Animals that are considered birds have specific characteristics that classify them as avian species. The 10 most well-known types of birds include common backyard birds and birds of prey. Understanding the names and features of the 10 main types of birds can help people identify and learn more about the feathered creatures they see in their yards or in the wild.
What Makes a Bird a Bird?
Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates (animals with backbones) that have wings, feathers, lay eggs, and have light but sturdy skeletons. All birds have feathers and wings, even if they do not fly. Other unique features of birds include:
- Hard-shelled eggs
- Skeletons adapted for flight
- Light but powerful beaks instead of teeth
- Excellent eyesight
- High metabolisms
- Hollow bones
- Four-chambered hearts
- No bladders
- Reproductive organs that combine with urinary and digestive tracts
There are around 10,000 species of birds worldwide. The scientific study of birds is called ornithology. Keep reading to learn about 10 common types of birds.
Backyard Birds
Many familiar bird species thrive in suburban backyards where they have access to feeders, nesting spots, and protection from predators. Here are 5 birds commonly seen in yards in North America:
1. American Robin
This familiar thrush has a reddish-orange breast and sings a string of clear whistles. Robins eat worms and insects in spring and summer. In fall and winter they switch over to eating berries.
2. Northern Cardinal
The bright crimson male cardinal with its crest and black face mask make it easy to identify. Females are light brown with some red highlights. Cardinals are non-migratory, staying put in their territories year-round.
3. Blue Jay
Noisy and strikingly patterned, Blue Jays have powder blue feathers on their backs and tails, white faces, and black necklaces across their throats. They eat spiders, insects, seeds, nuts, berries, small animals, and eggs stolen from other birds’ nests.
4. Black-capped Chickadee
This tiny acrobatic bird has a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray feathers. Chickadees chirp their familiar “chicka-dee-dee” call as they flit between branches. They primarily eat insects, seeds, and berries.
5. House Sparrow
House Sparrows are plump brownish birds with black streaks. Male House Sparrows have gray crowns, females are brown all over. This very common bird is considered an invasive pest in many areas.
Birds of Prey
Birds of prey, also called raptors, are carnivorous birds with sharp talons and curved beaks for hunting and eating small animals. Here are 5 common raptors of North America:
6. Bald Eagle
With its white head, white tail, and huge wingspan, the Bald Eagle is unmistakable as the national symbol of the United States. Bald Eagles eat mainly fish but also sometimes hunt ducks and other small animals.
7. Red-Tailed Hawk
These large raptors are the most common hawks in North America. Red-tailed hawks are brown above and light with dark streaks below. Their namesake rusty-colored tails are easy to spot when they hover and soar. They eat small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
8. Great Horned Owl
With distinctive ear tufts, large yellow eyes, and powerful talons, the Great Horned Owl is a classic owl. Most active at night, these predatory birds eat rabbits, hares, squirrels, and other small critters. Their deep hoots are a regular part of the nocturnal soundscape.
9. American Kestrel
This colorful small falcon has rusty barred markings and a bright white face with a black tear-drop eye stripe. Hovering in midair with fast wingbeats as they scan for prey in open country, kestrels are a delight to watch. They prey on insects, small rodents, reptiles, and birds.
10. Peregrine Falcon
With long, pointed wings and incredible speed when diving for prey, Peregrine Falcons are exciting to observe. These fierce hunters can reach over 200 miles per hour as they stoop toward birds in mid-flight. Peregrines nest on tall cliffs and urban skyscrapers.
Conclusion
Part of the adventure of birdwatching is the joy of discovery as you identify and learn about each species. Backyard birds, songbirds, birds of prey, waterfowl, tropical species…there are so many fascinating types of birds around the world. With over 10,000 kinds of birds on the planet, keep your eyes and ears open as you enjoy the beauty and diversity of the avian world.
Birds fill important roles in nature and provide endless entertainment for people. As you explore parks, wetlands, coasts, and your own neighborhood, see how many different birds you can recognize. Listen for their songs and calls. Marvel at their beauty in flight. Protect bird habitats and help foster an appreciation for our feathered friends.
