Waterfowl can be identified by using information about size, shape, color pattern, markings, behavior, habitat, range and calls. All clues are important, but by far the most important things to concentrate on for this group are shape and color pattern. And of the color patterns, the most important is to look for the white. This three-part series of guides addresses a unique identification system, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Waterfowl ID Basics teaches users how to make sense of waterfowl. By learning the simple techniques taught in this guide, users are able to sort waterfowl by shape into subcategories for easier ID and to make quick identifications based on flashes of white that they see at a distance.