Most birds do have a preferred habitat, though this can change with the seasons. Very often this will allow you to narrow down your options. For example, a warbler in the middle of a reedbed is probably a Reed or Sedge Warbler but in a woodland you'd be very unlikely to come across either of these. Geographical location Take into account the geographical location when birding, as well as the habitat. Birds usually have distinct ranges, beyond which they rarely stray.
Many resident species have closely related migrant species.
A good example would be Meadow Pipit, a resident, and Tree Pipit, a summer migrant. Sound Initially, using bird sounds in conjunction with other factors can help you to make a correct identification but ultimately, you will learn to identify birds without even seeing them. For example, some calls are used to warn other birds of approaching danger, whilst other calls might be used to keep in contact with other members of the flock. Try to describe in words what sound a bird is making and compare this with song and call descriptions in field guides. There is no easy way to write down how a bird sounds and it is very much an individual thing.