Where a bird is seen is often a very good clue to its identity. The old saying that someone in an unfamiliar situation is like a duck out of water reflects the well-known habitat preference of ducks. Other species also show strong preferences for a particular habitat or location.
Some common habitats include.
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Forests
- Marshes
- Swamps
- Open fields
- Coastlines
- Deserts
Different species have adapted to the different habitats, including adaptations for nesting and food gathering.
Comfort Zones
Many and maybe even most bird species have a preferred comfort zone.
A backyard might not qualify as a specific habitat in broad terms, but the preferences of certain species are often easy to observe. White-throated Sparrows prefer feeding on the ground, woodpeckers on the side of trees and a Great Crested Flycatcher will most often be seen hanging out near the middle or top of a tree.
The clues you pick up in your own back yard will help you identify more birds as you expand your birding efforts.