Heron Common Murre Razorbill Siberian Jay White-browed Tit-warbler Demoiselle Crane Evening Grosbeak Horned Lark Bar-tailed Godwit Canvasback Alagoas Curassow Pine Grosbeak Bobolink Gambel’s Quail Eurasian Siskin European Bee-eater Brown Creeper Indian Paradise Flycatcher Ovenbird Black Eagle Great Skua Green Pheasant Eurasian Treecreeper Rhinoceros Hornbill Greater White-fronted Goose Bearded Reedling White-throated Needletail Common Tern Bonelli’s Eagle Black Currawong Guam Kingfisher Tufted Puffin Corn Crake Swan Goose Common Whitethroat Jungle Babbler Tufted Duck Yellow-crested Cockatoo Hamerkop American Redstart Australian Pelican Lesser Goldfinch Crested Pigeon Weka Blue-winged Teal Eurasian Wigeon Garden Warbler Yellow-footed Green Pigeon St. Croix Macaw Domestic Muscovy Duck Fish Crow Harlequin Duck Morepork Redwing Black-winged Kite Southern Royal Albatross Bullock’s Oriole Band-tailed Pigeon Ruddy Shelduck Gang-gang Cockatoo Prairie Falcon Plum-headed Parakeet White-backed Vulture Greater Scaup Cackling Goose Red-crested Cardinal Common Snipe Bateleur Papuan Eagle Thick-billed Raven Common Yellowthroat Black Stork Yellow-rumped Warbler Spruce Grouse Great Grey Shrike Pied-billed Grebe Pied Currawong Red Grouse Jabiru Imperial Woodpecker Eastern Wood Pewee Common Ground Dove Grey Wagtail Pied Butcherbird Lesser Flamingo Rufous Treepie Inaccessible Island Rail Brambling Shaheen Falcon Blood Pheasant African Jacana Red-breasted Merganser Cliff Flycatcher Dusky Seaside Sparrow Pink-headed Duck Common Redpoll Green Bee-eater Daurian Redstart Black-winged Stilt Western Yellow Wagtail King Eider Redhead Yellow-headed Blackbird Green-winged Macaw Coppersmith Barbet Indian Grey Hornbill Red-crested Turaco White-tailed Tropicbird Booted Eagle Boreal Owl Red Crossbill Brogla Red Knot Stock Dove Snow Bunting Little Grebe Australian Ringneck New Zealand Kaka Lappet-faced Vulture Golden-crowned Kinglet Common Gull Australasian Swamphen Dickcissel Blue-throated Macaw Laysan Albatross Eurasian Oystercatcher Blue Grosbeak Edible-nest Swiftlet Purple Sunbird Spotted Flycatcher Northern Cassowary Black-necked Stilt Great Kiskadee American Bushtit Military Macaw Crimson Rosella Long-tailed Duck Garganey Common Gallinule Mountain Chickadee Southern Ground Hornbil Sanderling Swainson’s Thrush Orchard Oriole White-rumped Vulture Clark’s Nutcracker Heath Hen Egyptian Plover American Wigeon Yellow-eyed Penguin Bluethroat Lear’s Macaw Painted Stork Lanner Falcon Arabian Ostrich European Nightjar Red-legged Partridge White-breasted Waterhen Green Junglefowl Blue Crane Boreal Chickadee Red Wattlebird Eurasian Bittern Tawny Eagle Hooded Oriole Red-cockaded Woodpecker Large-billed Crow Glaucous Macaw Western Yellow Robin Pyrrhuloxia Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Warbling Vireo Victoria Crowned Pigeon Lesser Scaup Andean Cock-of-the-rock Sharp-tailed Grouse South Polar Skua Senegal Parrot Crested Ibis European Serin Red-throated Loon Superb Lyrebird Black-and-white Warbler Black Woodpecker Limpkin Chilean Flamingo Magpie Goose Red-billed Chough Changeable Hawk-eagle New Zealand Fantail Greater Adjutant Verreaux’s Eagle Socorro Dove Black-tailed Godwit Satin Bowerbird Black-billed Cuckoo Bengal Florican Northern Spotted Owl Bush Stone-curlew Marsh Wren Barbary Dove Indian Robin Hawfinch Zebra Dove Kererū Boat-tailed Grackle Yellow-headed Amazon Common Potoo New Caledonian Crow Red-billed Quelea Winter Wren Thrush Nightingale Lazuli Bunting Black