There are certain characteristics that are present in every bird. For example, all birds have feathers and lay eggs. Other characteristics can vary widely such as size, shape, habitat, and songs. Below you will find more information on what makes a bird a bird, and tips on identifying different species.
Learning how to differentiate one bird species from another can be a tricky skill to develop. Many of them look very similar! However, there are a few techniques that can help you tell the difference between some of the trickiest birds!
Check out these articles, tips, and activities below!
Lesson 1: What makes a bird
The following article illustrates basic bird anatomy. Learning the parts of a bird’s body will help you spot “field marks” and describe the bird to other birdwatchers. Feel free to print this article for reference!
Wonder why there is such variety from one bird species to another? Birds can be found in every area of the world, and they have adapted over time to meet the requirements to live in some of the harshest climates. Birds look different because they need different bodies, beaks, and feet to survive in different areas and to eat different food. A bird’s anatomy can tell you a lot about where it lives and how it eats. Play this game to test your knowledge about bird beaks and feet.
Lesson 2: More on Avoiding Window Collisions
A field mark is a distinguishing characteristic that sets a bird apart from other birds. These characteristics can include size, shape, color, patterns, and proportions.
What is your favorite bird? Watch for this bird outside or find a picture of it online. What can you note about its appearance? Does it stand vertically or at more of an angle? Does it have markings around the eyes, chest, or wings? What colors do you notice? Draw or print a picture of your bird and make as many notes as you can about what it looks like.
See page three for more on field marks:
The best way to improve bird identification skills is to practice! Print out this coloring page and grab a box of crayons. Have an adult tell you what to color each body part (i.e. he or she might say, “color the rump red” and “color the nape blue”). Once the picture is colored in completely, see if your colors match the color of the actual bird.
ACTIVITY: BIRD BEAK GAME
Download this Bird Beak Buffet activity to learn more about why different birds have different shaped beaks. In this game, kids will use different tools to grab different “food”. If you are unable to find tools to use as “beaks” get creative and come up with your own!
Print off and color the Bird Cards for more bird beak fun!