- Although a birdwatcher is not going to be able to determine the exact size of a bird while observing it in the wild, she will be able to come away with a pretty good idea of how big the particular subject was. A good rule of thumb is to quickly ascertain if a bird matches up comparatively in size to other well-known species such as robins, sparrows, or jays.
- Color patterns are a valuable tool in bird identification. The observer needs to be very thorough when examining the bird's appearance, especially noting the color of its feathers and specific markings. This should be done from top to bottom in a systematic manner. Careful note taking should start at the the top of the bird's head, and then go on to cover the bird's eyes, throat, back, chest, wings, and tail. This will prove beneficial when attempting to pin down what species it may be. Many birds have distinguishing markings such as bars on their wings or tail, or a stripe that protrudes down from the eye. All of these traits of the bird need to be noted when its identification is the goal.
- The experienced birdwatcher can look at the shape of a bird and get a very good notion of what type it may be. This is done by observing whether the bird is slim or stout, determining if it has long or short legs, and examining features like the shape of the tail. The shape of a bird's head, beak, and wings are all good indicators of what species it may belong to.
- How a bird is acting when the individual comes upon it can often go a long way in helping with the recognition of the species. Behaviors such as rooting through leaves in search of food, perching on a fence with its tail moving, and flying in a certain motion can give away a bird's identity. The location where the bird was seen is also vital information, as some birds are more prone to be in certain habitats--such as swamps, forests, or open meadows--than others. One of the easiest ways to eliminate a possible species is to look and see what states the bird is native to.
- A discerning factor in bird identification is often the bird's voice. By making a careful record of any song or calls the bird may make, the birdwatcher can have the data necessary to determine what type of bird it is. Online sites usually have voice recordings of most species, making this even easier if clear and concise notes have been taken.
