Identifying Wild Birds
Describes some basic techniques for identifying wild birds in the field. Beginners can become proficient identifying wild birds by focusing on some general physical markers and behaviors. Identfying wild birds involves observations of a bird’s size, shape, markings, flight pattern, foraging behavior. These cues and others reveal a bird’s identity.
Crows and Ravens
Similar-looking species often present identification difficulties for beginning birders. Birders can overcome these challenges by learning easy-to-recognize species-specific field marks.
A common identification challenge facing beginning birders is distinguishing between American Crows (Corvus brachyrhyncos) and Common Ravens (Corvus corax). Telling apart ravens and cr…
Distinguish Between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
A common identification challenge facing beginning birders is distinguishing between Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus). Telling apart the "downies" from the "hairies" is difficult for beginning birders for a variety of reasons in addition to the obvious fact they both appear superficially very similar. Below I describe their similari…
A common identification challenge facing beginning birders is distinguishing between Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus). Telling apart the "downies" from the "hairies" is difficult for beginning birders for a variety of reasons in addition to the obvious fact they both appear superficially very similar. Below I describe their similari…
Crows and Ravens
Similar-looking species often present identification difficulties for beginning birders. Birders can overcome these challenges by learning easy-to-recognize species-specific field marks. A common identification challenge facing beginning birders is distinguishing between crows ravens.
Similar-looking species often present identification difficulties for beginning birders. Birders can overcome these challenges by learning easy-to-recognize species-specific field marks. A common identification challenge facing beginning birders is distinguishing between crows ravens.
Distinguish Between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
A common identification challenge facing beginning birders is distinguishing between Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus). Telling apart the "downies" from the "hairies" is difficult for beginning birders for a variety of reasons – in addition to the obvious fact they both appear superficially very similar. Below I describe the…
A common identification challenge facing beginning birders is distinguishing between Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus). Telling apart the "downies" from the "hairies" is difficult for beginning birders for a variety of reasons – in addition to the obvious fact they both appear superficially very similar. Below I describe the…
Passerine Parts
Gallery depicting the different parts of a passerine bird.
Gallery depicting the different parts of a passerine bird.
Bird Identification - Wild Bird Identification
Beginning birders can improve their birding experience by learning basic bird identification skills.
Beginning birders can improve their birding experience by learning basic bird identification skills.
Identifying Wild Birds
Link to one of the best sites for getting bird I.D. help.
Link to one of the best sites for getting bird I.D. help.
Tips for Identifying Backyard Birds
A good step-by-step guide for identifying backyard birds.
A good step-by-step guide for identifying backyard birds.
Photos of Common Feeder Birds
A helpful assortment of photos useful for identifying birds that commonly visit feeders.
A helpful assortment of photos useful for identifying birds that commonly visit feeders.
Photos of Common Birds
A photographic guide to some of the more common species.
A photographic guide to some of the more common species.
How to Identify Bird Calls
A beginner's guide to learning common bird calls.
A beginner's guide to learning common bird calls.