About Wild Birds

Every day, thousands of wild birds are spotted flying around in their natural habitats. They are able to survive based on their individual characteristics. There are many different species of wild birds, and identification can be difficult for someone with no experience in bird watching. 

Species

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology states there are over 800 species in North America alone. Wildbird.com estimates over 10,000 bird species have been identified across the globe. There are species of wild birds living on every continent. Many different species share the same habitat, which can allow you to see 15 or more right in your own backyard. The species that a bird is categorized into depends on several aspects of the each individual animal. Bird species are sometimes lumped, which involves combining two different species into one, or split, which means they are reclassified and new species are created.

Identification

Identification of a wild bird is done based on a variety of features that the bird possesses. Noting the color of feathers sometimes helps a bird watcher learn what type of species he has found. It also helps to look at the color of the beak and feet. Habitat is another aspect of identification. Certain birds can be found in specific locations and climates. Many birds have a specific call or song that allows them to be correctly identified. The wild bird's size is yet another factor used for identification.

Attraction

Those hoping to attract wild birds into their yard should do few things to make the area more inviting. Bird enthusiasts tend to hang a variety of bird feeders from the trees surrounding the area. The different types of feeders often bring more than one species of birds. The feeders need to be filled with foods that birds enjoy, including sunflower seeds, mealworms and fruit. A bird bath provides water for the creatures, and bird houses gives them shelter as well as protection from potential dangers.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a wild bird depends largely of its characteristics. It has been found that larger birds tend to live longer than smaller ones. This is likely due to their higher position on the food chain. Typical songbirds, that type that are suitable to be house pets, usually only survive in the wild for two to three years. However, if a bird of any size is able to survive dangers such as disease, accidents, and starvation, they may be able to last in the wild for several years.