The number of bird species in Pakistan varies slightly across sources due to differences in taxonomic classification, updates in checklists, and the inclusion of resident, migratory, or vagrant species. Based on the most reliable and recent data from the provided web results, I’ll consolidate the information to answer your question about the “types” of birds in Pakistan, interpreting “types” as distinct species, and provide context relevant to your earlier queries about bird classifications (e.g., four types: perching birds, raptors, waterfowl, flightless birds) and rare birds.
Total Number of Bird Species in Pakistan
The avifauna of Pakistan includes a total of 792 to 805 species, according to the most comprehensive sources:
- Wikipedia (List of birds of Pakistan): Reports 792 species, based on the Clements Checklist of Birds of the World (2022 edition). This includes resident, migratory, and accidental species, with one endemic species, the Indus River Delta bulbul.
- Avibase (Bird Checklists of the World): Lists 805 species as of December 2024, with 52 globally threatened species, reflecting a slightly updated count.
- AnimalSpot and dibird.com: Cite around 800 species, attributing the diversity to Pakistan’s varied habitats like alpine forests, coastal wetlands, and deserts.
- Pakistan Museum of Natural History: Notes 652 species recorded, likely a more conservative count focusing on well-documented records.
- WorldAtlas and X posts: Mention approximately 700–800 species, with 40–45% being migratory, emphasizing Pakistan’s role as a wintering ground for birds from Siberia and Russia.
Given these sources, a reasonable estimate is approximately 800 bird species in Pakistan, with minor variations due to ongoing taxonomic revisions or new sightings.
Context and Breakdown
- Diversity: Pakistan’s rich bird diversity stems from its varied geography, including the Himalayan foothills, Indus River plains, Balochistan Plateau, and coastal wetlands. These habitats support the four broad types you asked about earlier:
- Perching Birds (Passerines): The largest group, including species like the Himalayan Bulbul, Russet Sparrow, and the rare Kashmir Flycatcher. Over half of Pakistan’s species are passerines, such as the endemic Indus River Delta bulbul.
- Birds of Prey (Raptors): Include the Shaheen Falcon (a national symbol), Bald Eagle (your “king of birds”), Bearded Vulture, and Osprey. Pakistan hosts numerous raptors, with notable concentrations around Karachi.
- Waterfowl: Encompass ducks, geese, and swans like the Greylag Swan, Ruddy Shelduck, and the critically endangered Madagascar Pochard (from your rare birds query, though not native to Pakistan). Wetlands like Haleji Lake and the Indus River Delta are key habitats.
- Flightless Birds: Less common in Pakistan, with no native flightless species like the Kakapo (from your rare birds list) recorded. However, vagrant or introduced species like ostriches may occasionally appear in captivity.
- Endangered and Rare Species: Your previous query about rare birds aligns here, as Pakistan hosts threatened species like the Houbara Bustard, Indian Skimmer, and Kashmir Flycatcher, with 52 globally threatened species noted.
- National and Cultural Significance: The Chukar Partridge is Pakistan’s national bird, symbolizing love, while the Shaheen Falcon represents the Pakistan Air Force. These species, mentioned in your earlier lists, are not among the rarest but are culturally significant.
- Migratory Birds: Approximately 40–45% of Pakistan’s birds (around 320–360 species) are migratory, wintering in Pakistan’s milder climate from regions like Siberia, as noted in X posts.
Specific Examples Across Habitats
- Northern Highlands (Himalayas, Karakoram): Home to Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, and Golden Eagle (a raptor, tying to your “king” query).
- Indus River Delta and Wetlands: Support waterfowl like Greater Flamingos, Dalmatian Pelicans, and migratory cranes. The Indus Delta is a critical breeding ground.
- Balochistan and Deserts: Host species like the Houbara Bustard (endangered) and Grey Partridge, adapted to arid environments.
- Urban Areas: Corvids like House Crows and Eurasian Jackdaws thrive, with studies noting their urban adaptability.
Notes and Clarifications
- Discrepancies in Counts: The variation (652–805 species) reflects differences in sources’ inclusion of vagrants, accidental species, or taxonomic updates. Avibase’s 805 is the most recent and comprehensive.
- Relevance to Your Queries: Unlike the global rare birds (e.g., Kakapo, Spix’s Macaw), Pakistan’s rare species face threats like habitat loss and hunting, as seen with the Houbara Bustard. The Bald Eagle, your “king,” is not native but exemplifies raptors found in Pakistan like the Shaheen Falcon. The four types (passerines, raptors, waterfowl, flightless) provide a framework for categorizing these 800 species.
- Conservation: Threats like pesticide poisoning, overhunting, and habitat destruction (noted in your rare birds context) affect Pakistan’s birds, with 52 species globally threatened.
- Chart Option: If you’d like a visual, I can generate a chart showing the distribution of species across the four types (e.g., passerines vs. raptors) or by habitat in Pakistan. Please confirm if desired.
Final Answer
Pakistan is home to approximately 800 bird species, with 792–805 recorded across sources, spanning passerines (e.g., Himalayan Bulbul), raptors (e.g., Shaheen Falcon), waterfowl (e.g., Ruddy Shelduck), and minimal flightless birds. This diversity reflects Pakistan’s varied ecosystems, with about 40–45% being migratory and 52 species globally threatened.
If you want a breakdown by specific types, details on a particular species, or a chart visualizing species distribution, let me know!