Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons, known as divers in Europe, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, which they somewhat resemble when swimming, but to which they are completely unrelated. There are 5 species worldwide all of which occur in China.
Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
Arctic loon, Gavia arctica
Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica
Common loon, Gavia immer
Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (A)
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in China.
Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 21 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Short-tailed albatross, Phoebastria albatrus (A)
Black-footed albatross, Phoebastria nigripes
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis (A)
Tahiti petrel, Pterodroma rostrata
Bonin petrel, Pterodroma hypoleuca
Bulwer's petrel, Bulweria bulwerii
Streaked shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas
Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacificus
Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa (A)
Swinhoe's storm petrel, Oceanodroma monorhis
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.
Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus
Red-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda
White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
Red-footed booby, Sula sula
Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colorful.
Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
Japanese cormorant, Phalacrocorax capillatus
Pelagic cormorant, Phalacrocorax pelagicus
Red-faced cormorant, Phalacrocorax urile (A)
Little cormorant, Microcarbo niger
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.
Oriental darter, Anhinga melanogaster (A)
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
Christmas frigatebird, Fregata andrewsi (A)
Great frigatebird, Fregata minor
Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel (A)
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.
Great white pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus
Spot-billed pelican, Pelecanus philippensis
Dalmatian pelican, Pelecanus crispus
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
Gray heron, Ardea cinerea
White-bellied heron, Ardea insignis
Great-billed heron, Ardea sumatrana
Purple heron, Ardea purpurea
Eastern great egret, Ardea alba modesta
Intermediate egret, Egretta intermedia
Little egret, Egretta garzetta
Chinese egret, Egretta eulophotes
Pacific reef heron, Egretta sacra
Chinese pond heron, Ardeola bacchus
Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
Striated heron, Butorides striata
Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
White-eared night heron, Gorsachius magnificus
Japanese night heron, Gorsachius goisagi
Malayan night heron, Gorsachius melanolophus
Yellow bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis
Schrenck's bittern, Ixobrychus eurhythmus
Cinnamon bittern, Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Little bittern, Ixobrychus minutus (A)
Black bittern, Ixobrychus flavicollis
Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in China.
Black-headed ibis, Threskiornis melanocephalus
White-shouldered ibis, Pseudibis davisoni
Crested ibis, Nipponia nippon
Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
Eurasian spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia
Black-faced spoonbill, Platalea minor
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
Painted stork, Mycteria leucocephala
Asian openbill, Anastomus oscitans (A)
Black stork, Ciconia nigra
White stork, Ciconia ciconia (A)
Woolly-necked stork, Ciconia episcopus
Oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana
Lesser adjutant, Leptoptilos javanicus
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
Lesser whistling duck, Dendrocygna javanica
Mute swan, Cygnus olor
Whooper swan, Cygnus cygnus
Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus
Swan goose, Anser cygnoides
Bean goose, Anser fabalis
Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
Lesser white-fronted goose, Anser erythropus
Greylag goose, Anser anser
Bar-headed goose, Anser indicus
Snow goose, Chen caerulescens (A)
Brant, Branta bernicla
Canada goose, Branta canadensis
Red-breasted goose, Branta ruficollis (A)
Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea
Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna
Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
Cotton pygmy goose, Nettapus coromandelianus
Mandarin duck, Aix galericulata
Eurasian wigeon, Anas penelope
Falcated duck, Anas falcata
Gadwall, Anas strepera
Baikal teal, Anas formosa
Green-winged teal, Anas carolinensis (A)
Eurasian teal, Anas crecca
Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
Spot-billed duck, Anas poecilorhyncha
Northern pintail, Anas acuta
Garganey, Anas querquedula
Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
Marbled teal, Marmaronetta angustirostris
Red-crested pochard, Netta rufina
Common pochard, Aythya ferina
Ferruginous pochard, Aythya nyroca
Baer's pochard, Aythya baeri
Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula
Greater scaup, Aythya marila
Steller's eider, Polysticta stelleri (A)
Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus
Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis
Black scoter, Melanitta nigra
White-winged scoter, Melanitta fusca
Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
Smew, Mergellus albellus
Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
Common merganser, Mergus merganser
Scaly-sided merganser, Mergus squamatus
White-headed duck, Oxyura leucocephala
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
Jerdon's baza, Aviceda jerdoni
Black baza, Aviceda leuphotes
European honey buzzard, Pernis apivorus (A)
Crested honey buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus
Black-shouldered kite, Elanus caeruleus
Black kite, Milvus migrans
Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus
White-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster
Pallas's fish eagle, Haliaeetus leucoryphus
White-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla
Steller's sea eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus (A)
Lesser fish eagle, Ichthyophaga humilis (A)
Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus
White-rumped vulture, Gyps bengalensis (possibly extinct in China)
Himalayan griffon, Gyps himalayensis
Cinereous vulture, Aegypius monachus
Red-headed vulture, Sarcogyps calvus (possibly extinct in China)
Egyptian vulture, Neophron percnopterus (A)
Short-toed snake eagle, Circaetus gallicus
Crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela
Western marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus
Eastern marsh harrier, Circus spilonotus
Northern harrier, Circus cyaneus
Pallid harrier, Circus macrourus
Pied harrier, Circus melanoleucos
Montagu's harrier, Circus pygargus
Crested goshawk, Accipiter trivirgatus
Shikra, Accipiter badius
Chinese goshawk, Accipiter soloensis
Japanese sparrowhawk, Accipiter gularis
Besra, Accipiter virgatus
Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus
Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis
White-eyed buzzard, Butastur teesa
Rufous-winged buzzard, Butastur liventer
Gray-faced buzzard, Butastur indicus
Himalayan buzzard, Buteo burmanicus
Eastern buzzard, Buteo japonicus
Long-legged buzzard, Buteo rufinus
Upland buzzard, Buteo hemilasius
Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
Black eagle, Ictinaetus malaiensis
Greater spotted eagle, Clanga clanga
Steppe eagle, Aquila nipalensis
Imperial eagle, Aquila heliaca
Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciata
Booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus
Rufous-bellied eagle, Lophotriorchis kienerii
Mountain hawk-eagle, Nisaetus nipalensis
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in China.
Collared falconet, Microhierax caerulescens
Pied falconet, Microhierax melanoleucus
Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni
Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
Red-footed falcon, Falco vespertinus
Amur falcon, Falco amurensis
Merlin, Falco columbarius
Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
Oriental hobby, Falco severus
Saker falcon, Falco cherrug
Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus
Barbary falcon, Falco pelegrinoides
Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Order: Galliformes Family: Tetraonidae
Grouse are game birds, similar to quails and partridges. There are 8 species which have been recorded in China.
Siberian grouse, Dendragapus falcipennis
Willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus
Rock ptarmigan, Lagopus muta
Black-billed capercaillie, Tetrao urogalloides
Western capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus
Black grouse, Tetrao tetrix
Hazel grouse, Bonasa bonasia
Severtzov's grouse, Bonasa sewerzowi (E)
Pheasants and partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 52 species which have been recorded in China. China has the greatest diversity of pheasants of any country.
