Bird identification skills

Discover our top tips for improving your general identification skills, or browse our expert advice to brush up on tricky bird groups like winter waders and dabbling ducks.

General identification skills

Article

How to use structure in bird identification

Structure is often key to making a confident identification when birdwatching.

Article

How to use age in bird identification

Taking a moment to look for clues as to a bird's age can ease the identification process and help avoid mistakes.

Article

How to learn bird songs and calls

Read our top tips for identifying birds by their vocalisations and discover useful resources.

Article

Improve your birding skills at home

Build your skills in the comfort of your own home, day or night and whatever the weather.

Article

Bird topography and species identificaion

Mastering the main feather tracts on a bird is a key building block for making a positive identification.

Article

Identify bird songs and calls

Recognising birds by their call is often seen as an advanced aspect of birding, but with practice, it can be hugely enriching.

Learn how to distinguish similar species

Article

How to identify dabbling ducks

If you've ever been baffled by a nondescript dabbling duck, you're not alone. Learn how to distinguish them in this article.

Article

How to identify ducklings

Recording ducklings gives us valuable information about birds' breeding success. But can you tell your Tufty from your Teal?

Article

How to identify winter waders

Taking the first steps in identifying winter waders can be daunting, but we have some handy tips and advice.

Article

How to identify winter raptors

From soaring eagles to harrier roosts, finding winter raptors can be a wonderful birding experience. Boost your identification of this group with this article.

Article

How to identify gulls using structure

Their range of plumages can be bewildering, but you don’t need to be an expert to identify gulls! Learn how to use structure to identify the five most common species in the UK.

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Bird tracking

Phil Atkinson explains the technology behind tracking.

Blog

BirdTrack migration blog – early spring

It may still feel like winter but for some species, the increasing temperatures and lengthening days have already kick-started spring migration, with birds starting to arrive and depart across Britain and Ireland.

Event

Songbird ID (3 sessions, Wednesdays 10am)

This course involves three weekly online sessions of 100 minutes, with a trainer:participant ratio of about 1:30. Participants' microphones are muted during the sessions but there is a large interactive component,...

Bird identification skills

General identification skills

How to use structure in bird identification

How to use age in bird identification

How to learn bird songs and calls

Improve your birding skills at home

Bird topography and species identificaion

Identify bird songs and calls

Learn how to distinguish similar species

How to identify dabbling ducks

How to identify ducklings

How to identify winter waders

How to identify winter raptors

How to identify gulls using structure

Want to learn more?

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Bird tracking

BirdTrack migration blog – early spring

Songbird ID (3 sessions, Wednesdays 10am)