How to Identify Birds as a New Birder
Written By Scott W. Holland
If you’re new to birding or have ever admired birds from afar and wished to better distinguish one from another then this article is for you. Attempting to identify a specific bird can be intimidating as many of us simply don’t know where to start. Trying to distinguish a Common Redpoll from a Purple Finch from a House Finch is enough to cause consternation in the most stoic of folk. Knowing what to look for will increase your awareness, while improving your powers of observation and strengthening recall skills that can serve you well in other areas of life.
To get started, there are five key elements to look for when attempting to identify a new bird. They are, Size, Shape, Colour, Sound and Behaviour.
Size & Shape: This can often be accomplished by comparing new birds to known ones. For example, the first time I saw a Brown-headed Cowbird, I noted that it was about the size and shape of a Red-winged Blackbird. This helped me to compartmentalize my observation without becoming overwhelmed with each new bird I saw.
Colour: I believe that colour, along with sound, might be the two most critical elements in strengthening powers of observation and recall. To begin, identify the dominant colour of the bird. This will usually be on its head and back. Next, look for secondary colours or markings. Does it have a different colour around its eyes or a bar across its wing? Is its chest or belly a different colour from its head and back? The more practice you get, the more proficient you’ll become.
Sound: This can be difficult as birds often have several different songs in their repertoire. Do the best you can, and if you’re anything like me, repetition is key to remembering.
Behaviour:. While some behaviour can be quirky and amusing others can help define nesting and eating habits. For example, when the bird you’re observing flies away, does it fly into a tree or a bush? If it’s a tree, does it land on a branch or grip the trunk? When feeding, does the bird prefer to eat from a raised feeder or from the ground? Recognizing these behaviours helps form a mental image of the bird and its character.
Perhaps the best advice is to start slow and take your time. If the bird(s) you’re attempting to identify are in your yard, chances are they will return and with it, the opportunity to add to your observations. Comparing new birds to known ones helps your powers of observation by linking one to another which also supports the reinforcement of known birds. Keeping a journal or regular log that you can reference and build upon is critical to organizing your thoughts and helping with recall.
Taken in isolation, bird identification can bring joy and hours of contentment while impressing friends and family alike. But viewed holistically, these observations and recall abilities are powerful tools in maintaining mental acuity in many areas of life.