Snow partridge, Lerwa lerwa
Verreaux's partridge, Tetraophasis obscurus (E)
Szecheny's partridge, Tetraophasis szechenyii
Altai snowcock, Tetraogallus altaicus
Tibetan snowcock, Tetraogallus tibetanus
Himalayan snowcock, Tetraogallus himalayensis
Chukar, Alectoris chukar
Przevalski's partridge, Alectoris magna (E)
Chinese francolin, Francolinus pintadeanus
Gray partridge, Perdix perdix
Daurian partridge, Perdix dauurica
Tibetan partridge, Perdix hodgsoniae
Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica
Common quail, Coturnix coturnix
Blue-breasted quail, Coturnix chinensis
Hill partridge, Arborophila torqueola
Sichuan partridge, Arborophila rufipectus (E)
Chestnut-breasted partridge, Arborophila mandellii
White-necklaced partridge, Arborophila gingica (E)
Rufous-throated partridge, Arborophila rufogularis
White-cheeked partridge, Arborophila atrogularis
Hainan partridge, Arborophila ardens (E)
Bar-backed partridge, Arborophila brunneopectus
Scaly-breasted partridge, Arborophila chloropus
Chestnut-necklaced partridge, Arborophila charltonii
Mountain bamboo-partridge, Bambusicola fytchii
Chinese bamboo-partridge, Bambusicola thoracica
Blood pheasant, Ithaginis cruentus
Western tragopan, Tragopan melanocephalus
Satyr tragopan, Tragopan satyra
Blyth's tragopan, Tragopan blythii
Temminck's tragopan, Tragopan temminckii
Cabot's tragopan, Tragopan caboti (E)
Koklass pheasant, Pucrasia macrolopha
Himalayan monal, Lophophorus impejanus
Sclater's monal, Lophophorus sclateri
Chinese monal, Lophophorus lhuysii (E)
Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus
Kalij pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos
Silver pheasant, Lophura nycthemera
White eared-pheasant, Crossoptilon crossoptilon
Brown eared-pheasant, Crossoptilon mantchuricum (E)
Blue eared-pheasant, Crossoptilon auritum (E)
Elliot's pheasant, Syrmaticus ellioti (E)
Hume's pheasant, Syrmaticus humiae
Reeves's pheasant, Syrmaticus reevesii (E)
Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus
Golden pheasant, Chrysolophus pictus (E)
Lady Amherst's pheasant, Chrysolophus amherstiae
Gray peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron bicalcaratum
Hainan peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron katsumatae
Green peafowl, Pavo muticus
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in China. China has the greatest diversity of cranes of any country.
Demoiselle crane, Anthropoides virgo
Siberian crane, Grus leucogeranus
Sandhill crane, Grus canadensis (A)
Sarus crane, Grus antigone
White-naped crane, Grus vipio
Common crane, Grus grus
Hooded crane, Grus monacha
Black-necked crane, Grus nigricollis
Red-crowned crane, Grus japonensis
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
Swinhoe's rail, Coturnicops exquisitus
Red-legged crake, Rallina fasciata (A)
Slaty-legged crake, Rallina eurizonoides
Slaty-breasted rail, Gallirallus striatus
Water rail, Rallus aquaticus
Brown-cheeked rail, Rallus indicus
Corn crake, Crex crex
Brown crake, Amaurornis akool
White-breasted waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus
Black-tailed crake, Amaurornis bicolor
Little crake, Porzana parva
Baillon's crake, Porzana pusilla
Spotted crake, Porzana porzana
Ruddy-breasted crake, Porzana fusca
Band-bellied crake, Porzana paykullii
Watercock, Gallicrex cinerea
Grey-headed swamphen, Porphyrio poliocephalus
Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
Order: Otidiformes Family: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.
Great bustard, Otis tarda
Macqueen's bustard, Chlamydotis macqueenii
Little bustard, Tetrax tetrax
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young.
Small buttonquail, Turnix sylvatica
Yellow-legged buttonquail, Turnix tanki
Barred buttonquail, Turnix suscitator
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Pheasant-tailed jacana, Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Bronze-winged jacana, Metopidius indicus
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly colored.
Greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Ibidorhynchidae
The ibisbill is related to the waders, but is sufficiently distinctive to be a family unto itself. The adult is gray with a white belly, red legs, a long down curved bill, and a black face and breast band.
Ibisbill, Ibidorhyncha struthersii
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The stone-curlews are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
Eurasian stone-curlew, Burhinus oedicnemus
Indian stone-curlew, Burhinus indicus
Great stone-curlew, Esacus recurvirostris
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola
Oriental pratincole, Glareola maldivarum
Small pratincole, Glareola lactea
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 66 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in China.
Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus
River lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii
Gray-headed lapwing, Vanellus cinereus
Red-wattled lapwing, Vanellus indicus
Sociable lapwing, Vanellus gregarius (A)
Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva
American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (A)
Long-billed plover, Charadrius placidus
Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
Snowy plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
Malaysian plover, Charadrius peronii
Lesser sandplover, Charadrius mongolus
Greater sandplover, Charadrius leschenaultii
Caspian plover, Charadrius asiaticus
Oriental plover, Charadrius veredus
Eurasian dotterel, Charadrius morinellus
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola
Jack snipe, Lymnocryptes minimus
Solitary snipe, Gallinago solitaria
Latham's snipe, Gallinago hardwickii (A)
Wood snipe, Gallinago nemoricola
Pintail snipe, Gallinago stenura
Swinhoe's snipe, Gallinago megala
Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago
Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)
Asian dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus
Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
Little curlew, Numenius minutus
Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata
Far Eastern curlew, Numenius madagascariensis
Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus
Common redshank, Tringa totanus
Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
Nordmann's greenshank, Tringa guttifer
Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
Gray-tailed tattler, Tringa brevipes
Wandering tattler, Tringa incana (A)
Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
Great knot, Calidris tenuirostris
Red knot, Calidris canutus
Sanderling, Calidris alba
Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri (A)
Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis
Little stint, Calidris minuta
Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii
Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos (A)
Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
Dunlin, Calidris alpina
Rock sandpiper, Calidris ptilocnemis (A)
Spoon-billed sandpiper, Eurynorhynchus pygmeus
Broad-billed sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus
Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (A)
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (A)
Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet.
Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris
Common gull, Larus canus
Glaucous-winged gull, Larus glaucescens (A)
Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus
Herring gull, Larus argentatus
Heuglin's gull, Larus heuglini
Vega gull, Larus vegae
Caspian gull, Larus cachinnans
Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (A)
Pallas's gull, Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus
Relict gull, Ichthyaetus relictus
Brown-headed gull, Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Slender-billed gull, Chroicocephalus genei
Saunders's gull, Chroicocephalus saundersi
Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (A)
Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus (A)
Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (A)
Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
Lesser crested tern, Thalasseus bengalensis (A)
Chinese crested tern, Thalasseus bernsteini
Greater crested tern, Thalasseus bergii
River tern, Sterna aurantia
Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
Black-naped tern, Sterna sumatrana
Common tern, Sterna hirundo
Black-bellied tern, Sterna acuticauda
Little tern, Sternula albifrons
Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus
Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
Black tern, Chlidonias niger
Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
White tern, Gygis alba
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae
Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Indian skimmer, Rynchops albicollis (A)
Auks, murres and puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colors, their upright posture and some of their habits, however they are not related to the penguins and differ in being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. There are 24 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in China.
Marbled murrelet, Brachyramphus marmoratus
Long-billed murrelet, Brachyramphus perdix
Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus
Japanese murrelet, Synthliboramphus wumizusume
Rhinoceros auklet, Cerorhinca monocerata
Sandgrouse
Order: Pterocliformes Family: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes. There are 16 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
Tibetan sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes tibetanus
Pallas's sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes paradoxus
Black-bellied sandgrouse, Pterocles orientalis
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
Rock pigeon, Columba livia
Hill pigeon, Columba rupestris
Snow pigeon, Columba leuconota
Stock dove, Columba oenas
Yellow-eyed pigeon, Columba eversmanni
Common wood pigeon, Columba palumbus
Speckled wood pigeon, Columba hodgsonii
Ashy wood pigeon, Columba pulchricollis
Pale-capped pigeon, Columba punicea
Japanese wood pigeon, Columba janthina
European turtle dove, Streptopelia turtur
Oriental turtle dove, Streptopelia orientalis
Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto
Red collared-dove, Streptopelia tranquebarica
Spotted dove, Spilopelia chinensis
Laughing dove, Spilopelia senegalensis
Barred cuckoo-dove, Macropygia unchall
Little cuckoo-dove, Macropygia ruficeps
Common emerald dove, Chalcophaps indica
Orange-breasted green pigeon, Treron bicincta
Ashy-headed green pigeon, Treron phayrei
Thick-billed green pigeon, Treron curvirostra
Yellow-footed green pigeon, Treron phoenicoptera
Pin-tailed green pigeon, Treron apicauda
Wedge-tailed green pigeon, Treron sphenura
White-bellied green pigeon, Treron sieboldii
Whistling green pigeon, Treron formosae
Black-chinned fruit-dove, Ptilinopus leclancheri
Green imperial pigeon, Ducula aenea
Mountain imperial pigeon, Ducula badia
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
Alexandrine parakeet, Psittacula eupatria
Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri (I)
Slaty-headed parakeet, Psittacula himalayana
Gray-headed parakeet, Psittacula finschii
Blossom-headed parakeet, Psittacula roseata
Derbyan parakeet, Psittacula derbiana
Red-breasted parakeet, Psittacula alexandri
Vernal hanging parrot, Loriculus vernalis
Cuckoos and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs.
