The Most Popular Bird Species, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the bird species you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:31
Bird enthusiasts often find themselves in heated debates over which species stand out due to their unique characteristics, behaviors, or beauty. Creating a ranked list of the most popular bird species provides clarity and consensus from a broader community perspective. This allows both seasoned ornithologists and casual bird watchers to share their views and preferences effectively.
By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic, community-driven ranking that reflects current preferences and discoveries in the bird watching world. This list is not only a fun engagement for those who participate but also serves as an informative resource for anyone interested in learning about the diversity and popularity of different bird species.
What Is the Most Popular Bird Species?
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124votesThe domestic chicken is the most populous bird species in the world, with over 23 billion chickens on the planet. They are popular for their meat and eggs, and are also kept as pets.The Domestic Chicken, scientifically known as Gallus gallus domesticus, is a domesticated bird belonging to the Phasianidae family. It is one of the most common and widespread bird species worldwide. Domestic chickens are primarily raised for their meat and eggs, but they also serve various cultural, ornamental, and research purposes.
- Average Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
- Size: 20-25 inches in length
- Weight (male): 5-8 pounds
- Weight (female): 4-7 pounds
- Feather Colors: Various colors and patterns
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238votesThe rock pigeon, also known as the common pigeon, is a familiar sight in urban environments around the world. They are often kept as pets and have been domesticated for thousands of years.The Rock Pigeon, also known as the Feral Pigeon or City Pigeon, is a medium-sized bird commonly found in urban areas across the world. It is believed to have originated from the wild Rock Dove, with centuries of domestication and selective breeding resulting in the diverse color patterns seen today.
- Scientific Name: Columba livia
- Size: 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length
- Weight: 230-380 grams (8-13 ounces)
- Wingspan: 60-70 cm (24-28 inches)
- Plumage: Varies greatly, ranging from gray and white to brown, black, or a mix of colors
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313votes
Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0The house sparrow is a small bird that is found in urban and suburban areas around the world. They are known for their distinctive chirping and are often kept as pets.The House Sparrow is a small passerine bird that belongs to the sparrow family, Passeridae. It is also known as the English Sparrow, primarily found in urban and suburban areas throughout the world. The House Sparrow has a distinctive appearance with a plump body, short bill, and brown and gray coloration. Both male and female House Sparrows have similar plumage, but males possess a black bib and gray crown during breeding season. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of climates and habitats.- Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
- Average Length: 14 cm (5.5 in)
- Wingspan: 20-22 cm (8-9 in)
- Weight: 24-39 grams (0.8-1.4 oz)
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
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427votesThe mallard duck is a common waterfowl species that is found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. They are popular for their colorful plumage and are often hunted for sport.The Mallard Duck is a common and widely recognized dabbling duck. It is found throughout North America, Eurasia, and parts of Central America. The male (drake) has a distinctive green head, yellow bill, white neck ring, chestnut-colored chest, and gray body. The female (hen) is overall mottled brown with an orange bill. Mallards are known for their adaptability and have successfully colonized various habitats, including urban areas and agricultural landscapes.
- Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos
- Average Length (Male): 58 cm (23 in)
- Average Length (Female): 56 cm (22 in)
- Wingspan: 81–98 cm (32–39 in)
- Weight (Male): 0.72–1.58 kg (1.6-3.5 lb)
Mallard Duck in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular duck breed
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522votes
Mdf · CC BY-SA 3.0The American robin is a common bird species found throughout North America. They are known for their distinctive red breast and are often seen in suburban areas.The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a medium-sized songbird native to North America. It has a distinctive appearance and a melodious song that is considered one of the most beautiful in the avian world.- Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
- Size: Approximately 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) in length
- Weight: Approximately 2.7-3.2 ounces (77-91 grams)
- Color: Grayish-brown upperparts, orange breast, and white belly
- Distinctive Features: Dark head, prominent white eye ring, and a long, yellow bill
American Robin in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular songbird
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful bird song
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular bird in Canada
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611votesThe bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey that is found in North America. They are known for their large size and striking white head feathers.The Bald Eagle is a majestic bird of prey known for its striking appearance and impressive abilities. It is a large raptor with a white head and tail contrasting against a dark brown body. The beak and feet are bright yellow. This iconic bird is native to North America and holds significant cultural and symbolic value in the United States.
