Dixon CBC ID Practice

Identification Practice for the
Dixon Christmas Bird Count

Species observed in 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9-8 7-6-5 4-3-2 1 out of 16 years of the count.

This Learning-Feature was developed for the 2013 CBC season. As we prepare for the 2019 season, we now have 22 years of data. (See Updated Compilation)
This feature stresses the most commonly occuring species, so there is little change in the relative frequencies of those species.
A good preparation for the 2019 count is still provided.
An update of this feature will take place at a later date.

Ideas for using this table:
Exercise #1:	Use a sheet of paper to cover left column of display. Describe every part of the bird pictured. (If no local photo exists, use "Click for Photos" Link) Name the species and check in left column to see if you are correct.
Exercise #2:	Use a sheet of paper to cover right two columns of display. Try to describe the species from memory. Check to see how well your description matches the photo. (If no local photo exists, use "Click for Photos" Link)
Exercise #3:	Use as simple flash cards: Use a sheet of paper to cover left column of display. Name the species and check in left column to see if you are correct.
Exercise #4:	For each species: Using a field guide, read the species account to determine the habitat where the bird is most likely to be found. If you have no field guide, use the "Cornell" link to see their species account. Scroll down to "Habitat".
Exercise #5:	For each species: Using a field guide, read the species account to get a sense of the sounds this species makes. Go to the "Cornell" link to access recordings of this species.

External Links in table below:
(Remote sites open in a new window.)
Cornell	Opens Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds site's species account in a new browser window. This site offers detailed information on every species including sound recordings.
USGS	Opens the USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter species account in a new browser window. Includes BBS and CBC maps, ID Tips and Taxonomy for each species.
Image Search	Shows the results of a Google image search for the species.
All Photographs by Robert Templeton unless otherwise noted. Copyright Information.

English Name: Genus species:	Comments	Photos
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Perches on trees or wires near water. Hovers over water before diving for fish or crustaceans. Gives a distinctive long, loud rattle in flight. Male has gray breast band. Female has additional rufous band below.	El Bosque El Bosque
Woodpeckers
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Very similar to Downy Woodpecker, but larger. Commonly distinguished by its large bill which is often as long as the bird's head from front to back.	El Bosque El Bosque
Chickadees and their Allies
Juniper Titmouse Baeolophus ridgwayi Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Generally seen in Juniper trees, the crest on the head is distinctive. Some of its vocalizations similar to Chickadee. Often detected by soft woodpecker-like tapping on branches.
Wrens
Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	More often heard than seen. It's song is a very distinctive series of descending notes: tew, tew, tew, tew, tew, tew, tew. Usually sings from rock perches high on canyon walls. Occasionally seen in riparian areas sounding its very bright, shrill, trilled "breet". Note: White throat with rufous belly.	Near Harding Mine

Identification Practice for the Dixon Christmas Bird Count

Species Recorded in 14 out of the 16 Years of the Count.

Identification Practice for the
Dixon Christmas Bird Count