Cornell Lab of Ornithology Waterfowl ID Series: 1 The Basics: The Basics (Nature Observation North America)

Waterfowl can be identified by using information about size, shape, color pattern, markings, behavior, habitat, range and calls. All clues are important, but by far the most important things to concentrate on for this group are shape and color pattern. And of the color patterns, the most important is to look for the white. This guide will help you make sense of waterfowl. By learning simple techniques, you’ll be able to sort waterfowl by shape into sub-categories for easier ID and to make quick identifications based on flashes of white that you see at a distance. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this guide support continued educational activities by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Made in the USA.