Hello Railman
The two cameras look close on paper, but in practice I am not so sure. Others have told you about AF speed. The D200 gives a higher frame rate (not that I care about that) and a better build, although Nikon cameras are all well built anyway. Where the D200 really scores IMO is the true mirror lock up. I doubt I could get as many sharp images without it. I know the D80 has a mirror lock up that can be combined with the self timer to fire 0.4 seconds before the exposure, but it's not the same as the subject might move and 0.4" is not always enough time to allow vibrations to die away.
However, by all accounts the D80 is a brilliant camera, and if money is tight, well you will get good results.
BTW I do not photograph birds, so if that is you key interest, take my comments with a pinch of salt. I tend to photograph insects, fungi and landscapes, and my needs might be different to yours.
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