Identifying the birds that come to visit is a fun challenge. A wide variety of birds will come to your feeders on a regular basis; a good field guide is essential and you’ll need to keep a notebook handy to jot down their distinctive features. You may also wish to keep a camera close, as well.
What to Look for
Color: Pay close attention to the color of the bird; particularly any patterns present. If color only appears on certain parts of the body, noting this will aid you in identification. Keep in mind that the most colorful and attractive birds are generally male; their coloring helps them find mates. Females of the species may have a similar body type, but their coloration may be dull. Also, pay close attention to the bird’s feet. Often, birds will have a distinctive color on their legs and feet which will separate them from another species.
Size: Determine a rough estimate of the bird’s size. How tall is it? How long, from beak to tail feathers?
Eating Habits: Is the bird you are trying to identify a ground feeder, or does it prefer the perches on your tube feeder?
Beaks and bills: The type of beak the bird has is an excellent identification factor. Skinny beaks, long bills, and short stubby beaks are all distinctive features.
Behavior: How does the bird move? Is it quick and flighty, or slow and deliberate? Does it feed with another bird or an entire flock?
Song: What does the bird sound like?
All of these factors can assist the amateur bird enthusiast in identifying their feathery friends. Jotting down these features, or taking a quick photo, if possible, can help you find you bird in a field guide. This part of your wild bird education may be frustrating at times, but with patience, and the tips given above, you’ll be identifying birds in no time.