Learn how to distinguish this small diving duck in its distinct winter and summer plumages. Read More “Identify Long-tailed Duck with these tips”
Long-tailed Duck, winter male. March in Ocean County, New Jersey. Photo by Brian E. Small
Kenn Kaufman's ID Tips
The originator and editor of the Kaufman Field Guides and one of the world’s best-known bird experts presents similar species and explains how to tell them apart. Photos are by professional nature photographer Brian Small.
How to identify bluebirds
Use this advice to distinguish Eastern Bluebirds from Mountain and Western. Read More “How to identify bluebirds”
How to identify Snowy Plover
Use this advice to distinguish North America’s smallest plover from its similar-looking relatives. Read More “How to identify Snowy Plover”
How to identify wood-pewees
Eastern and Western Wood-Pewees divide the lower 48 states almost in half. Here’s how to distinguish between the two and other related species. Read More “How to identify wood-pewees”
How to identify Virginia Rail
Use this advice from Kenn Kaufman to distinguish Virginia Rail from two similar species. Read More “How to identify Virginia Rail”
Advice for identifying Townsend’s Solitaire
Distinguish Townsend’s Solitaire from visually similar species, Northern Mockingbird and Mountain Bluebird. Read More “Advice for identifying Townsend’s Solitaire”
Identifying five specialty birds of Florida
Use these tips to identify species from the Sunshine State. Read More “Identifying five specialty birds of Florida”
Identifying Neotropic Cormorant and Double-crested Cormorant
Use these tips and photos to distinguish between these two similar cormorant species. Read More “Identifying Neotropic Cormorant and Double-crested Cormorant”
Identifying Gadwall
Use these tips to classify one of the most widespread and least ornate duck species in the world. Read More “Identifying Gadwall”
Identifying King Eider and Common Eider
Female and young male King Eiders are known to mix in with large flocks of Commons in winter, creating a challenge for birders. Read More “Identifying King Eider and Common Eider”