Wild Bird Identification Observations Page One - Size and Shape Print out both of these pages to record your own observations to help you to identify your wild birds. Date: ________________ Approximate Size Observations: Shape Observations: Check Box Examples of birds this size Shape & Length 4"-5" kinglet, lesser goldfinch, some warblers, some vireos, gnatcatcher, Carolina chickadee, nuthatch, verdin, bushtit, barn swallow, smaller wrens, etc. Bill Observations: Carefully observe and note the shape and length of bill. Examples: (a.) short and needle-like (b.) long, thick and decurved (c.) conical, seed eater shape like cardinal, etc. 5"-7" sparrows, tufted titmouse, wrens, house finch, siskin, Empidonax flycatcher, American goldfinch, bunting, smaller grosbeak, pipit, Black-capped chickadee, thrush, junco, vireo, white-breasted nuthatch, brown-headed cowbird, etc. Sketch or write your observations of bird's bill: 8"-10" cardinal, oriole, grosbeak, great crested flycatcher, tanager, purple martin, blackbird, kingbird, waxwing, mockingbird, robin, cactus wren, European starling, cowbirds, inca dove, etc. Tail Observations: Carefully observe and note the behavior, shape, color and length of tail. Examples: (a.) proportionally long with white outer edge (b.) constant tail bobbing (c.) short tail with notched end, etc. 11"-13" cuckoo, blue jay, thrasher, grackles, monk parakeet, dove, etc. Sketch or write your observations of bird's tail: 13" + roadrunner, magpie, raven, raptors, owls, ducks, etc. Other general observations: Behavior Observations: Courtesy of © birds-n-garden.com. It is important to record your own observations because you may not find an exact image of your bird in any single field guide. It may take a more extensive search through other guides, online resources and discussion groups to identify your bird. Many factors influence a bird's appearance - male, female, juvenile, breeding colors, non-breeding colors, molting, etc. Page 2 Return to Free Printables