Identifying birds can be a challenge. Using characteristics such as size, shape, and color pattern can be extremely useful, but sometimes you will need extra information to feel comfortable with the species identification you make. The type of habitat you find yourself in can be very helpful. Birds obviously have the ability to move from one habitat to another, but more often than not they will congregate in areas that maximize their survivability. A bird’s camouflage must match the type of vegetation it hides in so it can blend in with the environment for protection. The type of food associated with the habitat must match their feeding techniques and physical adaptations. In other words a bird will typically be found in an area it is best suited for...its habitat. Field guides will typically include a description of the type of habitat a bird will occupy. As you identify and learn more about birds, make an effort to associate them with their preferred habitats. Below are examples of the different types of habitats you should be able to recognize and associate with different bird species.
Forest- coniferous, deciduous
Shrub- short bushes and plants
Aquatic- oceans,ponds, lakes, marshes, swamps
Grassland- open fields, agricultural land
Desert- dry rocky/sandy environments
On a larger scale differing habitats can be found in geographic regions called biomes. Bird species can also be associated with larger geographic regions like those defined by biomes (see map).
Forest- coniferous, deciduous
Shrub- short bushes and plants
Aquatic- oceans,ponds, lakes, marshes, swamps
Grassland- open fields, agricultural land
Desert- dry rocky/sandy environments
On a larger scale differing habitats can be found in geographic regions called biomes. Bird species can also be associated with larger geographic regions like those defined by biomes (see map).
Take the time to watch the video created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that I've included below.