5 Keys to Identifying Birds

1) Size 2) Shape 3) Color –4) Behavior (including song)5) Location

1) Size – Use birds you know as reference e.g. crow vs robin vs sparrow

Shape- Body – Slim? Round? Erect?, Horizontal? Head- Large? Small? Crested? Tail – long? Short? Pointed? Square?Beak - long? short? Pointed? Hooked?

Size, wing and tail shape defines some falconidae

Very large with proportionally long, broad wings, a fan shaped tail twice as long as head and neck.

Medium to large hawks with broad, rounded wings, a robust body and a fan shaped tail. .

Small to medium sized hawks with short, rounded wings, and a long tail. Make rapid wing beats and then glide

Small to medium size with narrow pointed wings, large heads, and long tails

Color and pattern –Pay attention to head and wings

Buteos soar

Accipiters flap-glide

Goldfinches and woodpeckersHave undulating flight

Crows flap

Ravens flap and soar

Behavior

Behavior

Location - Geographic Area

North America Australia

Know your Field Guide!!