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Forums: Avian: Identification, Behavior and Nomenclature

Post images or questions regarding bird ID, behavior or terminology. If you have a question about a bird, ask our Staff Ornithologist. If you have an interesting or unusual bird behavior image, share it!

  1. Sticky Thread Sticky: Forum message

    Welcome to Avian: Identification, Behavior and Nomenclature forum! Here you can post questions about your favourite photographic subject- birds! The...

    Started by John Chardine, 08-06-2008 05:20 AM
    • Replies: 0
    • Views: 1,362
    08-06-2008 05:20 AM Go to last post
  1. Question How old is this least tern

    I am assuming this is a least tern. I have shots of terns that are are day or two old (Nickerson Beach - late June) and also shots of juveniles with...

    Started by allanrube, Yesterday 09:37 PM
    • Replies: 0
    • Views: 7
    Yesterday 09:37 PM Go to last post
  2. Coopers or Sharp Shin?

    Hi Everyone, Could I please get some help on the ID for this hawk. He hangs around with the Merlins at the local marsh. Doesn't like Blue Jays and...

    Started by Steve Large, Yesterday 03:52 PM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 62
    Today 01:10 AM Go to last post
  3. Correct terminology

    Just wondering what the correct terminology is for a birds beak, or is it bill. I often see on the site, some say beak, some say bill.

    Started by Stuart Bowie, 08-30-2010 01:08 PM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 132
    08-30-2010 04:54 PM Go to last post
  4. Magpies Collecting Rocks?

    I sat and watched a group of 6 black-billed magpie's yesterday collecting rocks. They would come in from across a field and land on an old section...

    Started by Jeff Dyck, 08-29-2010 11:48 PM
    black-billed, collecting, corvidae, magpie
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 48
    08-30-2010 07:38 AM Go to last post
  5. Need help with ID, please - what kind of sandpiper?

    I could not make of the exact ID of this bird, help please? :2eyes2: Thank you. Camera Nikon D3S Exposure 0.001 sec (1/1000) Aperture f/10.0...

    Started by Troy Lim, 08-29-2010 09:08 PM
    • Replies: 13
    • Views: 179
    08-31-2010 11:14 PM Go to last post
  6. Western Gull?

    I would like to get an id check on this gull... I think this is a juvenile Western Gull from its darker and large bill, darker feathers and the tail....

    Started by Indranil Sircar, 08-28-2010 04:03 PM
    • Replies: 8
    • Views: 102
    Today 01:12 AM Go to last post
  7. Hummingbird's tongue

    I have set up a feeder close to my back window and noticed something the other day. As the Ruby-throated Hummingbird was perched at the feeder,...

    Started by John Chardine, 08-27-2010 08:53 PM
    • Replies: 1
    • Views: 27
    Yesterday 03:10 PM Go to last post
  8. Which Rail?

    This photograph was taken in Galveston, TX on Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010. The bird was not at all afraid of me, but was keeping a watchful eye on me as he...

    Started by Patti Edens, 08-27-2010 12:45 PM
    • Replies: 7
    • Views: 83
    08-29-2010 08:20 PM Go to last post
  9. Poll Poll: Least or Baird's Sandpiper?

    I posted this on my local Audubon sightings page for my area as a Least Sandpiper and I had some comments back from a few folks that thought it...

    Started by Bryan Hix, 08-23-2010 09:06 PM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 118
    Today 01:14 AM Go to last post
  10. Time of Year

    Yesterday I was at Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach, California. I got this photo(my first) of a Ruddy Duck. It appears to be a female in...

    Started by William Malacarne, 08-23-2010 01:28 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 49
    08-23-2010 02:53 PM Go to last post
  11. Crested Terns. Courtship behaviour?

    These Crested Terns walked around in a tight circle with their wings held out as shown. I thought this was probably some form of courtship behaviour....

    Started by Leo Berzins, 08-23-2010 03:15 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 53
    08-23-2010 07:36 PM Go to last post
  12. Wood Sandpiper?

    I am trying to identify this bird and it seems to be a Wood Sandpiper. I took this photo in Massachusetts and according to my bird ID book, Wood...

    Started by Axel Aire, 08-21-2010 12:34 PM
    • Replies: 13
    • Views: 172
    08-31-2010 07:27 PM Go to last post
  13. Help with gull ID

    I'm not a gull expert, but I was wondering if someone could help me ID this one. It was photographed in Northern Utah in February. Thanks in...

    Started by Doug Brown, 08-21-2010 12:18 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 77
    08-29-2010 07:18 PM Go to last post
  14. How Smart Are Swallows?

