So it is your first day of bird watching. You are equipped with the right equipment and are mentally prepared to have fun. But how are you going to know the species of birds you will encounter later on?

It is going to be pleasurable watching the birds from a distance, using your binoculars. But wouldn't it be more fun if you can put a name on the bird that you saw? At the very least, it would be easier to share your experiences with families and friends if you do.

To help you in identifying the birds you may meet while bird watching, here are good descriptions of the most common birds in North America.

1. Hummingbirds: If you are watching a bird that can fly backwards or in a straight vertical line, you are looking at a hummingbird. These birds drink from flower blossoms and they hum with their wings. They are brightly colored with feathers that may glitter in the sun. They are relatively small birds with the bee hummingbird being the tiniest one. Bee hummingbirds are only 4 inches long.

2. Cardinals: Cardinals are robust birds and mainly feed on seeds. They have strong bills and a bright red color. But their faces can be black as the night. The female cardinals can have a grayish-brown color. And both the male and female have prominent raised crests.

3. Chickadee: Chickadees are small birds that measure only 15 centimeters from its bill to its tail. Their body is greenish-gray with a white underside. They also have long gray tails. Some chickadees have a black cap over their glittering eyes. This specie is called black-capped chickadees.

4. Orioles: These birds, Baltimore Orioles to be exact, are about 7 inches long. They have a radiant orange tummy and chest. But their head, throat, back, and wings are black in color. The males have white wing bars while the female of the species have gray. Also, the female oriole may not be as colorful as the male. Theirs is a yellowish-orange tummy.

5. Flickers: Flickers are considered to be the ant-eating woodpecker. They can either be yellow-shafted or red-shafted, depending upon where they came from. On their chest, a black crescent is noticeable. Their wings have either red or yellow patches and you can definitely spot those as they fly. They are about 12 inches long and have a wingspan of 20 inches.

Just remember these descriptions as you proceed with your bird watching activity. Spot one of these birds and be an accomplished bird watcher. Research the birds you don't recognize. There are different species to marvel about so get ready to enjoy!