Every Bird on Earth

There are approximately 10,000 species of birds on this planet — from the 2-inch bee hummingbird of Cuba to the 9-foot ostrich of the African savanna, from the emperor penguins of Antarctica to the resplendent quetzal of Central American cloud forests. Birds inhabit every continent, every ocean, and nearly every habitat on Earth. They are the most visible, most audible, and most beloved wildlife on the planet.

World Bird Info is building a comprehensive encyclopedia of every one of those 10,000 species — identification, habitat, behavior, song, conservation status, and the stories that make each species extraordinary.

The Diversity of Birds

By the Numbers

• 10,000+ recognized bird species worldwide
• 245 taxonomic families spanning 40 orders
• Every continent including Antarctica (home to penguins, skuas, and shearwaters)
• 1,500+ species considered threatened or near-threatened by the IUCN

The Major Groups

Passerines (Perching Birds) — More than half of all bird species belong to this order. From tiny kinglets to powerful corvids, passerines include the warblers, sparrows, finches, thrushes, wrens, and swallows that fill our backyards with song.

Raptors — Eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures — the predators of the bird world. Superlative vision, powerful talons, and aerial mastery make raptors some of the most impressive birds alive.

Waterbirds — Ducks, geese, swans, herons, egrets, pelicans, and shorebirds. From the great blue heron standing motionless in a marsh to the wandering albatross circling the Southern Ocean, waterbirds define aquatic and coastal ecosystems worldwide.

Parrots — Over 400 species of parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and parakeets inhabit tropical and subtropical regions. Intelligent, colorful, and often vocal, parrots are among the most charismatic birds on Earth.

Hummingbirds — The smallest birds in the world, found only in the Americas. Over 350 species, many weighing less than a nickel, hover in place while drinking nectar through specialized bills.

Gamebirds — Pheasants, grouse, quail, and turkeys. Ground-dwelling birds often recognized for their elaborate courtship displays and striking plumage.

Seabirds — Albatrosses, petrels, puffins, gannets, and frigatebirds. Adapted to life on and above the ocean, seabirds may fly thousands of miles between landfalls.

Featured Species

Wandering Albatross

The largest wingspan of any living bird — up to 11.5 feet — enables the wandering albatross to glide for hours without flapping, covering thousands of miles across the Southern Ocean. A single bird may circumnavigate Antarctica multiple times in a year.

Resplendent Quetzal

Sacred to the Maya and Aztec civilizations, the male resplendent quetzal sports iridescent green plumage and tail feathers that can exceed two feet in length. Found in the cloud forests of Central America, it remains one of the most sought-after sightings in world birding.

Superb Lyrebird

An Australian ground-dwelling bird famous for its extraordinary mimicry. The male lyrebird incorporates the songs of at least 20 other bird species — plus chainsaws, camera shutters, and car alarms — into its elaborate courtship display.

Harpy Eagle

The most powerful eagle in the Americas, the harpy eagle hunts monkeys and sloths in the canopy of Central and South American rainforests. With talons the size of grizzly bear claws, it's a predator of remarkable strength.

Arctic Tern

The champion long-distance migrant, flying from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic feeding areas and back — a round trip of roughly 44,000 miles annually. Over its lifetime, an Arctic tern may fly the equivalent of three round trips to the Moon.

Explore World Bird Info

Browse our growing database by family, region, habitat, or conservation status. Each species entry includes identification features, range information, behavioral notes, and — where available — audio recordings of songs and calls.

The world of birds is waiting. Start exploring.