If you like bird watching, it is a certainty that you’ll want to learn how to identify these birds. 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. A good field guide can be your friend in this regard. Having some of your own knowledge filed away in your head will make it even easier to use this guide however. 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 the size of a robin, a small sparrow, a chicken, or even an ostrich? Is the bird plump, skinny, short, or very long? Take a look at the entire body and take every feature into consideration, including the size and shape of the wings, tail and beak.

What Color or Pattern Is the Bird?

What colors does the bird exhibit? Certain birds tend to exhibit certain colors, so you can identify some birds by color or pattern alone. However, colors, too, can be tricky. 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 of a certain color, or are the wings? Are there any specific and unique markings anywhere on the body that you could use to help identify the bird?

What’s Your Location?

You can also identify birds by location in many cases. Certain types of bird tend to live in certain types of terrain. So whether you are in a forest, in your back yard or out on the ocean will have a bearing on what types of birds are present.

Listening to Identify Birds

Beginners at bird watching need to know to listen to birds too. Many species of bird can be identified by their songs. 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.

Keep all of these tips in mind the next time you have a chance to get outside and go bird watching. These tips will help you in identifying the birds you see (and even just hear) out there, giving you a more rewarding and enjoyable outdoor experience.