{{Short description|Characteristic useful for species identification}} [[File:Black-capped Vireo-Kerr WMA-TX - 2015-05-24at12-50-582 (21583009156).jpg|thumb|The "spectacles" of a black-capped vireo are considered a distinguishing field mark<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Field Markings — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/keep-texas-wild/come-fly-with-me/field-markings |website=tpwd.texas.gov |access-date=20 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref>]] [[File:Trumpeter Swan on Seedskadee NWR (24944458613).jpg|thumb|The sharp, "V-shaped" intersection of forehead and bill is a key distinguishing feature of the trumpeter swan, pictured, from its congener tundra swan (which sports a "U-shaped" intersection)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sibley |first=David |date=2006-02-19 |title=Distinguishing Trumpeter and Tundra Swans |url=https://www.sibleyguides.com/2006/02/distinguishing-trumpeter-and-tundra-swans/ |website=Sibley Guides}}</ref>]] A '''field mark''' is a characteristic (e.g. in plumage) useful for species identification, usually birds. They are often used in field guides or identification keys. Field marks generally refer to distinct diagnostic differences in plumage.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-04-20 |title=Bird ID Skills: Field Marks |url=https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/bird-id-skills-field-marks/ |access-date=2026-03-10 |website=All About Birds |language=en-US}}</ref> In a broader context, a field mark might be referred to as a ''character'' (e.g. "differential character" or "diagnostic character").{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}} For birds this may include plumage, but also flight characteristics, size, call, behaviour, or other characteristics which aid in identification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to Identify Birds {{!}} Audubon |url=https://www.audubon.org/content/how-identify-birds |access-date=2026-03-10 |website=www.audubon.org |language=en}}</ref> As opposed to in-hand marks, distinguishable when a specimen is held in the hand, field marks are especially those marks that remain useful in less than optimal conditions, for example when the subject is far removed, only partly visible or not sufficiently lit to see its colours.
== References == {{Reflist}} * http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1053 * http://www.backyardnature.net/birdmark.htm
Category:Wild animals identification Category:Birdwatching
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