    Years ago I saw crows diving into swallow nests feet-first and making off with the young. More recently, I saw swallow nests built very close to a...

    Started by Jim Coda, 08-20-2010 02:14 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 76
    08-21-2010 10:28 AM Go to last post
  15. I can't remember it...

    I know it's dumb but I can't classify it :o http://www.pedrosfotografia.com/Pedro_Serralheiro/Galerias/Paginas/Medias.html#1 Thanks!

    Started by Pedro Serralheiro, 08-15-2010 07:07 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 72
    08-15-2010 06:42 PM Go to last post
  16. Barn Owl Web Cam" Live"

    Hi All, If you are already aware of this I apologize for the repeat information. I thought this was kind of interesting and thought I would share...

    Started by Phil Ertel, 08-10-2010 04:24 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 59
    08-15-2010 03:05 PM Go to last post
  17. Canada Goose unusual behavior

    This is a terrible image and a significant crop, but when I saw this, I could not quite believe it. The Canada goose is in what looks to be an...

    Started by John Ippolito, 08-09-2010 01:26 PM
    • Replies: 8
    • Views: 179
    08-18-2010 03:52 PM Go to last post
  18. ID Help

    I've been trying to ID this bird for a week or so. Lots of maybes, but no definitive answer. There were eleven in a flock together and didn't...

    Started by Fred Canter, 08-08-2010 08:23 PM
    • Replies: 7
    • Views: 155
    08-13-2010 08:57 PM Go to last post
  19. Myrtle or Audubon's feeding cow-bird

    Thought this might be of interest. The poor "mom" was constantly on the move bringing insects for the "little" one. Captured on Gabriola Island,...

    Started by Thomas Boysen, 08-08-2010 10:36 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 89
    08-09-2010 10:12 AM Go to last post
  20. Tyrant Flycatcher id help

    Hi, I was hoping for an id confirmation. I shot this at Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park back in January. After scratching my...

    Started by Cezary Raczko, 08-07-2010 04:56 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 82
    08-09-2010 10:13 AM Go to last post
  21. Sparrow? Adult? Juvenile?

    I first thought this bird was a sparrow, but I didn't know what species. Then I saw a photo on the web that looked very similar, but it was labeled...

    Started by Julie Brown, 08-03-2010 03:38 PM
    • Replies: 25
    • Views: 289
    09-01-2010 09:28 AM Go to last post
  22. Hawk ID????????

    I was photographing plover in the salt marsh when this hawk payed a visit. Unfortunately a dog walker spooked it before it went for a bath and got...

    Started by mikeship, 08-02-2010 09:28 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 113
    08-03-2010 07:22 AM Go to last post
  23. ID please -- Southern California

    This picture was taken this morning at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, CA. There are lots of ponds and foliage there. The bird was...

    Started by wendell westfall, 08-02-2010 07:35 PM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 121
    08-06-2010 10:47 PM Go to last post
  24. Creating Bird Habitats in the Gulf Region

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38475970/ns/us_news-environment/

    Started by Axel Hildebrandt, 08-02-2010 02:17 PM
    • Replies: 0
    • Views: 35
    08-02-2010 02:17 PM Go to last post
  25. Which One

    Is this is a Lesser or Greater Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, or Least Sandpiper....picture taken at freshwater wetland area. Or maybe...

    Started by Ken Lassman, 08-02-2010 06:59 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 93
    08-02-2010 12:24 PM Go to last post
  26. ID help needed please

    My best guess after looking through field guides and the internet is a Pine Siskin, which I have never seen before.

    Started by Julie Brown, 07-28-2010 09:12 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 127
    07-29-2010 05:37 PM Go to last post
  27. ID Help please

    This was taken this morning in the grassy edges of a salt-water marsh at Sandy Hook, NJ. I didn't hear any song. I have no idea what it is; the...

    Started by Bill Dix, 07-27-2010 06:32 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 109
    08-01-2010 07:12 AM Go to last post
  28. glaucous winged gull second summer?

    glaucous winged gull second summer maybe? Taken in western Prince William Sound, Alaska. May 2010 D300, 500 f4 VR, ISO 640, f4, 1/1600

    Started by John Ippolito, 07-27-2010 12:44 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 99
    08-29-2010 08:39 PM Go to last post
  29. What type of bird is this?

    Saw this at Cade's Cove in the Smokies. No clue. Also, it's right eye appears strange too. Any thoughts if it has been injured or whatnot?

