Birds have captivated humans with their beauty and intricate behavior for centuries. One of the most fascinating aspects of avian life is the way they gather and move together in flocks.
While flocks are seen in various bird species, the formation and behavior of each group are unique. Flocks serve various purposes for birds, including safety, hunting efficiency, and communication.
This article will delve into the world of bird flocks and explore the intricacies of how and why they congregate.
1. Cranes

Cranes are majestic birds that can be found on most continents except Antarctica and South America. They are in the Gruiformes group of birds and belong to the family Gruidae.
Cranes have long legs, and long necks, and stand out from other birds due to their impressive size.
When they fly, they do so with their necks outstretched rather than pulled back like many other similar-looking species like herons.
There are fifteen species of cranes that are divided into three genera: Antigone, Balearica, and Grus.
They are a sight to behold and are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to observe them in their natural habitat.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gruiformes |
Superfamily | Gruoidea |
Family | GruidaeVigors, 1825 |
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2. Coots

Coots are members of the rail family, Rallidae. They have black plumage and can often be seen swimming in open water.
Quite distinct from their close relatives - moorhens - coots appear dumpier and lack a red frontal shield on their forehead.
These birds reach an average length between 11 to 17 inches with wingspans ranging from 20-27 inches wide; they weigh up to 2 pounds when fully grown.
Coots feed mainly on plant material such as seeds, buds, fruits and leaves but will also eat small aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans or insects if available.
The nest is built by both parents using vegetation that has been collected at the edge of wetlands or ponds.
Which makes it difficult for predators to access them easily making them better protected than other species of bird nests found near water sources.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gruiformes |
Family | Rallidae |
Genus | Fulica Linnaeus, 1758 |
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3. Landfowl

Landfowl birds belong to the Galliformes order, which includes turkeys, chickens, quail, and other ground-feeding species. These birds are essential in their environments as seed dispersers and predators.
Humans have found various uses for them such as raising them for meat or egg production or hunting them down for sports purposes. Landfowl inhabit almost all continents worldwide except Antarctica.
With around 290 different species of landfowl recorded so far, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from small quails to large gamebirds like turkey vultures.
Their diet consists mainly of plant seeds but they also supplement it with bugs and worms depending on availability within their habitat range.
To protect these beneficial creatures people should take care not to overhunt or destroy their living habitats as this can result in drastic population declines that may ultimately lead to extinction if no action is taken soon enough.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Pangalliformes |
Order | Galliformes Temminck, 1820 |
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4. American robin

The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.
It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.
This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.
They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.
Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Turdus |
Species | T. migratorius |
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5. Songbirds

Songbirds are a special suborder of perching birds found all over the world. These beautiful creatures have intricate vocal organs that allow them to produce elaborate bird songs, making them stand out from other species.
With around 5,000 different types of songbird in existence, they come in various sizes and colors with complex feathers adding to their beauty.
Songbirds play an important role in eco-systems as they help disperse seeds by eating fruit and insects which act as agents for pollination.
Their presence also serves to attract more biodiversity into areas where these delicate animals live, creating vibrant habitats full of life.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Clade | Eupasseres |
Suborder | Passeri Linnaeus, 1758 |
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6. Common starling

The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and in certain times of year it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which provides protection against predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sturnidae |
Genus | Sturnus |
Species | S. vulgaris |
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7. Red-winged blackbird

The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.
Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.
It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.
For food they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.
They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable "conk-la-ree" call can be heard echoing across the sky.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Agelaius |
Species | A. phoeniceus |
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8. Common grackle

The Common Grackle is a large icterid bird commonly found in North America. It has an iridescent head and pale yellow eyes, which are framed by its long dark bill and long tail.
Males typically have more vivid colors on their heads than females do. These birds can be seen across much of the continent, in fields, forests, wetlands - even urban areas.
They form huge flocks to search for food such as grains or insects that they catch with their bills.
The grackles may also scavenge from human sources like garbage dumps or picnic tables if available. With its colorful plumage and distinct call it's easy to spot this species amongst other birds.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Quiscalus |
Species | Q. quiscula |
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9. Northern lapwing

