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Without wishing this to sound 'flippant'... The longer the focal length - and preferably - the faster the lens is... the better.
That said, as the focal length and the speed increases, the price goes higher - and on an exponential curve. 
It may be that your first purchase need to be something like a S/H 300mm f4 from a reputable dealer to get you started..?? There are those better able to make actual suggestions as to specific lenses but... for me, I would consider starting somewhere about here. 
HTH's...
I happily use a 70-200mm f/4L with a 1.4x teleconverter. It's half the weight of the f/2.8 version and, IMHO, faster to focus, at least on my 7D.
If you have a full frame camera, the 300mm f/4L w 1.4x is an excellent starting place.
Be aware, wildlife photography cannot be done easily on the cheap.
if you look at my portfolio of my birds they were all taken with a sigma 150-500 zoom , ive found this to be an excellent lens .approx price for it is £850
hope this helps
The "best" range is normally 100mm more than you have currently when walking around and 100mm less than you have when you setup a really good hide.
That said longer is generally better - most advise that wildlife starts at 300mm with longer lenses being preferable; but also rising the cost significantly from there (esp if you want quality and long reach).
An idea of how much money you have/feel like spending/saving for would be a good starting point; as well as any idea what kind of subjects; situations and conditions you hope to shoot in.
Most very good telephoto lenses will cost a mortgage, however there is one if your like me and want value for money.
look at this lens and test it out and see what you think it's the sigma 120-300mm f2.8 os apo dg hsm lens with a 2x converter on it it maintains all functions including auto focus and is very very good indeed.
I personally after using this lens myself have got used to it and know how well it performs, I am honestly stunned at the quality of this lens and the images you get from it.
It is a highly rated lens on the net and at a price that is comfortable compared to the inequivalent canon 300mm f2.8 prime.
canon 300mm f2.8 £5500.00
sigma 120-300mm f2.8 £2000.00
do your self a favour and save yourself £3500 on a lens equal to canons 300mm f2.8 lens.
Have a look at my portfolio on birds and you'll see the quality you get from this lens.
You won't buy any cheaper than this lens at this quality.
the 120-300mm 2.8 is a stunning lens built like a tank and heavy, stellar images produced, works well with the sigma 1.4 tc, the 2x tc works great iq wise but the af is slow so either manual focus are shoot static objects.
http://www.ephotozine.com/user/garethrobinson-47135/gallery/photo/singing-starli... little sample and it printed to a3+ and is sharp sharp em sharp.
The look on my wifes face is scary every time i mention the sigma 800mm, im not sure why...lol but she assured me a divorce will follow if that lens ever turns up..
Quote: Gareth look on the bright side once you have the sigma 800 there will not be anyone around to stop your next purchase
....and no testes, I'd wager.
If "alynch" is just starting out, I really do heartily recommend the 70-200 f/4L. It's far cheaper than the longer lenses and take a look at my gallery to see how useful it is.
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