The brown pelican lives in Florida.
According to the Smithsonian Handbooks "Birds of Florida" by Fred J. Alsop III, 331 species of birds occur in the state of Florida. These range from tiny songbirds like vireos and warblers to large oceanic species such as pelicans and frigates. Florida bird identification involves observing physical attributes of the bird as well as the habitat in which the bird lives and its behavior. Having a handy guidebook or hand-held computer guide helps birdwatchers in the field.
Choosing a Guide
A guidebook or computer application concentrating on the birds or wildlife of Florida or a specific region in Florida increases chances of proper bird identification. Places such as the Florida Keys, the Florida Panhandle and the Everglades have been well studied by naturalists so it is easy to learn exactly which birds you might see. Familiarizing yourself with your field guide at home saves time "in the field."
Shape and Size
The size and shape of the bird gives the birdwatcher clues to its identification. Songbirds grow smaller than most pigeons and doves. Ocean-going birds abound in Florida, such as terns, gulls, pelicans and cormorants. Many wading shorebirds have a distinctly tall and spindly build, such as cranes, egrets and herons. Raptors also inhabit Florida, from small kestrels and merlins to large and predatory eagles and ospreys. Advanced birdwatchers notice that birds in flight have different shapes to their wings and tails.
Bills and Beaks
A bird's face contains clues to its identity. Raptors' curved beaks are designed to tear into the flesh of their prey, while shorebirds' long, narrow beaks dig in the sand for crustaceans. Pelicans' pouches catch fish, while the large soft mouths and tiny beaks of nightjars catch insects on the fly. Ask yourself whether a bird's beak looks more useful for killing insects or cracking open seeds.
Feet and Legs
Webbed feet belong on a water bird, while sharp talons indicate a raptor. A perching bird may have four toes with three forward and one back or two toes forward and two back depending on its species. Herons have very long legs while kingfishers perch on stubby legs. The colors of legs and feet indicate species in some cases, such as the distinct black legs with yellow feet of a snowy egret.
Markings and Color
In some bird species, a juvenile, a male and a female each has its own coloring or marking. Some change color after the first few years of life, while others sprout crowns or plumage during breeding season. In many instances recognizing color and markings helps the identifier immediately. For example, most people can recognize a blue jay instantly. Markings to look for include stripes on the tail, masked eyes, bars on the wings or tail feathers, lines or rings around the eyes and "crests" of coloring on the chest.
Behavior
A bird's "personality" may indicate its species. Mockingbirds hop on the ground, woodpeckers peck at trees, and coots float in ponds. Experienced birdwatchers learn to notice how certain songbirds sit upright and some sit cocked at an angle. Certain birds perch with their tail pointed downwards while others perch with upright tail feathers. Rock pigeons relax around humans while white-crowned pigeons shy away. Observing whether a bird prefers to flock or shows aggression toward other birds hints at its identity. According to Birding, some birdwatchers identify birds accurately simply by listening the birds' songs or calls.
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