How to Learn Bird Identification

By Mic McCarty, Field Trip Coordinator

Learning how to identify birds is a challenge. Fortunately, there are many resources available. Here are some worthy of both the novice and experienced birder.

1. Cornell’s All About Birds Regional Field Guide Series[1]

Content: Covers seven regions, with about 200 birds featured in each, over 700 total.

Highlights:

·       A comprehensive 58-page section with tips on birdwatching, photography, gardening, feeding birds, building nest boxes, and more. It includes Birding 101 Introduction, four keys to identifying birds: Size & Shape, Color Pattern, Behavior and Habitat.

·       Detailed information on male, female, and immature birds in various plumages.

·       Habitat and behavior information along with updated range maps.

2. Sibley’s Birding Basics by David Sibley[2]

Content: An introduction to the basic concepts and tools of bird identification.

Highlights:

·       Covers topics like molt, feather wear, shape, structure, and feather patterns.

·       Designed to help birders of all levels improve their identification skills.

·       Works with any field guide.

3. Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding by Kenn Kaufman[3]

Content: Not just for "advanced" birders.

Highlights:

·       Provides a clear and careful overview of bird identification basics, useful for birders at any level.

·       Includes chapters on identification skills for groups like herons, egrets, owls, and hawks.

4. Good Birders Don’t Wear White by Lisa White[4]

Content: Offers a mix of serious and tongue-in-cheek tips for birders.

Highlights:

·       Basic information for beginners and tips for becoming an expert.

·       Unique ideas, such as using a white cloth to attract waterfowl.

·       A range of tones keep the reader engaged.

6. All About Birds Bird Academy

·       eBird Course: how to use eBird.

·       Other Courses: Basics of Bird ID course, normally priced at $59.99 for 3 courses, often on sale. For example, "Understand Bird Behavior" was discounted to $35.99 at the time of writing.

[1] New regional bird guides simplify identification | Cornell Chronicle. (2022, April 28). Cornell Chronicle. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/04/new-regional-bird-guides-simplify-identification

[2] Sibley’s Birding Basics – Sibley Guides. (n.d.). https://www.sibleyguides.com/product/sibleys-birding-basics/

[3] Advanced birding. (n.d.). KAUFMAN FIELD GUIDES. http://www.kaufmanfieldguides.com/advanced-birding.html

[4] Review: Good birders Don’t wear White: 50 tips from North America’s top birders. (n.d.). The Birder’s Library. https://www.birderslibrary.com/reviews/books/birding/good_birders_dont_wear_white.htm