songbirds

Songbirds, a highly diverse and widely distributed group of birds, are an essential part of many ecosystems. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the biology and habits of songbirds and highlights the importance of their protection and conservation in various habitats.

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Birds (Aves)
    • Order: Passeriformes (songbirds)
    • Family: Various families, including finches (Fringillidae), thrushes (Turdidae), sparrows (Passeridae) and many more
    • Genus: Different genera depending on family and species
  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length varies from 8 cm to 30 cm, depending on the species
    • Weight: 10-50 g
    • Special features: Songbirds are characterized by their well-developed larynx and their ability to sing complex songs. They usually have small, slender bodies and relatively long wings.
  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Worldwide, except in extreme polar regions and high mountains
    • Habitat: Diverse, from forests, meadows, gardens, fields to urban areas and tropical rainforests.
  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Omnivorous or specialized feeders (depending on the species)
    • Typical food: seeds, berries, insects, nectar, but also small vertebrates such as snakes or young birds of prey.
  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: spring and summer
    • Breeding behavior: Nest builders; nests are built from grass, twigs, feathers and other materials
    • Eggs: 2-8 eggs per clutch
    • Reproduction: Both parents usually participate in raising the young
    • Lifestyle: Social, some species are solitary or form large groups, especially during migration.
  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: 3-5 years, but many songbirds have a short lifespan in the wild
    • Endangered status: Some species are threatened by habitat loss, climate change and pollution, but many are not endangered and are common.
    • Conservation measures: conservation of habitats, protection of food sources and breeding grounds, creation of protected areas and education about the importance of songbirds for the environment.