    Started by Michael Pancier, 07-26-2010 01:59 PM
    • Replies: 5
    • Views: 142
    08-02-2010 12:32 PM Go to last post
  30. Fledgling or immature RWBB?

    I'm thinking post-fledgling because of the tuft of down? above the beak and somewhat bare face. Also, is this a female? I don't see any wingbars. ...

    Started by Julie Brown, 07-26-2010 11:11 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 66
    07-27-2010 03:46 PM Go to last post
  31. Shorebird ID Help Needed

    I photographed this bird on July 3 at a marsh near Greeley, Colorado. To my admittedly untrained eye, it looks like a Dowitcher, but the timing...

    Started by Andrew Kelley, 07-24-2010 12:04 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 106
    07-24-2010 08:16 PM Go to last post
  32. Bluebird egg color

    We have 11 bluebird houses and it is my habit to check on them daily to assure that I don't have sparrows trying to build in the houses. This year...

    Started by Linda Dulak, 07-22-2010 07:54 AM
    • Replies: 5
    • Views: 83
    07-22-2010 07:07 PM Go to last post
  33. Cocoi Heron in North Florida?

    I took this photo on the shore of St. Marks NWR near Tallahassee, FL thinking it was some unusual molt of a Great Blue Heron, but someone told me...

    Started by Ian Anderson, 07-21-2010 06:22 PM
    • Replies: 5
    • Views: 133
    08-01-2010 11:49 AM Go to last post
  34. Songbird Hunting and Poaching in Southern Europe

    There is a pretty depressing article about the topic in the current New Yorker. If you don't have a subscription, here is the abstract:...

    Started by Axel Hildebrandt, 07-21-2010 02:57 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 99
    07-21-2010 10:28 PM Go to last post
  35. Immature or fledgling ID please

    Can't even guess at the species. Help appreciated!:D

    Started by Julie Brown, 07-18-2010 11:40 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 115
    07-19-2010 11:20 AM Go to last post
  36. Regarding "Avian ID Reference Library"

    I realise this is just in its early stages. The Snowy Owl image by Jeff is fantastic. Just wonder if you will be calling for urls of less common...

    Started by Ian McHenry, 07-15-2010 02:52 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 95
    07-23-2010 08:50 PM Go to last post
  37. Parenting is tough...

    Red-tailed Hawk harassment by two Cassin's Kingbirds. Bringing home the take-out dinner (a California Kingsnake) is hard enough without the...

    Started by Kerry Perkins, 07-15-2010 02:04 AM
    • Replies: 1
    • Views: 88
    07-15-2010 02:19 AM Go to last post
  38. ID help, Krider's?

    Seen this guy awhile ago, and have been having a hard time figuring out what he is. My first thought was Krider's, I did some searching online, and...

    Started by Tim Winston, 07-13-2010 04:14 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 115
    07-17-2010 07:52 AM Go to last post
  39. ? Spotted Sandpiper

    It looks like a spotted sandpiper but was not in the usual location for a spotted. It was on the rocks beside the ocean. Nikon D300s Sigma 150-50...

    Started by Myer Bornstein, 07-11-2010 05:29 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 112
    07-11-2010 07:10 PM Go to last post
  40. Albino Downy Woodpecker (I think)

    Okay guys, here is another one for you that I just got this morning. I think it is an albino downy woodpecker. It was far too small for a red-bellied...

    Started by Danny J Brown, 07-09-2010 03:23 PM
    • Replies: 4
    • Views: 157
    07-10-2010 01:01 PM Go to last post
  41. What kind of Sparrow??

    Hi, I would appreciate some guidance as to what this Sparrow species might be. I have overlooked the little brown birds up to this point, but in my...

    Started by Bryan Hix, 07-08-2010 03:58 PM
    • Replies: 9
    • Views: 357
    08-26-2010 09:03 PM Go to last post
  42. Eastern KIngbird?

    I think this is an Eastern Kingbird. It was photographed near it's nest in Western Idaho, but I think the range extends this far. Although not...

    Started by Sarah Jessup, 07-06-2010 12:54 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 114
    07-06-2010 08:38 PM Go to last post
  43. Henslow's Sparrow

    I would like appreciate verification on a sparrow that I photographed in early morning light at a prairie near my house in east central Missouri....

    Started by Danny J Brown, 07-04-2010 08:24 PM
    • Replies: 7
    • Views: 201
    07-05-2010 10:09 PM Go to last post
  44. Reddish Egret Duck

    This was far away and a tight crop and not a good picture, but I was fascinated to see an Egret down in the water like a duck. I never could tell for...

