If you’re an avid bird watcher or just curious about the bird species around you, there are several ways to identify the birds in your area. Paying attention to the birds you see in your backyard, neighborhood, and local parks is a great place to start. Understanding the common regional birds, their appearances, songs, behaviors, and preferred habitats will help you recognize them. There are also some simple tools and resources you can use to supplement your own observations.
Look and Listen in Your Own Backyard
One of the best ways to determine what birds are around is simply to spend time observing the birds in your yard and neighborhood. Different species of birds have unique plumage, sizes, shapes, songs, calls, behaviors, flight patterns, and preferred foods and plants. Here are some tips for noting and identifying the birds you see:
- Watch flight patterns – Notice how birds take off and land, how they flap or glide, and their typical flight routes.
- Note size and shape – Pay attention to the bird’s overall size, proportions, bill shape, tail length, etc.
- Observe plumage – Look for colors and patterns on the head, wings, back, chest, and tail. Also note eye rings, wing bars, streaks, etc.
- Listen to vocalizations – Learn to recognize songs, calls, chip notes, etc. Some birds can be identified by sound alone.
- Watch behavior – Note whether birds feed at feeders or on the ground, how they forage, bathe, build nests, interact, etc.
- Consider habitat – Notice where you see certain species and what environments they prefer in your area.
Keeping notes, photos, or sketches of the birds you encounter will help you learn to identify them by sight and sound.
Use Field Guides and Mobile Apps
Field guides and mobile apps are excellent resources for identifying birds. They provide photos, descriptions, vocalizations, range maps, and tips on the best places to spot different species. Some popular options include:
- National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
- Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
- Merlin Bird ID app by Cornell Lab
- Audubon Bird Guide app
- iBird Pro app
Search for birds by appearance, sound, location, and time of year observed. Field guides also highlight key identification points and nesting, feeding, and migration details for each species.
Check Range Maps
Consulting a bird species range map for your state or region can help you determine what birds are likely found near your location. Range maps show the geographic breeding, wintering, and year-round extent for individual species. Compare your location against the maps to see which birds overlap geographically. Some good resources for range maps include:
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds
- Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- EBird
- Field guides often include range maps for each species
Remember birds may be more limited in urban areas and expand their ranges over time. Range maps provide a general guideline of what you can expect to see.
Utilize eBird and iNaturalist
eBird and iNaturalist are citizen science apps where users can log and share their wildlife observations. You can browse species maps and recent sightings posted near your location. This will show you what birds other people are seeing in your area right now. You can also post your own sightings to get help with identifications.
Regional Birding and Nature Groups
Joining your local birding or naturalist groups and societies is a great way to learn what species are around. These groups often have online forums, listservs, local hotspots, classes, expert birders, and organized surveys that can assist you. Connecting with the birding community offers camaraderie, shared knowledge, and tips for the best birding locations.
Visit Diverse Habitats
The variety of habitats and microclimates in your area will determine the diversity of bird species present. Visiting different ecological sites allows you to encounter the widest range of birds. Some examples of places to spot birds include:
- Backyard
- Neighborhood streets and parks
- Woodlands and forests
- Grasslands, meadows, and fields
- Marshes and wetlands
- Lakes, rivers, and shores
- Mountain ranges
- Deserts
Even a small area can host numerous environments where different birds congregate.
Consider Seasons and Migration
The species of birds present changes throughout the year as flocks migrate and local populations shift. Spring and fall see the highest diversity during migration periods. Some birds only appear during summer to breed while others just come for the winter months. Be observant of fluctuations at different times of year.
Spring Migration
Many species migrate north to their breeding grounds from March to May. Observe for:
- Warblers
- Orioles
- Flycatchers
- Tanagers
- Swallows
- Hummingbirds
Summer
Summer brings nesting season and the arrival of breeding birds. Look for:
- Resident songbirds like chickadees, titmice, and cardinals
- Breeding warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and tanagers
- Wading birds like herons, egrets, and bitterns
- Raptors including hawks, falcons, and owls
Fall Migration
Many birds migrate south from September to November. You may see:
- Warblers, vireos, nighthawks, and flycatchers heading south
- Arrival of winter finches and sparrows
- Hawks, falcons, and other raptors moving through
Winter
Some species stick around during the winter months. Look for:
- Year-round residents like chickadees, woodpeckers, and jays
- Wintering songbirds like yellow-rumped warblers and white-throated sparrows
- Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl on lakes and coasts
- Flocks of finches, including purple finches and pine siskins
Try Birdwatching Events and Surveys
Certain bird counts, surveys, and events focused on documenting species can reveal who’s around. Some examples include:
- Christmas Bird Counts each December
- Backyard Bird Counts each February
- Spring bird counts and migration monitoring
- Breeding Bird Surveys in summer
- Hawk watches during migration seasons
- Join organized birding trips
Consult your local Audubon chapter or birding groups to find out about upcoming events. Volunteer to participate and learn how to identify birds from experienced birders.
Obtain Feeders, Birdhouses, and Baths
Providing food, water, shelter, and nesting spots will attract more birds to your yard. Good options include:
- Seed feeders with sunflower, nyjer, safflower, suet, and mixed blends
- Fruit feeders with oranges, berries, and jelly
- Nectar feeders for hummingbirds
- Mealworm and peanut feeders
- Birdbaths and drippers
- Boxes and houses for nesting or roosting
Pay attention to which birds visit your yard depending on the type of feeders and houses present. Position feeders near trees, shrubs, and other cover to attract more species.
Record Vocalizations
Recording bird songs, calls, and chips using your phone or an audio recorder can help you identify species you hear but don’t see well. Use apps like Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab to match unidentified recordings with likely species matches. Over time you will learn to recognize the most common bird sounds.
Keep Notes and Photos
Maintaining detailed notes, checklists, and photos of the birds you encounter is invaluable. Include location, date, time, weather conditions, habitat, bird behavior, field marks, and songs or calls. Organize records by location or date to track the comings and goings of species. Comparing your records over time will reveal shifts as birds migrate through or populate your area.
Contact Local Experts
Connect with knowledgeable birders in your area that can help you identify difficult birds. Reach out to local Audubon chapters, nature centers, birding Facebook groups, and birding email listservs. When you spot an unfamiliar bird, ask for help narrowing down the identification with your photos, notes, and description.
Conclusion
Determining what bird species live in and migrate through your region just takes patience and practice. Pay attention to the birds in your own backyard and neighborhood throughout the year. Supplement your observations with field guides, apps, events, feeders, and photography. Seek out different habitats in your area from woodlands to wetlands to find the largest diversity of species. Connect with other birding enthusiasts to improve your identification skills and learn about regional hotspots. Before you know it, you’ll be able to readily recognize and identify the birds in your local environments.
