World Bird Identification

Seasonal Observations

• Pay attention to the time of year when identifying birds, because many birds migrate from one area to another during the year. Not all birds are migratory species, but many migrate to warmer or cooler climates throughout the year. Birds migrate for the purpose of mating or simply in search of new food sources. Some birds experience changes in plumage and coloration throughout the year for mating and breeding purposes, and this can impact the effectiveness of your identification.

Features

• Physical characteristics play a large role in identifying birds around the world. The size and shape of the bird will help to determine the family, as most bird families have distinctive characteristics in the size and shape of their bills, beaks, heads, necks, wings, bodies, tails, legs and feet. The type of beak will tell you what the bird eats, which can give you clues about its habitat. Small details in colors and markings can help to differentiate between subspecies of birds, such as the difference between varieties of ducks, swans, hummingbirds, cranes or other large families of birds.

Behavior

• Behavioral characteristics also play a role in world bird identification. Where and how the bird nests, what it eats and even how the bird communicates can give clues to its identification. Take note of any behavioral characteristics that you observe, such as flight, swimming, mating, nesting, hunting and eating, and even how or where the bird sleeps.

Geography

• Birds live on all seven continents and in most terrestrial habitats. Tropical regions tend to offer the highest amount of diversity in species and subspecies. Some seabird species only come ashore to breed. Geography plays an important role in world bird identification, and will help you narrow down potential species when birdwatching.

Tools

• The right tools can simplify the bird identification process when you are birdwatching on the go. Bring a pair of binoculars along, or carry a camera with a zoom lens to identify the small differences in physical characteristics and to observe behavior. Field guides are portable, pictorial guides to birds in a specific area, which you can use to identify birds based on region, habitat and physical characteristics.