There are a variety of Facebook pages with countless posts
asking the question “What is this bird?” with an accompanying picture that
ranges in quality from a close up, crystal clear image to a distant, completely
out of focus image. This seems like a totally innocuous question, but it can
stir up a bit of controversy.
For some reason, we feel that if we know the name of
something, we then really KNOW it. This of course is a complete fallacy, but is
the impetus behind the question. As an example, if you show me a picture of a
Brown-headed Cowbird, I can certainly provide you with a name. But you will not
learn about the most intriguing aspect of this species. Brown-headed Cowbirds
are brood parasites. They build no nests of their own, but lay eggs in the
nests of other species, letting those birds act as foster parents to the
Cowbird hatchlings.
The controversial issue surrounding a “What is this bird?”
post is that experienced birders will help answer the question, but usually
won’t answer it directly. They will provide clues, such as, “look at the white
eye-ring and pink bill” or “what color are its legs?” This frustrates the
person posing the question because they just want the ID. The experienced
birder is trying to provide some education so that it is possible for the
person to ID the bird in the future. Many experienced birders (myself included)
began birding well before the internet existed and they had no other option but
to spend time pouring through field guides and comparing “field marks” to
identify a bird. This was time consuming and hard work. But they learned how to
ID birds. They are trying to share their knowledge. So if someone asks the
“What is this bird?” question, without making any effort to ID on their own first,
they will likely get a little perturbed. However, if instead of asking “What is
this bird?” you say, “I’m thinking this might be a Field Sparrow because of the
color of the bill, but I’m not sure. Any thoughts or guidance would be
appreciated.” you will likely receive a more timely and helpful response.”
And here is a mind blowing concept for some people,
sometimes it is not possible to identify a bird. Things that make for difficult
ID’s; bad lighting, objects such as twigs and leaves blocking key field marks
or the bird is part of family of birds that can only be separated to species by
song.
The key here is make an attempt at identifying the bird. You
will learn in the process and more experienced birders are more likely to
provide assistance. And the most important thing to remember is this, every
birder has mis-identified birds at some point. I remember posting a photograph
to a birding web site of an “American Golden Plover.” I was very proud of this
picture, but the problem - it was a Black-bellied Plover. Several people gently
pointed out the error. After getting over my embarrassment, I actually learned
the difference between the two species and during a recent birding excursion I
was able to confidently identify a Black-bellied Plover for some other birders.
Here is my "American Golden Plover" photo. Even with this poor quality photo
one can see the field marks that make it a Black-bellied Plover. Oops.
If you want to learn how to ID birds, get out in the field
with some experienced birders. When they identify a bird, ask them what led
them to that conclusion. You will usually get a detailed and well thought out
response.
Keep in mind that no matter your experience level, you will
occasionally mis-identify a bird in the field. This happens in the heat of the
moment, often at your first, very quick glimpse of a bird and your immediate
impression is wrong because you didn’t have enough information to identify the
bird initially. It happens. Don’t let that bother you.
And if I see you post a “What is this bird?” query, I will
do my best not to be rude. I will simply say, “It is not a Lilac-breasted
Roller.”
