How To Identify Baby Birds: Tips And Tricks For The Novice Birdwatcher!

When you find a nest of baby birds, what do you do? If you’re like me, the answer is “take some pictures and then call my mom!” But if that’s not your style, or if you want to get more involved in birding or nature education, I’m here to help.

This article is an introduction to bird identification based on what kind of baby birds have been spotted in your area.

It isn’t comprehensive; there are plenty of other resources out there for that! but it will give you a good start on how best to identify which species has left its young in your backyard.

Bird Identification for Beginners

Takeaways
Bird identification can be challenging, but it’s a rewarding skill to develop.
Educating yourself on the most popular birds, their calls and songs, and the right equipment can help improve your birding experience.
Misidentifying birds can be disappointing, but it’s helpful to be aware of the most commonly misidentified species.
Birdwatching can be done anywhere, from your backyard to nature reserves.
Attracting birds to your backyard can be accomplished by providing a variety of food and water sources and creating wildlife habitat.

Nest Identification

Nest shape is the most common way to identify a bird’s nest, and many species have several different types of nests. The following are the most common nest shapes:

Cup-shaped – The classic cup-shaped nest is built out of twigs and lined with moss or grasses. It can be found in trees, on cliffs and rocks, or even on the ground.

Bowl/ball – These nests are also made out of twigs, but they’re shaped like bowls or balls and can vary in size based on what kind of bird built it (i.e., a hummingbird will have a small ball while an eagle might build a larger one).

They’re usually found in deciduous trees like elm trees where they get shade during hot summer months but still allow for plenty of sunlight during cooler weather periods so that eggs don’t freeze over winter months when there isn’t enough natural light reaching them from outside sources yet!

Bowl/cup – A bowl-shaped construction tends to have more intricate designs than its ball counterpart due to its wide rim which makes it difficult for predators like cats who might try nibble away at pieces one at time until nothing’s left except maybe just some stray sticks poking through gaps between leaves overhead…you know? Just saying’

Knowing the most popular birds in North America can help you become a better birdwatcher. As the bird identification skill improves, so does the birding experience, so read our guide on how to identify the most popular birds in North America to learn more.

Size And Shape

The size and shape of a bird’s nest can help you identify it. A baby bird’s nest is going to be round, but it could be oval or square. The majority of nests are made from twigs, sticks, grasses and other things that are easily found near their habitat.

Bird Size And Shape Comparison Chart

Bird Name	Size	Shape
American Robin	9-11 inches	Plump and round with a round head and long legs
Red-tailed Hawk	18-26 inches	Large and broad with a a wide wingspan and short, wide tail
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	3-4 inches	Tiny and slender with a long, thin bill and wings that beat rapidly
Great Blue Heron	46-54 inches	Tall and slender with long legs, neck, and bill, and a wide wingspan
Black-capped Chickadee	4.5-5 inches	Small and round with a large head, short tail, and short beak
Bald Eagle	30-40 inches	Large and powerful with a massive beak and a wide wingspan

This table provides a comparison of the size and shape of different bird species, including the American robin, red-tailed hawk, ruby-throated hummingbird, great blue heron, black-capped chickadee, and bald eagle. Comparing bird size and shape can be helpful in identifying different bird species and distinguishing between similar-looking birds.

Look For Patterns In The Nest

After you’ve carefully observed the nest, look for patterns in it. Many birds are excellent builders and will create a nest that looks like an architectural marvel, but keep an eye out for any patterned material on top.

Bluebirds and robins will often use mud as a decorative feature in their nests; other birds may use small twigs or leaves to create a pattern on top of their homes.

Identifying birds by their calls and songs can be a challenging but rewarding experience. If you want to take your bird identification skills to the next level, read our guide on expert tips for identifying birds by their calls and songs to learn the tricks of the trade from experienced birders.

Eggshells Are A Good Indicator Of A Bird’s Diet

Eggshells are a good indicator of a bird’s diet. While the shell is made of calcium carbonate, it is porous and allows the embryo to breathe while inside. T

he calcium carbonate composition also varies by species, but it can be used as an indicator of what your bird has been eating.

For example, if you’re looking at an eggshell in which there are tiny holes all over its surface (as opposed to just one big hole), this may indicate that the mother was feeding her chicks insects or worms for food.

Eggs With Bands Or Spots Can Be More Difficult To Identify

While it’s easier to identify eggs with distinct markings or patterns, this is not always the case. If the eggs are covered in dirt or debris, or if they’ve been laid by a bird that was previously incubating another clutch of eggs, it can be challenging to see any identifying marks on the shells.

You may even have trouble seeing them if your bird happens to be covering them with its feathers!

Bird identification can be challenging, especially when it comes to identifying rare species. However, with the right tools, it is possible to identify any bird species in the world. Check out our guide on the ultimate bird identification guide to learn about the resources you need to become an expert birder.

Feather Identification

Feathers can be a great indicator of the birds you might see in your yard. For example, birds that eat insects usually have feathers that are more coarse and dull looking, while those who feed on seeds will have smoother and shinier feathers.

Feathers are also used to identify birds of prey: hawks and eagles will have large wings with extensive feathering to allow them to glide from high altitudes and also provide insulation when they perch on an exposed branch or cliff face.

