Identify Birds by Sight

It’s possible to identify birds using just your eyes. Learn how to use clues like size, shape, colour and simple features to narrow down what you’re seeing.

Location

A quick way to narrow down which bird you’re seeing is to think about location. Different species have different ranges, and some are only found in certain parts of Australia.

Here’s an example of how to identify Australia’s kookaburras by where they live:

  • Laughing Kookaburra – eastern and southern Australia

  • Blue-winged Kookaburra (pictured) – northern and eastern Australia

  • Cape York Kookaburra – Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

illustration of a kookaburra

Size

Bird size is easier to measure by length rather than height. Here are six size categories used by birdwatchers, with examples of common Australian birds:

  • Very small - under 15 cm
    e.g. Superb Fairywren (13 cm)

  • Small - 15–30 cm
    e.g. Magpie-lark (28 cm)

  • Medium - 30-45 cm
    e.g. Australian Magpie (40 cm)

  • Medium to large - 45-60 cm
    e.g. Australian Raven (52 cm)

  • Large - 60-75 cm
    e.g. Australian White Ibis (72 cm)

  • Very large - over 75 cm
    e.g. Australian Pelican (170 cm)

illustration of an australian ibis

Shape

Bird shape is another helpful clue - many species have distinct silhouettes (like this Australian Pelican). Have a look at the body shape, head, neck, bill (beak), tail, wings and legs.

Colour

Colour is one of the easiest ways to help identify a bird. Scan the bird’s feathers (plumage), and check the colour of its eyes, bill and legs/feet. Common terms used in birdwatching include:

  • Bars – thin horizontal or vertical lines

  • Bands – thicker horizontal or vertical lines

  • Collar – a band around the neck, like a necklace

  • Eyebrow – lines above or around the eyes

  • Hood or cap – colouring on the head

Behaviour

A bird’s behaviour can also give you clues. Ask yourself - Is it swimming or wading? Is it on the ground, in a tree or bush, or on a fence? Is it soaring, flapping, or hovering? Birds are often found near their food or nest. For example, the Eastern Brown Thornbill forages closer to the ground for insects. Meanwhile, the Yellow-rumped Thornbill feeds on insects, nectar, and fruit, and is often seen higher in trees.

illustration of a brown thornbill

Bird body parts

Here is an image with a list of key body parts that we use in birdwatching and bird field guides: