Can You Identify a Bird or Other Creature? Full Guide
Not sure what bird or creature you just spotted? Use our expert field guide to identify any North American bird or wildlife by size, shape, bill, and behavior.
Bird Identification
Tag: raptor id
19 articles
How to ID a Bird Carcass: Field Marks & Techniques
Found a dead bird and want to know the species? Learn how to identify a bird carcass using feathers, bill shape, feet, size, and habitat clues.
Birding Tips
Can Ospreys Eat Pufferfish Without Being Poisoned?
Do ospreys get poisoned by pufferfish tetrodotoxin? Explore the science of raptor toxicology, osprey diet, and why this fish-eating hawk is likely unharmed.
Birding Tips
Common Birds in San Jose, California: ID Guide
Spot a mystery bird in San Jose, CA? Identify the 12 most common species — from Anna's Hummingbird to Great Blue Heron — with field marks, habitats, and tips.
Birding Tips
What Are These Migrating Birds? ID Guide for Beginners
Wondering what migrating birds you're seeing? Identify warblers, sparrows, thrushes, shorebirds & raptors with this expert field guide for all skill levels.
Birding Tips
Owl Sounds Explained: How to Identify Common Owl Calls
Heard a mysterious bird sound at night? Learn how to identify owl calls — Great Horned, Barred, Screech-Owl, Saw-whet — plus non-owl sounds often mistaken for owls.
Birding Tips
How to Tell a Bird's Age: Field Guide to Aging Birds
Learn how to tell a bird's age using plumage, eye color, bill color, molt patterns, and behavior. Expert tips for aging common North American birds.
Birding Tips
Can You Name These Bird Species? ID Quiz Guide
Can you name these species? Test your birding skills with our expert ID guide covering hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, juncos, and more North American birds.
Bird Identification
Owl Identification Guide: What Owl Did You See?
Spotted an owl and wondering what species it is? Use our visual identification guide to identify 10 common North American owls by size, markings, and call.
Birding Tips
How to Identify a Hawk: North America's Most Common Species
Wondering what hawk you just saw? Identify the most common North American hawks by size, shape, tail color, and behavior with this expert visual guide.
Birding Tips
Common Birds Spotted in San Francisco: ID Guide
Wondering what bird you just saw in San Francisco? Identify the most common SF birds by appearance, habitat, and behavior — from hummingbirds to falcons.
Birding Tips
Common Birds of Malaysia: A Field Identification Guide
Trying to identify a bird in Malaysia? Discover the most common Malaysian birds by color, size, habitat, and call — with expert ID tips for each species.
Birding Tips
Why Is It Called a Sharp-Shinned Hawk? Name & Facts
Discover why it's called a sharp-shinned hawk — from its blade-like leg bone to its nicknames. Plus ID tips, habitat, diet, and migration facts.
Birding Tips
Great Horned Owl Identifying Characteristics Explained
Learn the great horned owl identifying characteristics: ear tufts, yellow eyes, barred plumage, white throat patch, and more. Full field guide with habitat and behavior.
Bird Identification
Is It Too Late for an Osprey in Upstate NY to Nest?
Wondering if it's too late for an Osprey in Upstate NY to successfully nest? Learn the full nesting timeline, key deadlines, and what late-season pairs face.
Migration & Behavior
Bird Watching Guide to Costa Rica: Top Species & Sites
Your complete bird watching guide to Costa Rica — 930+ species, top birding sites, identification tips for quetzals, macaws, toucans, and more.
Birding Tips
How to Draw Birds: John Muir Laws Method Guide
Learn how to draw birds using John Muir Laws's observation-based method. Field marks, gesture sketching, species examples, and nature journaling tips.
Birding Tips
Best Hawke Binoculars for Birdwatching: Top Picks
Find the best Hawke binoculars for birdwatching. We compare top models by price, glass quality, and birding scenario to help you choose the right pair.
Gear & Equipment
Best Binoculars for Birdwatching: Gift Guide for Enthusiasts
Shopping for a birdwatcher? We recommend the best binoculars for every budget — from beginner-friendly picks to premium optics they'll treasure forever.
Gear & Equipment