How to identify birds?

Identifying birds is one of the most challenging tasks that birders face. Identification can be challenging because the traits that distinguish one species from another are often subtle and difficult to observe. Different species of birds sometimes look alike, while birds of the same species may show marked differences between males and females, juveniles and adults, or summer and winter plumage. Accurate bird identification should be based on several aspects of the bird’s appearance and reinforced by other indicators such as vocalization, behavior, and habitat.