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Bird Internet Routing Daemon (BIRD)

Bird is an open-source Internet routing daemon for Unix-like systems that implements multiple dynamic routing protocols for IP networks (network infrastructure software).

  • Implements core routing protocols such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and RIP for IPv4 and IPv6 (routing protocols).
  • Provides a configurable routing engine with flexible policy language for route selection and filtering (network policy control).
  • Supports multiple routing tables, protocol instances, and advanced route redistribution scenarios (network infrastructure management).
  • Runs on Unix-like operating systems and integrates with system kernels via routing sockets or Netlink (network systems integration).
  • Maintained and developed by CZ.Network Interface Controller (NIC), the association managing the .cz domain registry (open-source network infrastructure project).

More About Bird

Bird is an open-source Internet routing daemon designed for Unix-like operating systems, providing implementations of multiple dynamic routing protocols for IPv4 and IPv6 (routing protocols). It targets service providers, network operators, and administrators who require a programmable and scriptable software router that integrates with existing network infrastructure.

The daemon supports BGP, OSPF, and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) for both IPv4 and IPv6, along with static routing and direct interface routes (routing protocols). Bird maintains routing tables in user space and synchronizes selected routes with the Operating System (OS) kernel using platform mechanisms such as Netlink or routing sockets (network systems integration). It can operate with multiple independent routing tables and multiple protocol instances, which enables complex scenarios such as policy routing, Traffic Engineering (TE), and multi-homing (network infrastructure management).

A core feature of Bird is its configuration and policy language, which allows definition of route import and export filters, prefix lists, and attribute-based policies (network policy control). Administrators can match on protocol attributes such as AS paths, communities, metrics, and next-hop, and apply transformations, filtering, or redistribution between protocols. This makes Bird suitable as a route server or route reflector in environments such as Internet Exchange Points (IXP) and provider networks, where precise control over BGP attributes and routing decisions is required.

Bird runs primarily on Unix-like systems, including Linux and BSD variants, and interacts closely with the kernel routing table (network infrastructure software). It can be deployed on dedicated routing appliances, general-purpose servers, virtual machines, or containers, which allows integration into diverse enterprise and service provider architectures. Logging, monitoring hooks, and command-line control utilities support operational workflows such as troubleshooting, maintenance, and controlled reconfiguration.

The project is developed and maintained by CZ.NIC, the association responsible for operating the .cz country-code top-level domain (open-source network infrastructure project). Bird is part of a broader toolset used by CZ.NIC and other operators for Domain Name System (DNS) and routing infrastructure. Its focus on core routing protocols, policy flexibility, and Unix integration positions it in the directory as a software routing daemon for IP networks, applicable to roles such as edge router, route server, internal gateway daemon, or lab and testbed router in enterprise and institutional environments.