The Northern Lapwing is a beautiful bird found in temperate Eurosiberia. It has several names, such as Peewit or Pewit, Tuit, Green Plover and Pyewipe - all of which describe its unique call that resembles the sound of "peee-wit."
During winter months it migrates to places like North Africa, India and parts of China.
The adult lapwings are mainly black and white with crest on their heads while juveniles have mottled brown feathers.
They feed on insects which they catch by making a short flight from the ground then hovering briefly before diving back down again.
Their long red legs make them stand out amongst other birds when they walk around looking for food.
A lovely sight.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Charadriidae |
Genus | Vanellus |
Species | V. vanellus |
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10. Common blackbird

The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush with the scientific name Turdus merula. Found in Europe, Asiatic Russia and North Africa it has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
The male bird has glossy black plumage while the female's coloration is more brownish gray.
It is known for its melodious song that can be heard throughout much of the year; typically they are seen alone or in pairs but occasionally form large flocks when food sources become available or during migration periods.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, worms, berries and other fruits as well as some human-provided foods such as bread crumbs or garbage scraps when available.
With its wide distribution range along with ease of adaptation to different habitats this species will likely remain one our most common birds around us.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Turdus |
Species | T. merula |
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11. Starling

Starlings are small to medium-sized birds belonging to the Sturnidae family. They have a unique iridescent plumage, making them popularly known as glossy starlings in Africa and mynas in Asia.
Starlings inhabit Europe, Asia and Africa; some species even migrate between continents for food or better climates.
These birds form large flocks of up to thousands at a time during their migration periods, creating spectacular visual displays while they soar through the sky.
Besides being beautiful creatures, starlings can also imitate sounds such as human speech - an impressive feat that has been documented by many ornithologists over the years.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Suborder | Passeri |
Family | Sturnidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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12. Tit

Tit birds are small passerine birds belonging to the family Paridae, found mainly in Northern Hemisphere and Africa.
These active little birds can be seen singing sweet songs throughout the day or scavenging for food at feeders.
They have short, stout bills which they use to crack open seeds and nuts with ease. Tit species range from chickadees to titmice; all of them sport a distinctive black head cap that stands out against their pale grey bodies.
Their bright eyes allow them excellent vision while searching for food - even on gloomy days when other predators may not see as well.
Tits are an important part of any healthy ecosystem and provide many ecological services such as insect control and seed dispersal.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Infraorder | Passerida |
Family | Paridae Vigors, 1825 |
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13. Eurasian teal

The Eurasian teal, also known as the common teal or the Eurasian green-winged teal, is a small dabbling duck that inhabits temperate Europe and Asia.
It has an unmistakable blue-green colouring which gives it its name.
During winter months they migrate south in large flocks to areas with warmer climates where there is more food available for them to feed on.
The Eurasian Teals are highly social birds; they often congregate in groups of hundreds or even thousands during migration periods.
They mostly feed on aquatic vegetation such as grasses and weeds but will occasionally hunt insects too.
These ducks make beautiful sights when flying over lakes or streams, their wings producing a distinctive whistling sound while they glide across the sky.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Anseriformes |
Family | Anatidae |
Genus | Anas |
Species | A. crecca |
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14. Cormorants

Cormorants are a family of aquatic birds found around the world. They include 40 species, such as great cormorants and common shags.
In Britain, these two species are the most commonly seen in their natural habitats.
Cormorants have long necks, webbed feet and can be identified by their glossy black feathers which they use to help them swim through water with ease as they hunt for food like fish or crustaceans.
They have an impressive wingspan often reaching up to five feet across when fully extended.
Despite being strong swimmers, these birds also enjoy spending time perched on rocks near rivers or shorelines where they will preen themselves in order to keep clean and dry during cooler weather conditions
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Suliformes |
Family | Phalacrocoracidae Reichenbach, 1850 |
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15. Larks

Larks are small passerine birds that belong to the Alaudidae family. These birds have a cosmopolitan distribution and can be found in many different habitats, including dry regions.
The largest number of lark species is located in Africa, while only one species (horned lark) inhabits North America and another one (Horsfield's bush lark) lives in Australia.
These beautiful creatures usually appear during dawn or dusk as they sing their melodious songs high up into the sky.
Larks possess impressive flying skills which make them capable of reaching heights far above most other bird species.
Despite this skill, they prefer living close to the ground where there are plenty of seeds and insects for them to feed on.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Superfamily | Sylvioidea |
Family | Alaudidae Vigors, 1825 |
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16. Loons

