subject: How To Identify Bird Breeds [print this page] With the wide array of the numbers and the classes of birds throughout the world it's a seemingly impossible task to identify a specific breed of bird, however, if you know the identifying traits that you need to look for it doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. Every species has characteristics which are specific to their specific breed. It's those characteristics that can help you with identifying a specific bird. It's only moderately challenging and the rest of the instructions will help you with how.
You'll first want to study both the shape and the size of the bird. Birds can be large and small and the lengths of their legs will vary along with the shape of their feet dependent on their lifestyle. One very important indicator of a species is the wing. You'll want to look at the colors, markings and patterns. You'll also want to make comparisons of the both the arrangement and the contours of their feathers. The flight patterns will vary as well as some hove and others will fly.
Next you'll need to examine the bird's habitat. It could live in a forest, wetland or jungle. The bird could prefer to live along the river, in a field or a stream. Another consideration is going to be their food preferences as some will want to eat insects and others are going to prefer eating seeds. There'll be others that will live on greens and fruits. Along with the habitat you'll want to examine their specific home. Some are going to build nests which will come in many different shapes, materials used and weaves. Others are going to scratch holes in the ground, live in a birdhouse or simply live in a hole in a tree. You should study the size and shape of their eggs and take into consideration the markings and/or coloring along with the amount of eggs in their nest.
Next, look at the size and shape of the beak. Depending on the birds eating habits their beak could be flat and short or long and slender. Some beaks will be more conical in shape and others will be sharp and more hooked. The sounds they make are of importance too as some will use more short and repetitive bursts of just one or two notes and others will be more rhythmic and repetitive.
Make a list of all the characteristics you gathered for the bird you're identifying. After that locate an inclusive list of all bird classes and species, pictures are preferable. Look for the bird that combines all of the identifying marks you wrote down. Recordings of sounds will also help you with identification.
