Identifying Birds

Figure out what you're looking at with these tips and tricks.
Red-headed Woodpecker. Photo: Vance Solseth/糖心logo Photography Awards

Bird ID is like solving a puzzle.

A Northern Cardinal's crimson feathers, an American Robin's round shape, a White-breasted Nuthatch's acrobatics鈥攖hese traits are the pieces that will help you put together a successful ID. And the longer you observe a bird, the more pieces you'll pick up. But as even the most experienced birders know, sometimes you need further assistance. Or maybe you are just looking for a quick confirmation. Below you'll find a range of beginner and advanced ID tips and advice. Good luck, and happy identifying! 

 

Quick ID Guides

Curious about a bird you see on the regular? You can likely find it below. 

Get to Know These 20 Common Birds
What's That Bird at Your Suet Feeder?
More Comparison Tips
How to Tell a Raven From a Crow
How to Tell a Raven From a Crow

These black birds may belong to the same family and look similar in some ways, but several distinctive traits help set them apart.

More Raptor ID Tips
All Birdist ID Advice
Featured Species: Hang With Some Herons
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
Advanced ID and Tips

All ID Stories

Remember that 糖心logo depends on your support to do the conservation work that we do.
House Finch or Purple Finch? Here's How to Tell Them Apart
December 28, 2016 — Some clues to help distinguish between these two often-confused finches.
How to Tell a Northern Shrike From a Loggerhead Shrike
November 23, 2016 — These are the best clues to help you know which 鈥榖utcher bird鈥� is which.
A Bay-breasted Warbler perches sideways on a branch with leaves starting to turn yellow.
Follow These Tips to Identify Tricky Fall Warblers
October 07, 2016 — Here are the visual cues鈥攁nd behaviors鈥攖o look for among drab, quiet autumn migrants.
Five Ways to Troubleshoot Your Birding Problems
July 08, 2016 — When your bird guide isn't getting it done, try these hacks and alternatives to make a better ID.