Some Thoughts on Bird ID

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.”