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If you enjoy watching birds, you might want to know how to identify them, too. It is exciting when you are able to correctly identify a bird while out bird watching. This isn’t as easily done as said, however - it can be very difficult at times. Of course having a good field guide is an excellent idea. Having some of your own knowledge filed away in your head will make it even easier to use this guide however. 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. Is the bird plump, skinny, short, or very long? The entire body should be taken into consideration, including the size of the beak, the size of the tail, and the size and shape of the wings as well.

Note the Colors

Another tip that will help you to more accurately identify birds is to take note of the colors that are on the bird. Certain birds tend to exhibit certain colors, so you can identify some birds by color or pattern alone. However, colors can trick you from time to time. 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 a certain color, the wings a specific color, or does it have any specific markings anywhere on the body? With a good pair of birding binoculars the features of these feathered creatures can be viewed more closely.

Where Are You?

You can also identify birds by location in many cases. Where are you when you bird watch? Are you on the water, inside a large forest? Are you enjoying some backyard birding? There are certain birds that live in specific habitats. 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? These are all questions to ask that can help you out when identifying the birds that you are watching.

Listening to Identify Birds

Beginners at bird watching need to know to listen to birds too. Every single bird has a unique song that they sing and if you listen you may be able to identify the bird just by what you 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.

So, next time you go out 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.