    Started by Linwood Ferguson, 07-03-2010 03:34 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 95
    07-06-2010 02:55 PM Go to last post
  45. Rare bird- Leucistic Dove

    Hi, This is my first post here and I'm not posting this because it's such a great photo but because of the birds rarity. This showed up at my feeders...

    Started by Don Richardson, 06-30-2010 01:29 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 145
    07-01-2010 06:32 AM Go to last post
  46. Brave Little Bird

    Technically this is sub-par (even for me) but I thought someone might find the behavior interesting. I think this is a Northern Oriole (anyone?) ...

    Started by Jon Hall, 06-27-2010 06:24 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 242
    07-03-2010 04:54 PM Go to last post
  47. Age and ID#1?

    Photographed at Nickerson Beach 6/25/10.

    Started by Arthur Morris, 06-26-2010 09:14 PM
    • Replies: 4
    • Views: 221
    06-29-2010 09:36 AM Go to last post
  48. Walking on a chick or eatin alive?

    This video shows the female crane walking on the chick, at first I thought she was just clumsy. Looking closer at the original video I discovered the...

    Started by Rod Wiley, 06-25-2010 10:42 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 172
    07-04-2010 07:18 AM Go to last post
  49. Tricolored Heron Imitating Reddish Egret?

    I was photographing this tri the other day and I swear it was doing the reddish egret dance. Do the tri's normally do this or is there a dance...

    Started by Michael Pancier, 06-24-2010 08:44 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 172
    06-29-2010 10:33 AM Go to last post
  50. Beach Bird ???

    HI, Well this bird looks like a sandpiper and I look through my bird i.d. book which did not clearly identify it. The closest I came was Stilt...

    Started by Michael Stern, 06-21-2010 02:45 PM
    • Replies: 4
    • Views: 247
    06-21-2010 09:28 PM Go to last post
  51. Another type of bird harassment

    Red-tailed Hawks and Common grackles are both common where I live, and it's common to see Grackles (and Red-winged blackbirds) dive bombing the...

    Started by Richard Stern, 06-20-2010 08:38 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 191
    06-20-2010 08:59 PM Go to last post
  52. New birds for me, please help!

    There are so many varieties of gulls and sandpipers, it's hard for me to distinguish. And this guy always flew with his mouth open:

    Started by clknight, 06-20-2010 05:09 PM
    • Replies: 4
    • Views: 192
    06-21-2010 10:10 AM Go to last post
  53. Which tern?

    Taken yesterday in Orange County, California. My guess is royal tern. Any help would be most appreciated.

    Started by Flavio Rose, 06-20-2010 04:53 PM
    • Replies: 4
    • Views: 169
    06-21-2010 08:48 PM Go to last post
  54. Mallard Hybrid?

    Came across this duck while photographing on the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve this morning. I suspect it's some kind of Mallard hybrid. Any...

    Started by Bob Decker, 06-20-2010 01:01 PM
    • Replies: 1
    • Views: 142
    06-20-2010 07:44 PM Go to last post
  55. Oriole ID help

    These photos were taken at Vassar Farm in Dutchess County, New York. Originally I immediately thought it was of a juvenile orchard oriole, but...

    Started by Derrick Eidam, 06-20-2010 12:34 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 175
    06-20-2010 09:24 PM Go to last post
  56. small hawk ID please

    I do try and ID first before asking, only way I think I am going to learn. Am I right in thinking this is a female Merlin? it was approx 10-12 inches...

    Started by Dave Weller, 06-18-2010 09:05 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 215
    06-19-2010 12:06 PM Go to last post
  57. South African dove/pigeon ID?

    Sadly, this is probably the closest I'm going to get to African avifauna for a while at least. This dove or pigeon was shown during one of the many...

    Started by John Chardine, 06-18-2010 08:42 PM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 304
    06-20-2010 10:46 PM Go to last post
  58. A Yellow Bird

    At first I thought this bird was an American goldfinch, as it was feeding yesterday in a thistle patch with others that were obvious goldfinches. ...

    Started by Bill Jobes, 06-17-2010 06:00 PM
    • Replies: 4
    • Views: 237
    06-17-2010 08:31 PM Go to last post
  59. Which Dowitcher?

    I've always had trouble with dowitchers. I really have no idea on this one. Taken last November in San Luis Obisbo County, CA. This was the only shot...

    Started by Aidan Briggs, 06-17-2010 05:15 PM
    • Replies: 4
    • Views: 261
    06-18-2010 01:40 PM Go to last post
  60. bird harassment

    interesting dilemma!every day for the last two weeks when i walk my small yorkie i get buzzed by a grackel he attacks me one or two times by flying...

