There are almost 10,000 species of birds in the world. These species have been classified or organized into groups of birds that have similar characteristics.
The Order Passeriformes, includes all songbirds. Passerines, or perching birds, are characterized by having four toes, three facing forward and one facing backward on each foot. These feet are specially adapted for perching. Over half of the species of birds in the world are passerines. Passerines have large brains in relation to their bodies and have superior learning capabilities.
Passerines are divided into family groups, including finches (Fringillidae), thrushes (Turdidae), and wood warblers (Parulidae). Family groups are made up of birds that have similarities such as bill shape. The classification is further narrowed into genus and then species. The classification names are all in Latin but birds also have common names that we are more familiar with, such as Common Redpoll, American Robin, and Yellow Warbler.
Generally male songbirds sing more than the females. They do this to establish breeding territories in the spring and to advertise they are looking for a mate. Both male and female songbirds have calls they use during the year to communicate with each other and other species.
People in the United States have noticed that there are fewer songbirds than there used to be. Scientists are studying songbirds to find out why and what we can do to help these wonderful creatures.
Classy Classifying
Bird Name Scramble
Name that Songbird Tune
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