Information on Bird Identification

Over 60 million Americans enjoy the simple pastime of bird watching. To join in on the phenomena, you only need a pair of binoculars and a guidebook. The facts below will help you make good use of those tools and send you on your way to identifying backyard birds.

  1. Voice

    • Familiarize yourself with bird calls to identify hidden birds. Do you hear the deep boom of a Bittern or the metallic chip of a Northern Cardinal?

    Size

    • Keep in mind the relative size of a bird to identify it in a field guide. Compare the bird in question to a common bird like a Hose Sparrow, Blue Jay or American Crow.

    Bill

    • Make note of the shape and size of the bill on a bird to help identify it. Short and stout beaks can indicate a finch.

    Behavior

    • Note the behaviors of a bird in order to easily identify it. Is the bird hopping like an American Robin or walking like a Crow? Check these behaviors against bird descriptions in a guidebook.

    Habitat

    • Remember the habitat in which you find a bird. You won't find a Mallard in the woods, but you might find a Wood Duck.

    Features

    • Try to spot unique features on the bird you spy; crests, eye rings or wing bars can help narrow down your list of possible birds.