Which has more gravitaatoinal potental energy: a bird on the ground or the same bird in the tree? why?

The same bird on the tree has more gravitational potential energy. This is because it is at a higher distance from the ground as it is on the tree, than when it is on the ground.

Considering also the formula for Gravitational Potential Energy GPE = mgh

For the bird on the ground, h = 0, therefore GPE = m*9.8*0 = 0

For that on the tree = mgh = m*9.8*h

Of course the one on the tree has a value greater than zero.