5 Keys to Identifying Birds 1)Size 2)Shape 3)Color – 4)Behavior (including song) 5)Location

1)Size – Use birds you know as reference e.g. crow vs robin vs sparrow

Shape- Body – Slim? Round? Erect?, Horizontal? Head- Large? Small? Crested? Tail – long? Short? Pointed? Square? Beak - long? short? Pointed? Hooked?

Size, wing and tail shape defines some falconidae Very large with proportionally long, broad wings, a fan shaped tail twice as long as head and neck. Medium to large hawks with broad, rounded wings, a robust body and a fan shaped tail.. Small to medium sized hawks with short, rounded wings, and a long tail. Make rapid wing beats and then glide Small to medium size with narrow pointed wings, large heads, and long tails

Color and pattern – Pay attention to head and wings

Buteos soar Accipiters flap-glide Goldfinches and woodpeckers Have undulating flight Crows flap Ravens flap and soar Behavior

Location - Geographic Area North AmericaAustralia Know your Field Guide!!