Eurasian Jay
Main Characteristics of Passerines
- There are over 6,500 species of passerines.
- Passerines are the most diverse group of birds.
- They are divided into three suborders: songbirds, New Zealand wrens, and tyranni.
- In the USA, the most common passerines include the northern cardinal, blue jay, goldfinch, starling and northern mockingbird.
- Passerines are omnivores. They eat a variety of foods, mainly insects, invertebrates, and seeds.
- They have four toes. Three point forward and one points backward, helping them grip branches really well.
- Crows are also part of the passerine family, and they are known to be some of the smartest birds in the world, alongt with parrots.
- The largest passerine is the greater bird-of-paradise, which can grow up to 17 inches (43 cm) long.
- The smallest passerine is the short-tailed pygmy tyrant, measuring only 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) and weighing just 0.14 ounces (4.2 grams).
