Avian Taxonomy

There are an estimated 9,700+ bird species in the world that are divided into the following taxonomy according to the American Ornithologists' Union.  It is worth noting that bird taxonomy is constantly undergoing subtle, but important, changes as our knowledge of bird biology increases.  For clarity, note that the order names end in the suffix, "-formes" while the families that are found within each order end in the suffix, "-idae."

• Ducks, Geese, and Swans (Anseriformes)
      -  Ducks, Geese, and Swans (Anatidae)
• Grouse, Quail, and Allies (Galliformes)
       - Curassows and Guans (Cracidae)
       - New World Quail (Odontophoridae)
       - Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys and Old World Quail (Phasianidae)
• Loons (Gaviformes)
       - Loons (Gaviidae)
• Grebes (Podicipediformes)
       - Grebes (Podicipedidae)
• Tubenoses (Procellariiformes)
       - Albatrosses (Diomedeidae)
        - Shearwaters and Petrels (Procellariidae)     

                - Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae)

• Storks (Ciconiiformes)

                 - Storks (Ciconiidae)  

• Frigatebirds, Boobies, Cormorants, Darters, and Allies (Suliformes)

                 - Frigatebirds (Fregatidae)
                 - Boobies and Gannets (Sulidae)
              - Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae)
              - Darters (Anhingidae)

• Pelicans, Herons, Ibises, and Allies (Pelecaniformes)

                  - Pelicans (Pelecanidae)
              - Bitterns, Herons, and Allies (Ardeidae)
              - Ibises and Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)

• Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies (Accipitriformes)

                  - New World Vultures (Cathartidae)
              - Ospreys (Pandionidae)
              - Kites, Hawks, Eagles, and Allies (Accipitridae)

• Cranes and Rails (Gruiformes)

                   - Rails, Gallinules, and Coots (Rallidae)
               - Limpkins (Aramidae)
               - Cranes (Gruidae)

• Plovers, Sandpipers, and Allies (Charadriiformes)

                   - Plovers and Lapwings (Charadriidae)
               - Oystercatchers (Haematopodidae)
               - Stilts and Avocets (Recurvirostridae)
               - Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies (Scolopacidae)
               - Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers (Laridae)
               - Auks, Murres, and Puffins (Alcidae)

• Pigeons and Doves (Columbiformes)

                    - Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae)

• Cuckoos (Cuculiformes)

                    - Cuckoos, Roadrunners, and Anis (Cuculidae)

• Owls (Strigiformes)

                    - Barn Owls (Tytonidae)
                - Typical Owls (Strigidae)

• Nightjars (Caprimulgiformes)

                   - Goatsuckers (Caprimulgidae)

• Swifts and Hummingbirds (Apodiformes)

                   - Swifts (Apodidae)
               - Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)

• Kingfishers and Allies (Coraciiformes)

                   - Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)

• Woodpeckers (Piciformes)

                   - Woodpeckers and Allies (Picidae)

• Caracaras and Falcons (Falconiformes)

                   - Caracaras and Falcons (Falconidae)

• Perching Birds (Passeriformes)

                   - Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
               - Shrikes (Lanidae)
               - Vireos (Vireonidae)
               - Jays, Magpies, and Crows (Corvidae)
               - Larks (Alaudidae)
               - Swallows (Hirundinidae)
               - Chickadees and Titmouse (Paridae)
               - Verdin (Remizidae)
               - Bushtits (Aegithalidae)
               - Nuthatches (Sittidae)
               - Creepers (Certhidae)
               - Wrens (Troglodytidae)
               - Gnatcatchers (Polioptilidae)
               - Dippers (Cinclidae)
               - Kinglets (Regulidae)
               - Leaf Warblers (Phylloscopidae)
               - Old World Warblers (Muscicapidae)
               - Thrushes (Turdidae)
               - Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Allies (Mimidae)
               - Starlings and Allies (Sturnidae)
               - Wagtails and Pipits (Motacillidae)
               - Waxwings (Bonbycillidae)
               - Silky-Flycatchers (Ptilogonatidae)
               - Longspurs and Snow Buntings (Calcariidae)
               - Wood-Warblers (Parulidae)
               - New World Sparrows and Allies (Emberizidae)
               - Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Allies (Cardinalidae)
               - Blackbirds and Allies (Fringillidae)
               - Old World Sparrows (Passeridae)