Identification

IDENTIFICATION

The European Bee-eater, Merops apiaster,breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. Bee-eaters eat insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets, which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch.

Bird Identification Basics

Learning to identify birds is a challenge . A field guide is a must as is a decent pair of binoculars. The best way to learn to identify birds is from an experienced birdwatcher. Many local Audubon societies offer field trips which are excellent for learning birds. After you learn how to identify a few birds, identifying otherswill be easier. Check the links on this page for more information and help.

WhatBird Identification Engine allows identifying a bird in just a few clicks.

Bird Field Guides

The Sibley Guide to Birds
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America
A Field Guide to Western Birds
The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Eastern and Western Editions
Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Eastern and Western Editions
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Online Field Guide

Field Guides to the UK and Europe

A Guide to Not Mis-Identifying Birds
Bird Identification Questions for Europe
Ducks at a Distance
Feather Quest (feather identification)
Gull Identification Website
Hummingbird Identification Tips - US and Canada
ID of Ducks by Wing Plumage
Identifying Wild Birds
Online Identification Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe
Patuxent Bird Quiz
Sea and Shorebird Identification
Tools for Learning about Birds
Waterfowl of the World
Waterfowl Identification
Whatbird