The Order Passeriformes, also known as perching birds or songbirds, is the largest order of birds, encompassing over half of all bird species. Members are characterized by three toes pointing forward and one backward, which allows them to grasp branches securely. They range from small songbirds like sparrows and finches to larger species such as crows and jays. Passerines exhibit a wide variety of feeding habits, including insectivory, frugivory, and nectarivory, and many are highly vocal, using complex songs for communication and mating. Found on every continent except Antarctica, passerines play important roles in ecosystems as seed dispersers, pollinators, and insect population regulators.