Pied cuckoo, Clamator jacobinus
Chestnut-winged cuckoo, Clamator coromandus
Large hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx sparverioides
Common hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx varius
Malaysian hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx fugax
Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx nisicolor
Rufous hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx hyperythrus
Indian cuckoo, Cuculus micropterus
Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
Oriental cuckoo, Cuculus optatus
Himalayan cuckoo, Cuculus saturatus
Lesser cuckoo, Cuculus poliocephalus
Banded bay cuckoo, Cacomantis sonneratii
Plaintive cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus
Asian emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx maculatus
Violet cuckoo, Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
Square-tailed drongo-cuckoo, Surniculus lugubris
Fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo, Surniculus dicruroides
Asian koel, Eudynamys scolopacea
Green-billed malkoha, Phaenicophaeus tristis
Greater coucal, Centropus sinensis
Lesser coucal, Centropus bengalensis
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
Australasian grass owl, Tyto longimembris
Barn owl, Tyto alba
Oriental bay owl, Phodilus badius
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
Mountain scops owl, Otus spilocephalus
Collared scops owl, Otus lettia
Japanese scops owl, Otus semitorques
Sunda scops owl, Otus lempiji
Pallid scops owl, Otus brucei
European scops owl, Otus scops
Oriental scops owl, Otus sunia
Eurasian eagle-owl, Bubo bubo
Spot-bellied eagle-owl, Bubo nipalensis
Dusky eagle-owl, Bubo coromandus (A)
Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
Blakiston's fish owl, Ketupa blakistoni
Brown fish owl, Ketupa zeylonensis
Tawny fish owl, Ketupa flavipes
Brown wood owl, Strix leptogrammica
Tawny owl, Strix aluco
Himalayan owl, Strix nivicolum
Ural owl, Strix uralensis
Pere David's owl, Strix davidi (E)
Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa
Northern hawk-owl, Surnia ulula
Eurasian pygmy owl, Glaucidium passerinum
Collared owlet, Glaucidium brodiei
Asian barred owlet, Glaucidium cuculoides
Spotted owlet, Athene brama
Little owl, Athene noctua
Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus
Brown hawk-owl, Ninox scutulata
Northern boobook, Ninox japonica
Long-eared owl, Asio otus
Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Podargidae
The frogmouths are a group of nocturnal birds related to the nightjars. They are named for their large flattened hooked bill and huge frog-like gape, which they use to take insects. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Hodgson's frogmouth, Batrachostomus hodgsoni
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
Great eared-nightjar, Eurostopodus macrotis
Grey nightjar, Caprimulgus jotaka
Eurasian nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus
Egyptian nightjar, Caprimulgus aegyptius
Vaurie's nightjar, Caprimulgus centralasicus (E)
Large-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus
Savanna nightjar, Caprimulgus affinis
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 12 species which occur in China.
Himalayan swiftlet, Aerodramus brevirostris
Indochinese swiftlet, Aerodramus rogersi
Black-nest swiftlet, Aerodramus maximus
White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
Silver-backed needletail, Hirundapus cochinchinensis
Asian palm-swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis
Common swift, Apus apus
Pacific swift, Apus pacificus
Salim Ali's swift, Apus salimalii
Cook's swift, Apus cooki
Little swift, Apus affinis
House swift, Apus nipalensis
Order: Apodiformes Family: Hemiprocnidae
The treeswifts, also called crested swifts, are closely related to the true swifts. They differ from the other swifts in that they have crests, long forked tails and softer plumage. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Crested treeswift, Hemiprocne coronata
Trogons and quetzals
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
Red-headed trogon, Harpactes erythrocephalus
Orange-breasted trogon, Harpactes oreskios
Ward's trogon, Harpactes wardi
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in China.
Blyth's kingfisher, Alcedo hercules
Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
Blue-eared kingfisher, Alcedo meninting
Black-backed kingfisher, Ceyx erithacus
Stork-billed kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis
Ruddy kingfisher, Halcyon coromanda
White-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis
Black-capped kingfisher, Halcyon pileata
Collared kingfisher, Todirhamphus chloris
Crested kingfisher, Megaceryle lugubris
Pied kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterized by richly colored plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in China.
Blue-bearded bee-eater, Nyctyornis athertoni
Green bee-eater, Merops orientalis
Blue-throated bee-eater, Merops viridis
Blue-tailed bee-eater, Merops philippinus
European bee-eater, Merops apiaster
Chestnut-headed bee-eater, Merops leschenaulti
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colorful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
European roller, Coracias garrulus
Indian roller, Coracias benghalensis
Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink coloring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Hoopoe, Upupa epops
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Bucerotidae
Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly colored.
Oriental pied hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris
Great hornbill, Buceros bicornis
Austen's brown hornbill, Anorrhinus austeni
Rufous-necked hornbill, Aceros nipalensis
Wreathed hornbill, Aceros undulatus
Order: Piciformes Family: Megalaimidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly colored.
Great barbet, Psilopogon virens
Lineated barbet, Psilopogon lineatus
Green-eared barbet, Psilopogon faiostrictus
Golden-throated barbet, Psilopogon franklinii
Chinese barbet, Psilopogon faber
Blue-throated barbet, Psilopogon asiaticus
Blue-eared barbet, Psilopogon duvaucelii
Coppersmith barbet, Psilopogon haemacephalus
Order: Piciformes Family: Indicatoridae
Honeyguides are among the few birds that feed on wax. They are named for the greater honeyguide which leads traditional honey-hunters to bees' nests and, after the hunters have harvested the honey, feeds on the remaining contents of the hive. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Yellow-rumped honeyguide, Indicator xanthonotus
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla
Speckled piculet, Picumnus innominatus
White-browed piculet, Sasia ochracea
Grey-capped pygmy woodpecker, Yungipicus canicapillus
Japanese pygmy woodpecker, Yungipicus kizuki
Lesser spotted woodpecker, Dryobates minor
Crimson-breasted woodpecker, Dryobates cathpharius
Stripe-breasted woodpecker, Dendrocopos atratus
Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Dendrocopos hyperythrus
Darjeeling woodpecker, Dendrocopos darjellensis
White-backed woodpecker, Dendrocopos leucotos
Great spotted woodpecker, Dendrocopos major
White-winged woodpecker, Dendrocopos leucopterus
Eurasian three-toed woodpecker, Picoides tridactylus
Rufous woodpecker, Micropternus brachyurus
White-bellied woodpecker, Dryocopus javensis
Black woodpecker, Dryocopus martius
Lesser yellownape, Picus chlorolophus
Laced woodpecker, Picus vittatus
Streak-throated woodpecker, Picus xanthopygaeus
Scaly-bellied woodpecker, Picus squamatus
Red-collared woodpecker, Picus rabieri (A)
Gray-faced woodpecker, Picus canus
Greater yellownape, Chrysophlegma flavinucha
Himalayan flameback, Dinopium shorii
Common flameback, Dinopium javanense
Greater flameback, Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus
Pale-headed woodpecker, Gecinulus grantia
Bay woodpecker, Blythipicus pyrrhotis
Great slaty woodpecker, Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Eurylaimidae
The broadbills are small, brightly colored birds, which feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests. There are 15 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Long-tailed broadbill, Psarisomus dalhousiae
Silver-breasted broadbill, Serilophus lunatus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many, but not all, are brightly colored. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.
