A physical examination of a passerine incorporates the same basic techniques used for other avian species. Although frequently a concern for practitioners, the small size of many of these patients can be overcome with a few technical and equipment modifications. When evaluating clinical findings and collecting diagnostic samples, veterinarians must remain cognizant of important anatomical differences between passerines and psittacines so that they can interpret the results of these tests properly. Because of the many species contained within this order, practitioners should gather as much useful information as possible when examining a novel species. In this way, we will continue to expand the medical knowledge base for this large and diverse group of birds.