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
Woodpeckers
Lewis’s Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	A distinctive red-bellied, black-backed woodpecker. White ring on neck and throat usually visible when perched or in flight. Only woodpecker that "hawks" insects, making looping flights to catch insects before returning to the same perch.	El Bosque
Jays, Crows and their Allies
Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Usually observed while calling in flight. Flocks feed in harvested corn fields or on Piñon-Juniper Hillsides Generally in flocks of 30-70 individuals. Distinguished from Western Scrub-jay by shorter tail and by flocking behavior.	Apodaca Apodaca Apodaca
Chickadees and their Allies
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Tiny (~4in) plain gray bird. Usually travels in groups of 10-20 individuals, constantly moving from bush to bush feeding. Flocking birds constantly make varied twittering sounds.	Camino Lejo, Santa Fe
Thrushes and their Allies
Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Male (top photo) has blue head and red breast. During breeding season, colors more intense than shown here. Female (lower photo) has blue in wings, but appears gray from front with a light buffy breast. Note white eye-ring.	El Bosque El Bosque
Towhees
Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	One is seldom far from a Spotted Towhee. But though they are nearby, they are usually hidden away under trees and shrubs where they toss leaves with their feet looking for insects to eat. Occasionally you will see one at the edge of the road or briefly flying from one shrub to the next. However, they regularly produce a contact call, a low growl. Hear Contact Call If you listen for that call and follow it, may be rewarded with a view of this lovely bird with a red eye. Note white breast with rufous (reddish) flanks. Lower Photo shows bird in its preferred habitat.	Arroyo la Mina El Bosque Enlarge

Identification Practice for the Dixon Christmas Bird Count

Species Recorded in 15 out of the 16 Years of the Count.

Identification Practice for the
Dixon Christmas Bird Count