passerine birds

Passerine birds, also known as perching or songbirds, make up the largest group of birds worldwide. They are characterized by their arrangements of toes—three pointing forward and one back—which allow them to securely perch on branches. Most passerines are known for their singing ability and complex vocalizations, often used to attract mates or defend territory. They vary widely in size, habitat, and diet, but all share a common evolutionary trait of a highly developed vocal organ called the syrinx. Examples include sparrows, finches, thrushes, and warblers, playing key roles in ecosystems as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect controllers.