Seven Observations to Help Identify a Bird

Identifying birds will encompass a variety of observations. In order to be precise in these observations, some find it helpful to use a set of binoculars, or a camera with a zoom lens, though these are not necessarily required.

Another helpful tool can be a bird guide. Many of these books are tailored to a specific region, and will cover the main characteristics of a large majority of the region's native birds. Some of these guides will be more specific to a particular interest, such as wetland birds, backyard birds, and so forth. Most will have pictures to assist with identification.

In learning how to identify birds, there are several distinct areas that will serve as a veritable check list. The combined observations gathered from this check list will help to positively identify any species you've happened to sight.

The most obvious area that one will initially look for will include physical criteria. These will mainly consist of:

Beak

The shape, color, and size of a bird's beak is a part of its unique identity, and will easily be differentiated between any number of species.

Color

The color of a bird's feathers is very species specific, usually only having occasional variations, if any. A Blue Jay will virtually always be blue, though it isn't the only bird of this color. The patterns displayed on the feathers is another helpful indication of what type of bird you are watching.

Body

The shape and size of the body is a good indicator of its species. Sparrows are always a small bird, and Hawks are always rather large. In looking at the body size, the two would never be confused, even though they can appear to be relatively close in color, at times.

Unique attributes

A crested head, elongated legs, exceptionally long tail, or any other noticeable attributes of this nature will make a species stand out from the others, and is another good point to identify them with. Some birds will have particular attributes of a singular nature, that no other species does.

Once the physical aspects of a bird are observed and assessed, the next things that commonly come into play are:

Vocals

Does the bird sing, screech, howl, hoot, or make no noise at all? Many birds like to communicate, and each species will have a particular style of vocals to do so with. These are easy to pick out, one from another.

Habitat

Where you've found the bird will help weed out similar species that wouldn't generally be found in the area. Where its nesting is also species specific, as each type prefers a particular type of nesting area, as a general rule. The season the bird is observed in will also be helpful. Migrating birds will not be seen in northern areas during the cold winter months, and so on.

Personality

The final thing that will help to identify a bird is its personality. Is it boisterous? Shy? A bully? An acrobat? Any outstanding traits that you see will often be similar to other birds of its kind.

Once these observations are collected, consulting that birding guidebook will help to finalize your conclusion.

It's fun to get to know the birds around you. Once you've learned how to use these tips and easily identify your feathered friends, you'll find it fun to pick out your favorites.