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Southern California Bird Identification

Over 555 different native birds inhabit Southern California. Identifying them requires a knowledge of their habitats, appearance and song. Bird watchers or ornithologists gain this knowledge through experience, classes, tours, books, audio tapes and talking to experts.

Expert Insight
- Seek local experts to assist with questions concerning bird identification. The San Diego Natural History Museum contains an extensive collection of native bird exhibits, and has experts on staff. The Buena Vista Audubon Society offers field trips and classes led by experts.
Field Guides
- The California Brown Pelican nests along the rocky island coasts of Southern California.
  
  Published field guides specializing in Southern California birds will help with identification. The University of California Press publishes "An Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast." The American Birding Association recommends "A Birder's Guide to Southern California."
Audio Tapes
- Birds have a distinctive song that allows ornithologist to identify them.
  
  You don't necessarily have to see a bird to know it is there. Bird watchers identify birds by hearing them. Cornell University Lab of Ornithology offers a three CD collection featuring 220 species of California birds singing.

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