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BIRD ID
How To Use a Field Guide
Field guides are the basic tool for identifying birds. There are many types of information in a field guide and most people, whether beginning or intermediate, use only a portion of them. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your field guide and better identify the birds you see.
1. Look at the range map
Each bird has a range map. In the more useful guides, the range maps are right next to the picture of the bird. The range map usually has three colors. One, usually extending farthest north, represents the summer range. Another, usually extending farthest south represents the winter range. And a third color represents where the two may overlap. This is where the bird can be found all year. Much of identification is a process of elimination. Use the range maps to eliminate from consideration birds that do not live in your area in a particular season.
2. Look closely at the picture
Looking closely at the picture can be a tremendous help. Look at all the main colors on the bird. Look closely at the placement of colors and the proportions of the bird; these are always more accurate on photographs, since they are the actual bird. And remember that whether it is a drawing or photograph, it is only one individual represented and that not all members of a species look exactly alike.
3. Read the identification clues
The identification clues are extremely important. They can point out the most important elements of the bird to look at. In better guides the most important clues are highlighted in bold or italics so that you can get to them quickly. Many people only look at the pictures and this is very limiting, for good identification starts with knowing were to look on each species for the most important features.
4. Check the habitat
Most birds are adapted to living in a particular habitat and as a result spend most of their time there. Take a look at the habitat of the bird you are looking at and compare it with those described in your field guide. This is another quick way to narrow down your choices and make a faster and more accurate identification.
5. Check the sounds
Good field guides give you a description of sounds for each bird. Listen for any sounds from the bird you are watching and compare them with the descriptions in the field guide. In some cases, sound is the best way to tell two similar species apart.
6. Read your field guide at night
Taking time to read and study your field guide indoors is a great preparation for going out in the field. You can study the differences between similar species, you can decide which birds you might see, and you can learn which clues are most important.
For information about Stokes Field Guide To Birds click here.
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