How feathers react after a drenching can affect our perceptions of birds’ appearances.
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Art by David Sibley
David Sibley's ID Toolkit
The author of the popular Sibley Guide to Birds and other books explains bird behaviors and field marks, birding techniques, and more.
Learn to differentiate finches and sparrows
Use these tips to identify two of the most prominent groups of streaky brown birds.
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How to use birds’ rump color as a field mark
Understanding how and when feathers on the rump are visible can improve your birding skills.
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Birds to look for when winter winds kick up
Across much of the world, winter is a season for studying waterbirds, and if you have access to a large body of water (ocean, large lake, or river), then it’s worth looking for waterbirds during storms. This has the potential for some of the most exciting birding. Birds sense the lower pressure of a storm … Read More “Birds to look for when winter winds kick up”
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Patches in birds’ tail feathers can lead you to ID them
What to watch for when birds flash their tails. Read More “Patches in birds’ tail feathers can lead you to ID them”
How to find birds in extremely cold weather
When temperatures drop, birds require food and shelter.
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Tips for tropical birding
Basic binocular skills can help you locate birds within dense foliage.
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Why birds pump their tails
The behavior is a signal to predators to move along.
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The value of actively observing birds
Why you should take a little extra time to look at birds.
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Why most birds look their best in fall plumage
With new and unblemished feathers, David Sibley makes the case for birds looking their finest in fall.
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