While one can almost always find an exception, you will be well served by adhering to the following simple rules for capitalizing bird names:

1. Capitalize the first letter of the first, middle, and last names of a bird (e.g., Cedar Waxwing, American White Pelican).
   
2. If the bird's first or middle name is a compound name (separated by a hyphen), only capitalize the first letter of the name before the hyphen, while using lowercase for the first letter of the name that follows the hyphen (e.g., Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Whip-poor-will).
   
3. For most birds with a hyphenated last name, capitalize the first letter of both parts of the compound name (e.g., Black-crowned Night-Heron).
   
4. When using partial or shortened names for familiar species, use lowercase letters (e.g., robin, hawk).
   
5. When referring to families or groups of birds, use lowercase (e.g., there are a dozen falcons on the fire escape)