Identify 20 Common Birds

Outdoors & NatureBeginnerOutdoor

90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: Ability to identify 20 common local birds by sight and sound

What you need

field-guidebinocularsnotebookpencil

The 90-Minute Plan

Get a Field Guide0–15 min

Obtain a regional bird identification guide or download a birding app. Learn the parts of a bird: wings, tail, head markings

Study Common Species15–35 min

Memorize 5 birds from your region: Robin, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee. Know their size, color, and calls

Learn Bird Behavior Patterns35–55 min

Understand where birds perch, how they move, and what they eat. Notice foraging behavior, flight patterns, and social habits

Go Birdwatching Outdoors55–75 min

Visit a park or garden. Look for birds at dawn or dusk. Note colors, patterns, and behaviors. Record any bird calls you hear

Identify and Log Sightings75–90 min

Match observed birds to your guide. Record species, date, location, and behaviors. Build your personal bird sighting log

Pro Tip

Early morning and late afternoon are best for birdwatching. Move slowly and quietly to avoid startling birds

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After 90 min: You'll recognize local birds and appreciate their ecological roles and behaviors.

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