Animals with wings: fascinating fliers and gliders

Passerines, also known as perching birds (order Passeriformes), are the largest order of birds. More than half of all bird species are passerines. They are generally small birds and have feet adapted for perching on tree branches. Examples of passerine birds include finches, sparrows, songbirds, crows, and ravens.

The order Apodiformes is the second most diverse order of birds, containing swifts and hummingbirds. They are known to be some of the most skilled fliers in the animal kingdom. Hummingbirds are the only animals that can hover in the air, and they do so by flapping their wings at incredible speeds-up to 70 wingbeats per second!

Piciformes is another very diverse order of birds. This group includes woodpeckers, toucans, barbets, jacamars, honeyguides, and puffbirds. Most Piciformes are insectivorous, and their feet are adapted for clinging to tree trunks.

Parrots (order Psittaciformes) are a large group of birds characterised by their curved beaks, upright stances, strong legs, and clawed feet. They are some of the most intelligent birds, and many can mimic sounds like human speech. They are said to be the only tripedal animals, meaning they move with three limbs-their third 'foot' being their strong beaks, which they use to climb among tree limbs.

Shorebirds (order Charadriiformes) are birds that generally live near the water and eat invertebrates and other small animals. This order includes gulls, plovers, sandpipers, and more.

Members of the order Galliformes, including turkeys, chickens, quail, and other landfowl, are known to be reluctant flyers-meaning they can fly, but they don't do it as often as other birds. However, because of their large size, many Galliformes possess extremely powerful flight muscles. If you've ever seen a turkey fly, you know what an incredible sight it is!

Raptors, also known as birds of prey, encompass the orders Accipitriformes (hawks, eagles, kites, and vultures), Strigiformes (owls), Cathartiformes (New World vultures), Falconiformes (falcons), and Cariamiformes (seriemas). These birds are known for their prowess as predators. Their wings allow them to spot small animals from high in the sky and swoop down to catch their prey-except for seriemas, which are flightless.