About Perching Birds (Passerines)
Passeriformes, the perching birds or songbirds, are by far the largest bird order, with 144 families and about 6,758 species, roughly half of all living birds.
Overview
Passeriformes, the perching birds or songbirds, are by far the largest bird order, with 144 families and about 6,758 species, roughly half of all living birds. They occur in virtually every habitat on Earth and are defined by anisodactyl feet for perching and a highly developed syrinx (voice box) used for song. The order spans sparrows, finches, thrushes, crows, starlings and countless others, and includes the most familiar urban and aviary birds.
Classification
The order Perching Birds (Passerines) (Latin: PASSERIFORMES) comprises 144 families and roughly 6758 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.
Diversity & Distribution
Passeriformes, the perching birds or songbirds, are by far the largest bird order, with 144 families and about 6,758 species, roughly half of all living birds.
Notable Families
Tyrant Flycatchers, Calyptura, Tanagers & Allies, Chats, Old World Flycatchers, Ovenbirds, Antbirds, Finches, Euphonias and others.