Eared pitta, Hydrornis phayrei
Blue-naped pitta, Hydrornis nipalensis
Blue-rumped pitta, Hydrornis soror
Rusty-naped pitta, Hydrornis oatesi
Blue pitta, Hydrornis cyanea
Hooded pitta, Pitta sordida
Indian pitta, Pitta brachyura
Fairy pitta, Pitta nympha
Blue-winged pitta, Pitta moluccensis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.
Australasian bushlark, Mirafra javanica
Bimaculated lark, Melanocorypha bimaculata
Tibetan lark, Melanocorypha maxima
Mongolian lark, Melanocorypha mongolica
Black lark, Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (A)
Greater short-toed lark, Calandrella brachydactyla
Mongolian short-toed lark, Calandrella dukhunensis
Hume's short-toed lark, Calandrella acutirostris
Red-capped lark, Calandrella cinerea
Asian short-toed lark, Alaudala cheleensis
Sand lark, Alaudala raytal
Crested lark, Galerida cristata
Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis
Oriental skylark, Alauda gulgula
White-winged lark, Alauda leucoptera (A)
Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in China.
Sand martin, Riparia riparia
Pale martin, Riparia diluta
Grey-throated martin, Riparia chinensis
Eurasian crag martin, Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Dusky crag martin, Ptyonoprogne concolor (A)
Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
Pacific swallow, Hirundo tahitica
Wire-tailed swallow, Hirundo smithii
Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
Striated swallow, Cecropis striolata
Common house martin, Delichon urbica
Asian house martin, Delichon dasypus
Nepal house martin, Delichon nipalensis
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in China.
Forest wagtail, Dendronanthus indicus
White wagtail, Motacilla alba
Black-backed wagtail, Motacilla lugens
Japanese wagtail, Motacilla grandis
Citrine wagtail, Motacilla citreola
Western yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
Eastern yellow wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis
Gray wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
Oriental pipit, Anthus rufulus
Richard's pipit, Anthus richardi
Tawny pipit, Anthus campestris
Blyth's pipit, Anthus godlewskii
Tree pipit, Anthus trivialis
Olive-backed pipit, Anthus hodgsoni
Pechora pipit, Anthus gustavi
Meadow pipit, Anthus pratensis
Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus
Rosy pipit, Anthus roseatus
Water pipit, Anthus spinoletta
Upland pipit, Anthus sylvanus
American pipit, Anthus rubescens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly grayish with white and black, although some species are brightly colored.
Large cuckooshrike, Coracina macei
Black-faced cuckooshrike, Coracina novaehollandiae
Black-winged cuckooshrike, Coracina melaschistos
Rosy minivet, Pericrocotus roseus
Brown-rumped minivet, Pericrocotus cantonensis
Ashy minivet, Pericrocotus divaricatus
Long-tailed minivet, Pericrocotus ethologus
Short-billed minivet, Pericrocotus brevirostris
Scarlet minivet, Pericrocotus flammeus
Gray-chinned minivet, Pericrocotus solaris
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colorful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests. There are 130 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in China.
Crested finchbill, Spizixos canifrons
Collared finchbill, Spizixos semitorques
Striated bulbul, Pycnonotus striatus
Black-headed bulbul, Pycnonotus atriceps
Black-crested bulbul, Pycnonotus flaviventris
Red-whiskered bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus
Brown-breasted bulbul, Pycnonotus xanthorrhous
Light-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus sinensis
Red-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer
Sooty-headed bulbul, Pycnonotus aurigaster
Stripe-throated bulbul, Pycnonotus finlaysoni
Flavescent bulbul, Pycnonotus flavescens
White-throated bulbul, Alophoixus flaveolus
Puff-throated bulbul, Alophoixus pallidus
Gray-eyed bulbul, Iole propinqua
Brown-eared bulbul, Ixos amaurotis
Mountain bulbul, Ixos mcclellandii
Ashy bulbul, Hemixos flavala
Chestnut bulbul, Hemixos castanonotus
Black bulbul, Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets, also called crests, are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status because they also resemble the titmice. There are 7 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Goldcrest, Regulus regulus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Chloropseidae
The leafbirds are small, bulbul-like birds. The males are brightly plumaged, usually in greens and yellows. There are 8 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
Blue-winged leafbird, Chloropsis cochinchinensis
Golden-fronted leafbird, Chloropsis aurifrons
Orange-bellied leafbird, Chloropsis hardwickii
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithinidae
The ioras are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub, but whereas that group tends to be drab in coloration, ioras are sexually dimorphic, with the males being brightly plumaged in yellows and greens. There are 4 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Common iora, Aegithina tiphia
Great iora, Aegithina lafresnayei
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. There are 3 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
Japanese waxwing, Bombycilla japonica
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements. There are 5 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
White-throated dipper, Cinclus cinclus
Brown dipper, Cinclus pallasii
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 80 species worldwide (of which all but one are New World species) and 1 species which occurs in China.
Eurasian wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in China.
Alpine accentor, Prunella collaris
Himalayan accentor, Prunella himalayana
Robin accentor, Prunella rubeculoides
Rufous-breasted accentor, Prunella strophiata
Siberian accentor, Prunella montanella
Brown accentor, Prunella fulvescens
Black-throated accentor, Prunella atrogularis
Mongolian accentor, Prunella koslowi
Maroon-backed accentor, Prunella immaculata
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
Orange-headed thrush, Geokichla citrina
Siberian thrush, Geokichla sibirica
Alpine thrush, Zoothera mollissima
Himalayan thrush, Zoothera salimalii
Sichuan thrush, Zoothera griseiceps
Long-tailed thrush, Zoothera dixoni
Scaly thrush, Zoothera dauma
Dark-sided thrush, Zoothera marginata
Gray-backed thrush, Turdus hortulorum
Tickell's thrush, Turdus unicolor
Black-breasted thrush, Turdus dissimilis
Japanese thrush, Turdus cardis
White-collared blackbird, Turdus albocinctus
Gray-winged blackbird, Turdus boulboul
Tibetan blackbird, Turdus maximus
Chinese blackbird, Turdus mandarinus
Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula
Island thrush, Turdus poliocephalus
Chestnut thrush, Turdus rubrocanus
White-backed thrush, Turdus kessleri
Gray-sided thrush, Turdus feae
Eyebrowed thrush, Turdus obscurus
Pale thrush, Turdus pallidus
Brown-headed thrush, Turdus chrysolaus
Dark-throated thrush, Turdus ruficollis
Dusky thrush, Turdus naumanni
Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris
Redwing, Turdus iliacus
Song thrush, Turdus philomelos
Chinese thrush, Turdus mupinensis
Mistle thrush, Turdus viscivorus
Grandala, Grandala coelicolor
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or gray appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.
Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis
Striated prinia, Prinia criniger
Brown prinia, Prinia polychroa
Hill prinia, Prinia superciliaris
Black-throated prinia, Prinia atrogularis
Rufescent prinia, Prinia rufescens
Gray-breasted prinia, Prinia hodgsonii
Yellow-bellied prinia, Prinia flaviventris
Plain prinia, Prinia inornata
Common tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius
Dark-necked tailorbird, Orthotomus atrogularis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cettiidae
Slaty-bellied tesia, Tesia olivea
Gray-bellied tesia, Tesia cyaniventer
Asian stubtail, Urosphena squameiceps
Pale-footed bush warbler, Urosphena pallidipes (A)
Manchurian bush warbler, Horornis borealis
Japanese bush warbler, Horornis diphone
Brown-flanked bush warbler, Horornis fortipes
Aberrant bush warbler, Horornis flavolivacea
Yellow-bellied bush warbler, Horornis acanthizoides
Hume's bush warbler, Horornis brunnescens
Chestnut-crowned bush warbler, Cettia major
Chestnut-headed tesia, Cettia castaneocoronata
Gray-sided bush warbler, Cettia brunnifrons
Cetti's warbler, Cettia cetti
Broad-billed warbler, Tickellia hodgsoni
Rufous-faced warbler, Abroscopus albogularis
Yellow-bellied warbler, Abroscopus superciliaris
Black-faced warbler, Abroscopus schisticeps
Mountain tailorbird, Phyllergates cuculatus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
Spotted bush warbler, Locustella thoracica
Long-billed bush warbler, Locustella major
Chinese bush warbler, Locustella tacsanowskia
Baikal bush warbler, Locustella davidi
Russet bush warbler, Locustella mandelli
Brown bush warbler, Locustella luteoventris
Lanceolated warbler, Locustella lanceolata
Common grasshopper warbler, Locustella naevia
Pallas's grasshopper warbler, Locustella certhiola
Middendorff's grasshopper warbler, Locustella ochotensis
Pleske's warbler, Locustella pleskei
Savi's warbler, Locustella luscinioides
Gray's warbler, Locustella fasciolata
Marsh grassbird, Locustella pryeri
Striated grassbird, Megalurus palustris
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
Sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Streaked reed warbler, Acrocephalus sorghophilus
Black-browed reed warbler, Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Paddyfield warbler, Acrocephalus agricola
Blunt-winged warbler, Acrocephalus concinens
Eurasian reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Blyth's reed warbler, Acrocephalus dumetorum
Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis
Clamorous reed warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus
Thick-billed warbler, Iduna aedon
Booted warbler, Iduna caligata
Sykes's warbler, Iduna rama
Eastern olivaceous warbler, Iduna pallida
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita
Mountain chiffchaff, Phylloscopus sindianus
Wood warbler, Phylloscopus sibilatrix (A)
Dusky warbler, Phylloscopus fuscatus
Smoky warbler, Phylloscopus fuligiventer
Tickell's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus affinis
Alpine leaf warbler, Phylloscopus occisinensis (E)
Buff-throated warbler, Phylloscopus subaffinis
Sulphur-bellied warbler, Phylloscopus griseolus
Yellow-streaked warbler, Phylloscopus armandii
Radde's warbler, Phylloscopus schwarzi
Buff-barred warbler, Phylloscopus pulcher
Ashy-throated warbler, Phylloscopus maculipennis
Pallas's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus
Gansu leaf-warbler, Phylloscopus kansuensis (E)
Pale-rumped warbler, Phylloscopus chloronotus
Sichuan leaf warbler, Phylloscopus forresti
Chinese leaf warbler, Phylloscopus yunnanensis
Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus
Hume's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus humei
Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis
Greenish warbler, Phylloscopus trochiloides
Pale-legged leaf warbler, Phylloscopus tenellipes
Large-billed leaf warbler, Phylloscopus magnirostris
Western crowned leaf warbler, Phylloscopus occipitalis
Eastern crowned leaf warbler, Phylloscopus coronatus
Blyth's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus reguloides
Hartert's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus goodsoni (E)
Claudia's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus claudiae (E)
Hainan leaf warbler, Phylloscopus hainanus (E)
Emei leaf warbler, Phylloscopus emeiensis (E)
Davison's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus davisoni
Kloss's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus ogilviegranti
Yellow-vented warbler, Phylloscopus cantator
Sulphur-breasted warbler, Phylloscopus ricketti
Limestone leaf warbler, Phylloscopus calciatilis
Martens's warbler, Seicercus omeiensis
Gray-hooded warbler, Seicercus xanthoschistos
White-spectacled warbler, Seicercus affinis
Gray-cheeked warbler, Seicercus poliogenys
Chestnut-crowned warbler, Seicercus castaniceps
Gray-crowned warbler, Seicercus tephrocephalus
Whistler's warbler, Seicercus whistleri
Bianchi's warbler, Seicercus valentini
Plain-tailed warbler, Seicercus soror
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.
Greater whitethroat, Sylvia communis
Lesser whitethroat, Sylvia curruca
Small whitethroat, Sylvia minula
Margelanic whitethroat, Sylvia margelanica
Hume's whitethroat, Sylvia althaea
Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla (A)
Asian desert warbler, Sylvia nana
Barred warbler, Sylvia nisoria
Yellow-eyed babbler, Chrysomma sinense
Rufous-tailed babbler, Chrysomma poecilotis (E)
Fire-tailed myzornis, Myzornis pyrrhoura
Great parrotbill, Conostoma aemodium
Brown parrotbill, Cholornis unicolor
Three-toed parrotbill, Cholornis paradoxus (E)
Gray-headed parrotbill, Psittiparus gularis
White-breasted parrotbill, Psittiparus ruficeps
Spot-breasted parrotbill, Paradoxornis guttaticollis
Reed parrotbill, Paradoxornis heudei
Spectacled parrotbill, Sinosuthora conspicillata (E)
Vinous-throated parrotbill, Sinosuthora webbiana
Brown-winged parrotbill, Sinosuthora brunnea
Ashy-throated parrotbill, Sinosuthora alphonsiana
Gray-hooded parrotbill, Sinosuthora zappeyi (E)
Przevalski's parrotbill, Sinosuthora przewalskii (E)
Fulvous parrotbill, Suthora fulvifrons
Black-throated parrotbill, Suthora nipalensis
Golden parrotbill, Suthora verreauxi
Short-tailed parrotbill, Neosuthora davidianus
Pale-billed parrotbill, Chleuasicus atrosuperciliaris
White-browed fulvetta, Fulvetta vinipectus
Chinese fulvetta, Fulvetta striaticollis (E)
Spectacled fulvetta, Fulvetta ruficapilla (E)
Grey-hooded fulvetta, Fulvetta cinereiceps (E)
Manipur fulvetta, Fulvetta manipurensis
Brown-throated fulvetta, Fulvetta ludlowi
Beijing babbler, Rhopophilus pekinensis
Tarim babbler, Rhopophilus albosuperciliaris
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
Common rock thrush, Monticola saxatilis
White-throated rock thrush, Monticola gularis
Chestnut-bellied rock thrush, Monticola rufiventris
Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
Rusty-bellied shortwing, Brachypteryx hyperythra
Gould's shortwing, Brachypteryx stellata
Lesser shortwing, Brachypteryx leucophrys
White-browed shortwing, Brachypteryx montana
Blue whistling thrush, Myophonus caeruleus
Brown-chested jungle flycatcher, Rhinomyias brunneata
Spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa striata
Gray-spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa griseisticta
Siberian flycatcher, Muscicapa sibirica
Asian brown flycatcher, Muscicapa dauurica
Brown-streaked flycatcher, Muscicapa williamsoni
Brown-breasted flycatcher, Muscicapa muttui
Ferruginous flycatcher, Muscicapa ferruginea
Korean flycatcher, Ficedula zanthopygia
Narcissus flycatcher, Ficedula narcissina
Mugimaki flycatcher, Ficedula mugimaki
Slaty-backed flycatcher, Ficedula hodgsonii
Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, Ficedula strophiata
Taiga flycatcher, Ficedula albicilla
Snowy-browed flycatcher, Ficedula hyperythra
Little pied flycatcher, Ficedula westermanni
Ultramarine flycatcher, Ficedula superciliaris
Slaty-blue flycatcher, Ficedula tricolor
Sapphire flycatcher, Ficedula sapphira
