Animal ID
Brown rat or water vole: How to tell the difference between these two lookalike-rodents
When all you've seen is a flash of brown fur, it can be hard to know whether it was a water vole or rat. Though the two species tend to live in different habitats, there are areas where they overlap, potentially leading to cases of mistaken identity. So how do you tell rats and water voles apart?
Mink or otter? What's the difference between these two slippery, semiaquatic lookalikes?
How do you tell the difference between otters and mink?
10 animals with the wrong names: Discover misleading monikers and curious cases of mistaken identity
Common names for animals are often easier to remember than their Latin names, but they can often lead to confusion. Here are 10 animals with some very misleading names.
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How to identify mammal skulls - and work out the creature they once belonged to
Skulls can be found virtually anywhere, but skull identification can be difficult. Learn how to identify common mammal skulls in our expert guide.
How to identify animal droppings: Our guide to the wildlife poop you might find in your garden or out on a walk
Droppings or scats can tell us a lot about which animals have been visiting our gardens, parks and countryside, including hedgehogs, foxes and badgers. Our expert guide explains how to identify which poos belong to which species. Plus, animal droppings from species from around the world – and fungi and insects you might spot on droppings.
How to identify wildlife paths and beds
Tall vegetation in midsummer makes it easy to spot the regular paths that wild animals take - and where they rested.
How to identify baby birds
Identify common baby birds with this handy chart
Woodpeckers of the UK
Meet the four woodpecker species that can be found in the UK.
How to identify bird feathers
Found a bird feather? Use this handy guide by naturalist and presenter Brett Westwood to identify which bird it comes from.
How to identify 12 common British caterpillars
Learn how to identify common British caterpillars with our expert guide to distinguishing markings, what they eat, and where and when to find them.
How to identify birds’ eggs
Learn how to identify British birds' eggs with our expert guide by naturalist and presenter Brett Westwood, including which species it came from and where you are most likely to see.
How to identify bird and mammal nests
An easy guide to identifying bird and mammals nests you are may find in your garden or local area, including blackbird, robin, hedgehog and grey squirrel.
British wildlife in March
As spring brings an abundance of new life, it’s time to talk about the birds and the bee-flies. Here is selection of the month's best wildlife spectacles from around the British countryside in March.
British wildlife in February
From fruiting fungus to winter birds, here is selection of the month's best wildlife spectacles from around the British countryside in February.
British wildlife in January
If your New Year’s resolution involves making more time to enjoy nature, what are you waiting for?
Guide to tautonyms, triple tautonyms, and binomial nomenclature
A tautonym is an interesting quirk in the naming system of animals, where the words used for the genus and specific names are identical. Learn more about tautonyms, triple tautonyms, binomial nomenclature, and examples of tautonyms.
British wildlife in December
Whether out and about or hidden away in a sheltered spot, there’s plenty of winter wildlife to track down.
British wildlife in November
Your essential guide to the wildlife events to enjoy as the foliage turns ochre, amber and gold.
How to identify bird egg thieves
You can learn a lot from broken bird eggs, including whether they hatched naturally or were predated. Learn how to identify birds' eggs remains and the species which most likely stole the egg from the nest.
How to identify deer antlers
Early spring is a great time to look for the cast antlers of British deer. Learn how to identify antlers in BBC Wildlife expert guide.
How to identify animal tracks and trails
Learn how to find and identify British animal tracks and trails when they are well preserved in wet mud or snow with BBC Wildlife expert tracking guide.
How to identify rockpool wildlife
Naturalist and TV presenter Brett Westwood describes 12 species for you to look for on your next rockpooling adventure.
How to identify spring bees with our illustrated guide
White-tailed or buff-tailed? Our guide will help you recognise 12 early-emerging bee species - many of which are common in gardens. Plus, some other insects which may be confused for bees.
How to identify birds on the move in spring
Use our illustrated guide to help you spot 12 migrant and resident birds on the move in spring in the UK.