Types of Birds | 40 Different Kinds of Birds | Orders of Bird Species (2024)

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 daytime), such as hawks, eagles, and ospreys. All these large birds have a sharp, hooked beak with visible nostrils.

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 bodies or freshwater ponds.

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 & Extinct Birds (Apterygiformes)

Hornbills & Hoopoes (Coraciiformes)

These types of birds were previously belonged to order Coraciiformes. However, now they are classified into a separate order of their own called Bucerotiformes. This order includes hornbills, hoopoes, and woodhoopoes. The prominent feature of all birds in this taxonomy is their large and hard bills.

Nightjars, Frogmouths & Oilbirds (Caprimulgiformes)

The next type of birds belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes. This group includes birds such as Nightjars (such as Great Eared Nightjar or Puerto Rican Nightjar), Frogmouths, and Oilbirds. These birds have large heads with large eyes and are mainly nocturnal. They primarily feed on insects.

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

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 their own order now. These monogamous birds are enormous and heavy, up to 55 kgs. Females are usually larger than males.

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, seawater shorelines, and sometimes near the ocean. Some examples of shorebirds include the Great auk, Crested Auklet, Horned Puffin, and African Jacana.

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 the most uncomplicated colors – grey, white, and black. Currently, 21 species of Ciconiiformes are seriously threatened.

Mousebirds (Coliiformes)

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, 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, 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 birds in the order are very vocal.

Kagus & Sunbitterns (Eurypygiformes)

Eurypygiformes order contains only a few species, and some of them are already extinct (Lowland kagu and Aptornis). The New Caledonian endemic kagu and sunbittern are two living species in the order. Both the kagu and the sunbittern have plumage with an intricate pattern.

Falcons (Falconiformes)

Birds in Falconiformes order are highly efficient predators – Falcons. 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.

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 walking & running than flying and predominantly feed on the ground.

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 & Rails (Gruiformes)

Gruiformes order contains very diverse birds, both in size and other features. The most important species of Gruiformes are cranes and quails, but there are 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 (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 (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 their time on land. Currently, all mesites are endangered.

Turacos & Plantain Eaters (Musophagiformes)

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 blue. These herbivorous Hoatzins have a crest on their heads that resembles a fan!

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 that place them apart, from appearance to behavior. Otidiformes birds prefer walking and running but can fly when frightened.

Perching Birds (Passeriformes)

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 on the coastline of freshwater basins and marine habitats. Many bird species in this order are critically endangered, and some are even extinct.

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: Red-billed, White-tailed, and Red-tailed. As the name suggests, these birds are usually found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Flamingos (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. Explore what do flamingos eat here.

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 Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Downy woodpecker, Northern flicker, Brown jacamar, and Moustached Puffbird.

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 & 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 examples of species in Procellariiformes.

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, white co*ckatoo, and Kakapo (endangered).

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 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 (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 27 types of penguins in the world, which includes the notable species such as Emperor penguin (largest), Galapagos penguin, and Gentoo penguin.

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 (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 & 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 in their own order – Suliformes. All Suliformes are marine species and spend much of the year far from land. Species in this order are diverse, and here are some examples: Adams Booby, Red-footed booby, Masked booby, and Australasian Gannet.

Tinamous (Tinamiformes)

Order Tinamiformes contains several families of chicken-like birds (tinamous) that live predominantly in neotropics. Tinamous can fly but prefers to stay on the ground. Tinamous have short wings and short tails. White-throated tinamou, Hooded tinamou, Barred tinamou, Chilean tinamou, and dwarf tinamou are some examples of species in this order.

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.