Passerida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Passerida
The golden-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) belongs to the bunting family, not the true sparrows.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Suborder:	Passeri
Infraorder:	Passerida
Superfamilies
Sylvioidea Muscicapoidea Passeroidea

Passerida is a very large group of birds, often called songbirds. These birds are known for their amazing ability to sing complex songs. They are one of the two main groups within the larger suborder called Passeri. Think of it like a big family tree: songbirds are a big branch, and Passerida is one of the main smaller branches on it.

What Makes Passerida Birds Special?

Passerida birds are famous for their beautiful and often complicated songs. Unlike some other birds that just make simple calls, Passerida birds have special voice boxes that let them sing many different notes and tunes. This helps them attract mates and mark their territory.

• Singing Talent: They have a highly developed syrinx, which is their voice box. This allows them to produce a wide range of sounds.
• Everywhere: You can find Passerida birds almost anywhere in the world, from forests to deserts and even in cities.
• Different Sizes: This group includes birds of many sizes, from tiny kinglets to larger crows.
• Varied Diets: Some eat insects, some eat seeds, and others eat fruits or even small animals.

Where Do Passerida Birds Live?

Passerida birds live in almost every habitat on Earth. You can find them in:

• Forests and woodlands
• Grasslands and open fields
• Deserts and dry areas
• Mountains
• Wetlands and near water
• Even in your backyard and city parks!

Their ability to adapt to different environments is one reason why there are so many types of Passerida birds.

Main Groups of Passerida Birds

The Passerida group is divided into several smaller groups called superfamilies. Here are three of the biggest ones:

Sylvioidea

This group includes many small, active birds. They are often found in bushes and trees.

• Warblers: Small birds known for their quick movements and often bright colors. They mostly eat insects.
• Larks: Birds that live in open grasslands and are famous for singing while flying high in the sky.
• Swallows: Agile flyers that catch insects in the air. They often build mud nests.

Muscicapoidea

This superfamily has birds with varied diets and behaviors.

• Thrushes: Many thrushes are known for their beautiful, flute-like songs. They often eat insects and berries.
• Starlings: These birds are very social and often gather in large flocks. Some can even mimic other sounds.
• Flycatchers: As their name suggests, these birds often catch insects right out of the air.

Passeroidea

This group includes many of the birds you might see every day.

• Sparrows: Small, common birds often found near people. They mostly eat seeds.
• Finches: Known for their strong, cone-shaped beaks, perfect for cracking seeds.
• Buntings: Often colorful birds that eat seeds and insects, found in open or bushy areas.

These superfamilies show just how diverse and amazing the Passerida group is!