White-gorgeted flycatcher, Anthipes monileger
Blue-and-white flycatcher, Cyanoptila cyanomelana
Zappey's flycatcher, Cyanoptila cumatilis
Verditer flycatcher, Eumyias thalassina
Large niltava, Niltava grandis
Small niltava, Niltava macgrigoriae
Fujian niltava, Niltava davidi
Rufous-bellied niltava, Niltava sundara
Vivid niltava, Niltava vivida
White-tailed flycatcher, Cyornis concretus
Hainan blue flycatcher, Cyornis hainanus
Pale-chinned blue flycatcher, Cyornis poliogenys
Pale blue flycatcher, Cyornis unicolor
Blue-throated flycatcher, Cyornis rubeculoides
Hill blue flycatcher, Cyornis banyumas
Pygmy blue flycatcher, Muscicapella hodgsoni (A)
European robin, Erithacus rubecula (A)
Japanese robin, Erithacus akahige
Ryukyu robin, Erithacus komadori
Rufous-tailed robin, Luscinia sibilans
Common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos
Siberian rubythroat, Luscinia calliope
White-tailed rubythroat, Luscinia pectoralis
Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica
Rufous-headed robin, Luscinia ruficeps
Black-throated blue robin, Luscinia obscura
Firethroat, Luscinia pectardens
Indian blue robin, Luscinia brunnea
Siberian blue robin, Luscinia cyane
White-bellied redstart, Luscinia phoenicuroides
Red-flanked bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus
Himalayan bluetail, Tarsiger rufilatus
Golden bush robin, Tarsiger chrysaeus
White-browed bush robin, Tarsiger indicus
Rufous-breasted bush robin, Tarsiger hyperythrus
Rufous-tailed scrub robin, Cercotrichas galactotes (A)
Oriental magpie-robin, Copsychus saularis
White-rumped shama, Copsychus malabaricus
Ala Shan redstart, Phoenicurus alaschanicus (E)
Rufous-backed redstart, Phoenicurus erythronota
Blue-capped redstart, Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus
Black redstart, Phoenicurus ochruros
Common redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Hodgson's redstart, Phoenicurus hodgsoni
White-throated redstart, Phoenicurus schisticeps
Daurian redstart, Phoenicurus auroreus
White-winged redstart, Phoenicurus erythrogaster
Blue-fronted redstart, Phoenicurus frontalis
White-capped redstart, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
Plumbeous redstart, Rhyacornis fuliginosus
White-tailed robin, Cinclidium leucurum
Blue-fronted robin, Cinclidium frontale
Little forktail, Enicurus scouleri
Black-backed forktail, Enicurus immaculatus
Slaty-backed forktail, Enicurus schistaceus
White-crowned forktail, Enicurus leschenaulti
Spotted forktail, Enicurus maculatus
Purple cochoa, Cochoa purpurea
Green cochoa, Cochoa viridis
Siberian stonechat, Saxicola maurus
White-throated bushchat, Saxicola insignis
Pied bushchat, Saxicola caprata
Jerdon's bushchat, Saxicola jerdoni
Gray bushchat, Saxicola ferreus
Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe
Variable wheatear, Oenanthe picata
Pied wheatear, Oenanthe pleschanka
Desert wheatear, Oenanthe deserti
Isabelline wheatear, Oenanthe isabellina
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhipiduridae
The fantails are small insectivorous birds which are specialist aerial feeders. There are 44 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
Yellow-bellied fantail, Rhipidura hypoxantha
White-throated fantail, Rhipidura albicollis
White-browed fantail, Rhipidura aureola
Order: Passeriformes Family: Stenostiridae
Yellow-bellied fantail, Chelidorhynx hypoxantha
Grey-headed canary flycatcher, Culicicapa ceylonensis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in China.
Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea
Japanese paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone atrocaudata
Indian paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone paradisi
Oriental paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone affinis
Amur paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone incei
Laughingthrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Leiothrichidae
Masked laughingthrush, Garrulax perspicillatus
White-throated laughingthrush, Garrulax albogularis
White-crested laughingthrush, Garrulax leucolophus
Lesser necklaced laughingthrush, Garrulax monileger
Greater necklaced laughingthrush, Garrulax pectoralis
Striated laughingthrush, Garrulax striatus
White-necked laughingthrush, Garrulax strepitans
Grey laughingthrush, Garrulax maesi
Rufous-cheeked laughingthrush, Garrulax castanotis
Rufous-necked laughingthrush, Garrulax ruficollis
Black-throated laughingthrush, Garrulax chinensis
Blue-crowned laughingthrush, Garrulax courtoisi (E)
Pere David's laughingthrush, Garrulax davidi (E)
Sukatschev's laughingthrush, Garrulax sukatschewi (E)
Moustached laughingthrush, Garrulax cineraceus
Rufous-chinned laughingthrush, Garrulax rufogularis (A)
Spotted laughingthrush, Garrulax ocellatus
Barred laughingthrush, Garrulax lunulatus (E)
Biet's laughingthrush, Garrulax bieti (E)
Giant laughingthrush, Garrulax maximus (E)
Grey-sided laughingthrush, Garrulax caerulatus
Buffy laughingthrush, Garrulax berthemyi (E)
Spot-breasted laughingthrush, Garrulax merulinus
Chinese hwamei, Garrulax canorus
White-browed laughingthrush, Garrulax sannio
Streaked laughingthrush, Trochalopteron lineatus
Scaly laughingthrush, Trochalopteron subunicolor
Blue-winged laughingthrush, Trochalopteron squamatus
Elliot's laughingthrush, Trochalopteron elliotii
Variegated laughingthrush, Trochalopteron variegatus (A)
Prince Henry's laughingthrush, Trochalopteron henrici
Black-faced laughingthrush, Trochalopteron affinis
Chestnut-crowned laughingthrush, Trochalopteron erythrocephalus
Assam laughingthrush, Trochalopteron chrysopterus
Silver-eared laughingthrush, Trochalopteron melanostigma
Red-winged laughingthrush, Trochalopteron formosus
Red-tailed laughingthrush, Trochalopteron milnei
Grey-faced liocichla, Liocichla omeiensis (E)
Red-faced liocichla, Liocichla phoenicea
Scarlet-faced liocichla, Liocichla ripponi
Chinese babax, Babax lanceolatus
Giant babax, Babax waddelli
Tibetan babax, Babax koslowi (E)
Silver-eared mesia, Leiothrix argentauris
Red-billed leiothrix, Leiothrix lutea
Himalayan cutia, Cutia nipalensis
Rusty-fronted barwing, Actinodura egertoni
Spectacled barwing, Actinodura ramsayi
Hoary-throated barwing, Actinodura nipalensis
Streak-throated barwing, Actinodura waldeni
Streaked barwing, Actinodura souliei
Blue-winged minla, Minla cyanouroptera
Chestnut-tailed minla, Minla strigula
Red-tailed minla, Minla ignotincta
Rufous-backed sibia, Heterophasia annectens
Rufous sibia, Heterophasia capistrata
Gray sibia, Heterophasia gracilis
Black-backed sibia, Heterophasia melanoleuca
Black-headed sibia, Heterophasia desgodinsi
Beautiful sibia, Heterophasia pulchella
Long-tailed sibia, Heterophasia picaoides
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pnoepygidae
Scaly-breasted wren-babbler, Pnoepyga albiventer
Chinese wren-babbler, Pnoepyga mutica
Pygmy wren-babbler, Pnoepyga pusilla
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pellorneidae
Chinese grassbird, Graminicola striatus
Buff-breasted babbler, Pellorneum tickelli
Spot-throated babbler, Pellorneum albiventre
Puff-throated babbler, Pellorneum ruficeps
Long-billed wren-babbler, Rimator malacoptilus (A)
Limestone wren-babbler, Napothera crispifrons
Streaked wren-babbler, Napothera brevicaudata
Eyebrowed wren-babbler, Napothera epilepidota
White-hooded babbler, Gampsorhynchus rufulus
Golden-breasted fulvetta, Alcippe chrysotis
Gold-fronted fulvetta, Alcippe variegaticeps (E)
Yellow-throated fulvetta, Alcippe cinerea
Rufous-winged fulvetta, Alcippe castaneceps
Rufous-throated fulvetta, Alcippe rufogularis
Dusky fulvetta, Alcippe brunnea
Rusty-capped fulvetta, Alcippe dubia
Brown-cheeked fulvetta, Alcippe poioicephala
Gray-cheeked fulvetta, Alcippe morrisonia
Nepal fulvetta, Alcippe nipalensis (A)
Yunnan fulvetta, Alcippe fratercula
David's fulvetta, Alcippe davidi
Huet's fulvetta, Alcippe hueti (E)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Timaliidae
The babblers, or timaliids, are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterized by soft fluffy plumage.
