Never shot a 28-gauge, but I started off with a .410 side by side and shot very well with it. Better than later when I used a 12 gauge. The range would have been shorter though. Still got it. An ugly little shotgun but it did the job and was great fun. External hammers and folds back on itself for the "poacher's greatcoat". The extractor broke and did not use it for a long time, but had it fixed a year ago. This post is motivating me to look for some ammo for it again.

Can't say whether a 28 gauge would hit hard enough for the birds you mention but other knowledgeable members have already commented on that.