Ornithology Bird Orders

40 Bird orders + a bit about evolution giving Nz examples

Struthioniformes

Ostriches (Struthionidae) - Flightlessness (no keel on their sternum).
- Reduced wings
- Strong legs
- 2 toes
- Specialized feathers (soft, fluffy and lack the typical interlocking structure of flying birds)
- These are the longest living birds.

Rheiformes

Includes rheas; large, flightless birds native to South America, characterized by long legs and necks, and 3 toes.

Apterygiformes

Includes kiwi birds; flightless, nocturnal birds native to New Zealand, characterized by their long beaks and sensitive nostrils.

They have small wings, stubby bodies, and a keen sense of smell, which aids in foraging for insects and worms in the ground.

Casuariiformes

Includes cassowaries and emus; large, flightless birds known for their strong legs and distinctive casque on the head. They are native to Australia and New Guinea and are adapted for running. They have 3 toes and some poses casque on their heads for communication and display.

Tinamiformes

A group of ground-dwelling birds primarily found in Central and South America, known for their resemblance to chickens and flightless nature. Members include tinamous, which are notable for their unique reproductive behaviors.

Galliformes

Order of heavy-bodied ground-feeding birds that include chickens, turkeys, and quails. They are characterized by strong legs, short wings, and a preference for terrestrial habitats.

Anseriformes

Order of waterfowl that includes ducks, geese, and swans. They are adapted for swimming and are often found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Have a distinctive bill shape ( often broad and flattened) and extensive down feathers .

Caprimulgiformes

This group is paraphyletic (one common ancestor) and includes nightjars and their relatives, known for their nocturnal habits and cryptic plumage. They have a large mouth and are adapted for catching insects in flight.

Musophagiformes

Order of birds known as turacos, characterized by their vibrant plumage and unique green and blue pigments. They primarily inhabit tropical Africa and are frugivorous, feeding mainly on fruits. They have distinctive copper based pigments (turacin and turacoverdin). They have semi zygodactylous feet with 4th toe being reversible.

Otidiformes

Order of large, ground-dwelling birds known as bustards. They are characterized by their long legs, heavy bodies, and are typically found in open grasslands and savannas. They have Long broad wings with distinctive ‘fingered’ tip

Cuculiformes

Order of birds that includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis, known for their diverse nesting habits and some species exhibiting brood parasitism. They typically have a sleek body shape and long tails, and are found in a variety of habitats worldwide. Have zygodactyl feet (2 forward, two backward toes) and a downcurved beak. They also participate in brood parasitism, where they lay eggs in the nests of other bird species.

Mesitorniformes

Order of birds endemic to Madagascar, known as mesites, characterized by their unique morphology and terrestrial habits. They have weak flight capabilities, long legs, and a diet consisting mainly of insects and seeds. They have powder downs, areas of feathers that disintergrate into a fine powder, used in preening.

Pterocliformes

Order of birds known as sandgrouse, adapted to arid environments. They are recognized for their distinctive, round bodies, long pointed wings, and ability to carry water in their feathers for their young.

Columbiformes

Order of birds that includes pigeons and doves, characterized by a stout body, short neck, and a small head. They are known for their strong homing abilities and varied diets, often consisting of fruits, seeds, and grains. In New Zealand there is 1 example which is the Kereru.

Gryiformes

Order of birds that includes the curassows and related species, mostly found in tropical forests. They have large bodies, strong legs, and are primarily ground-dwelling, feeding mainly on fruits, seeds, and small animals. In Nz there is the Takahe/ Weka and are known for their distinctive plumage and social behavior.

Phoenicopteriformes

Order of birds known as flamingos, characterized by their long legs, necks, and distinctive pink coloration. They are social birds that feed on algae and crustaceans, often found in shallow lakes and lagoons. Their bright plumage colouration is due to pigments called carotenoids in their diet.

Podicipediformes

Order of aquatic birds commonly known as grebes, characterized by their compact bodies, long necks, and lobed toes. They are excellent divers and primarily feed on fish and invertebrates found in freshwater lakes and ponds.

Charadriiformes

Order of birds that includes shorebirds, gulls, and auks, characterized by their diverse feeding habits and adaptations to aquatic environments. They are often found in coastal areas, wetlands, and open waters, exhibiting a range of body sizes and plumage. In Nz there is the black stilt, shore plover, Nz dotterel, Wrybill, Red/Black billed gull ect

Eurypygiformes

Order of birds that includes the sunbittern and the kagu, known for their unique appearance and behaviors. They are characterized by their long, decorative wings and are primarily found in tropical habitats. They have distinctive plumage patterns and are known for their courtship displays.

Sphenisciformes

Order of flightless birds known as penguins, characterized by their adapted flippers for swimming and their tuxedo-like coloration. They primarily live in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctica, and are excellent divers.

Phaethoniformes

Order of birds that includes the tropicbirds, recognized for their long tail feathers (rectrices) and brilliant plumage. They are typically found in warm oceanic regions and are known for their aerial displays and feeding strategies. Nz = White-tailed and Red-tailed tropicbird, both arn’t endemic but are seen here.

Procellariformes

Order of seabirds that includes albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters, known for their exceptional flying abilities and long wingspans. They are often found in oceanic environments and are adept at gliding over vast distances.

Ciconiiformes

Order of large wading birds that includes storks, herons, and ibises, characterized by long legs and necks. They are typically found near water bodies and are known for their strong nesting habits and social behavior.

