Learn to Tell a Cackling Goose From a Canada Goose
ID TipsDon’t let this ID cook your goose. Here are a few tips to help you solve the puzzle.
Identifying Birds
Study Up
Greater or Lesser Scaup? Here Are the Biggest Differences Between the Two
ID TipsIt’s a challenging ID, but head shape can take you a long way.
House Finch or Purple Finch? Here's How to Tell Them Apart
ID TipsSome clues to help distinguish between these two often-confused finches.
Birdist Rule #65: How to Tell the Difference Between Crows
The Birdist’s Rules Of BirdingUh, wait … there’s more than one kind?
Birdist Rule #60: Figure Out What Kind of Vulture Is Circling You
The Birdist’s Rules Of Birding(And creep your friends out while you're at it.)
Birdist Rule #20: Identify Your First Gull
The Birdist’s Rules Of BirdingThey are not easy, but they are worth it. Probably.
Learn to Tell a Northern Shrike From a Loggerhead Shrike
ID TipsThese are the best clues to help you know which ‘butcherbird’ is which.
The Biggest Differences Between Song and Savannah Sparrows
ID TipsA close look at these two doppelgängers shows some key contrasts in markings and song.
Quizzes
A Photo ID Quiz That's Perfect for Beginner Birders
Christmas Bird CountTest your birding knowledge with 10 species often found during the Christmas Bird Count.
All ID Stories
ID Tips
Dark-eyed Juncos, Backyard Gems, Come in a Dazzling Array of Colors
By Hannah Waters
The six flavors of junco were long considered separate species. Recent science shows that they instead boldly exhibit evolution in real time.
ID Tips
Is That a Swallow or a Swift?
By Martha Harbison
Telling the two apart can be tough, but some clues lie in how they fly and where they sleep.
ID Tips
Is That Golden Eagle Actually a Bald Eagle?
By Pete Dunne
In its youth, our national symbol sports brown feathers on its head—making it easily confused with its rarer, golden cousin.
ID Tips
Why You Should Start Searching for Rusty Blackbirds
By Jason Ward
Aside from helping to boost your blackbird appreciation, spotting this declining species can also aid in conservation efforts.
ID Tips
How to Tell Vireos From Warblers, Flycatchers, and Kinglets
By Jason Ward
Before you start identifying vireos, you need to stop confusing them with other similar families of songbirds.
ID Tips
Learn to Tell a Cackling Goose From a Canada Goose
By Devin Griffiths
Don’t let this ID cook your goose. Here are a few tips to help you solve the puzzle.
ID Tips
The Biggest Differences Between Song and Savannah Sparrows
By Jason Ward
A close look at these two doppelgängers shows some key contrasts in markings and song.
ID Tips
Greater or Lesser Scaup? Here Are the Biggest Differences Between the Two
By Purbita Saha
It’s a challenging ID, but head shape can take you a long way.
ID Tips
House Finch or Purple Finch? Here's How to Tell Them Apart
By Noah Strycker
Some clues to help distinguish between these two often-confused finches.
ID Tips
Learn to Tell a Northern Shrike From a Loggerhead Shrike
By Sharon Stiteler
These are the best clues to help you know which ‘butcherbird’ is which.
Pacific Flyway
Central Flyway
Mississippi Flyway
Atlantic Flyway
