ID Tips
Dark-eyed Juncos, Backyard Gems, Come in a Dazzling Array of Colors
March 01, 2019 — The six flavors of junco were long considered separate species. Recent science shows that they instead boldly exhibit evolution in real time.
ID Tips
ID Tips
Is That a Swallow or a Swift?
September 25, 2018 — 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?
July 03, 2018 — 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
February 16, 2018 — 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
June 28, 2017 — 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
March 30, 2017 — 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
March 03, 2017 — 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
January 19, 2017 — 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
December 28, 2016 — Some clues to help distinguish between these two often-confused finches.
ID Tips
Learn to Tell a Northern Shrike From a Loggerhead Shrike
November 23, 2016 — These are the best clues to help you know which ‘butcherbird’ is which.
