How To Identify Birds
Are you amazed at how quickly birders can identify birds? Actually, it's just like getting to know your human neighbors. When you move into a new neighborhood everyone is a stranger, but soon you learn to tell people apart as you unconsciously catalog their characteristics. Their habits, shape, styles of walking, and "habitats" become familiar enough that you can recognize each neighbor immediately, even at a distance.

Paying attention to individual differences can help you identify birds, too. You can recognize many birds simply by noting their shapes, even if seen only in silhouette. Other useful characteristics are a bird's posture, size (easiest to judge if you use familiar birds as a size reference), flight pattern and/or head-on flight profile, and the kind of habitat in which the bird was seen.

Start by learning to identify general groups of birds- warblers, flycatchers, hawks, owls, wrens- whose members all share certain similarities. As your observation skills improve, familiarize yourself with the field marks -- colored or patterned areas on the bird's body, head, and wings -- that help distinguish species.



Use the following features to help you:



Silhouette

Field marks

Posture

Size

Flight pattern

Habitat

What You Need To Know
Birding Basics



Did you know that birding is the number one sport in America? According to US Fish and Wildlife Service, there are currently 51.3 million birders in the United States alone, and this number continues to grow!

Welcome to Audubon’s online guide to becoming a better birder. This site was created in response to the many questions we receive from people who would like to become more proficient birders and get more out of this unique and growing hobby.

To begin birding, all you need are three items: Binoculars, a field guide and a blank notebook. Having a friend that has more experience in birding can also be helpful.

But just as important, you need patience. Birding can be a challenging activity because birds are naturally skittish. However, the rewards are well worth it; few other activities can bring such a sense of wonder, satisfaction, connecting with nature, as well as peaceful solitude -- in today’s busy world.

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Buying Binoculars

To get the most out of birding it is essential that you get a good pair of binoculars. Not all binoculars are good for birding however, so use the tips below to find the pair that best fits you.


Full-sized Adult Binoculars
General requirements: The problem for most beginning birders is simply finding the bird. Look for binoculars that have a wide enough field of view to locate a bird and then follow its movements. The instrument must provide a bright enough image to allow you to distinguish subtle features, particularly in dim light, and also focus quickly so that you can get a sharp image of a fast-moving bird. If you wear glasses, look for binoculars that have a long enough eye relief to provide an unrestricted view.

Specifications: Binoculars are described by two numbers, 8x32, or 10x40, or 8x21 for example. The first number tells you the magnification while the second tells you the size of the objective lens, in millimeters. Binoculars, that have a bigger ratio between the magnification and the objective lens size will always give a sharper, brighter image than ones with a smaller ratio. (For instance, 8x42 provides a brighter sharper image than an 8x32 or 10x42.) Most birders agree that 7 or 8 power is about right for most birding. We generally recommend against purchasing 10 power binoculars because they have a smaller field of view and a dimmer image. Binoculars with a bright wide field will also be much easier to hold steady; higher magnification also magnifies the movement of your hands. You may want to consider purchasing mid-size binoculars, such as 8x32s since they are bright enough and easy to carry and pack, may have a field of view as good as many 8x42s.


Mid-sized Equinox Binoculars
Pricing: You get what you pay for. Always spend as much as you can afford when buying binoculars; you will never be sorry to have purchased high quality binoculars. Pay attention to what experienced birders around you are using. Better yet, ask to look through their binoculars and question them about the pros and cons. Never buy a binocular before trying the actual instrument you plan to purchase. You need to be certain that you are comfortable using a particular brand and model, and individual instruments do vary within a brand and model.

Get Comfortable With Your Binoculars. Before you go birding, make sure you know how to use your binoculars - practice! Don't try to locate the bird with your binoculars. First find the bird with your unaided eye, then keep your eyes on the bird while you raise the binoculars to your face. Focus and enjoy.


Compact Adult Binoculars
Involve the Kids! Have a budding birder in your family? Start them off with their own kid-size binoculars, designed with smaller features. Birding is a terrific way for children to bond with nature and with you. Help raise a new generation of conservationists.