Suliformes

Order of aquatic birds that includes cormorants, anhingas, and frigatebirds, recognized for their webbed feet and strong swimming abilities. They are often found near coastlines and are known for their distinctive diving and feeding techniques. Nz = Lesser & Greater Frigatebirds, Brown bobby and Australian darter. There are also Little shag, little black shag, pied shag, spotted shag and king shag, all of which inhabit various regions in New Zealand.

Pelecaniiformes

Order of aquatic birds that includes pelicans and herons, known for their distinctive bills and fishing abilities. They are typically found in coastal and freshwater environments.

Opistocomiformes

Order of birds that includes the hoatzin, known for its unique digestive system and claws. They inhabit swampy areas and are notable for their unusual appearance and social behavior. Single basal species estimated to have separated 64 mya.

Accipitriformes

Order of birds of prey that includes hawks, eagles, and kites, known for their keen eyesight and sharp talons. They are often found in a variety of habitats and are skilled hunters. This is the sister group to the rest of the land birds. In Nz = Swamp harrier/ Haast’s eagle (e) (Accipitridae).

Coliiformes

Order of birds known as mousebirds, recognized for their long tails and sociable behavior. They mainly inhabit sub-Saharan Africa and are known for their unique perching style. They can turn their feet backward, allowing them to grasp onto branches with ease.

Strigiformes

Order of birds commonly known as owls, characterized by their nocturnal habits, silent flight, and distinctive facial disc. They are found worldwide and play vital roles in various ecosystems as predators.

Leptosomiformes

Order of birds known as cuckoo roller, endemic to the island of Madagascar. They have a unique appearance with a long tail and are known for their arboreal lifestyle and fruit-eating diet. They are the only representatives of their order, displaying colorful plumage and a distinctive rolling flight pattern.

Trogoniformes

Order of birds known as trogons, recognized for their vibrant plumage and unique reproductive behavior. They typically inhabit tropical forests and are known for their fruit-based diet. They have heterodactyl feetthat aid in grasping branches and are essential for their arboreal lifestyle.

Bucerotomiformes

Order of birds commonly known as hornbills, characterized by their large, curved bills and distinctive nesting behavior. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, playing important ecological roles as seed dispersers.

Coraciiformes

Their unique appearance includes colorful plumage and varied feeding habits, including insects, small vertebrates, and fruit. This order includes birds such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, and rollers. They have Syndactyl feet (front 3 toes partially fused @ base).

Piciformes

Order of birds including woodpeckers, toucans, and honeyguides, known for their distinctive feeding habits and zygodactyl feet. They typically forage on tree trunks and foliage for insects and fruits. They are adapted for drilling into wood and have strong, chisel-like bills.

Cariamiformes

Order of birds known as seriemas, characterized by their long legs, terrestrial habits, and vocalizations. They are primarily found in South America and mainly feed on insects, small reptiles, and other prey. They have hawk like heads, small hooked bills and posses a sickle claw on their middle toe. ‘raptor like’

Falconiformes

Order of birds that includes falcons and hawks, known for their keen eyesight and aerial hunting abilities.

Psittaciformes

Order of birds known as parrots, characterized by their strong curved bills, upright stance, and intelligence. They are often colorful, highly social, and can imitate sounds and human speech.

Passeriformes

Order of birds known as perching birds or songbirds, characterized by their diverse sizes, vibrant plumage, and complex vocalizations. They primarily have three toes pointing forward and one toe backward, aiding in their perching ability.

Apodiformes

Order of birds that includes swifts and hummingbirds, known for their aerial capabilities and rapid flight. They have small bodies, short wings, and are often highly agile, with some species capable of hovering.

Gaviiformes

Order of aquatic birds known as loons, characterized by their excellent diving abilities and loud calls. They have streamlined bodies, pointed bills, and are primarily found in northern lakes.

Molecular Phylogenetics (DNA Sequencing)

Allowed inference of evolutionary relationships with higher resolution, reshaping the avian tree of life (e.g., flamingos/grebes as sister groups, falcons related to songbirds). Molecular clocks date divergence events.

Advanced Imaging and Computing

CT scanning and 3D reconstruction study internal fossil structures (brain, ear, pneumaticity), providing insights into flight, sensory capabilities, and ecology. Computational phylogenetics analyzes vast datasets.

Describe the fundamental evolutionary relationships of birds at the Order level

Modern birds (Neornithes) are broadly divided into two superorders: Palaeognathae and Neognathae.

Paleognathae:

Includes flightless ratites (Ostriches, Rheas, Kiwis, Cassowaries, Emus) and flight-capable Tinamous. Characterized by a primitive palate structure.Consists of ancient lineages of birds that lack the advanced beak structures found in Neognathae.

Neognathae

Includes all other modern birds, with a flexible palate structure. Further divided into Galloanserae and Neoaves, which encompass the vast majority of bird species including waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors.

Galloanserae:

This clade includes the Galliformes (fowl like chickens and turkeys) and Anseriformes (waterfowl like ducks and geese). They are one of the earliest diverging groups within Neognathae, characterized by strong legs and often ground-dwelling or aquatic habits.

Neoaves:

Largest and most diverse group, encompassing most bird orders. Relationships within are challenging due to rapid diversification. Major clades include:

• Columbimorphae (pigeons/doves)

• Pteroclomorphae (sandgrouse)

• Pellicanimorphae (pelicans, herons, ibises)

• Aequorlitornithes (waterbirds and shorebirds)

• Afroaves (diverse, including raptors, parrots, songbirds, etc.)

• Australaves (diverse, including parrots, falcons, seriemas, passerines)