Backyard Bird Identification Checklist  ©Jorrie Ciotti

  • 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: __________

  • 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: __________

  • Shape

  • compact    plump    sleek    slim    stocky

  • Posture

  • horizontal    standing    vertical

  • Habitat

  • ground    shrubs    trees    water

  • 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.