Some birds are rare — and rarely beautiful. Others are… everywhere. In cities, pastures, forests, or even the middle of the sea. Wherever you look, chances are a few are flying around.
But which birds are truly the most numerous on Earth — globally, not just per country or continent? Based on recent estimates by ornithologists (Callaghan et al. 2021, PNAS) and databases like eBird and BirdLife International, here’s the top 10.
1. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Estimated population: ≈ 1.6 billion
Distribution: Worldwide (except Antarctica)
The house sparrow follows humans everywhere: from farms to apartment blocks. Originally from Europe and Asia, but now found on all continents thanks to migration and human introductions.
2. Red-Billed Quelea (Quelea quelea)
Estimated population: ≈ 1.5 billion
Distribution: Sub-Saharan Africa
The smallest wild weaver in the world — with the largest population. It feeds on grass seeds in enormous flocks and can cause severe crop damage.
3. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Estimated population: ≈ 1.3 billion
Distribution: Europe, introduced to North America and Australia
Famous for their swirling “murmurations” of thousands of birds. Introduced to the U.S. by Shakespeare fans, now a widespread invasive species.
4. Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Estimated population: ≈ 1.2 billion
Distribution: North America, winters partly in Europe
Extremely successful in fishing ports, landfills, and waterfronts. Recognizes — and exploits — human waste streams as a food source.
5. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Estimated population: ≈ 1.1 billion
Distribution: Worldwide (migratory)
With its graceful flight and forked tail, the barn swallow is the quintessential “spring bird.” It breeds in the Northern Hemisphere and winters in Africa and South America.
6. Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)
Estimated population: ≈ 910 million
Distribution: Arctic regions, summers in North America and Europe
This large gull thrives in rich polar seas and often migrates in large numbers to coastal areas. Frequently reuses abandoned nests of other gull species.
7. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Estimated population: ≈ 820 million
Distribution: North America (migratory)
Not to be confused with the European robin: this “robin” is a colorful regular in gardens and parks across the New World.
8. Great Black-Backed Gull (Larus marinus)
Estimated population: ≈ 600 million
Distribution: North Atlantic coastal areas
The largest gull species in the world. Chooses both fish-rich coasts and harbor areas, feeding on fish markets and garbage dumps.
9. Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Estimated population: ≈ 550 million
Distribution: Northern Hemisphere, especially pine forests
With its crossed bill, it pries open pinecones and seed pods. Periodic invasions (“irruptions”) occasionally bring it far outside its normal range.
10. European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
Estimated population: ≈ 520 million
Distribution: Europe, North Africa, West Asia (migratory)
This elegant dove appears in European gardens and hedgerows in spring. Its annual migration across the Sahara makes it a true global traveler.
There are an estimated 50 billion birds worldwide — but those vast numbers aren’t evenly distributed. The champions in this list owe their success largely to adaptability, large-scale migration, or their ability to benefit from human activity (like waste or agriculture). In the skies, it’s not the biggest — but the smartest survivors — who rule.
