Table of Contents
- Which colors to avoid when birding?
- Why do colors matter when birding?
- The colors you need to avoid when birding
- Are there any birds that like bright colors?
- So, what colors should you wear when birding?
- Do you need to buy specific clothes to go birding?
- Does wearing the right colors guarantee a sighting?
- Key Takeaways: Colors to avoid when birding
When you’re new to birding, there’s a lot to think about. Something that doesn’t get enough attention in the birding world is the color of clothing that you should wear.
After all, there’s no uniform for bird watching, and you can – theoretically – wear what you like. But do the colors that you wear on a birding trip affect your chances of seeing birds? Absolutely!
Let’s take a look at the colors you need to avoid wearing when birding before discovering how to dress appropriately to give yourself the best chance of spotting birds in their natural habitats.
Which colors to avoid when birding?
Birders should avoid wearing white and any other bright and fluorescent colors. This is because birds associate white with danger and will be easily spooked by its presence. As such, opt for clothes that blend in with the bird’s natural habitat and remain as inconspicuous as possible.
Why do colors matter when birding?
Birds are intelligent, sensitive creatures that are fully aware of their surroundings. Like all animals, they have an innate fight-or-flight instinct, and the latter is particularly easy for our feathered friends!
So, if you scare a bird in any way, even unintentionally, they’re unlikely to stick around for very long. Therefore, wearing the right colors when you head outdoors to look for birds is really important.
One of the first things you should do, particularly when you’re new to birding, is to consider the environment that you’re heading into. Your job should be to blend in as best you can, as this will ensure you don’t scare the birds when you see them.
Provided you’re; still, birds will probably feel comfortable flying close to you and perching on nearby branches, particularly if you’re well camouflaged.
As such, wearing the wrong colors can have a significantly negative impact on your overall birding experience. Let’s take a look at some of the colors you need to avoid when birding.
The colors you need to avoid when birding
White
The main color that you should avoid when birding is white. This is because birds associate white with danger, perhaps in a similar way to humans associating red with the same thing.
White tail feathers of birds flying away sends a warning signal to other birds, which is one of the reasons why they associate white with potential danger.
If you’re bird watching from a white vehicle, or if your home is white and you’re hoping to attract birds to your backyard, you might struggle to do so.
Again, this is because most birds associate white with danger. Too much white also feels unsafe to non-white birds as there is nowhere for them to hide.
So, if there’s one color that you should avoid when birding, it’s white.
Bright yellow/green/orange
Frankly, bright and fluorescent colors aren’t the best choice when you’re birdwatching. They’re far too conspicuous, and you will stand out.
Even from a distance, certain birds might be put off by bright colors, so it’s best to avoid them wherever possible to give your chance the best chance of spotting birds in their natural environment.
The bottom line here is that any colors that are likely to attract unnecessary attention are best avoided. As you know, birds are easily spooked, so you don’t want to risk scaring them off by wearing the wrong colored jacket.
Anything shiny
Okay, so ‘shiny’ isn’t a color, but it’s worth noting here. People who want to keep birds away from their properties often deck their outside spaces with reflective materials or shiny, silver sheets.
Understandably, this is extremely off-putting for birds, so you need to be mindful of anything reflective you might have on your clothing.
You should steer clear of reflective vests and safety clothing, for instance, as they glimmer in the sunlight and are likely to unsettle the birdlife around you.
Something that’s also worth noting is that researchers have found that birds can see UV rays. This is why reflective fabrics and other surfaces are so problematic when you’re birding.
You should also think carefully about wearing a watch, as light may reflect off the screen and frighten a nearby bird.
Are there any birds that like bright colors?
Although most birds are spooked by bright colors, hummingbirds are an exception. In fact, they are attracted to bright colors, and wearing the likes of pinks, yellows, and oranges will actually help your chances of spotting a hummingbird.
Hummers are particularly attracted to red, too, as highlighted by their penchant for red feeders and flowers.
If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird in flight, you will notice that they actually seek out the most vibrant colors in a space before touching down. This is certainly unusual for birds, but it’s what makes hummers so unique.
Therefore, if you’re on a mission to add a sub-species of a hummingbird to your lifer list, there’s nothing wrong with dressing up a little more brightly than usual.
Just be mindful that doing so is likely to put off other species, even if you do manage to catch a glimpse of the hummer you’ve been yearning to spot.
So, what colors should you wear when birding?
When planning your outfit for a birding trip, begin by considering your environment. The best thing to do is to wear comfortable clothes that will blend into the natural world around you.
So, dark greens, greys, and browns will all work reasonably well if you’re headed into a wooded area.
But if you’re going to a waterfront, you could opt for lighter shades of grey or even blue to blend in at the water’s edge.
You have probably noticed that some twitchers have all the gear and are typically camouflaged from head to foot, but this isn’t necessary.
Instead, wear sensible and comfortable clothes that ensure you’re not conspicuous as you settle in for an afternoon of bird watching.
Do you need to buy specific clothes to go birding?
Contrary to what some people might believe, you don’t need to wear a specific outfit to go birding. After all, there’s no uniform to adhere to!
Therefore, you can turn to your wardrobe and wear any suitable outdoor clothes that you already have, so there’s no need to spend a fortune on the latest Patagonia gear just to look the part.
As mentioned, the key thing to consider when choosing your birding outfit is the colors that you opt for. Greys, khakis, browns, and dark greens are all ideal, particularly if you’re birding in a wooded area.
But of course, seasonality affects birding, so you will need to dress accordingly to ensure you’re both comfortable and well hidden from the birds that you hope to spot.
Even in the East African summer, I’d recommend long pants and long-sleeved shirts, as you need to protect your skin from the sun while you’re out and about. Long clothes will also help to keep the insects at bay.
Does wearing the right colors guarantee a sighting?
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to spotting wildlife. And for me, that’s the best thing about birding.
You have no idea what you’re going to see from one day to the next, which is what makes it so exciting.
However, it’s fair to say that wearing the right clothing will increase your chances of seeing birds. Rocking up to a viewing spot in a bright white jacket and fluorescent pants is a big no-no!
Provided that you’re dressed sensibly and appropriately, you have as good a chance as anyone else of spotting the species of bird that you’re hoping to see.
Key Takeaways: Colors to avoid when birding
So, as we’ve explored, there’s a lot to think about before heading out on your first birding expedition, particularly where the color of your clothes is concerned.
To round things up, we want to leave you with these takeaways that you should remember as you plan your outfit for birding:
- Never wear white when bird watching, as birds regard it as a sign of danger.
- Birds can see UV lights, so don’t wear reflective or safety clothing.
- You should also avoid all bright and fluorescent colors unless you’re hoping to spot a hummingbird. Hummers are attracted to bright reds, pinks, and oranges in particular.
- Leave anything shiny at home, and consider removing your watch, so the reflection from the screen doesn’t spook the birds.
- The best colors to wear when birding are those that help you blend into your surroundings. The likes of dark browns, greens, and greys are all ideal for a woodland trip.
- You do not need to buy any specific clothes to go birding. Just wear sensible outdoor clothing that isn’t brightly colored, and you will be good to go.
- Wearing the right colors won’t guarantee you sightings. After all, birds are wild, and you can’t control what you see from day to day, even if you are wearing all the right gear.
You now have all the information you need to plan your outfit for your upcoming birding trip. I hope you have a wonderful time and see everything that you had hoped for!
Planning your first birdwatching trip in East Africa? Check out my helpful Birdwatching for Beginners article to learn everything you need to know!