Pennsylvania Bird Identification

The ruffed grouse is the Pennsylvania state bird.

According to the "The Birds of Pennsylvania" by Gerald M. McWilliams and Daniel W. Brauning, 429 bird species call the state of Pennsylvania home. These range from tiny songbirds such as the tufted titmouse to large species such as the great horned owl. A birdwatcher observes the physical attributes of a bird while taking into account the bird's habitat and the bird's behavior. Having a comprehensive guidebook or computer application aids birdwatchers when confronted with an unknown bird.

Choose a Guide

Choosing a guidebook or computer program concentrating on the birds of Pennsylvania increases the chance of correctly identifying birds found in Pennsylvania. Birdwatchers who familiarize themselves with a field guide at home save time in the field. A guide or application that concentrates specifically on a region of Pennsylvania, such as Northern Pennsylvania or Lake Eerie, helps a birdwatcher narrow down the possibilities.

Observe Size and Shape

A birdwatcher learns a great deal about a bird by observing the size and shape of the bird's body. Songbirds grow smaller than doves. Many shorebirds have a distinctly spindly body, such as herons, bitterns and egrets. Even inexperienced birdwatchers recognize the distinct shape of an owl. Birds in flight have different shapes to their wings and tails that experienced birdwatchers can spot from far away.

Observe Colors and Markings

In many bird species, a juvenile, a male and a female look different. Some species change color at sexual maturity, while other species sprout plumage or crowns during the summer breeding season. However, in some instances a bird's color and markings help the birdwatcher immediately, such as with the red cardinal or purple martin. Markings such as stripes on the tail, bars on the tail or wing feathers, masked or lined eyes and coloring on the chest act as identifiers for many bird species.

Observe Beaks and Bills

A bird's beak contains a vital clue to its identity. Hawks have curved beaks designed to tear into flesh, while hummingbirds' long, narrow beaks enable them to sip nectar. Loons, ducks and geese have recognizable flat bills, while the big soft mouths of whippoorwills catch insects.

Observe Feet and Legs

Talons belong on raptors, while webbed feet mean the bird spends its time in water. Songbirds have four toes, with three forward and one back or two toes forward and two back depending on the species. Cattle egrets have very long legs, while belted kingfishers have stubby legs. For some species, the color of the bird's legs and feet gives the birdwatcher a clue.

Note Behavior and Environment

Observing a bird's environment and behavior gives a birdwatcher clues to its identity. Bobwhites strut on the ground, barn swallows swoop through the air, and grebes float in ponds. Experienced birdwatchers learn to notice how some birds perch with their tail pointed upright, while others sit with their tail feathers down. Some birds flock, while others are aggressive and territorial. Birding.com says expert birdwatchers identify birds by listening to their call or song.

References

• Birding: Bird Identification
• "The Birds of Pennsylvania"; Gerald M. McWilliams, Daniel W. Brauning; 2000