Bird Watching For Beginners: How To Identify Birds

If you enjoy watching birds, more than likely you arecolors that are on each part of the body as well. Are
going to want to learn how you can identify them.the legs a certain color, the wings a specific color, or
While it can be exciting to be able to identify birds, itdoes it have any specific markings anywhere on the
isn't always a simple task; in fact, it can be downrightbody?
frustrating much of the time. Of course having a goodTip #3 - Where are You? - Believe it or not, your
field guide is an excellent idea. However, you'll have tolocation can actually help you identify birds as well.
have some knowledge of your own even to be ableTake a look around and figure out where you are. Are
to accurately use the field guide. So, if you are ayou out on the water, deep inside a large forest, or
beginner at bird watching, the following are a few tipsperhaps in your front yard? There are certain birds
that can help you more accurately identify birds.that live in specific habitats. Is the bird in the water, is it
Tip #1 - The Size of the Bird - One thing that will helpwading or swimming, does it actually climb the tree,
you identify birds is to first take a look at the size ofhow and where does it fly, and does it move its tail?
the bird you are trying to identify. Is it about the size ofThese are all questions to ask that can help you out
a large ostrich, maybe chicken size, about the size of awhen identifying the birds that you are watching.
small sparrow, or perhaps the size of a robin? Also,Tip #4 - Listen - One of the most important tips for
consider whether the bird is plump, on the skinny side,beginner bird watchers that want to identify birds is to
short, or very long. The entire body should be takenlisten. Every single bird has a unique song that they sing
into consideration, including the size of the beak, theand if you listen you may be able to identify the bird
size of the tail, and the size and shape of the wings asjust by what you hear. If you are listening closely you
well.may even see some birds that you would have never
Tip #2 - Note the Colors - Another tip that will help youseen otherwise, and while this won't always help you
to more accurately identify birds is to take note of theidentify a bird, it can definitely help.
colors that are on the bird. As you learn which colorsSo, next time you go out bird watching, keep all of
certain birds tend to be you'll soon learn how to identifythese tips in mind. They'll help you identify the birds you
some birds by color alone. However, colors can tricksee and have a more fun and rewarding experience
you from time to time. The lighting may affect theout in the wild.
color that the bird appears. Be sure to check the