Loons are an aquatic bird found in both North America and northern Eurasia. They can be identified by their size, which is similar to that of large ducks or small geese.
When swimming, loons resemble these birds in shape as well as movement.
Unlike other waterfowl however, they have pointed bills with serrated edges and feet set far back on their bodies; this makes them excellent swimmers but hinders the ability to walk on land properly.
Loons feed mainly on fish but also eat insects and crustaceans when available.
In addition to being a common sight around lakes during warmer months, many species migrate south for winter where they live near coastal waters until returning again in springtime.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gaviiformes |
Family | Gaviidae Coues, 1903[1] |
Genus | Gavia Forster, 1788 |
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17. Treecreepers

Treecreepers are small passerine birds found in wooded areas of the Northern Hemisphere and sub-Saharan Africa.
They have dull colored plumage, long curved bills, stiff tails and strong feet that help them to climb up tree trunks while searching for food such as insects and spiders.
The two genera Certhia and Salpornis include eleven species which can be identified by their distinct call - a high pitched 'tsee-tsit'.
Treecreepers build cup shaped nests on trees usually near the base or middle trunk using mosses, lichens, grasses with leaves inside them to provide insulation from cold temperatures.
These birds also use bark crevices during winter months when they shelter in groups together against extreme weather conditions.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Superfamily | Certhioidea |
Family | Certhiidae Leach, 1820 |
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18. Bowerbirds

Bowerbirds are a fascinating group of birds belonging to the Ptilonorhynchidae family. They have an incredible courtship display, where males build elaborate structures and decorate them with bright objects in order to attract a mate.
There are 27 species found within 8 genera, ranging from 22 cm (8.7 in) long Golden Bowerbird to larger passerines weighing up to 70 g.
Their diet consists mainly of fruit and insects as well as nectar on occasion depending upon their habitat range.
These beautiful creatures can be found inhabiting rainforests across Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia - all areas that boast lush vegetation for these birds' unique nesting requirements.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Clade | Eupasseres |
Suborder | Passeri |
Family | Ptilonorhynchidae GR Gray, 1841 |
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19. Greater Flamingos

The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is the most widespread species of flamingos and can be found in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
It has an unmistakable bright pink plumage that stands out against its white feathers. Its long legs are also a distinguishing feature as they reach up to 46 inches long.
The bill is curved downwards with a black tip at the end, which makes it easy for them to filter food from water sources like lakes or lagoons.
This diet mainly consists of small shrimp-like crustaceans called brine shrimp along with other aquatic insects and plants.
They also have salt glands on their tongues that help remove excess salt from ocean waters when they drink seawater as part of their regular diet.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
Family | Phoenicopteridae |
Genus | Phoenicopterus Linnaeus, 1758 |
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20. Frigatebird

Frigatebirds are a beautiful and mysterious family of seabirds, found in all tropical and subtropical oceans. The five extant species have glossy black plumage, long forked tails, and lengthy hooked bills.
During the breeding season males display a bright red gular pouch which they inflate to attract mates. Females have white underbellies year-round giving them an elegant contrast against their darker feathers.
They spend most of their lives soaring with minimal effort over warm ocean waters seeking food such as fish or squid taken from the surface or plucked out of midair by other birds.
Frigatebirds often nest on isolated islands due to lack of predators yet still manage to travel incredibly large distances between feeding grounds every day making them truly remarkable creatures.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Suliformes |
Family | Fregatidae Degland & Gerbe, 1867 |
Genus | Fregata Lacépède, 1799 |
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21. Red knot

The Red Knot is a medium-sized shorebird that inhabits tundra and Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe and Russia.
It belongs to the Calidris sandpipers family, being one of its largest members second only to the Great Knot.
This species has six subspecies recognized worldwide. During breeding season their diet consists mainly on arthropods and larvae; however they may also feed on other items such as molluscs or crustaceans according to availability during migration periods.
They are known for their long migratory journeys which can last up to 20 000 kilometers per year - from wintering grounds in South America all the way through North American coasts until reaching summer nesting sites across Northern Eurasia.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Genus | Calidris |
Species | C. canutus |
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22. Sandhill crane

