Bird Anatomy
Parts Of A Bird To identify a bird one must first learn the parts of a bird. Head : The bird's head is one of the best places to look for field marks such as eye color, malar stripes, eyebrows, eye rings, eye lines and auricular patches. The crown (top) and nape (back) are also key parts of the head that can help identify a bird. Bill : The size, shape and color of a bird's bill is critical for identification. Also check for any curvature in the bill or unique markings such as differently colored tips or bands. Chin : The chin, directly below the bill, is often hard to see on many birds, but when it is a different color it can be an exceptional body part to check for identification. Throat : A bird's throat may be a different color from its surrounding plumage , or it may be marked with spots, streaks or lines. Malar stripes may frame the throat as well, helping set it off from the rest of a bird's body. For many birds, the ch