Bird Identification

Finches and sparrows both crowd backyard feeders in dull brown plumage, but their beak shape, streaking pattern, and behavior set them apart once you know what to look for.

North America has two types of cranes: the sandhill crane and the whooping crane. Learn how to tell them apart, where they live, and how cranes differ from herons.

Several types of orange birds live in North America, from orioles to the robin. Learn common orange bird species, how to ID them, and why some birds are orange.

North America has five types of loons, from the common loon to the yellow-billed loon. Learn how to tell them apart, where they live, and facts about loons.

There are several types of grouse in North America, from the ruffed grouse to the ptarmigans. Learn common grouse species, how to ID them, and their amazing displays.

The main pheasant in North America is the ring-necked pheasant, plus ornamental species. Learn the types of pheasants, how to tell them apart, and facts about them.

There is one wild turkey species with several subspecies, from the eastern to Merriam’s. Learn the types of turkeys, how to tell them apart, and facts about turkeys.

Several types of white birds live in North America, from egrets to swans and pelicans. Learn common white bird species, how to ID them, and why birds are white.

There are many types of gulls in North America, from the herring gull to the ring-billed gull. Learn common gull species, how to ID them, and why gulls are tricky.

North America has three types of swans: the trumpeter, tundra, and mute swan. Learn how to tell them apart, where they live, and fascinating facts about swans.