How to Identify Large Wild Birds

Analyze the size of the bird. Many large wild birds have particularly long wings. Vultures have a wingspan of almost five feet. Their body length is a little more than two feet long and they are light weight at five pounds. Cranes have a wingspan of almost nine feet and weigh up to 22 pounds. The redtail hawk has a wingspan of almost five feet.

Examine the bill or beak of the bird. Large wild birds will have various shapes of bills and beaks. The sandhill crane has a slender narrow beak. Bald eagles and vultures have a curved beak with a sharp point at the tip. Flamingos have a long curved bill with a rounded edge that is black, orange, and white. North American shorebirds have narrow pointy beaks while ostriches have a wide beak with a rounded edge.

Look at the legs and feet of the bird. Large wild birds will have either web feet or claws. Such birds as hawks, eagles, and falcons have claws, used for killing prey. Flamingos have long skinny legs that are twice as long as the bird's body. The legs are pinkish white while the feet are black and webbed. The ostrich has two toes, one facing the front and the other facing towards the back of the foot. They have skinless legs that are long and scaly.

Analyze the behavior of the bird. Some large wild birds will have rituals when socializing or mating. For example, cranes leap, hop, bow, and make noises as part of socializing and finding a mate. They also cover themselves in mud to attract a mate. Flamingos tend to stand on one leg and remain in groups. Tundra swans fly in groups at high elevations, resembling the letter "V." Once the swan finds a mate, they remain lifetime partners. Bald eagles let out high-pitched chirps to communicate with their mate.

Compare the markings and color of the bird. There is a wide variety of different-colored large birds in the wild. Black vultures are blackish-brown and lack feathers only on the head and feet. The head appears like wrinkled skin. Flamingos are brightly colored pink to red. If they are malnourished their feathers turn a pale pink to almost white. Bald eagles are black with a white head and tail. The beak and feet are orange. Swans are mostly white with black beaks and feet..