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Bird Classification Lecture and Handouts

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Bird Classification Lecture and Handouts

To view these resources with no ads, please Login or Subscribe to help support our content development.

School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

There are more than 30 Groups or Orders of Birds with more than 10,000 different species worldwide. Below are a sampling of some 14 Orders of birds. The different orders are separated by different traits. See if you can tell how the following orders of birds are similar and different.

Birds Groups - Orders

Struthioniformes — Cassowaries, Emus, Kiwis, Ostriches and Rheas

Galliformes — Grouse, Quails, Pheasants and Turkeys

Anseriformes — Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Psittaciformes — Macaws and Parrots

Strigiformes — Owls

Apodiformes — Hummingbirds

Coraciiformes — Kingfishers

Falconiformes — Hawks, Eagles, and Vultures

Gaviiformes — Loons

Piciformes — Woodpeckers

Charadriformes — Sandpipers and Seagulls

Ciconiiformes — Herons

Columbiformes — Doves and Pigeons

Passeriformes (Songbirds or Perching Birds) — Buntings, Cardinals, Catbirds, Chats, Chickadees, Crossbills, Crows, Dippers, Finches, Flycatchers, Goldfinches, Gnatcatchers, Gnateaters, Jays, Kinglets, Larks, Magpies, Martins, Mockingbirds, Nuthatches, Ovenbirds, Pipits, Pittas, Robins, Ravens, Shrikes, Sparrows, Starlings, Swallows, Tits, Thrushes, Waxwings, Weavers, Woodcreepers, Woodwarblers, Wrens, and Vireos.

Look at the Bird Orders on the sheet* below. Can you see what makes the birds in each group alike? Can you see how one group differs from another?

*Note that there is a color guide for K-3, 3-6 and 7th grade and up.

Bird Classification Lecture and Handouts
Bird Classification Lecture and Handouts
Bird Classification Lecture and Handouts
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