Heron American Avocet Rosy Starling Ring-billed Gull Green-winged Teal Brewer’s Blackbird European Pied Flycatcher Calliope Hummingbird Pink Robin Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Rockhopper Penguin Olive-backed Sunbird Lesser Spotted Woodpecker White Bellbird Salmon-crested Cockatoo Giant Hummingbird Masked Booby Rough-legged Buzzard Splendid Fairywren Black Francolin Australian Boobook Varied Thrush Purple Heron Eastern Meadowlark Spur-winged Goose Indian Golden Oriole Eurasian Reed Warbler Meadow Pipit Greater Spotted Eagle Bali Myna James’s Flamingo Thick-billed Parrot Oilbird Northern Wheatear European Roller Dunlin Smew Sooty Tern Pygmy Falcon Pink-necked Green Pigeon Common Pochard Channel-billed Cuckoo Ring-necked Duck Great Green Macaw Welcome Swallow Red-headed Vulture Tricolored Heron Lark Bunting Eurasian Woodcock Ural Owl American Herring Gull Common Hawk-cuckoo King Quail Guam Rail Wilson’s Phalarope Horned Puffin Bananaquit Northern Bald Ibis Dwarf Cassowary Royal Penguin Willow Tit Black-legged Kittiwake Blue Finch Chestnut-backed Chickadee Sand Martin Northern Fulmar Florida Scrub-jay Common Firecrest Rock Wren White-necked Raven Vulturine Guineafowl Wood Warbler Ross’s Goose Eastern Barn Owl Crested Serpent Eagle American Oystercatcher Western Kingbird Alpine Swift Manx Shearwater Greater Bird-of-paradise Common Emerald Dove Eastern Osprey Eurasian Curlew Indian Eagle-owl Hooded Vulture Common Reed Bunting Black-naped Oriole Pine Warbler Glossy Black Cockatoo Eskimo Curlew Purple-rumped Sunbird Black-necked Crane Lesser Black-backed Gull Northern Parula Rufous Hornero Kalij Pheasant Verreaux’s Eagle-owl Red-backed Shrike African Harrier-hawk Cinnamon Teal Black-hooded Oriole Blue-faced Honeyeater Chihuahuan Raven Marsh Tit Violet-green Swallow Western Marsh Harrier Common Sandpiper Forest Owlet Black Skimmer European Stonechat Black-browed Albatross Lesser Whitethroat Spanish Imperial Eagle White-eyed Vireo Australian Wood Duck Night Parrot Northern Shrike Black-throated Magpie-jay Black-necked Stork Allen’s Hummingbird Eurasian Scops Owl Grey Go-away-bird Ruddy Turnstone Lesser Kestrel Pacific Koel Red-necked Grebe Sedge Warbler Red-crowned Amazon Least Bittern Great Auk Parasitic Jaeger Pin-tailed Whydah Flightless Cormorant Surf Scoter Great Frigatebird Laughing Gull Common Poorwill Yellow Canary Reddish Egret Pink Pigeon White-rumped Shama Pied Kingfisher Western Tragopan Pomarine Jaeger Sora White-throated Dipper European Shag Kagu Horned Grebe Common Shelduck Yellow-collared Lovebird Helmeted Hornbill Red Owl Purple Gallinule Society Finch Yellow-billed Magpie Prothonotary Warbler Luzon Bleeding-heart Raggiana Bird-of-paradise Western Screech Owl Cape Barren Goose Red-billed Oxpecker Torresian Crow Indian Spotted Eagle Pacific Black Duck White-winged Chough Australian Bustard California Towhee Swamp Harrier Southern Giant Petrel Warbling White-eye Pueo Eurasian Spoonbill Greater Honeyguide California Gull Silvereye Northern Brown Kiwi Say’s Phoebe Snowy Plover Oriental Pied Hornbill Striated Heron Andean Flamingo Fiordland Penguin Pink-footed Goose Northern Rough-winged Swallow Caspian Tern Rufous-bellied Thrush Gila Woodpecker Pacific Parrotlet European Golden Plover Red-rumped Parrot Indian Pitta Lewis’s Woodpecker Western Grebe Montagu’s Harrier American Tree Sparrow Indian Jungle Crow Silver Pheasant Nanday Parakeet Red-shouldered Macaw Malleefowl Greater Lophorina Black-throated Loon Asian Openbill Ornate