- Swallows have a forward stance and long wings.sand martins (Riparia riparia) image by Lars Lachmann from Fotolia.com
Every bird species has a characteristic shape or posture that can be used to identify a bird's scientific family, and sometimes its species. For example, sand martins have the forward stance and long wings of the swallow family. - An osprey's size sets it apart from smaller birds.watchful osprey 3 image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
A very small bird perched on a line could belong to the warbler, sparrow or finch family. Large birds include owls, raptors and herons. The size of an osprey, if that was the only feature you had to go on, would immediately eliminate many smaller kinds of birds from consideration. - The common myna has a square head.martin triste image by Vetea TOOMARU from Fotolia.com
The shape of a bird's head, including the shape of the beak, and the relationship between the beak and the head, can be used as an identifying feature of the bird's family or sub-family. For example, the common myna has the characteristic square head and pointed bill of the starling/myna family. - The predominantly red color of the male cardinal distinguishes it from most other birds.cardinal image by Chris Amos from Fotolia.com
An all-red bird is likely to be a cardinal. However, the color pattern of a bird on a line may not be apparent without binoculars. Otherwise, many bird's colors may appear as an indistinct gray or black. - The northern mockingbird makes a distinctive clicking sound.mockingbird 1 image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
A bird's call and behavior may help you identify its family or species. A small chirping bird with a constantly bobbing tail is probably a species of warbler. The blue jay is known for its characteristic alarm calls, and the northern mockingbird makes a characteristic clicking noise, even when newly hatched.
Shape
Size
Head and Beak
Color
Call and Behavior
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