Bird Classification

This is an attempt to reflect the latest state of knowledge of high-level bird taxonomy. For the overall classification for Aves, I have included as my main sources two fairly recent DNA-based studies, one from Nature and one from Science:

• Nature: A comprehensive phylogeny of birds (Aves) using targeted next-generation DNA sequencing
• Science: Whole-genome analyses resolve early branches in the tree of life of modern birds

Another good source, which I haven’t explored in depth yet, is the OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer for birds.

[Note MR 30/07/2018] More recently I’ve come across the Taxonomy in Flux Checklist 3.08 on jboyd.net, and intend to use the classification guidelines for a number of bird orders – Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Charadriiformes, Accipitriformes, Strigiformes, Psittaciformes and Passeriformes have been given the treatment. Other orders may follow in due course.

[Note MR 26/07/2021] More recent work on the higher level classification of Neoaves has been added after I uncovered a study in MDPI.

I’ve also added a British Bird List for comparison with the pictures I’ve got available for the blogs.

Superorder Palaeognathae

• Struthioniformes – Ostriches
• Rheiformes – Rheas
• Apterygiformes – Kiwis
• Casuariiformes – Emus and Cassowaries
• Tinamiformes – Tinamous

Superorder Neognathae

Taxon Galloanserae

• Anseriformes – Waterfowl
• Galliformes – Gamebirds

Taxon Telluraves

• Strigiformes – Owls

Subtaxon Australaves

• Cariamiformes – Seriemas
• Falconiformes – Caracaras and Falcons
• Psittaciformes – Parrots
• Passeriformes – Perching Birds

Subtaxon Coraciimorphae

• Coliiformes – Mousebirds
• Leptosomiformes – Cuckoo Roller
• Trogoniformes – Trogons
• Bucerotiformes – Hoopoes and Hornbills
• Coraciiformes – Kingfishers, Rollers and Bee-eaters
• Piciformes – Woodpeckers, Toucans and relatives

Subtaxon Accipitrimorphae

• Cathartiformes – New world Vultures
• Accipitriformes – Vultures, Hawks and Eagles

Taxon Otidimorphae

• Musophagiformes – Turacos
• Otidiformes – Bustards
• Cuculiformes – Cuckoos

Taxon Strisores

• Caprimulgiformes – Nightjars etc.
• Aegotheliformes – Owlet-nightjar
• Apodiformes – Swifts and Hummingbirds

Taxon Columbimorphae

• Mesitornithiformes – Mesites
• Pterocliformes – Sandgrouse
• Columbiformes – Pigeons and Doves

Taxon Mirandornithes

• Phoenicopteriformes – Flamingoes
• Podicipediformes – Grebes

Taxon Phaethontimorphae

• Eurypygiformes – Kagu and Sunbittern
• Phaethontiformes – Tropicbirds

Taxon Aequornithes

• Gaviiformes – Divers
• Sphenisciformes – Penguins
• Ciconiiformes – Storks
• Procellariformes – Albatrosses and Petrels
• Suliformes – Gannets
• Pelecaniformes – Pelicans and Herons

Taxon i.s.

• Gruiformes – Cranes and Rails
• Charadriiformes – Shorebirds
• Opisthocoformes – Hoatzin