Large scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus hypoleucos
Black-streaked scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus gravivox
Grey-sided scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus swinhoei (E)
Rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus erythrogenys
Streak-breasted scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ruficollis
Red-billed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps
Coral-billed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ferruginosus
Slender-billed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus superciliaris
Bar-winged wren-babbler, Spelaeornis troglodytoides
Grey-bellied wren-babbler, Spelaeornis reptatus
Pale-throated wren-babbler, Spelaeornis kinneari
Cachar wedge-billed babbler, Sphenocichla roberti
Buff-chested babbler, Stachyridopsis ambigua
Rufous-capped babbler, Stachyridopsis ruficeps
Golden babbler, Stachyridopsis chrysaea
Gray-throated babbler, Stachyris nigriceps
Spot-necked babbler, Stachyris striolata
Nonggang babbler, Stachyris nonggangensis
Pin-striped tit-babbler, Macronus gularis
Chestnut-capped babbler, Timalia pileata
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
Black-headed shrike-babbler, Pteruthius rufiventer
White-browed shrike-babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis
Green shrike-babbler, Pteruthius xanthochlorus
Black-eared shrike-babbler, Pteruthius melanotis
Clicking shrike-babbler, Pteruthius intermedius
Order: Passeriformes Family: Elachuridae
Spotted elachura, Elachura formosa
Order: Passeriformes Family: Panuridae
Bearded reedling, Panurus biarmicus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects.
Long-tailed tit, Aegithalos caudatus
Silver-throated bushtit, Aegithalos glaucogularis
White-cheeked tit, Aegithalos leucogenys
Black-throated tit, Aegithalos concinnus
Black-browed tit, Aegithalos iouschistos
Sooty tit, Aegithalos fuliginosus (E)
White-browed tit-warbler, Leptopoecile sophiae
Crested tit-warbler, Leptopoecile elegans (E)
Chickadees and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. China has the greatest diversity of tits of any country.
Marsh tit, Poecile palustris
Black-bibbed tit, Poecile hypermelaena
Willow tit, Poecile montana
Sichuan tit, Poecile weigoldicus
Songar tit, Poecile songara
White-browed tit, Poecile superciliosa (E)
Pere David's tit, Poecile davidi (E)
Coal tit, Periparus ater
Black-breasted tit, Periparus rufonuchalis
Rufous-vented tit, Periparus rubidiventris
Yellow-bellied tit, Pardaliparus venustulus (E)
Gray-crested tit, Lophophanes dichrous
Great tit, Parus major
Cinereous tit, Parus cinereus
Japanese tit, Parus minor
Green-backed tit, Parus monticolus
Yellow-cheeked tit, Parus spilonotus
Azure tit, Cyanistes cyanus
Yellow-breasted tit, Cyanistes flavipectus
Varied tit, Sittiparus varius
Yellow-browed tit, Sylviparus modestus
Sultan tit, Melanochlora sultanea
Ground tit, Pseudopodoces humilis
Fire-capped tit, Cephalopyrus flammiceps
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. China has the greatest diversity of nuthatches of any country.
Chestnut-bellied nuthatch, Sitta castanea
Eurasian nuthatch, Sitta europaea
Chestnut-vented nuthatch, Sitta nagaensis
Kashmir nuthatch, Sitta cashmirensis
White-tailed nuthatch, Sitta himalayensis
Snowy-browed nuthatch, Sitta villosa
Yunnan nuthatch, Sitta yunnanensis (E)
Przevalski's nuthatch, Sitta przewalskii (E)
Eurasian nuthatch, Sitta europaea
Chestnut-vented nuthatch, Sitta nagaensis
Velvet-fronted nuthatch, Sitta frontalis
Yellow-billed nuthatch, Sitta solangiae
Giant nuthatch, Sitta magna
Beautiful nuthatch, Sitta formosa
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tichodromidae
The wallcreeper is a small bird, with stunning crimson, gray and black plumage, related to the nuthatch family.
Wallcreeper, Tichodroma muraria
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.
Eurasian treecreeper, Certhia familiaris
Bar-tailed treecreeper, Certhia himalayana
Rusty-flanked treecreeper, Certhia nipalensis
Sikkim treecreeper, Certhia discolor
Hume's treecreeper, Certhia manipurensis
Sichuan treecreeper, Certhia tianquanensis (E)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Remizidae
The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores. There are 3 species which have been recorded in China.
Eurasian penduline tit, Remiz pendulinus
White-crowned penduline tit, Remiz coronatus
Chinese penduline tit, Remiz consobrinus
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in China.
Ruby-cheeked sunbird, Chalcoparia singalensis
Purple-naped sunbird, Hypogramma hypogrammicum
Purple sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus
Olive-backed sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis
Gould's sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae
Green-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga nipalensis
Fork-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga christinae
Black-throated sunbird, Aethopyga saturata
Crimson sunbird, Aethopyga siparaja
Fire-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga ignicauda
Little spiderhunter, Arachnothera longirostra
Streaked spiderhunter, Arachnothera magna
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly colored birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues. There are 44 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in China.
Thick-billed flowerpecker, Dicaeum agile
Yellow-vented flowerpecker, Dicaeum chrysorrheum
Yellow-bellied flowerpecker, Dicaeum melanoxanthum
Plain flowerpecker, Dicaeum minullum
Fire-breasted flowerpecker, Dicaeum ignipectus
Scarlet-backed flowerpecker, Dicaeum cruentatum
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull color like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye.
Chestnut-flanked white-eye, Zosterops erythropleurus
Oriental white-eye, Zosterops palpebrosus
Japanese white-eye, Zosterops japonicus
Striated yuhina, Yuhina castaniceps
Indochinese yuhina, Yuhina torqueola
White-naped yuhina, Yuhina bakeri
Whiskered yuhina, Yuhina flavicollis
Stripe-throated yuhina, Yuhina gularis
White-collared yuhina, Yuhina diademata
Rufous-vented yuhina, Yuhina occipitalis
Black-chinned yuhina, Yuhina nigrimenta
White-bellied yuhina, Yuhina zantholeuca
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colorful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.
Eurasian golden oriole, Oriolus oriolus
Indian golden oriole, Oriolus kundoo
Black-naped oriole, Oriolus chinensis
Slender-billed oriole, Oriolus tenuirostris
Black-hooded oriole, Oriolus xanthornus
Maroon oriole, Oriolus traillii
Silver oriole, Oriolus mellianus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Irenidae
The fairy-bluebirds are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub. The males are dark-blue and the females a duller green. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Asian fairy-bluebird, Irena puella
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey.
Tiger shrike, Lanius tigrinus
Bull-headed shrike, Lanius bucephalus
Red-backed shrike, Lanius collurio
Isabelline shrike, Lanius isabellinus
Red-tailed shrike, Lanius phoenicuroides
Brown shrike, Lanius cristatus
Burmese shrike, Lanius collurioides
Long-tailed shrike, Lanius schach
Gray-backed shrike, Lanius tephronotus
Northern shrike, Lanius excubitor
Southern gray shrike, Lanius meridionalis
Lesser gray shrike, Lanius minor
Chinese gray shrike, Lanius sphenocercus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tephrodornithidae
Large woodshrike, Tephrodornis gularis
Bar-winged flycatcher-shrike, Hemipus picatus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark gray in color, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in China.
