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If you like bird watching, it is a certainty that you’ll want to learn how to identify these birds. It can be exciting to find a bird you haven’t seen before, but it’s even more exciting to be able to identify them. It’s not always a simple thing to do, though. It can be frustrating if you don’t have the proper information to work with. Having a good field guide is a good way to start. However, you’ll also need to glean some knowledge on your own before you can even use the field guide properly. If you’re a novice bird watcher, read on for a few tips to help you “name that bird”.

The Size of the Bird

Take a look at the size of a bird if you don’t know how to identify it. Is it about the size of a large ostrich, maybe chicken size, about the size of a small sparrow, or perhaps the size of a robin? Would you characterize the bird as long or short, plump or skinny? Take the entire body into account, including the beak, tail and wings (both size and shape) when making this evaluation.

What Color or Pattern Is the Bird?

What colors does the bird exhibit? As you learn which colors certain birds tend to be you’ll soon learn how to identify some birds by color alone. However, colors, too, can be tricky. The lighting may affect the color that the bird appears. In addition, make sure you note colors on each part of the body as well. For instance are the wings differently colored than the rest of the bird? These details are important in identifying birds. Be certain to look at any markings the bird may have. With a good pair of birding binoculars the features of these feathered creatures can be viewed more closely.

Where Are You?

Believe it or not, your location can actually help you identify birds as well. Where are you when you bird watch? Are you on the water, inside a large forest? Are you enjoying some backyard birding? Certain birds stay within one particular habitat. 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.

Use Your Ears

Beginners at bird watching need to know to listen to birds too. Every bird species has a unique song; if you listen, you may be able to identify the bird you’re watching just by what you can hear. If you are listening carefully, this can help you spot birds you’d never have noticed otherwise - remember, each bird species has a unique song. It won’t always be a definite identification, especially from a distance, but it can certainly aid in identifying birds.

Next time you go on a bird watching, keep all of these tips in mind. They’ll help you identify the birds you see and have a more fun and rewarding experience out in the wild.