Back to the Reference Guide	Examples of
	Documenting Rare Birds

Examples of good descriptions that document an unusual species Northern Shrike "The Northern Shrike was quite distinctive….smaller than a Blue Jay and more rounded shape (like a robin). Heavy, hooked bill, dark streak (mask-like) from the eye back, and dark tail and wings. But, its actions really confirmed - I watched it chase chickadees for 45 minutes - no other birds ventured to the feeder except for a Blue Jay who seemed unconcerned." Alice Custard, W. Ossipee The description includes shape, size, and important field marks such as hooked bill and dark face mask that help differentiate it from the Northern Mockingbird - the more common species that is most likely to be confused with Northern Shrike. In this case, the behavior is also helpful for identification because the shrike eats smaller birds while the mockingbird feeds primarily on fruit and insects. Fox Sparrow "Large sparrow, gray and cinnamon brown above - eye and side of head gray, underside white with heavy brown spots. Hops on ground to scratch for food." Rebecca Cummings, Nottingham The size and description of behavior helps to confirm it as a sparrow (The Brown Thrasher, which is not a sparrow but has the similar cinnamon color is rarer than the Fox Sparrow in winter and is much larger). The cinnamon color of the Fox Sparrow is quite distinctive and the combination with the gray is unique. It helps to eliminate the Song Sparrow which is a common sparrow with spots on the breast that might be confused with Fox Sparrow. The Hermit Thrush which is a rare winter lingerer also has a cinnamon tail and spotted breast but lacks the gray and does not scratch for food like a sparrow. The heavy spotting on the breast distinguishes the Fox Sparrow from a House Sparrow which also has rusty and gray color on the face. Carolina Wren "Chickadee size, but rounder with long, upturned tail. Cinnamon back with beige breast, off white streak above eye, dark eyes, tan legs. Feeds at suet/seed ball every day." Marilyn Blight, Hanover The description of size and shape with the upturned tail is a classic wren. The color of the back, tail length and white eye line eliminate the House and Winter Wrens which are rare in winter. A description of the bill (long and pointed) would have been helpful to rule out sparrows (short, fat bill), but the feeding behavior helps eliminate sparrows which usually feed on the ground. [This page is in process. More examples will follow as we are able.] Welcome || Birding Information || Current Research || Environment Naturalist || Programs || Centers || Join || Shopper || Index © 1998 - 2007 Audubon Society of New Hampshire. All rights reserved.