If you’ve spotted a bird that you can’t identify, there are a few steps you can take to figure out what species it is. Identifying unknown birds takes some detective work, but it’s a fun way to learn more about the different bird species in your area. With a bit of patience and the right resources, you’ll be able to name that bird in no time.
Get a Good Look
When you first see an unknown bird, take some time to observe it carefully before it flies away. Pay attention to the bird’s overall size and shape, colors and patterns, beak shape, and any behaviors or sounds it makes. Note the habitat the bird is in as well. Jot down any field marks you notice or make a quick sketch in a notebook if you can. Details like the color of the beak, eye rings, tail shape, wing bars, and leg color can all be important clues. The more details you can remember, the easier it will be to identify the bird.
Consult a Field Guide
Next, grab a bird field guide for your geographic area that contains illustrations and descriptions of local species. Spend some time flipping through the guide comparing your notes and memory to the images and text. Look for any illustrations that match the bird you saw. Pay special attention to the key field marks and physical description. If you can narrow it down to a few possible options, read the detailed species accounts to figure out which one fits what you observed best.
Use Online Tools and Apps
There are many online bird identification tools and mobile apps that can also help pin down an unknown bird. Websites like Audubon, iNaturalist, and All About Birds have search tools where you can enter details like location, date, size, color, and behaviors to generate a list of possible matches. Apps like Merlin Bird ID, iBird Pro, and eBird can help you identify a mystery bird species as well. Upload a photo or enter descriptive info to get suggestions of what your bird might be.
Ask a Birdwatching Expert
If you’re still unsure what species the bird is after consulting resources on your own, reach out to an expert birdwatcher. Many nature centers, parks, refuges, and Audubon chapters have staff naturalists who may be able to ID the bird for you if you provide a detailed description. You can also join local birdwatching and ornithology Facebook groups and online forums to get help identifying birds. Include your location, date, and diagnostic details and someone will likely be able to name your bird.
Return to the Location
If possible, go back to the original spot where you observed the unknown bird and see if you can spot it again for a second look. Being able to observe the bird again and capture additional field marks, behaviors, and any vocalizations will help yield a proper ID. Bring your field guide and take careful notes this time around. You may even be able to get a photo or sound recording which will allow experts to confirm what species it is.
Learn the Common Birds
Spend more time observing and identifying the birds in your yard and neighborhood. Get to know the common species first. This will train your eye and make it easier to recognize when you’ve encountered a less familiar or rare bird. Any bird that stands out as unusual is likely a species you’ll want to investigate and identify.
Use Identification Techniques
Learn proper birdwatching and ID techniques. Things like how to observe bird size and proportions, diagnostic field marks to pay attention to, behaviors to note, vocalizations to listen for, and habitats and ranges to consider will improve your identification skills. Join a birdwalk, take a birding class, or read up on bird ID methods.
Practice Makes Perfect
Identify any unknown bird species you encounter and add them to your life list. Over time and with regular practice, you’ll get better at correctly identifying birds quickly, sometimes even without needing to consult a guide. Your skills will improve with experience as you learn to recognize shapes, colors, markings, flight patterns, and songs.
Appreciate the Challenge
Finding and identifying an unknown or new bird species provides a rewarding feeling of accomplishment. Enjoy the challenge involved and appreciate that working to ID tricky birds will expand your knowledge and make you a better birder.
Conclusion
Identifying unfamiliar birds takes patience and practice, but using field guides, online resources, experts, and identification techniques will help you learn the name of any avian mystery you encounter. Pay close attention to detail when you first observe an unknown bird and do your detective work to match those field marks to species profiles. Sharpen your birdwatching skills and you’ll be able to confidently ID even hard-to-identify species. The birding adventure of finding and naming unknown birds is an exciting and educational experience.