For bird watchers and backyard birders alike, wild bird identification is a fun and sometimes challenging activity. Recognizing and identifying wild birds is easier when the four keys to bird identification are used – Size & Shape, Color Pattern, Behavior and Habitat.
Bird Identification – Bird Habitat
A habitat is where a bird lives, eats and sleeps, and all birds are uniquely suited to survive in a particular area or environment. Habitats are broken down into four general categories, including Forested Woodlands, Water or Aquatic areas, Scrub Shrub areas or Open Habitats.
Bird Watching and identification is about the probability of seeing a species of bird in their habitat during a particular time of year. Bird watchers who know what birds are likely to be seen in a habitat have a identification head start – a short list of birds they expect to see, and a quick visual cue for birds that require an extra look.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has created an excellent video series to help the beginning birder develop their wild bird identification skills. Below, is the fourth and last in the series – Recognizing Birds – Bird Habitat. The other videos in the series can be found here – Size & Shape, Color Pattern, and Behavior.
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