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Identifying
birds
To make identification easier, birds are divided into different
groups, based on characteristics that they share. The biggest
group of birds is the passerines (sparrow-shaped birds), which
include the perching and singing birds.
BIRD GROUPS
Flightless birds
This group contains species that
run, but cannot fly. On land, they
include ostriches, rheas,
cassowaries, and kiwis.
Wading birds
Many birds, such as spoonbills,
flamingos, and herons, wade into
water to find food. Most have long
legs and probing beaks
to catch fish and
crustaceans.
Waterfowl
Swans, geese, and ducks are
waterfowl and live near rivers, ponds,
and lakes. They have webbed feet
and large beaks.
Long, flexible
neck
Spoon-shaped
bill sweeps
sideways
through water
Mute swan
Stocky build and
upright stance
Roseate
spoonbill
Strong legs
for fast
running
Ostrich
Long, shaggy
wing feathers
Stilt-like
legs
Juvenile
greater
flamingo
Dagger-
shaped bill
Black-crowned
night heron
Rhea
Short,
thick toes
Common
shelduck
Some ducks
may have
bold markings.
Snowy owl
Swan
goose