Blue jays are almost instantly recognizable.
Wild birds range from tiny songbirds such as the tufted titmouse to large species, such as the great horned owl. A birdwatcher observes the physical attributes of a bird while taking into account the bird's habitat and the bird's behavior. Having a comprehensive guidebook or computer application aids birdwatchers when confronted with an unknown bird.
Get a Guide
Hundreds of bird guides exist in book form, as well as bird-guide computer programs and applications for cell phones and computer notebooks. With so many choices, you can easily find a bird guidebook or bird guide application concentrating on the birds of the specific state, region or area in which you are birdwatching. Smart birdwatchers familiarize themselves with their field guide at home to save time while out birdwatching.
Note Body Shape and Size
The first step in bird identification is noting the size and general shape of the bird's body. Very small birds include vireos, warblers and hummingbirds. Tall, slender birds with long necks include cranes, storks, egrets and herons. Even novice birdwatchers recognize the unmistakable shape of an owl. While in flight, birds display different shapes in regard to their tails and wings, which experienced birdwatchers recognize from far away.
Note Marking and Color
Though in some species of bird, color and markings differentiate between a male, a female and a juvenile, for certain species their color and markings make them instantly recognizable, such as the blue jay, purple martin and red cardinal. Birdwatchers learn to look for coloring on the chest, lined or masked eyes, tail stripes or wing bars, and "crowns" on the head.
Note Legs and Feet
Webbed feet indicates a waterbird, while the feet of raptors are long, sharp talons. Songbirds have four toes, but some species have three toes facing forward and one facing back, while others have two toes facing forward and two toes facing back. Stilts have very long legs, while belted kingfishers have distinctly stubby legs. For many species, the color of the bird's legs and feet is an indicator of its species, such as the snowy egret with its black legs and yellow feet.
Note Environment and Behavior
Where the bird lives and its activities tell a great deal about a bird. Doves forage for food on the ground, while nightjars hunt on the wing. Ducks and loons inhabit ponds and lakes, while pelicans and gannets prefer the ocean. Some birds perch with their tails sticking up, while others sit with their tails pointed down. Some birds fly in flocks, while others prefer solitude. According to Birding.com, a bird's call or song tells the listener its species.
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