Waterfowl & Marshland Birds Shape Identification

Most water birds seldom go far from wetlands.  Those like Gulls that do can be easily recognized by their shape.

Water Birds Include:

• Aerialists like Gulls have long slender wings.  They fly long distances and you can see them scanning the water or shore for food.
  
• Swimmers such as ducks have wide bodies and webbed feet. Their flight is swift and direct.  On the water their profile is easily recognizable.
  
• Shorebirds such as Sandpipers and Plovers can be seen on beaches or shores probing for food.  Many have long slender legs for wading and slender bills for probing.
  
• Upland Water birds such as Kingfishers may be seen on a perch waiting to dive for fish.

Waterfowl Silhouettes
Duck, Geese, Swans	Loons, Grebes, Rails, Coots
Shorebirds, Gulls & Terns	Bitterns, Cranes, Herons, Egrets & Ibises
Pelicans & Cormorants	Gulls
The beaks or bills and feet tell a lot about a bird.  For more on body parts see Parts of a bird.