How to Identify Birds by Sight

Summary: There are many aspects to birding, one of which is a technique called birding by sight. This involves identifying birds by their topography, or external anatomy, and other physical characteristics such as flight pattern. Important topography features that bird watchers use to identify birds include: the shape of the bird's beak, markings and feather color, as well as feet or talon shape. If you would like to identify birds by sight, learn from our birding expert from the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

In this free online video series, learn about birding by sight from Wayne R. Petersen, Director of the Massachusetts Important Bird Areas Program at the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Wayne will teach you how to identify birds by sight with tips such as how to identify ducks and geese, how to identify shore birds, how to identify birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, and owls, how to identify wading birds such as the Great Blue Heron, how to identify song birds, and how to record your sightings. Learn also about birding in woodland, wetland, and grassland areas.