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
Swans, Geese and Ducks
American Wigeon Anas americana Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search		Photo: Donna Dewhurst USFWS Alaska Photo: Donna Dewhurst USFWS Alaska
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search		Photo: John and Karen Hollingsworth USFWS Michigan
Diurnal Raptors: Vultures, Eagles, Hawks and Falcons
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search
Merlin Falco columbarius Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Generally appears dark, especially in flight or from behind, this falcon is about the size of a Northern Flicker. Flight is direct with constant beating of pointed wings. Plumage is variable. Note white eyebrow. Faint "mustache" below eye sometimes visible. In upper photo, plumage is reminiscent of Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk, but note dark eye. The middle photo shows the tail with narrow white bands. This is seen more clearly in lower photo. Width of light bands in tail can vary. Color ranges from white to tan. Width generally narrower than those of a Sharp-shinned Hawk tail. (All photos of same individual.)	El Bosque, Dixon Enlarge El Bosque, Dixon Enlarge El Bosque, Dixon Enlarge
Gruiformes: Coots, Cranes and Rails
American Coot Fulica americana Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search
Pigeons and Doves
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search
Tyrant Flycatchers
Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	A few individuals over-winter in Velarde. In the rest of the Embudo area begins arriving in early March. Usually seen on posts or single stalk plants in agricutural areas "hawking" insects. It's call is a slow, plaintive, downward slurred "pee-ee". At close range, may hear "pit,pee-ee". Distinctive peach-colored belly. This species regularly builds nests under people's portales.	Rinconada
Jays, Crows and their Allies
Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search	Females very similar to Western Bluebird female. Males very similar to Western Bluebird except that buff/rufous color on breast comes up on sides of neck and on throat almost to base of the bill.	Click for Photos
Mimids "Mimic Thrushes"
Curve-billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre Enlarge Map External Sites: Cornell USGS Image Search		Photo: Beth Guggenheim Enlarge

Identification Practice for the Dixon Christmas Bird Count

Species Recorded in 7, 6 & 5 out of the 16 Years of the Count.

Identification Practice for the
Dixon Christmas Bird Count