Bird Identification

Male house finches show red on the head and chest with streaky sides, while purple finches are washed in raspberry. Here is how to tell them apart fast.

North American thrushes include the robin, bluebird, wood thrush, and hermit thrush. Learn to identify thrush species, their songs, and where to see them.

The main types of grebes are the pied-billed, horned, eared, western, and Clark’s grebes. Learn to identify grebe species, how they differ from ducks, and where to see them.

The main types of tanagers are the scarlet, summer, western, and hepatic tanagers. Learn to identify these brightly colored tanager species and where to see them.

The main types of grosbeaks are the rose-breasted, black-headed, blue, evening, and pine grosbeaks. Learn to identify grosbeak species and how to attract them.

There are four types of nuthatches in North America, from the white-breasted to the pygmy. Learn to identify nuthatch species and how to attract them.

There are seven types of chickadees in North America, from the black-capped to the chestnut-backed. Learn to identify chickadee species and how to attract them.

The Snowy Owl is the only truly white owl in North America, but pale Barn Owls and leucistic individuals of other species are often mistaken for one.

Size, tail shape, call, and flight pattern differences that let you tell a raven from a crow at a glance, even from a distance.

Birds that look like hawks include falcons, owls, vultures, and the osprey. Learn which birds are mistaken for hawks and how to tell true hawks apart.