Backyard Bird Identification Checklist

The following checklist is available in a printer-friendly format meaning only the list itself is printed in black and white and on one page.

  • Size

  • smaller than a chickadee
  • bigger than a chickadee
  • smaller than a robin
  • bigger than a robin
  • smaller than a crow
  • bigger than a crow

  • Head

  • crest - color: __________
  • crown-stripe - color: __________
  • eyebrow stripe - color: __________
  • eyeline - color: __________
  • eyering - color: __________
  • lore - color: __________

  • Bill

  • slender, pointed
  • conical
  • chisel-like
  • spoon-shaped
  • hooked
  • colored: __________
  • bicolored: __________

  • Tail

  • barred
  • forked
  • long
  • narrow
  • notched
  • pointed
  • round
  • short
  • square tipped
  • stiff
  • tail color: __________
  • tip color: __________

  • Body

  • belly - color: __________
  • breast - color:: __________
  •  mustachial stripe - color: __________
  • nape - color: __________
  • rump - color: __________
  • throat patch - color: __________

  • Habitat

  • ground
  • shrubs
  • trees
  • water

  • Posture

  • horizontal   standing   vertical

  • Shape

  • compact
  • plump
  • sleek
  • slim
  • stocky

  • Legs & Feet

  • perching or grasping
  • strong with sharp, hooked claws
  • three forward toes & one hind toe
  • wide-spread (2 toes forward & 2 toes back)
  • color: __________

  • Flight Patterns

  • circle
  • straight line
  • strong
  • undulating

  • Season

  • spring
  • summer
  • fall
  • winter

  • Behavior

  • Was it catching prey in the air?
  • Was it climbing the sides of trees?
  • Was it looking for insects on foliage?
  • Was it serious looking or gregarious?
  • Was it moving quickly through the foliage?
  • Was it secretive?
  • Was it walking or hopping?
  • Was it flicking its tail?
  • Was it bobbing its tail?
  • Was it fanning its tail?
  • Was it flicking its wings?
  • Was it alone or with other birds?

  • Wings

  • long   short
  • pointed
  • rounded
  • wing - color: __________
  • wingbars - how many ___ color: __________
  • wing patches - color: __________
  • wing tips - extended to: __________

  • Voice

  • Describe the call or song.
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