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Tricky IDs

Use these tips to distinguish between similar-looking species.

Which red finch is it?

The identification of these three finches of the Carpodacus genus can be extremely difficult. Each species is about the same size and shape, each is colored red with varying degrees of brown streaking, and each is common to feeder areas.

Tricky chickadees

The Black-capped Chickadee and Carolina Chickadee can be confusing species for eastern bird watchers to identify. Learn where the species are found and how to distinguish between them.

What's That Sparrow?

Though the North American winter resident known as the American Tree Sparrow looks much like the North American breeding season's Chipping Sparrow, there is, in fact, little overlap in the occurrence of these two birds.

Woodpeckers with red heads

Learn to distinguish flickers, sapsuckers, and other species of woodpecker.

Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

Once you know what to look for, you'll find it easier to tell these two species apart!

Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks

When you're trying to tell the difference between these two, size matters!

Eagle IDs

Here are some clues to help you identify that big bird soaring overhead.