Sandhill Cranes are a large species of crane native to North America and northeastern Siberia. They are known for their distinctive calls, long legs, and long necks.
These birds typically inhabit wetland areas like the Platte River in Nebraska's Sandhills on the Great Plains.
In Central Florida, they often gather at the edges of bodies of water such as lakes or rivers.
During breeding season, sandhill cranes can be seen performing elaborate courtship dances that involve bowing and jumping in unison with their partner.
Their diet consists mainly of plant material including grains, roots, tubers and aquatic plants which they obtain by pecking or digging into mudflats using their bill or feet respectively.
With an average lifespan between 10-20 years these majestic creatures make great additions to any wetland habitat.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gruiformes |
Family | Gruidae |
Genus | Antigone |
Species | A. canadensis |
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23. Rook

Rooks are a species of black-feathered birds found in the Palearctic region from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. They have distinctive white, featherless areas on their faces and nest communally in tall trees.
Rooks are social creatures that often forage together for food such as insects, earthworms, seeds and small animals like mice or frogs.
They also enjoy bathing regularly in shallow pools of water and dusting themselves off afterwards with dry soil or sand.
In addition to providing protection against parasites when nesting high up in the treetops, rooks will use communal roost sites during winter nights which can contain thousands of individuals all huddled close together.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Corvus |
Species | C. frugilegus |
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24. Snow bunting

The snow bunting is a small and colourful passerine bird found in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere.
With its bright white feathers, black markings on its wings and tail, it stands out amongst other birds that inhabit these cold climates.
This species has adapted well to surviving in this harsh environment; they nest under boulders or rocks so their eggs are shielded from predators and blizzards alike.
They feed mainly on insects during summer months but switch to seeds when winter arrives as they seek food sources which will not freeze over with ice.
The snow bunting is an important part of the local ecosystem due to providing sustenance for larger animals such as foxes and owls who rely upon them for survival throughout wintertime.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Calcariidae |
Genus | Plectrophenax |
Species | P. nivalis |
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25. Painted bunting

The Painted Bunting is an eye-catching bird from the Cardinal family, native to North America. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his eighteenth-century Systema Naturae.
The males of this species are particularly striking; they have brightly coloured plumage which only appears after their second year of life and can be distinguished from female birds through close inspection.
These colourful songbirds are a delight for any avid birder, with their vibrant hues bringing joy to nature lovers everywhere.
They often inhabit woodland areas where there is plenty of seed and insects available for them to feed on - as well as some shrubbery so that they can hide away safely when needed.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cardinalidae |
Genus | Passerina |
Species | P. ciris |
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26. Sternidae

Sternidae are a subgroup of the family Laridae, consisting of eleven genera. They have slender bodies with long forked tails and narrow wings. Their bills are long and their legs relatively short.
Most species display pale grey or white plumage above, while underneath they show black markings on the head along with varying shades of browns elsewhere on their body.
These seabirds can be found in coastal areas near oceans, rivers and wetlands worldwide but especially in North America where they feed primarily on small fish which they capture by swooping down from the air to snatch them up from below the surface.
They also supplement this diet with crustaceans such as crabs when available.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Laridae |
Subfamily | Sterninae Bonaparte, 1838 |
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27. Sapsucker

Sapsuckers are a genus of North American woodpeckers, scientifically known as Sphyrapicus. They got their name from their fondness for sap and fruit, which they use to feed on.
These birds have strong bills that help them drill into trees and access the sap inside. The bright colors of sapsuckers also make them an attractive sight in the wild.
Their habitats include forests, meadows and edges of wetlands where there is plenty of food available to sustain them through winter months when resources become scarce.
Though these birds can be seen all year round, they migrate during springtime in search of new sources for sustenance-making it easy to spot one flitting around if you're lucky.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Tribe | Melanerpini |
Genus | Sphyrapicus S.F. Baird, 1858 |
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28. Cowbirds

Cowbirds are a type of bird belonging to the genus Molothrus, in the family Icteridae. Native to North and South America, they lay their eggs in other species' nests as obligate brood parasites.
The name derives from Ancient Greek mōlos meaning "grinder", referring to its strong bill for crushing seeds. They vary greatly in size ranging from 7-20cm long with an average wingspan of 30 cm wide.
Their coloring is typically black or dark grey though some have brownish hues while others may be more brightly colored such as yellow or white on the head and chest area.
All cowbird species use vocalizations that can sound like human singing when they mate during mating season.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Molothrus Swainson, 1832 |
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29. Red-winged blackbirds

