Source: US Fish and Wildlife ServiceThe first step in bird identification is learning to observe. Watch, listen, and record your observations in a journal using descriptive words and sketches, or photograph birds to capture a permanent, detailed image that you can study later.If you are just starting to watch birds, consider familiarizing yourself with the ones that you see daily. What are their general characteristics? Are they big or small, colorful or drab? Do they sit still or flit from branch to branch? Then, try comparing new birds that you see with the common birds that you already know. Is your new discovery the size of a sparrow, a robin, or a crow? Is its bill short or long, hooked or straight?Learning the basic form and structure, or morphology, of a bird will help you to make comparisons of birds. Concentrate on the shape and size of the beak, including the relative size of the upper and lower beak; length of the outer tail feathers, upper tail coverts, and throat; and the coloration of the crown and breast. It will also help you to think about the types of habitat in which you are most likely to find specific birds, since the birds that you see may be migratory and will only be in your area at a specific time of the year.Some people can identify a bird just by its song or call. Once you start to listen to the calls around you, you will start to learn them, too. Do you know any memory devices that could help you recall a song or call and identify the bird associated with it? Can you distinguish differences in rhythm, pitch, tone, and repetition?Studying the behavior of a bird is also often helpful in identifying it. Knowing characteristic bird behavior can be an important aspect of bird conservation and management, since erratic behavior can signal a stressed or unhealthy bird. Because birds move around a lot, they can be vulnerable to a variety of different threats. 6. There are many resources to help new bird watchers, or "birders," learn to identify different birds. If you are already a seasoned birder, try to find ways to encourage other people, of all ages, to get hooked on birding, and whatever resources you use to identify birds around you, just remember that the most important thing is to have fun!13Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu.What information in the text is emphasized most by the image?The image mostly emphasizes information in paragraph .Reset Next

Which best states how the image supports the main idea that people can learn to identify birds? A. It gives an example of how to identify a stressed or unhealthy bird. B. It gives an example of a resource that can be used to identify birds. C. It shows how to identify birds by studying characteristic bird behavior. D. It shows how to identify birds by listening to their songs or calls.

When you take photos of organisms for identification (e.g., plants), the key aspects to consider do not include: Group of answer choicesThe sound and shape of the beak (for birds)The color of flowersThe ecology of the organismThe shape of leavesThe size of the ecosystem where the organism lives

For The BirdsJoanne Quaglia1One of the simplest pleasures in life is watching birds as they fly through the sky. It is a great way to observe nature. They zip from tree to tree and sing beautiful songs. One of the best things about bird watching is that you can do it right at home. By creating a bird friendly environment in your backyard with birdhouses, bird feeders, and plenty of trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract birds, you will have front-row seats to nature year-round.2To get started, first decide which kinds of feathered creatures you want to attract. They will have to be birds that are common to your area. You will not likely attract seagulls, birds that live near water, if you live high atop a mountain. Next, find out which plants different bird species like to eat. For example, hummingbirds love flowers that provide nectar, a sweet, sugary liquid found deep inside flowers. To attract hummingbirds, plant petunias or hibiscuses, since these are good sources of nectar.3Learning the food habits of the birds you want to attract is important. Many types of trees, shrubs, and plants produce fruits, berries, acorns, and nuts that serve as food sources for birds. Before planting anything, the first thing you should do is talk to an expert at your local garden center to find out which trees, shrubs, and wildflowers are native to your area. This will ensure that anything you plant will adapt well to the climate and will grow nicely to meet birds' needs.4Aside from planting, a bird feeder is also an excellent way to attract birds to your backyard and to supply food. A bird feeder contains seeds or bird food. It is a good idea to have more than one bird feeder since different types of birds eat different foods. For example, finches and sparrows love seeds, while woodpeckers and orioles prefer fruits and berries. Having different types of feeders that provide a variety of foods will attract many birds to your backyard.5Birds enjoy a day at the spa to relax and refresh as much as you do. Consider adding a birdbath to your backyard to attract birds. Birds will love having a source of clean, fresh water to drink and a place where they can clean up after a long flight. Always keep the birdbath clean and replace the water often to avoid attracting mosquitoes that can carry diseases.6Since you will have plenty of birds around your backyard from all of your efforts, they will need shelter. Birdhouses are perfect for this purpose. Birdhouses protect birds from enemies such as the neighbor's cat and provide shelter from severe weather such as extreme heat or cold. Birds also build nests in trees, shrubs, and tall grass.7Remember that you can observe birds year-round. Though many birds migrate to warmer climates when temperatures drop, others remain throughout the cold season. For instance, the blue jay is one of the most beautiful winter birds. Since food is difficult to find outdoors in the winter, keep your birdfeeders well stocked if you live in a colder climate. In addition, plant trees and shrubs that provide food to your feathered friends when temperatures drop.QuestionWhich sentence from the passage is the BEST example of the author's attempt to develop interest and engage his audience?ResponsesA By creating a bird friendly environment in your backyard with birdhouses, bird feeders, and plenty of trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract birds, you will have front-row seats to nature year-round.By creating a bird friendly environment in your backyard with birdhouses, bird feeders, and plenty of trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract birds, you will have front-row seats to nature year-round.B Many types of trees, shrubs, and plants produce fruits, berries, acorns, and nuts that serve as food sources for birds.Many types of trees, shrubs, and plants produce fruits, berries, acorns, and nuts that serve as food sources for birds.C In addition, plant trees and shrubs that provide food to your feathered friends when temperatures drop.In addition, plant trees and shrubs that provide food to your feathered friends when temperatures drop.D It is a good idea to have more than one bird feeder since different types of birds eat different foods.It is a good idea to have more than one bird feeder since different types of birds eat different foods.

Select the correct answer.Read this topic sentence:Birds are often identified by their common traits: feathers, beaks, and lightweight skeletons.Which detail best supports the topic sentence? A. All birds lay eggs with hard shells. B. Some birds, such as penguins, ostriches, and emus, do not fly. C. Birds can be raised for food on domestic or commercial farms. D. Bird feathers are used for flight, camouflage, and warmth. E. Some birds eat only plants, while others eat meat.

The flight patterns of two different bird species can vary greatly. For example, a hawk will soar high in the sky and swoop down to catch its prey __________ a sparrow usually stays close to the ground and flits from tree branch to branch. Hawks have large wings with long feathers that allow them to glide through the air more easily than sparrows which have shorter, rounder wings that help them maneuver quickly between obstacles. The differences in their physical features contribute significantly to how they navigate their environment while flying.