How to Identify Common Backyard Birds

Learn how to spot and name the birds that visit your backyard by observing their shapes, colors, and behaviors. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Find a quiet spot. Pick a place in your yard where you can sit still and watch. The quieter you are, the more likely birds will come close to you. Bring your notebook and sit down comfortably.
2. Observe the bird's shape and size. Before looking at colors, look at the shape. Is the bird small like a sparrow or big like a crow? Does it have a long, skinny beak or a short, thick one? Ask a grown-up to help you use your binoculars to get a better look.
3. Look for color patterns. Notice the colors on the bird's wings, chest, and head. Does it have a stripe over its eye? A bright patch on its wing? Write these details down in your notebook immediately so you don't forget.
4. Watch how it moves. Does the bird hop on the ground, climb up tree trunks, or sit very still on a branch? Some birds like to eat from feeders, while others search for bugs in the grass. This behavior is a big clue for identifying them.
5. Check your field guide. Use your field guide or ask a grown-up to help you look up the birds you spotted based on your notes. Match your drawings or descriptions to the pictures in the book.