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a species of blackbird found throughout North and South America.
This bird has distinctive red, yellow, and brown plumage on its wings which make it easily identifiable in the wild.
The male's bright colors are used for territorial display during breeding season when they gather together in large colonies to breed.
They feed mainly on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, flies as well as grains from fields or yards where available.
These birds also have a loud melodic call that can be heard over long distances; making them one of the most common songbirds across their range.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Agelaius Vieillot, 1816 |
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30. Sturnus

Sturnus is a type of bird commonly known as starlings. Taxonomists continue to debate which species should fall under the genus name, leading to a lack of consensus regarding its species composition.
Stretching across Eurasia, with one introduced species, the European or common starling, they are a widely dispersed bird. The name of this genus derives from the Latin term for starling.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sturnidae |
Genus | Sturnus Linnaeus, 1758 |
31. Western jackdaw

The Western Jackdaw is a member of the crow family and is found throughout Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. While most populations are resident, some migrate south in the winter.
There are four subspecies, each with distinct plumage coloration. Despite being a common bird, the Western Jackdaw is a fascinating species known for its high intelligence and adaptability.
These birds have been observed using tools, working collaboratively to solve problems, and even recognizing individual human faces.
With their distinctive and varied calls, they are often heard before they are seen, chattering away in the trees or on rooftops.
Due to their remarkable intelligence and adaptability, the Western Jackdaw is widely regarded as a beloved symbol of wildlife in many cultures.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Coloeus |
Species | C. monedula |
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32. Godwit

The Godwit is a species of wading birds characterized by their long bill, legs, and migratory nature. They are known for their ability to probe deep into the sand in search of aquatic worms and mollusks.
During the winter, these birds flock together in places where food is abundant. They usually inhabit tidal shorelines and migrate south during winter.
In the summer, they breed in northern climates. The female Bar-tailed Godwit is one type of Godwit.
These birds are known for their remarkable endurance and can fly without stopping for up to 7,000 miles during migration.
The Godwit is a remarkable bird species that has adapted well to its environment and remains a delight to watch for bird enthusiasts.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Subfamily | Tringinae |
Genus | Limosa Brisson, 1760 |
33. Red-billed quelea

The Red-billed quelea is a migratory bird found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its small size, approximately 12cm long and 15-26g weight, makes it comparable to a sparrow.
It belongs to the weaver family, Ploceidae, and was named by Linnaeus in 1758, who thought it was a bunting.
Red-billed queleas are known for their bright red beaks and are sometimes called red-billed weavers or red-billed diochs.
These birds are a common agricultural pest, often destroying crops in large flocks. They travel in massive groups of up to several million birds, making them one of the most abundant bird species on the planet.
Despite their status as pests, they are still an important part of the African ecosystem, providing food for predators and are even used as a protein source for humans.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Ploceidae |
Genus | Quelea |
Species | Q. quelea |
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34. Phalaropes

Phalaropes, which belong to the Scolopacidae family, are slender-necked shorebirds. They are closely related to shanks, tattlers, sandpipers, turnstones, and calidrids.
These birds are known for their distinctive nesting behavior and feeding technique. They have a special ability to change the color of their feathers during breeding season.
Phalaropes feed by spinning around in the water to create a vortex that brings small organisms to the surface.
Moreover, they are remarkable for their long-distance migrations; some species travel from the Arctic to the Antarctic in less than a month.
Two species of Phalaropes, the red-necked phalarope, and the red phalarope, are known for their bright and colorful plumage during breeding season.
They are fascinating birds that continue to captivate bird enthusiasts worldwide.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Genus | Phalaropus Brisson, 1760 |
35. Plover

Plovers are a diverse group of wading birds, encompassing approximately 66 different species. They belong to the subfamily Charadriinae and are found in various regions of the world (excluding the Sahara).
Plovers are often referred to as "dotterel" and are closely related to lapwings, which consist of around 20 species.
These birds are known for their distinctive behavior patterns, including running instead of flying when threatened, and their unique breeding habits, such as nesting on beaches and exposed grasslands.
Plovers are considered a symbol of love and devotion in some cultures and have been featured in various mythological stories throughout history.
With their striking appearance and intriguing characteristics, plovers are a fascinating group of birds that continue to captivate researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Charadriidae |
Subfamily | Charadriinae Leach, 1820 |
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36. Woodcock

