University of Illinois Extension

Identifying the Animal Causing a Problem

Birds

Male house sparrows (<i>Passer domesticus</i>) are readily identified by their black throat patch. Photo courtesy of Erin Knowles, University of Illinois Extension. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=house_sparrow">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
House Sparrow
A house sparrow (<i>Passer domesticus</i>) nest in an outdoor light. Photo courtesy of Laura Kammin, University of Illinois Extension. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=house_sparrow">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
House Sparrow
A rock pigeon (<i>Columba livia</i>) gathers nesting material. Photo courtesy of Erin Knowles, University of Illinois Extension. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=pigeon">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Rock Pigeon
The Canada goose (<i>Branta canadensis</i>) can be identified by the black head and neck, white check patch, and gray-brown back. Males and females look similar. Photo courtesy of Laura Kammin, University of Illinois Extension. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=canadagoose">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Canada Goose
Adult geese can be very protective of their young. Keep a safe distance away. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=canadagoose">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Canada Goose
A male Mallard (<i>Anas platyrhynchos</i>) in breeding plumage. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=mallard">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Mallard
Mallard ducklings have similar plumage to Mallard hens. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=mallard">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Mallard
A hen turkey (<i>Meleagris gallopavo silvestris</i>) heads for cover. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=wild_turkey">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Eastern Wild Turkey
An eastern wild turkey (<i>Meleagris gallopavo silvestris</i>) hen crosses a road with eight poults. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Natural History Survey. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=wild_turkey">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Eastern Wild Turkey
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers (<i>Sphyrapicus varius</i>) drill rows of vertical or horizontal holes in trees. Photo courtesy of Birdfreak.com <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=woodpecker">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
The red-bellied woodpecker (<i>Melanerpes carolinus</i>) can be identified by the striped back and red cap. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=woodpecker">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Red-headed woodpeckers are identified by the red head, white undersides, and black back. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=woodpecker">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Red-Headed Woodpecker
The Northern flicker (<i>Colaptes auratus</i>) can be identified by the striped back and white rump patch. Photo courtesy of Adele Hodde, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=woodpecker">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Northern Flicker
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