- Species: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Wingspan: 1.8 to 2.3 meters
- Body Length: 70 to 102 centimeters
- Weight: 4 to 7 kilograms
- Plumage: Dark brown body, white head and tail
Bald Eagle in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beloved bird
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular type of eagle
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful bird of prey
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular bird in Canada
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular animal in Canada
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular animal in Quebec
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712votes
PierreSelim · CC BY-SA 3.0The European starling is a non-native bird species that was introduced to North America in the 19th century. They are known for their distinctive black plumage and are often seen in urban areas.The European Starling is a medium-sized songbird that belongs to the Sturnidae family. It is native to Europe but has been widely introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. The European Starling is known for its distinctive appearance and highly intelligent behavior.- Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
- Average size: 7.5-9 inches (19-23 cm)
- Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz (60-96 g)
- Wingspan: 12-17 inches (31-44 cm)
- Plumage: Black with iridescent purple and green sheen
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86votes
Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0The northern cardinal is a colorful bird species found in North America. They are known for their bright red plumage and distinctive song.The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a strikingly beautiful bird known for its vibrant plumage and melodious song. It is a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive crest on its head.- Size: Approximately 8.3 - 9.1 inches (21 - 23 cm) in length
- Weight: Approximately 1.5 - 1.8 ounces (42 - 51 grams)
- Color: Males: Bright red plumage, black face mask, and a prominent crest. Females: Pale brown with reddish tinges on their wings, crest, and tail
- Range: Eastern and central parts of North America, from southern Canada to Mexico
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and various types of forest edges
Northern Cardinal in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular songbird
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful bird call
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular bird in Canada
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95votesThe blue jay is a common bird species found in North America. They are known for their bright blue plumage and are often seen in suburban areas.The Blue Jay is a strikingly beautiful bird that is native to North America. With its vibrant blue plumage, accented by a white face and black markings on its wings and tail, the Blue Jay is admired for its stunning appearance. Its crest on the top of its head adds to its charm, as it can be raised or lowered depending on its mood or level of excitement. Known for its loud and distinctive calls, the Blue Jay is a highly vocal bird that can be heard from a significant distance.
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length
- Wingspan: 34-43 cm (13-17 inches)
- Weight: 70-100 grams (2.5-3.5 ounces)
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, woodlands, and urban areas
Blue Jay in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular songbird
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful bird in the whole world
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular bird featured on Christmas cards
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beloved bird
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful singing bird
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103votesThe common loon is a waterfowl species found in North America. They are known for their distinctive calls and are often seen on lakes and rivers.The Common Loon, also known as the Great Northern Diver, is a large waterbird found in North America. It is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic bird species with its striking appearance and enchanting calls.
- Scientific Name: Gavia immer
- Size: 71-91 cm (28-36 in) in length
- Weight: 2.7-6.3 kg (6-14 lbs)
- Wingspan: 122-137 cm (48-54 in)
- Plumage: Black head, white neck with black stripes, blackish upperparts, and white underparts
Common Loon in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful bird call
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular bird in Canada
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular bird species
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Global distribution and populationA species' range and overall abundance can make it more recognizable and popular among people from different regions.
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Cultural significanceSome bird species may be popular due to their roles in religion, folklore, or symbolism in various cultures.
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AestheticsBright colors, distinctive patterns, and unique physical features can make some bird species more popular and attractive than others.
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Vocalizations and songBirds with melodious calls or songs may be more popular among bird enthusiasts and the general public.
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Behavioral traitsSome bird species may be popular due to their unique or interesting behaviors, such as the complex mating dances of certain birds or the cooperative nature of others.
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Conservation statusEndangered or threatened bird species often garner more attention from conservation groups and wildlife enthusiasts, leading to increased popularity.
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Public awareness and media coverageBird species that are frequently featured in documentaries, television shows, or movies may become popular due to increased public exposure.
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Economic importanceBirds that play critical roles in controlling pests or promoting pollination might gain popularity due to their ecological or economic roles.
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Association with human settlementsBird species that are commonly found in urban or suburban areas, and are easily observable by the general public, may be more popular due to their accessibility.
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Research interestSome bird species may be popular among scientists and researchers due to their unique ecological roles or evolutionary adaptations, leading to a greater amount of published studies and public interest.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular bird species. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bird species is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1360 views
- 161 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bird species once every 24 hours. The rank of each bird species is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular bird species
When it comes to the animal kingdom, birds are one of the most fascinating creatures. With over 10,000 species of birds existing in the world, they are known for their unique physical characteristics, behavior, and songs. In fact, birds can be found in nearly every corner of the globe, from the tundra of the Arctic to the rainforests of South America.
But have you ever wondered which bird species is the most popular among people? Well, according to several polls and surveys conducted over the years, the answer is the American Robin. Known for their bright orange chests and cheerful songs, these birds are commonly found in gardens and parks across North America.
However, other popular bird species include the Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States, and the majestic peacock, known for its vibrant feathers and stunning displays. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply appreciate the beauty of these creatures, there is no denying the popularity and appeal of these fascinating species.
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