Whether you're in the semi-arid climates of sub-Saharan Africa or in a quiet country garden in Britain, birds are found everywhere – some more common than others. But which bird species is the most common of all? And which wild species tops the list?
From the billions of chickens farmed around the world to the tiny wren chirping in British hedgerows, we take a look at the most populous bird species.
What’s the most common bird in the world?
The domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is the most commonly found bird in the world, with over 20 billion estimated to exist globally. This is largely due to the bird’s widespread use in the food industry, where it is predominantly kept for egg-laying and meat production.
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What’s the most common wild bird in the world?
The most abundant wild bird is believed to be the red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea), a small songbird native to sub-Saharan Africa and typically found in areas with semi-arid climates. Estimates suggest there are over a billion of these birds worldwide, making them one of the most populous bird species on the planet.
In its native Africa, the red-billed quelea is often considered an agricultural pest, with efforts frequently made to control its population.
What’s the most widely distributed bird in the world?
Found on every continent except Antarctica, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is considered to be the most widely distributed wild bird in the world. It is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and large parts of Asia.
What’s the most common bird in Britain?
The commonest bird in Britain is considered to be the wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), with an estimated 11 million breeding pairs across the UK.
More of your wildlife questions answered