Common Bird Types
Tufted Titmouse
With so many bird species, how can you begin to know them? Start with the basic types.
You likely know a number of common birds, like an American Robin or Bald Eagle. But how to grow your knowledge with so many different species out there? One easy way is to break them down into basic, common groups that share similar traits. Below is a brief description of some of the more common bird groups.
Songbirds
The largest group with half of all bird species; includes warblers, sparrows, robins, nuthatches, and many more.
Northern Cardinal
Swimming birds and waterfowl
Live in water or nearby; includes ducks and loons.
Mallard Duck
Wading birds
Have longs for wading in water; includes herons, egrets, ibis, storks, and cranes.
Great Blue Heron
Raptors
Meat-eating birds that like to soar in the sky; includes eagles, falcons, hawks, and vultures.
Red-tailed Hawk
Owls
Meat-eating birds that feed at night.
Great-horned Owl
Woodpeckers
A distinctive group that climb tree trucks and hit wood.
Downy Woodpecker
Hummingbirds
Another distinctive group that hover at flowers and are tiny.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Seabirds
Found over bodies of water, along the coastlines or out at sea; includes gulls, pelicans, and terns.
Sanderling
Pigeons and doves
Large-chested birds with short legs and small heads.
Rock Pigeon
Turkey-like birds
Includes wild turkeys, partridge, quail, and grouse.
Wild Turkey