Studying the Basics: What to Look For

The key to identifying a bird is being able to quickly notice distinguishing physical marks. Once you are familiar with a particular bird’s markings, you will know what to look for later on. Or, if you see a species you don’t recognize, notice what features stand out and refer to your guide for possible matches. This is where your notebook comes in handy: Keeping notes of marking and behaviors will help you identify the bird long after it has flown or scurried away. When you do find a new bird, try to resist looking at your guide right away. This will help hone your skills of observation and comparison. Some birders carry pocket voice recorders so they can easily watch and talk, then write their notes down later.

Basic bird parts: Birds come in an amazing variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but they are all comprised of the same basic physical parts called topography, seen below.

© Cornell Lab of Orinthology

Know the terms. Try to familiarize yourself with these words, since the labels in this diagram which are used in the guides to describe each species. If you are seeking a specific bird, pay attention to any outstanding features you need to look out for.

Color variations: There are often striking differences within one species. For example, many females and juveniles look similar to males in shape and size, but are often more drab in color. Seasons also play a major role in defining some species’ plumage. This includes winter versus summer plumage, as well as breeding versus non-breeding. The following birds are the same species, but look completely different!

© USFWS © USFWS © USFWS © USFWS

Snow Goose: The bird on the left is in typical white plumage. The goose to its right was once considered a separate species but is now known to be a blue morph of the same species. Wood Duck: This is an example of the male and female bird varying significantly in color. The male is vibrant while the female is dressed in more subdued hues.

Size and shape: This can sometimes be hard to determine, especially when looking at a bird from a distance through binoculars. Try to narrow the size down by comparing to a more common bird: smaller than a crow, but larger than a sparrow for instance. Another measurement to keep in mind is wingspan, which is helpful in identifying birds such as hawks, often seen overhead in flight. Shapes are also important to note, especially beaks and tails. For example, a crossbill is named for its unusual beak, and it’s no coincidence that the Boat-tailed Grackle has a long wide tail!

Behavior: Take a moment to notice how the bird is acting. Is it alone or in a group? Is it stalking, standing still, or flitting about? Some birds are easily recognized by their actions alone. The White-breasted Nuthatch, for example, tends to cling to tree trunks upside down, whereas loons and grebes swim low in the water and often disappear beneath the surface for minutes at a time.

Now that you have appearances down, it’s time to move on to another pleasant aspect of birding: Listening for their songs.