Black drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus
Ashy drongo, Dicrurus leucophaeus
Crow-billed drongo, Dicrurus annectans
Bronzed drongo, Dicrurus aeneus
Lesser racket-tailed drongo, Dicrurus remifer
Hair-crested drongo, Dicrurus hottentottus
Greater racket-tailed drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-colored passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in China.
Ashy woodswallow, Artamus fuscus
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. China has the greatest diversity of corvids of any country.
Siberian jay, Perisoreus infaustus
Sichuan jay, Perisoreus internigrans (E)
Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius
Azure-winged magpie, Cyanopica cyana
Gold-billed magpie, Urocissa flavirostris
Blue magpie, Urocissa erythrorhyncha
White-winged magpie, Urocissa whiteheadi
Green magpie, Cissa chinensis
Yellow-breasted magpie, Cissa hypoleuca
Rufous treepie, Dendrocitta vagabunda
Gray treepie, Dendrocitta formosae
Collared treepie, Dendrocitta frontalis
Racket-tailed treepie, Crypsirina temia
Ratchet-tailed treepie, Temnurus temnurus
Eurasian magpie, Pica pica
Mongolian ground-jay, Podoces hendersoni
Xinjiang ground-jay, Podoces biddulphi (E)
Eurasian nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes
Large-spotted nutcracker, Nucifraga multipunctata
Red-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Yellow-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax graculus
Eurasian jackdaw, Corvus monedula
Daurian jackdaw, Corvus dauuricus
House crow, Corvus splendens
Rook, Corvus frugilegus
Carrion crow, Corvus corone
Large-billed crow, Corvus macrorhynchos
Collared crow, Corvus torquatus
Brown-necked raven, Corvus ruficollis
Common raven, Corvus corax
Hooded crow, Corvus cornix (A)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.
Golden-crested myna, Ampeliceps coronatus
Common hill myna, Gracula religiosa
Great myna, Acridotheres grandis
Crested myna, Acridotheres cristatellus
Collared myna, Acridotheres albocinctus
Bank myna, Acridotheres ginginianus (A)
Common myna, Acridotheres tristis
Vinous-breasted starling, Acridotheres burmannicus
Black-collared starling, Gracupica nigricollis
Asian pied starling, Gracupica contra
Daurian starling, Agropsar sturninus
Chestnut-cheeked starling, Agropsar philippensis
White-shouldered starling, Sturnia sinensis
Chestnut-tailed starling, Sturnia malabarica
Brahminy starling, Sturnia pagodarum (A)
Rosy starling, Pastor roseus
Red-billed starling, Spodiopsar sericeus
White-cheeked starling, Spodiopsar cineraceus
European starling, Sturnus vulgaris
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly colored, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in color only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in China.
Baya weaver, Ploceus philippinus
Bengal weaver, Ploceus benghalensis
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colors and patterns.
Red avadavat, Amandava amandava
White-rumped munia, Lonchura striata
Nutmeg mannikin, Lonchura punctulata
Chestnut munia, Lonchura atricapilla
Tricoloured munia, Lonchura malacca
Java sparrow, Padda oryzivora (I)
Longspurs and arctic buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae
Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis
Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 275 species worldwide and 32 species which occur in China.
Przevalski's rosefinch, Urocynchramus pylzowi (E)
Crested bunting, Melophus lathami
Slaty bunting, Latoucheornis siemsseni (E)
Yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella
Pine bunting, Emberiza leucocephalos
Tibetan bunting, Emberiza koslowi (E)
Rock bunting, Emberiza cia
Godlewski's bunting, Emberiza godlewskii
Meadow bunting, Emberiza cioides
Rufous-backed bunting, Emberiza jankowskii
Gray-hooded bunting, Emberiza buchanani
Ortolan bunting, Emberiza hortulana
Chestnut-breasted bunting, Emberiza stewarti
Ochre-rumped bunting, Emberiza yessoensis
Tristram's bunting, Emberiza tristrami
Chestnut-eared bunting, Emberiza fucata
Little bunting, Emberiza pusilla
Yellow-browed bunting, Emberiza chrysophrys
Rustic bunting, Emberiza rustica
Yellow-throated bunting, Emberiza elegans
Yellow-breasted bunting, Emberiza aureola
Chestnut bunting, Emberiza rutila
Black-headed bunting, Emberiza melanocephala (A)
Red-headed bunting, Emberiza bruniceps
Yellow bunting, Emberiza sulphurata
Black-faced bunting, Emberiza spodocephala
Gray bunting, Emberiza variabilis (A)
Pallas's bunting, Emberiza pallasi
Reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus
Corn bunting, Emberiza calandra
Siskins, crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. China has the greatest diversity of finches of any country.
Common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla
Plain mountain finch, Leucosticte nemoricola
Black-headed mountain finch, Leucosticte brandti
Tawny-headed mountain finch, Leucosticte sillemi (E)
Asian rosy finch, Leucosticte arctoa
Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
Crimson-browed finch, Pinicola subhimachalus
Blanford's rosefinch, Carpodacus rubescens
Dark-breasted rosefinch, Carpodacus nipalensis
Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus
Himalayan beautiful rosefinch, Carpodacus pulcherrimus
Chinese beautiful rosefinch, Carpodacus davidianus
Pink-rumped rosefinch, Carpodacus waltoni
Pink-browed rosefinch, Carpodacus rhodochrous
Vinaceous rosefinch, Carpodacus vinaceus
Dark-rumped rosefinch, Carpodacus edwardsii
Pale rosefinch, Carpodacus stoliczkae
Pallas's rosefinch, Carpodacus roseus
Three-banded rosefinch, Carpodacus trifasciatus
Spot-winged rosefinch, Carpodacus rhodopeplus
Sharpe's rosefinch, Carpodacus verreauxii
White-browed rosefinch, Carpodacus dubius
Tibetan rosefinch, Carpodacus roborowskii (E)
Red-mantled rosefinch, Carpodacus rhodochlamys
Streaked rosefinch, Carpodacus rubicilloides
Great rosefinch, Carpodacus rubicilla
Red-fronted rosefinch, Carpodacus puniceus
Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
Yellow-breasted greenfinch, Chloris spinoides
Black-headed greenfinch, Chloris ambigua
Oriental greenfinch, Chloris sinica
Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni
Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus
Tibetan serin, Spinus thibetanus
Fire-fronted serin, Serinus pusillus
European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis
Twite, Linaria flavirostris
Common linnet, Linaria cannabina
Brown bullfinch, Pyrrhula nipalensis
Red-headed bullfinch, Pyrrhula erythrocephala
Gray-headed bullfinch, Pyrrhula erythaca
Eurasian bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Hawfinch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Yellow-billed grosbeak, Eophona migratoria
Japanese grosbeak, Eophona personata
Collared grosbeak, Mycerobas affinis
Spot-winged grosbeak, Mycerobas melanozanthos
White-winged grosbeak, Mycerobas carnipes
Golden-naped finch, Pyrrhoplectes epauletta
Crimson-winged finch, Rhodopechys sanguinea
Mongolian finch, Rhodopechys mongolica
Desert finch, Rhodospiza obsoleta
Long-tailed rosefinch, Uragus sibiricus
Scarlet finch, Haematospiza sipahi
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or gray birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in China.
Saxaul sparrow, Passer ammodendri
House sparrow, Passer domesticus
Spanish sparrow, Passer hispaniolensis
Russet sparrow, Passer rutilans
Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
Rock petronia, Petronia petronia
White-winged snowfinch, Montifringilla nivalis
Black-winged snowfinch, Montifringilla adamsi
White-rumped snowfinch, Montifringilla taczanowskii
Pere David's snowfinch, Montifringilla davidiana
Rufous-necked snowfinch, Montifringilla ruficollis
Blanford's snowfinch, Montifringilla blanfordi
