Wild Bird Identification Guide

By Daniel Ray

A female ruby-throated hummingbird in flight.

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

Spending time outdoors watching birds is an enjoyable pastime. It is even more satisfying when you can put a name to some strange bird you've just seen. Although most of us are familiar with the birds around our house, a trip to the country or a vacation can put us in contact with birds we have never seen. Equipped with a bird field guide and a set of binoculars, strange birds can usually be identified. Bring a field guide with you whenever you set out on birding expeditions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Wild Bird Identification Guide

Things You'll Need:

Bird field guide Binoculars Pen and paper
Bird field guide
Binoculars
Pen and paper

Step 1

A field guide helps identify birds.

Upon seeing an unknown bird, use binoculars to study it. Make notes describing the bird. Try to get as much information as possible about that bird before it flies away.

Step 2

Turkey vultures are a common sight as they look for carrion.

Make note of the size, shape, beak and color of the bird. Look for unusual markings. Watch the bird fly and look for markings on the wings. Notice what type of terrain the bird inhabits.

Step 3

Mourning doves are a popular game bird.

Use the field guide to identify the bird. Look for a similar-looking bird in the color drawing or photographs section.

Step 4

Read the description of the bird that looks similar to the bird you saw. The field guide will describe the size, shape, colors, feeding habits and range of that particular bird.

Step 5

Compare the description with your notes. After studying the pictures and the description, make a positive identification of the bird.

Tips & Warnings

Using a quality pair of binoculars will help relieve eye strain.

Resources

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Website

About The Author

Daniel Ray has been writing for 15 years. He has been published in Florida Sportsman magazine. He holds an F.A.A. airframe and powerplant license and F.C.C. radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

Editor's Pick

3 Main Types of Altitude Sickness

Some of the world's most noted tourist attractions, such as the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, require visitors to ascend to high altitudes. Mountaineers, skiers and trekkers venture into ever higher locations in search of fresh adventure or untrampled destinations. The com...
More Mountain Climbing...
Popular Article

How to Repair Trekking Poles

Trekking poles can do wonders for relieving the stress of hiking on the back, knees and feet, particularly if you are carrying a backpack. Poles are suggested to be able to reduce up to 25 pounds of carried weight pressing down on your joints by transferring the load to ...
More Walking & Nature Walks...
Featured Video

Choosing Ski Types & Sizes

Learn how to find the right style and size of ski in this free beginner skiing lesson on video, with tips on how ski size affects speed and control.
More Alpine Skiing...