Identifying Williamson’s Sapsucker
How to distinguish this western woodpecker from Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Gila Woodpecker. Read More “Identifying Williamson’s Sapsucker”
Bird Identification
Advice from authors Kenn Kaufman and David Sibley on how to identify birds. Plus, articles about bird field guides and smartphone apps.
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”
Identifying Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting
How to tell these two easily confusable species apart. Read More “Identifying Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting”
David Sibley explains eye-rings
Learn how the shape and pattern of feathers around the eyes can help you identify birds. Read More “David Sibley explains eye-rings”
David Sibley explains how to point out a bird’s location
Sign up for our newsletter, full of identification tips, news, and more! Discussions of birding skills focus mainly on finding and identifying birds, but being … Read More “David Sibley explains how to point out a bird’s location”