Before you will be able to tackle every shorebird identification, you need to know the basics. Identifying shorebirds is unlike identifying any other family of birds. While trying to identify warblers for instance, you focus more on plumages then you do on body shape and size. With shorebirds, body shape and size are among the most important identifying aspects in the identification process. The first time you see a particular shorebird species, it seems like there are endless possibilities on the identification. If you start noticing the shape and size of the bird, your identification skills will greatly increase.
Wilson's Plover
Yellowlegs and Solitary Sandpiper: These elegant shorebirds are very long legged with relatively long bills. They have long necks and long wings which gives the impression of a very large shorebird.
Curlews: Large shorebirds with long legs and a long neck. Curlews are the only shorebirds with a very long decurved bill.
Godwits: Large shorebirds with long legs and a long neck. Godwits have very long up-turned bills.
Large Peeps: These fairly small shorebirds have relatively long legs and a short decurved bill. The large peeps have very long wings that project past the tail when they are not flying.
Small Peeps: Small shorebirds with short slightly decurved bills. They have fairly short wings with medium length legs and look plump overall.
Dowitchers: Medium to large-sized shorebirds with long straight bills. Dowitchers are stocky overall with relatively short legs.
Phalaropes: These small shorebirds are very slight and slender. Phalaropes have fine bills with relatively long wings.
Wilson's Phalarope
If you use these basic guidelines you will be able to limit the number of identification possibilities when viewing a shorebird. The more prepared you are to identify shorebirds the more fun you will have while watching them. All shorebirds are unique and interesting and by taking time to observe these gems you will be able to observe many behaviors shown by no other birds.
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