To identify birds, an ornithologist must observe their behaviors, physical features, habitats, and nests. The document outlines 5 steps for bird identification: 1) Determine if the bird lives on land or water, 2) Study the bird's habitat, 3) Examine characteristics of its nest, 4) Consider its size and shape, and 5) Analyze details of its bill such as length, width, and structure to determine if it eats plants or other animals. Close observation of many physical attributes is needed to properly identify each type of bird.

1. Pgs. 238-237 For Student Use Only

2. Ornithologist: Scientist who studies birds Study birds when most active at dawn Need to be observant to study birds Binoculars Records

3. Need to watch many things: How the bird acts What the bird looks like Patters or colors Where and what does it feed on Need to be specific so others can identify bird

4. Look for: Crown Nape Mantle Back Rump Tail Coverts Tail feathers Flank Look for: Belly Breast Wing Covers Throat Ear coverts Chin Bill Forehead

5. Steps to Bird Identification: 1.) Land or Water Bird Land Perching Ground Bird of Prey Water Wading Swimming

6. Steps to Bird Identification: 2.) Know habitats Look in forests, by ponds, and brushy substances

7. Steps to Bird Identification: 3.) Look at Nests Different birds make different nests, look on the: Land: Trees Ground Shrubery Shore: Scrapes (scooped out ground) Floating platforms Birds use instincts to make nests

8. Steps to Bird Identification: 4.) Body size and shape Size is first to notice Sparrow: 5 inches Robin: 10 inches Crow: 18 inches Eagle: 30 inches Shape is next Fatter like robin or sparrow Slender like Mockingbird

9. Steps to Bird Identification: 5.) Bill Shapes Herbivores: plant eating Short stout beaks- seed eating Crossing points- remove seeds Long delicate beaks- nectar eating Serrated beaks- cutting fruit Carnivores: meat eating Pouched bill- scooping and holding prey Long, spearing beaks- get fish Long, probing beaks- get crestaceans Heavy bills- search for insects Hinged jaw- catch insects