Identifying birds in flight from their flight style (1 Viewer)

lazza · Dec 16, 2013

Anyone know if there are any good video guides for identifying UK species in flight? I'm thinking of, for example, how to differentiate between the different finch species or the different thrushes by their flight style.

Are there any good comparison videos on youtube, or elsewhere? I've worked my way through a lot of the BTO videos, which are good for general identification of similar species, but would rather like to brush up on identifying over-flying species that I don't get a good look at, where possible.

Thanks!

Tarsiger · Dec 16, 2013

lazza said:
Anyone know if there are any good video guides for identifying UK species in flight? I'm thinking of, for example, how to differentiate between the different finch species or the different thrushes by their flight style.

Are there any good comparison videos on youtube, or elsewhere? I've worked my way through a lot of the BTO videos, which are good for general identification of similar species, but would rather like to brush up on identifying over-flying species that I don't get a good look at, where possible.

Thanks!

For overflying passerines you will be better off learning calls.
Good luck
Russ

jurek · Dec 16, 2013

I am afraid none exists. But if somebody made one (even of amateur/youtube quality) this would fill a gap on the market!

One birding friend was writing a flight guide to European landbirds some years ago, but AFAIK nothing came out of it.

lazza · Dec 17, 2013

Oh well, it was worth a try. The reason I asked is that I'm starting to notice more and more the difference in flight style of similar birds. At the moment, we get a few mistle thrush in our garden competing with the local blackbirds. However, often the view is not good as the garden looks south and the sun is usually very low, so all I see is a silhouette. But in flight, the two species are very noticeably different, so even a silhouette can be differentiated! We also get a few different finches, and it would be nice to be able to identify their silhouettes in flight also, but that's beyond me so far!

jurek · Dec 17, 2013

It's fully possible, Chaffinch and Brambling have long tails and fly with long and shallow dips, etc etc.

lazza · Dec 17, 2013

I am sure it's possible.... but is there anything online that can help me learn.... or just repeated experience?

Clive A · Dec 17, 2013

lazza said:
I am sure it's possible.... but is there anything online that can help me learn.... or just repeated experience?

I have not come across anything online so it may be just experience. I am sure some of the top vis miggers are very good.

lazza · Dec 18, 2013

Clive A said:
I have not come across anything online so it may be just experience. I am sure some of the top vis miggers are very good.

Fair enough

One day, just maybe, I hope I'll be able to make that report of "a mixed flock of redwing and fieldfare flew over the car on the motorway".... rather than "ooh, look, lots of birds over the motorway"...! :-O

Clive A · Dec 18, 2013

lazza said:
Fair enough

One day, just maybe, I hope I'll be able to make that report of "a mixed flock of redwing and fieldfare flew over the car on the motorway".... rather than "ooh, look, lots of birds over the motorway"...! :-O

That is certainly possible, just keep plugging away.

dantheman · Dec 18, 2013

There is an old (RSPB?) book called 'what's that bird' or something similar which includes flights views and notes on jizz for the regular uk birds. A4 size, sorry can't find a link.

Identifying birds in flight from their flight style (1 Viewer)

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