Louisiana Bird Identification

Identifying birds in Louisiana is a matter of looking at the details.

With its vast array of habitats, Louisiana is home to several species of birds, including woodpeckers, hawks, hummingbirds and doves. The state's wetlands accommodate a wide variety of waterfowl and marshland birds, such as terns, sandpipers and gulls. Identifying these birds is a matter of looking at them closely for distinguishing characteristics.

Silhouette

The silhouette of a bird will help you to determine what kind of bird you are looking at. It helps you to narrow down the choices. For instance, a songbird--such as an eastern meadowlark--has a much different silhouette than a roseate spoonbill, which is a waterfowl.

Field Marks

Recognizing the field marks on a bird--the distinctive stripes, patterns, colors, spots and highlights that variate the species--is a solid step toward identifying a bird. For example, Wilson's plover--a year-round resident of Louisiana--has an uninterrupted broad band of black across its chest. It resembles the semipalmated plover in this regard, but it can be distinguished by its flesh-colored legs and solid black bill.

Posture

Posture refers to the way a bird holds itself and the impression it makes. It can be a useful tool for distinguishing two birds that are similar in appearance. The pine warbler, for instance, looks very much like the Acadian flycatcher, but while the pine warbler holds its body horizontally and appears to crouch, the Acadian flycatcher sits in a straight and alert posture.

Size

Determining the size of a bird is a useful tool in identifying it. Compare the size of the bird to a bird you are familiar with, such as a robin, a sparrow or a crow. It also helps to learn to recognize a few familiar birds in each category for comparison purposes. For example, if you recognize and know the size of a laughing gull, you can use it to compare the size of an unknown bird standing nearby.

Habitat

Habitats can include grassland, pine woods, cypress swamp or deciduous forest. The type of habitat you observe the bird in can help to determine what bird it is. Swamp sparrows, for instance, live in wetlands, while field sparrows dwell in open fields.

References

• Cornell Lab of Orinithology: All About Birds: How to ID Birds
• Louisiana Ornithological Society: Birds of Louisiana
• What Bird: Field Guide to Birds of North America