Study Guide: Avian Orders and Families (General)

What is the largest order by the number of families in birds?

Passeriformes (family of perching birds)

What is the most diverse family of birds?

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) with 384 species

Fill in the blank: The group containing only Struthionidae family is __________.

Struthioniformes (Ostriches)

What are the key families within Anseriformes?

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl), Anhimidae (Screamers), Anseranatidae (Magpie Goose)

Fill in the blank: The single family Apterygidae contains __________ species.

5 species (Kiwis)

What is the major family within Columbiformes?

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) with 353 species

Fill in the blank: The major families within Galliformes include Phasianidae and __________.

Odontophoridae. new world quail

What distinguishes monotypic families?

They contain only one species.

Fill in the blank: Birds of prey are classified under the order __________.

Accipitriformes and Strigiformes.

What are the two families of Strigiformes?

Strigidae (Typical Owls) and Tytonidae (Barn Owls).

Fill in the blank: The order Passeriformes is known for having the most __________ and __________.

families and species.

What does the term 'extant' refer to?

Currently living/existing species.

What is the primary feature of the Casuariiformes order?

They consist of large flightless birds of Australia and New Guinea.

Fill in the blank: The family __________ contains 440 species known as Tyrant Flycatchers.

Tyrannidae.

What are common characteristics of the major bird groups?

Flightless birds, Aquatic birds, Birds of prey, and Specialized feeders.

Fill in the blank: The family of hummingbirds is called __________.

Trochilidae.