Migratory Bird Identification

Geography

• Most bird populations that migrate do so along flyways, specific geographic routes that migratory birds customarily follow. For example, the Mississippi Flyway follows the Mississippi River. It is part of the longest migratory path in the Western Hemisphere, a route that stretches from the Arctic coast of Alaska to Patagonia in southern South America. Some shorebirds travel the entire path twice a year. There are many commonly traveled routes of varying length throughout the world. Bird species travel across flyways in search of warmer or cooler weather from one season to the next, in search of ideal breeding ground, or in search of a plentiful food supply as seasonal changes influence available food for many bird species.

Tools

• The best way for you to identify migratory birds during your birdwatching excursion is to ensure that you come prepared with visual aid and a reliable reference. You should bring a set of binoculars or a camera that has an adequate zoom so that you can see greater detail in the birds while birdwatching. Many bird species, including migratory birds, are only differentiated from other species by minute details, so for identification purposes it will be invaluable to be able to see them more clearly. For your reference work, there are many bird identification field guides that provide information on migratory birds that will help you identify birds quickly and more easily. Sibley, Audubon and Peterson's guides are all available for different countries, regions and types of birds.

Types

• Many different types and species of birds complete a migration sometime throughout the year. Examples of migrating birds include northern land birds like swallows and birds of prey, which travel to and from the tropics. Many swans, geese and ducks that are northern breeders make long-distance migrations. The pink-footed goose, which travels from its summer breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland to winter in Great Britain and surrounding areas, is an example. Northern pintails, Swainson's thrush, bar-tailed godwit, arctic terns, griffon vultures and ruby-throated hummingbirds are all also migratory bird species.

Physical Identification

• Many migratory species can be identified by prominent physical characteristics such as size and shape, color and plumage pattern. Some subspecies of birds only exhibit small distinctions from one subspecies to the next, so note specific markings, colors and details when possible. For example, the difference between two birds can be apparent in the colors around their eyes, the length of the tail, the color of the feet or even ticking on the edge of the wings or tail. For many species, plumage can vary throughout the year, depending primarily on breeding seasons. A reliable field guide will cover these seasonal variations.

Behavioral Identification

• You can also identify migratory birds based on their behavior. Narrow down the possibilities based on how the bird communicates, where they spend their time, what they eat, or where and how they nest. These details can greatly simplify the identification process, especially by eliminating large groups of possibilities right off the bat. Note that habitat is not always a good indicator, since unless migratory birds are nesting they may seek shelter anywhere they can find it.