Are You a Newbie at Bird Watching? Here's How You Identify Birds

by: WilliamScott
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If you enjoy watching birds, more than likely you are going to want to learn how you can identify them. While it can be exciting to be able to identify birds, it isn't always a simple task; in fact, it can be downright frustrating much of the time. Of course having a good field guide is an excellent idea. However, you'll have to have some knowledge of your own even to be able to accurately use the field guide. 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.

Note the Colors

The colors are another important thing to note when trying to identify birds. Look at the colors and try to match them with the size and shape. As you become more experienced, you'll learn what colors certain types of birds usually are, which will help you identify them; sometimes you'll even be able to do this by color alone! Take the lighting into account and make a mental note of what parts of the bird are what colors. 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.

Where are You?

You can also identify birds by location in many cases. Certain types of bird tend to live in certain types of terrain. So whether you are in a forest, in your back yard or out on the ocean will have a bearing on what types of birds are present.

Listening to Identify Birds

Beginners at bird watching need to know to listen to birds too. 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 have a more fun and rewarding experience out in the wild.

About the Author

William Scott is the author of several articles on bird watching. His site http://BirdWatchingAdvice.com offers further insights into choosing the right birding binoculars.  

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