Hawk-eagle Lesser Roadrunner Yello-naped Amazon Snow Petrel Common Redshank White Tern Thick-billed Murre Little Corella Wilson’s Snipe Eurasian Wryneck Coscoroba Swan Vampire Ground Finch Bermuda Petrel Red-billed Tropicbird New Zealand Falcon Short-toed Snake Eagle Silver Gull Savannah Sparrow Blue-winged Kookaburra Black-headed Ibis Turquoise-fronted Amazon Pied Avocet Black-backed Woodpecker Oriental Magpie Brown Quail Red-crested Pochard Maleo North African Ostrich Field Sparrow Black-throated Blue Warbler Fox Sparrow Darwin’s Rhea Jerdon’s Courser Red-vented Cockatoo Sacred Kingfisher Inca Dove Broad-tailed Hummingbird Indian Pond Heron Rainbow Bee-eater Pacific Golden Plover Orange-bellied Parrot Spotted Thick-knee Black-necked Swan Black-shouldered Kite Yellow-throated Vireo Tasmanian Emu Saddle-billed Stork American Dipper Black-necked Grebe Kirtland’s Warbler Southern Crested Caracara Little Eagle Diamond Dove Yellow-vented Bulbul Swift Parrot Green Parakeet Spoon-billed Sandpiper Sooty Shearwater Mountain Hawk-eagle Black Scoter American Black Swift Hazel Grouse Puerto Rican Amazon Common Rosefinch Great Argus Turquoise-browed Motmot Brown-headed Nuthatch Great Spotted Kiwi Azure-winged Magpie Palm-nut Vulture Lesser Whistling Duck Brown Snake Eagle Crested Eagle Western Swamphen Barrow’s Goldeneye Snail Kite Yellow-legged Gull Intermediate Egret Little Crow Spotted Owlet Northwestern Crow Sociable Weaver Black Crowned Crane Spot-billed Pelican Virginia Rail Sword-billed Hummingbird Taiwan Blue Magpie Indian Cuckoo Blue Duck Chestnut-fronted Macaw Long-billed Curlew Eleonora’s Falcon Reeves’s Pheasant Lesser Spotted Eagle Little Bittern Shiny Cowbird Black Guillemot Sedge Wren Fulvous Whistling Duck Cape Vulture Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-paradise Water Rail Southern Lapwing Pacific Loon White-tailed Hawk Grey Butcherbird White-tailed Ptarmigan Dusky Grouse Blyth’s Tragopan Red-tailed Tropicbird Northern White-faced Owl Groove-billed Ani Blue-headed Vireo Little Spotted Kiwi Sri Lanka Frogmouth Pale-headed Rosella Golden Parakeet Orange-crowned Warbler Goffin’s Cockatoo Barbary Falcon Guianan Cock-of-the-rock Cuban Trogon Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise European Crested Tit Pinyon Jay Bourke’s Parrot Japanese Bush Warbler Short-tailed Shearwater Great Reed Warbler Costa’s Hummingbird Grandala Australasian Gannet Mountain Quail Oak Titmouse Upland Sandpiper Eurasian Whimbrel Common Ringed Plover Neotropic Cormorant Grey-headed Albatross Marbled Murrelet Tasmanian Nativehen Augur Buzzard Javan Myna Red-billed Streamertail Grasshopper Sparrow Townsend’s Solitaire Black Robin Xeme Least Tern Short-tailed Albatross Long-billed Corella Himalayan Quail White-faced Ibis Cassin’s Finch Eastern Whipbird Jandaya Parakeet Phainopepla Imperial Amazon Barred Parakeet Curve-billed Thrasher Black-rumped Flameback Spotted Eagle-owl Tree Pipit Hawaiian Duck Corn Bunting Yellow-crowned Amazon Mottled Duck Willet Palestine Sunbird Lesser Adjutant Golden-crowned Sparrow Wilson’s Warbler Indian White-eye Brown Shrike Malabar Grey Hornbill Kelp Gull Oriental Turtle Dove Hooded Warbler Whinchat Zone-tailed Hawk Western Reef Heron Iberian Magpie
Some of the threats posed to the birds are man-made, which is really disappointing. Because as a valuable part of our environment, it falls upon our shoulders to create a sustaining and peaceful environment for them, rather than becoming their very reasons of threats.