    Started by stuart wanuck, 06-16-2010 08:53 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 171
    06-16-2010 01:22 PM Go to last post
  61. Phoebe, Peewee, or Flycatcher?

    Or none of the above? I'm stumped! Huge crop. Location: Rocky Mountain National Park

    Started by Julie Brown, 06-15-2010 08:51 PM
    • Replies: 7
    • Views: 251
    06-20-2010 06:23 PM Go to last post
  62. Blue Bird?

    I am trying to figure out what bird this is, please forgive me but I am new to this.

    Started by Allen Johnson, 06-15-2010 12:03 AM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 291
    06-15-2010 04:40 PM Go to last post
  63. Id Help

    Shot this picture at Anclote Gulf park -- about 30 miles north of St. Pete in Florida. My bird books show very few black-billed birds with yellow...

    Started by Scott Frye, 06-10-2010 05:15 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 244
    06-11-2010 12:54 PM Go to last post
  64. Piping Plover Chick Attacked

    I took these images at Nickerson Bch. The chick was running so fast I had a hard time tracking it from my low position and far distance. I had no...

    Started by denise ippolito, 06-10-2010 08:12 AM
    • Replies: 20
    • Views: 468
    06-25-2010 01:42 PM Go to last post
  65. Oiled Birds

    Interesting article on cleaning oiled birds: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/06/10/us/AP-US-Gulf-Oil-Spill-Animal-Rescue.html?_r=1&hp

    Started by Axel Hildebrandt, 06-10-2010 06:14 AM
    • Replies: 1
    • Views: 158
    06-10-2010 06:38 AM Go to last post
  66. ibis?

    please identify this ibis type my name

    Started by stuart wanuck, 06-09-2010 07:17 PM
    • Replies: 1
    • Views: 164
    06-09-2010 07:18 PM Go to last post
  67. A mockingbird's Brave Heart

    This image, captured almost a decade ago, may lack the usual BPN posting technical quality. But I'm posting it here for the remarkable bird behavior...

    Started by Norm Dulak, 06-09-2010 06:53 PM
    • Replies: 1
    • Views: 188
    06-10-2010 06:13 AM Go to last post
  68. Night-Heron?

    f5.6 at 1/500 and ISO 800 EC +2/3 Canon 7D Bigma at 161mm Shot at Anclote Gulf Park -- About 30 miles North of Tampa, Florida I'm thinking...

    Started by Scott Frye, 06-09-2010 04:38 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 216
    06-11-2010 12:55 PM Go to last post
  69. Unusual Raven Behaviour

    We have had ravens around our neighbourhood for a couple of years now. The adults appear to have fledged two young birds this year. On Sunday...

    Started by Stephen Stephen, 06-09-2010 07:51 AM
    • Replies: 0
    • Views: 146
    06-09-2010 07:51 AM Go to last post
  70. Beautiful cormorant..

    Hi Guys I took this what I would call a 'Technically average' shot of a beautiful cormorant yesterday at a local park in western Australia. I...

    Started by Don Railton, 06-08-2010 09:49 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 200
    06-08-2010 08:07 PM Go to last post
  71. Grosbeak?

    Bad photo of a what appears to me to be some type of grosbeak. Can you help id. Thanks

    Started by Don Thompson, 06-07-2010 10:28 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 178
    06-07-2010 12:20 PM Go to last post
  72. ?Finch?

    I am pretty sure this would be a finch, just not sure and if so, is it a female? Tks, Dave

    Started by Dave Leroy, 06-06-2010 06:35 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 189
    06-07-2010 12:14 PM Go to last post
  73. Juvenile Frigatebird with Fishing Hook

    When I photographed this bird I couldn't figure out what it was that is sticking out of the lower mandible. On the big screen it became clear that it...

    Started by Axel Hildebrandt, 06-05-2010 07:16 PM
    • Replies: 9
    • Views: 245
    06-17-2010 03:25 PM Go to last post
  74. Stay away from my girl!

    Histrionicus histrionicus Harlequin Drakes sparring over females at LeHardy Rapids, Yellowstone River, YNP 5-26-10. This species spends most of...

    Started by James Prudente, 06-05-2010 06:08 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 235
    06-06-2010 10:03 AM Go to last post
  75. Question ID please?

    I think this is a Gos Hawk but have been wrong so many times before :-) Taken in the Kulla Valley in India..Many thanks for any help..

    Started by paulcompton, 06-05-2010 10:52 AM
    india, kulla valley
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 239
    06-07-2010 01:57 PM Go to last post

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