What birders should know about wing feathers
Focusing on wing coverts can lead to further insights about birds. Read More “What birders should know about wing feathers”
Bird Identification
Advice from authors Kenn Kaufman and David Sibley on how to identify birds. Plus, articles about bird field guides and smartphone apps.
Understanding birds’ habitat can help you identify them
A successful birder will be able to use habitat as a clue to identifying birds — and also quickly set it aside when necessary. Read More “Understanding birds’ habitat can help you identify them”
To identify distant waterbirds, learn their flocking behavior
In winter, identifying waterbirds is often challenging because the birds are too far away to see details. Understanding flocking behavior can help. Read More “To identify distant waterbirds, learn their flocking behavior”
Identifying Williamson’s Sapsucker
How to distinguish this western woodpecker from Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Gila Woodpecker. Read More “Identifying Williamson’s Sapsucker”
What to look for as birds molt their worn-out feathers
Late summer is the time of year when many birds replace their feathers in a process called molt. Old feathers, most of which have been … Read More “What to look for as birds molt their worn-out feathers”
Identifying Orange-crowned Warbler and Tennessee Warbler
Kenn Kaufman describes what to look for to identify the variable Orange-crowned Warbler and the similar Tennessee Warbler. Read More “Identifying Orange-crowned Warbler and Tennessee Warbler”
Identifying Henslow’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Baird’s Sparrow
Kenn Kaufman explains how to identify the nomadic Henslow’s Sparrow and its close relatives Grasshopper and Baird’s Sparrows. Read More “Identifying Henslow’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Baird’s Sparrow”
How waterfowl hide their wings
Become a better birder by understanding where feathers go when wings are folded. Read More “How waterfowl hide their wings”