Woodcocks belong to the genus Scolopax and are a group of similar wading birds. They are named after their resemblance to snipes and woodcocks. The English name has been documented since the year 1050.
This genus includes seven or eight living species. Before 1800, the name Scolopax was used to describe a variety of waders. A group of woodcocks is referred to as a "fall," according to the Harleian Miscellany.
These birds have unique behavior where they use their long beaks to probe the ground for insects, earthworms or small animals. Woodcocks are found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, forests or wetlands.
They also have a distinctive flight pattern where they fly erratically and produce whistling or twittering sounds with their wings.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Genus | Scolopax Linnaeus, 1758 |
37. Crossbill

Crossbills are birds in the finch family, known for their crossed mandibles that aid in their unique feeding habit of extracting seeds from conifer cones.
They come in six different species, with variations in coloration between males and females. The males are typically orange or red, while females are typically green or yellow.
The distinct bill shape allows the birds to pry open conifer cones to access the seeds within. These birds are highly specialized feeders and are rare amongst avian species in this respect.
Despite their unusual physical features, the Crossbill is highly adapted to its niche environment and can be found throughout the world in coniferous forests. They are highly social birds and are often found in large flocks.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Subfamily | Carduelinae |
Genus | Loxia Linnaeus, 1758 |
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38. Kingbirds

Kingbirds are small passerine birds found in the Americas. They belong to the tyrant flycatcher family and are known for their aggressive behavior towards intruders in their breeding territories.
These birds prefer semi-open or open habitats and catch insects in flight from an exposed perch. They have distinctive features such as long pointed wings and large broad bills. The majority of the Tyrannus genus are called kingbirds.
Despite their small size, they are known for their fearless nature when it comes to defending their breeding territories.
Their ability to chase away much larger birds sets them apart from other birds. Kingbirds play an important role in the ecosystem as insectivores and contribute to the maintenance of the balance of their habitats.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Tyrannidae |
Genus | Tyrannus Lacépède, 1799 |
39. Opisthocomidae

The Opisthocomidae bird is a unique creature found in South America, specifically in the Amazon and Orinoco delta. It is the only bird species in the order Opisthocomiformes and belongs to the family Opisthocomidae.
The hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin, is the only living representative of this family. However, there have been several fossil species identified, including one from Europe and one from Africa.
The Opisthocomidae bird has a specialized digestive system that allows it to ferment food in its crop, giving it a distinct odor.
This bird is considered a folivore, meaning that its main diet consists of leaves. Despite being a unique and fascinating creature, the Opisthocomidae bird is at risk due to deforestation and habitat loss in its native regions.
Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of this species.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Passerea |
Order | Opisthocomiformes L'Herminier, 1837 |
Family | Opisthocomidae Swainson, 1837 |
40. Quelea

Quelea is a small bird that belongs to the weaver family Ploceidae and is found only in Africa. These birds are known for their sparrow- or finch-like appearance and have adapted bills for seed-eating.
Queleas are gregarious and often nomadic, covering vast ranges. The red-billed quelea is considered to be the most numerous bird species globally. Recent DNA-analysis has led to the identification of three species of Quelea.
Overall, Queleas are fascinating birds with unique features and a vital role in the ecosystem.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Ploceidae |
Genus | Quelea Reichenbach, 1850 |
41. Dusky-throated antshrike

The dusky-throated antshrike is a South American bird found in various countries including Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. It prefers to live in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
This species belongs to the Thamnophilidae family and was first described by Philip Sclater and Osbert Salvin in 1868.
With a dark-colored throat and body, it is easy to distinguish from other birds.
Despite being territorial, it is known to form pairs during the breeding season. This bird forages for insects and small invertebrates and is known for its sharp, distinctive call.
The dusky-throated antshrike plays an important role in forest ecosystems, as it helps control insect populations.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Thamnophilidae |
Genus | Thamnomanes |
Species | T. ardesiacus |
42. Red-crowned ant tanager

The red-crowned ant tanager is a tropical American bird of medium size. It belongs to the Habia genus, which was previously thought to be part of the tanagers but is now recognized as closer to the cardinals.
Despite this, the bird is still commonly referred to as an ant tanager. It has a distinctive red crown and a mainly black and white body. Its diet consists mainly of insects such as ants, which it hunts for in the foliage of trees.
They are found in forests, gardens, and parks throughout its range, which extends from Mexico to South America.
The species is considered of least concern in terms of conservation status, and its population is believed to be stable.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cardinalidae |
Genus | Habia |
Species | H. rubica |