Bird Identification Tips

If you’re like most people, you probably think of birds as those small, tweeting creatures that you see flitting around your backyard from time to time. But did you know that there are more than 10,000 different species of birds in the world? That’s right – and each one is unique in its own way.

So, how do you tell one bird from another? In this article, we’ll give you a crash course in bird identification. We’ll start with the basics of how to identify birds by their appearance, and then move on to more advanced techniques. By the end, you’ll be an expert at spotting even the rarest of bird species!

Basics about identifying birds

It's all about noticing the small details. The more you know about a bird's characteristics, the easier it is to identify it. The basic things to look out for include the bird's size and shape, its colour and markings, the sounds it makes and behaviour.

Size and Shape

Generally, when looking at a bird from a distance, you can use size as a distinguishing factor. Different bird species have different characteristic shapes and sizes. For instance, some types of heron like the Great Egret, which is a large heron and tends to be seen in a vertical position. The Striated Heron, on the other hand is very small and usually seen in a more horizontal pose. If you can learn the basics of size and shape for the commonest birds in your area, you are off to a great start.

Size plays an important role when it comes to identifying birds. While size cannot usually be used to distinguish between similar-looking species, it can be used to distinguish between different ones. For example, all these waders might look quite similar in their non-breeding plumage but when you look closer, you can see the godwits are substantially larger than the other birds. If you then examine the smaller birds, you should be able to identify a lone Curlew Sandpiper amongst the slightly larger Red Knot. It also has a slightly decurved bill.

By fixing some key features in your mind (or better still on a photograph), you can use them to help identify the bird. Here are some key questions to use as a guide.

What is the comparative size?
Is it bigger or smaller than a robin?

What is the body shape?
Is is round and robust, short and stout, long and streamlined?

What is the bill shape?
Is it long and slender or short and stout bill? What are the other features of the bill - flattened, decurved, upturned?

What are the wing and tail shapes?
Are they round or streamlined wings? Is the tail notched, rounded or squared?

How does it Fly?
Are the wing beats fast or slow? Does the bird glide or soar? Is it acrobatic?

Here are some of Australia's iconic birds from smallest to largest ...

Colour and Markings

The colour and markings of a bird can tell you a lot. As well as differentiating between similar species, colour can also tell you the gender, age and breeding status of a bird. Even if the shape is the same, two different species can have very different colours and marks. Take the prime example of the firetail finches. You might think that the Red-browed and Red-eared would look similar but they are have vastly differing colours.

Check these Double-eyed Fig Parrot. The female has blue cheeks and the male has red.

Double-eyed Fig Parrot

Sounds

Very often, the first indication that a bird is close by is from the noise it makes. This can be anything from a growl, hiss, squeak, song or shriek. I think identifying birds from their call is much harder then by sight alone. However, by learning common bird calls, you immediately increase the number of birds you can identify in a place. Moreover, you can then more easily identify a new call, which may well help you find new and rarer birds. 

The big problem is that many birds have different calls for the changing situations facing them. A courting call will be very different to an alarm call for instance. Paying attention to the sounds around you will greatly enhance your birding experience. An example of this is when a whole host of birds suddenly start shreiking. That usually indicates that a predator is close by. It could be a snake, lizard or raptor. Either way, it presents you with an opportunity to see the birds under threat more out in the open and possibly a larger bird of prey or an interesting reptile. 

Like anything in birding, the best way to learn calls is to start in your back yard or local park, getting used to the sounds of the most common birds. There are several apps available with a range of bird calls on them to help you. They are not definitive but a great start in learning not only bird song but the different calls they make in different circumstances and to locate them more accurately.

Here are some examples of bird calls in the Australian bush. 

Australia is home to 2 of the most remarkable birds in the world that make the most amazing noises. The Albert's and Superb Lyrebird both have an everyday call but at times, they will display and sing a phenomenal range of song. Much of their music is mimicking other birds. I have listened several times to them and have been in absolute awe of their beauty, both in appearance and song. The video might be burry, but you can still hear this wonderful song. 

Behaviour

Observing a bird's behaviour can also help you identify it. Many birds have unique behaviors that are associated with their species. For example, eagles soar high above the ground in search of prey, whereas shorebirds will be often be found in large flocks looking for safety on their long migrations. Birds, like all animals are concerned with finding food, a mate and shelter. If you can become familiar with these habits, then it will help you distinguish between species.

Conclusion

The key to identifying birds is, like any new skill, to practice, practice, practice. And that in itself is the joy. Bird watching appeals to those whose nature it is to collect, to learn or to engage with nature. And for those who think it is just too much trouble, then don't bother. I have friends who just love to see birds without having the problem of naming them. 

So what if you have a bird and still can't identify it? Your bird book doesn't help, your photos are blurry and you can't remember the call. Well, there are lots of resources you can tap into and the best I have found are the Facebook identification pages. Simply upload the photo (or even just a description) along with the location of the sighting and someone will be able to help. 

In summary:

• take photos if you can, if not good field notes are crucial as memory fades very quickly

• try to classify the bird family at the very least

• watch and listen for the key features as described above

• remember that birds don't play by the rules - different songs, unusual plumage and odd behaviour are all normal!