These are some of the common threats that the entire birds populations are currently facing:
Habitat Loss
As we know, birds need specific environments to thrive and survive in nature. But if we cannot protect their homes and destroys their little paradise abode by our very hands, then how will they even survive?
Urbanization or deforestation, no matter what you say, we are certainly messing with the lives of these peaceful creatures of nature. For example, how will you feel if you see your house has been completely demolished while coming back from work?
Cannot imagine, right? The same goes for these little fellows as well.
Agriculture
Though it’s essential that we increase our cultivation to feed our growing population, we are directly or indirectly affecting the lives of our avian buddies.
As you can see, every kind of modern agricultural practice involves clearing out large spaces, using various kinds of pesticides, herbicides, etc.
All these things, together, can play a negative impact on the entire bird population. From losing their nesting sites to losing their only sources of food or maybe falling victim to the toxic chemical used on the crops – it can be anything!
Invasive Species
The invasive species are like the uninvited neighbors who tend to show up in your house anytime and create trouble.
As a result, whenever these intruders take over, they ultimately mess up the balance of the ecosystem – posing a threat to our little fellows. From destroying their habitat to eating their eggs – the destruction is massive!
Hunting and Trapping
Although it is considered illegal to hunt and trap down birds, there are still several people who love to target birds just for fun. Much like killing someone innocent and unarmed!
This is one of the important areas that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will be really hard to save our precious buddies!
Climate Changes
This is a complete game-changer that had a drastic impact on all kinds of living beings. And as the temperature rises, more and more birds are finding themselves in a troubled world – with no hope for rescue!
After all, they are totally dependent on specific conditions for survival.
Other Threats
Each year, we hear several news about birds dying from getting electrocuted, banging on the windows, etc. Plus, the increasing pollution is also harming their overall growth and development.
Conservation of Birds
Several organizations, both government and private, are coming forward and working tother to save these wonderful creatures. After all, it has currently become a do-or-die situation. And the more you delay in taking action, the more danger you put them in.
Here are some of the noteworthy conservative techniques that are being taken in response to saving these avian species:
Captive Breeding
Also known as ex-situ conservation, this breeding mainly involves breeding the birds in captivity and offering a safety net for the endangered species. And when they will be all grown up and ready to go
into the wild, they will be released there to increase their struggling populations like a savior. After all, everyone deserves a second chance, especially when it comes to living.
Reintroduction and Translocations
Due to the increasing habitat destruction and other threats, gradually the birds are getting reduced in numbers. That’s where the conservationists came up with this idea!
Reintroductions and translocations are like those bumpy road trips following which the birds finally get to return to their natural habitats.
With the help of the reintroduction and translocation, the Hawaiian geese (nene) have increased from only 30 to now more than 500.
Talk about being a success!
Habitat Protection
Just as much as we need our homes, similarly, our avian friends also need their own house to survive properly.
That’s why, to handle the situation, conservation organizations and government agencies are working hand in hand to protect the natural habitats of the birds. Whether be it passing legislation laws or setting
aside land – it can be anything. Here, the ultimate goal is to protect the natural habitats of the endangered species.
There are no specific round figures on the lifespan of the birds, instead, it varies from species to species. And thus can live anywhere from a few years to several decades. For instance, some parrots can even live more than human companions.
What do Birds Eat?
Birds love to eat and try out various kinds of food. From seeds to fruits, insects, nectars, fishes, and even small animals – the list goes on. In other words, they are the foodies of the skies.
How High Can Birds Fly?
Birds are the true aviators who nerve forest to impress us with their graceful flying. From the low-flying flowers to the high-altitude professional – they can go beyond 20,000 feet and more, varying from species to species.
What Birds Can’t Fly?
Penguins, ostriches, and emus are some of the remarkable examples of the flightless birds who cannot fly.
Wrapping Up
Birds will always hold a special place in our hearts as being one of the greatest blessings of nature. From remarkable adaptations to graceful evolutionary journeys – they are certainly one of a kind!
And their presence itself is enough to bring joy to our life.
So, the next time you hear the melodious song of a bird or get to catch a glimpse of them, make sure to admire the moment. It’s something you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
Be their peace and friend, not the root cause of their destruction!
