Shorebird Identification help

Many people shy away from the fascinating world of shorebirds because they seem difficult to identify. Learn how to monitor and identify many of the resident and migratory shorebirds found across Australia here.

This interactive Flash presentation will take you through the basics of identifying all of the commonly encountered migratory (and some resident) shorebirds which can be found on Australian wetland, as well as allowing you to test your new skills.

View Flash presentation.

[Download Flash 10 player]

This PowerPoint presentation covers the individual features of most species in more detail.

Download the PowerPoint ID presentation [2.6 mb]

Test your identification skills

This PowerPoint presentation takes you through a series of short identification tests (more fun when done with a group of people!)

Download the PowerPoint ID test presentation [1.5 mb]

Shorebird Identification Sheets

This set of 6 ID sheets includes illustrations of all the common migratory and resident shorebird species in Australia. They are designed for taking into the field to assist you with the basics of shorebird identification.

High resolution [pdf: 1.95mb]

Low resolution [pdf: 883kb]

Contact the Shorebirds 2020 team if you would like to receive laminated copies or the A5 booklet version.

Shorebird identification tips

This set of identification tips [pdf: 1.2mb] includes the key identification features of each shorebird species, comparisons with similar species and images of birds in flight.

Other Resources available

A ‘Shorebirds 2020 Identification and Counting Resources” CD is also available upon request, full of resources including information about the Shorebirds 2020 Program; identification and counting resources found on this website; national shorebird sites and maps;  additional PowerPoint presentations from Shorebirds 2020 workshops on shorebird ecology, migration, threats and declines; and reports and newsletters.