Songbirds
Small and medium-sized birds known for varied calls, familiar backyard visits, and a wide range of colours and behaviours.
Bird Guides
Learn birds by the groups they share
Bird families and familiar groups can make identification easier and reveal how different species live.
Recognize the group first
Body plans and behaviour create a useful first shortlist
Before comparing tiny plumage marks, decide whether the bird resembles a songbird, woodpecker, raptor, waterfowl, owl, hummingbird, or another broad group. Use size and shape to study its structure, then apply the complete bird-identification method.
Woodpeckers
Tree-climbing birds with specialized bills, strong feet, and distinctive patterns of tapping and drumming.
Hawks and eagles
Powerful birds of prey that can be recognized by their shape, flight style, habitat, and hunting behaviour.
Ducks and waterfowl
Birds of ponds, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastlines, often best identified by shape and seasonal plumage.
Owls
Mostly quiet and often nocturnal birds whose calls may be easier to notice than their well-camouflaged feathers.
Hummingbirds
Small, fast-moving birds drawn to flowers and nectar feeders across many parts of North America.
Identification basics