Feathers are also great tools for identifying water birds because they must be waterproof so they don’t get wet in the water! Waterfowl have dense plumage which repels rainwater and allows these animals stay warm when temperatures drop below freezing point.

Bird Feather Identification Chart

Feather Type	Description	Examples
Contour Feather	Large feathers that provide shape and contour to a bird’s body	Eagle, penguin, duck
Down Feather	Fluffy feathers that trap heat and keep a bird warm	Goose, swan, flamingo
Semiplume Feather	Feather with a long, soft rachis and short barbs	Heron, egret, owl
Filoplume Feather	Hair-like feathers that provide sensory information	Songbirds, owls, woodpeckers
Bristle Feather	Stiff feathers that protect a bird’s eyes, nostrils, and mouth	Flycatcher, kingfisher, kestrel
Powder Down Feather	Specialized feathers that produce a fine powder to help waterproof feathers	Parrots, herons, pigeons

This chart shows different types of feathers and their characteristics, including contour feathers, down feathers, semiplume feathers, filoplume feathers, bristle feathers, and powder down feathers. Understanding feather types can be helpful in bird identification because different species can have distinct patterns and arrangements of feathers on their bodies.

Feather Color

Feathers are one of the most obvious and reliable ways to identify a bird. They can be used to determine a bird’s age, sex, species, and diet.

Feathers come in many different colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. Different birds have different types of feathers; some types of feathers have special functions that allow birds to fly or catch food.

The number and variety of feathers on each part of the body helps us figure out what kind of bird we’re looking at!

Misidentifying birds can be frustrating and can negatively impact the birding experience. To avoid this, it is important to learn about the most commonly misidentified birds. Read our article on the top 15 most misidentified birds to learn about these bird species and the characteristics that set them apart.

Flight Feathers

Flight feathers are the large feathers on a bird’s wing. They’re typically stiffer than other feathers and have a distinct shape. Flight feathers are usually lighter in color than other parts of a bird’s body, too.

In some species of birds, flight feathers are visible even when they’re perched. If you see a large patch of darker-colored or lighter-colored feathers on your bird’s wing while it’s sitting still, those may be its flight feathers!

Wing Markings

Wing markings can be another clue to a bird’s diet. The feathers on an adult bird’s wing and tail are important for flight, but they also serve as camouflage from predators.

Some birds have darker wings and tails because they live in darker habitats, while others have lighter wing colors so that they blend into their surroundings. Often birds with dark wings will have some spots on them for added camouflage.

Wing markings are used by bird watchers to identify birds at a distance or even in flight!

Identifying difficult-to-spot birds can be a challenge even for experienced birders. However, there are tricks you can use to increase your chances of identifying these elusive species. Check out our guide on the secret to identifying difficult-to-spot birds for tips on identifying birds that are hard to spot.

Color Patterns And Combinations

It may be hard to believe, but there are a lot of different color patterns and combinations in nature. Fortunately for us, most birds have enough distinctive features that you can learn to identify them by their colors alone.

The color patterns on birds are often the first thing you notice when observing them up close. Here is an example of what some common species look like:

Northern Cardinal (Northern Redbird) with red plumage on its body and head, white patches on its wings and tail feathers, blackish-brown streaks across its breast and belly region;
Eastern Bluebird with blue feathers covering its head, neck, wings and tail area;

American Robin with reddish-brown plumage throughout the body except for gray flanks;
House Sparrows have grayish upperparts streaked with black; brown underparts streaked with white extending down into their throat area; black bibs around their necks that may appear as crescent shapes when viewed from above

Tail Shape, Size And Markings

Tail shape and size. If you can see the tail, look at its shape. Is it long and pointy? Or short and rounded?

Does it have a distinct downstroke (like a “v”), or is it more squiggly?

Next, check out how long the tail is. A Eurasian treecreeper’s tail may be about half as long as its body (or even shorter) while a white-breasted nuthatch’s tail could almost match its body length in length!

What color is your bird’s tail? Some species sport bright colors like red or yellow; others are more subtle with shades of gray or brown.

Conclusion

You’ll be able to see them in their nestboxes, if you can get close enough. If you see your first baby bird, try taking photos of it!

It’s a great way to remember the experience, and your kids will love looking at them when they’re older.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about birdwatching for beginners:

What equipment do I need to start birdwatching?

To get started with birdwatching, all you really need is a pair of binoculars and a field guide. Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are also recommended.

How do I identify birds?

The best way to identify birds is to look for unique field marks, such as coloration, size, and shape. You can also listen for specific calls or songs to aid in bird identification.

Where is the best place to go birdwatching?

The best place to go birdwatching is in natural areas, such as parks or nature reserves, that have a variety of habitats. You can also birdwatch in your own backyard by providing food and water for birds.

What is the best time of day to go birdwatching?

Birds are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, making these the best times to go birdwatching. However, some species are more active during midday or at night, so it depends on what birds you are interested in seeing.

How can I attract birds to my backyard?

You can attract birds to your backyard by providing a variety of food and water sources, creating habitat with trees and shrubs, and minimizing the use of pesticides.

Hellen James

Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a birdwatcher and birder. I have a personal interest in bird behavior and classifications and have been following the latest research on the topic for years.