New At Bird Watching? Here’s How You Identify Birds

July 16th, 2008 Posted in Bird Identification

If you like bird watching, it is a certainty that you’ll want to learn how to identify these birds. It is exciting when you are able to correctly identify a bird while out bird watching. This isn’t as easily done as said, however - it can be very difficult at times. Having a good field guide is a good way to start. Having some of your own knowledge filed away in your head will make it even easier to use this guide however. So, if you are a beginner at bird watching, the following are a few tips that can help you more accurately identify birds.

The Size of the Bird

One of the most important factors in identifying a bird will be its size. Is it the size of a robin? A chicken? Perhaps an ostrich? Size is important here, as is the ability to evaluate the body type of the bird you are watching. Would you characterize the bird as long or short, plump or skinny? Take the entire body into account, including the beak, tail and wings (both size and shape) when making this evaluation.

What Color or Pattern Is the Bird?

Another tip that will help you to more accurately identify birds is to take note of the colors that are on the bird. Certain birds tend to exhibit certain colors, so you can identify some birds by color or pattern alone. However, colors can trick you from time to time. The lighting may affect the color that the bird appears. Be sure to check the colors that are on each part of the body as well. For instance are the wings differently colored than the rest of the bird? These details are important in identifying birds. Be certain to look at any markings the bird may have. With a decent pair of bird watching binoculars the features of these feathered creatures can be viewed more closely.

Where Are You?

Knowing where you bird watch is also going to be a help when you identify birds. Where are you when you bird watch? Are you on the water, inside a large forest? Are you enjoying some backyard birding? There are certain birds that live in specific habitats. Is the bird in the water, is it wading or swimming, does it actually climb the tree, how and where does it fly, and does it move its tail? All of these things will help you when you want to identify the birds you watch.

Listening to Identify Birds

One of the most important tips for beginner bird watchers that want to identify birds is to listen. Many species of bird can be identified by their songs. If you are listening carefully, this can help you spot birds you’d never have noticed otherwise - remember, each bird species has a unique song. It won’t always be a definite identification, especially from a distance, but it can certainly aid in identifying birds.

So, next time you go out bird watching, keep all of these tips in mind. They’ll help you identify the birds you see, and this will make it a much more rewarding and fun experience for you, too.