by William Scott
If you enjoy watching birds, you might want to know how to identify them, too. It can be exciting to find a bird you haven't seen before, but it's even more exciting to be able to identify them. It's not always a simple thing to do, though. It can be frustrating if you don't have the proper information to work with. Having a good field guide is a good way to start. However, you'll also need to glean some knowledge on your own before you can even use the field guide properly. If you're just starting out as a bird watcher, then, there are a few things you can do that will help you identify birds more accurately.
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
What colors does the bird exhibit? Certain birds tend to exhibit certain colors, so you can identify some birds by color or pattern alone. However, colors, too, can be tricky. The lighting can affect the color so that the bird appears a different color than he or she really is. In addition, make sure you note colors on each part of the body as well. Are the legs of a certain color, or are the wings? Are there any specific and unique markings anywhere on the body that you could use to help identify the bird?
Where are You?
Knowing where you bird watch is also going to be a help when you identify birds. Where are you when you bird watch? Are you on the water, in your front yard, inside a large forest? Certain birds stay within one particular habitat. If the bird's in the water, wading or swimming, can it actually climb a tree, too? Does it fly, and if so, where and how? How does it move its tail? All of these things will help you when you want to identify the birds you watch.
Listening to Identify Birds
One of the most important things to keep in mind when you're watching birds is that how they sound can help you figure out what they are, too. Every bird species has a unique song; if you listen, you may be able to identify the bird you're watching just by what you can hear. If you listen closely, you might even see some birds that you would never have seen otherwise. It's not always helpful to listen when you identify a bird, but it's another piece of information that can definitely help you.
Next time you go on a bird watching adventure, keep these tips in mind to help you in your efforts. They'll help you identify the birds you see, and this will make it a much more rewarding and fun experience for you, too.
William Scott has authored several (http://www.birdwatchingadvice.com/bird-watching-a-great-outdoor-activity-for-the-entire-family.html) bird watching articles. You can find out more about (http://www.birdwatchingadvice.com/getting-started-with-backyard-bird-watching.html) backyard birding on his site at http://birdwatchingadvice.com/ .
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