Identifying birds in your backyard can seem daunting at first, but with a bit of patience and the right tools, it’s easier than you think! Here are some quick tips to get you started:
Look at the bird’s shape and size
One of the easiest ways to begin identifying a backyard bird is by looking at its overall shape and size. Is it big like a crow or small like a chickadee? Does it have a round, compact body or a long slender one? Pay attention to the bird’s proportions – does it have a large head, long tail, etc. Having a general idea of the bird’s silhouette will allow you to narrow it down.
Pay attention to colors and markings
Look carefully at the colors on the bird’s body, especially on the head, breast, belly, back and wings. Note whether they are bright or dull tones. Also look for any obvious markings like bands, stripes, spots or streaks. Try to visualize the overall color pattern. For example, is the breast sharply defined from the belly? Is there an eyebrow stripe? Unique color combinations and markings are often the best identifiers.
Listen for distinctive songs and calls
Many backyard birds have unique vocalizations that can help identify them. Learn the common songs and calls of birds in your area. Listen for variations too – for instance, some birds have a distinct flight call that differs from their normal song. With practice you’ll begin recognizing frequent visitors like chickadees and cardinals by sound alone.
Check behavior and habitat clues
Carefully observe how the bird moves and acts. Does it hop along the ground? Flit quickly from branch to branch? Climb tree trunks? Watch for foraging and feeding behaviors too. Many birds have preferences like foliage-gleaning warblers or bark-probing woodpeckers. Also note the bird’s preferred habitat like feeders, dense bushes, open lawns, near water, etc. Combining these behavioral clues will give you additional context.
Use a field guide for your region
Field guides are books designed to help identify birds specifically in your area. They contain visuals, detailed descriptions, and key information to help you match an unknown bird to ones in the book. Look for guides that focus on your region. Popular ones for North America include Sibley and National Geographic. Study the book beforehand so you’re familiar with it in the field.
Enlist apps and other audio/visual aids
Modern technology offers some great tools for identifying birds. For instance, bird identification apps like Merlin and iBird Pro contain photos, audio recordings and ID tips. Other apps help you record and learn bird sounds. Websites like All About Birds offer articles and identification tips. And don’t forget binoculars – they’ll help you distinguish crucial field marks.
Write down notes and review them
Keep a notebook handy when observing backyard birds. Jot down brief details like date, time, colors, markings, songs, behaviors and habitat. Don’t rely on memory alone. Review your previous notes and cross-reference with a field guide. Over time you’ll accumulate helpful identifiers for each species.
Be patient and keep practicing
Bird identification takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t identify every bird right away. The more often you observe backyard birds and study their appearance and actions, the faster your skills will improve. Test yourself by sketching unidentified birds or describing them in writing. Over time you’ll find birdwatching becoming much easier and more enjoyable.
Set up feeders to attract birds
Putting up bird feeders is a great way to get birds coming to your yard. Stock feeders with preferred seeds and suet cakes. Consider including different feeder types like tube feeders for smaller birds, platform feeders for bigger species, and tube feeders with fruit for orioles. Position them in open spots near trees and shrubs for perching. Clean feeders regularly to prevent disease spread. Soon you’ll have frequent visitors to observe and identify!
Create good bird habitat
In addition to feeders, provide natural food and shelter sources that birds need. Plant native trees, shrubs and flowers that produce seeds, berries, nectar and fruit. Leave dead trees and brush piles as places for hiding and nesting. Put up nest boxes suited for species like wrens, bluebirds and owls. Include a water source like a birdbath fountain or shallow dish. Improving the habitat will attract more backyard birds for learning.
Join a birding group or class
Connecting with other local birders is a great way to advance your skills. Many Audubon chapters and nature centers hold free bird walks and classes. Check for birder groups on Meetup.com too. Go on excursions with experienced birders who can point out key identification details. You’ll pick up useful tips and may find an enjoyable birding community.
10 Easy Steps to Identify Backyard Birds
Here is a simple 10 step process for identifying unknown birds in your backyard:
- Note the bird’s overall size and shape
- Observe key features like bill shape, plumage colors/patterns, tail length, etc.
- Listen carefully to any vocalizations like songs or chip notes
- Pay attention to behavior like flight style, foraging, interactions with other birds
- Consider the habitat the bird is using like feeders, trees, ground, etc.
- Take detailed written notes and sketch pictures if possible
- Use a bird guide or app to narrow down possibilities
- Compare notes to guide descriptions and images
- Consider time of year, location and movement to help rule out unlikely species
- Seek help from experienced birders for difficult identifications
With frequent backyard birding practice, you’ll soon master this process!
Backyard Birds Sorted by Color
Here is a handy table summarizing some of the most common backyard birds grouped by their dominant color:
Blue/Purple Birds | Red Birds | Yellow Birds | Orange Birds |
---|---|---|---|
Blue jay | Northern cardinal | American goldfinch | Baltimore oriole |
Indigo bunting | Scarlet tanager | Yellow warbler | American robin |
Mountain bluebird | Summer tanager | Yellow-rumped warbler | House finch |
Purple finch | Vermilion flycatcher | Yellow-throated vireo | Cedar waxwing |
This can be a helpful starter list for narrowing down backyard bird possibilities. But always remember to use other identification factors like song, behavior, habitat and location. Plumage color alone doesn’t always give the full picture.
Backyard Bird Identification by Season
The species of birds you’ll encounter changes throughout the year as birds migrate, breed and take advantage of food sources. Here’s what you might see during different seasons:
Spring
- Orioles – Baltimore, orchard, hooded
- Hummingbirds – ruby-throated, rufous
- Warblers – yellow-rumped, palm, pine, yellow, black-throated green
- Tanagers – scarlet, summer
- Vireos – yellow-throated, red-eyed, warbling
Focus on learning migratory species in spring through their appearance and songs.
Summer
- Northern cardinal
- Blue jay
- Mourning dove
- American robin
- House finch
- Chipping sparrow
- American goldfinch
Many spring migrants head north to breed in summer. Backyards now host nesting resident species.
Fall
- Chickadees
- Nuthatches
- Woodpeckers – downy, hairy, red-bellied
- Bluebirds
- Cedar waxwing
Fall migration takes place with birds moving south. Expect returning winter residents around backyard feeders.
Winter
- Dark-eyed junco
- Tufted titmouse
- Cardinals
- Finches – purple, house, goldfinch
- Woodpeckers
- Jays
Cold weather birds frequent feeders in winter. Resident species like chickadees and nuthatches join them.
Conclusion
Identifying backyard birds simply takes patience and practice. Begin by learning common species in your area and understanding their key identification factors like appearance, sounds, behaviors, habitats and seasonal patterns. Use field guides and technology resources to assist you. Improving your backyard habitat will attract more birds to observe. And connecting with fellow birders will help build your skills. With regular birdwatching, you’ll be identifying backyard visitors in no time!