Binocular Don’ts:

Don't buy compact, or pocket-sized binoculars (typically 8x21, or 10x21) as your primary pair for birding. The size and weight are attractive, but no matter how good the optics, compacts provide a lower quality image than mid- or full-size binoculars. Another drawback is that most compacts have a narrow field of view, which makes it very difficult to locate and follow birds.


Don't buy zoom binoculars. Expert birders report them as being inferior.


Don't seek advice on buying optics from non-birders. Hikers, hunters, and boaters have different needs than birders. Looking at birds is not the same as looking at other wildlife. Pocket binoculars are fine for looking across a savannah at an elephant or a cheetah, but they are not suitable for birding. Marine binoculars provides a sharp, bright image, but are too big and heavy to carry around all day.


Don't buy binoculars until you have tried them. Make sure they feel comfortable in your hands. Look through them and be sure you get a clear, unobstructed view. Different models suit different people, and each instrument varies. If ordering by mail or online, make sure that you can exchange them.
Studying the Basics: Where to Look

The first challenge to birding is figuring out where to find birds in the first place! Whether you live in the city, suburbs, country, mountains or seaside, knowing your habitat is key to predicting which feathered friends will be around.



Where are you? Like you, birds can be very selective in where they live; your surroundings may not supply them with the necessities of life. Be realistic about what you might find in your neighborhood, and when. A good bird guide is important. Look up birds that are known to occur in your region, and see if you can spot them. If you want to see a particular kind of bird, check out the maps to see if they occur near you, and read about the habitats in which they live. Remember, you probably won't see a marsh-living raptor on your city block. Some birds may use your region to rest during spring/fall migration, some may winter nearby, while others may breed there.

Where are they? Birds aren’t always out on a branch in full view; if it was that easy, this wouldn’t be a sport! Species can be found at many eye levels, from on the ground to in small shrubs, and from on tree trunks to atop skyscrapers. Once you know what birds live in your area and when, read about what type of habitat they prefer for feeding, breeding and rearing young. Having birdfeeders, birdhouses and birdbaths in your yard certainly makes it easier to see birds. Be sure to check out our “Bird Feeding Basics” section online to make sure your birds are being fed well and kept healthy, too.



What time is it? There are certain times of day when birds are more active than others, depending on the species. The best time to see most birds is usually earlier in the morning; The evening is less productive unless you are looking for nocturnal species, such as owls. Also pay attention to the season. Spring and fall migrations are a great time to spot birds that fly long distances and stopover in your neck of the woods for a rest.

Where can I go for more birding? Those of us not lucky enough to live near a bird sanctuary have other options on hand. Look for nearby resources such as nature centers, sanctuaries, and local parks. Some will even have experts on site to you identify species and know which birds to look out for. For a list of Audubon centers in your area, enter your state in our Centers Locator. Or, follow established birding trails that highlight avian hotspots. Locally organized birding trips for local birding trails are also a great way to meet other birders in your area, compare notebooks, and share stories.

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.



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!










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.
Studying the Basics: How to Listen

You will often hear a bird before seeing it. Habitats such as thick forests and dense shrubbery frequently make spotting birds difficult. Luckily, many birds are identifiable by their song alone. In fact, some birds that look similar in color and shape to others are only distinguishable by their sound. Once you hear a bird call, remain still, focus on where the sound is coming from, then grab your binoculars and try to spot the source.







Know the more common songs: There are sure to be birds in your area that are abundant and vocal. Familiarize yourself with the more common local species, and you’ll soon be able to separate them from the infrequent visitors.

Know your mnemonics: There are also species that are named for their songs, making them easier to learn. The chickadee, for example, sings chicka-dee-dee-dee-dee) Eastern Towhees sings drink your teeee. Just keep an ear out for imposters like the Northern Mockingbird, which is known for imitating other birds and sounds!

Read aloud, ruminate, and repeat: Learning birdsong is like learning a new language. Read your guide’s description, try to sound out the song, and then repeat. There are also a number of birdsong audio tapes and CDs, but there really is no substitute for going out in the field, trying to imitate the song yourself, and describing the sound in your notebook.