eBird is a massive online database where birders from around the world upload their bird observations. Regional bird experts review the submitted checklists to make sure the reported sightings are correct.
Since its launch in 2002, eBird participation has grown so much that the information it collects can now be used by scientists and land managers around the world — including those at MDC. The more people share their bird sightings on eBird, the more information we’ll have for making conservation decisions.
The Perks of Using eBird
- You can use eBird’s free smartphone app for an easy way to keep a birding list while you’re out in the field. The app compiles your list and submits it to the eBird website.
- You can set up bird alerts. eBird will email you if anyone reports your chosen bird species in your specified area.
- You can look up sighting information about individual species.
- You can attach your bird photos, audio recordings, and videos to your checklists and browse through photos, videos, and audio clips that other birders have posted.
- You will be adding to science while creating a permanent record of all your bird sightings.
Other eBird Features
locations reported on April 25.
Credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Migration maps
Because so many birders participate, eBird can now show the full life cycle of many migratory birds through amazing map animations like this one for the wood thrush.
Explore Hotspots
eBird hotspots are locations where lots of people go birding. Because so many people submit sightings from these areas, checklists from hotspots help track trends and changes in how many birds, and which species, use the area at different times of the year.
The Explore Hotspots feature lets you see what birds have been reported at popular birding locations or somewhere you plan to visit on an upcoming trip.
Online Quizzes
eBird has a free online quiz that allows you to test your bird brain. Enter a time of year, location, and whether you’d like an audio or photo quiz, and get started!
Interested? Go to the eBird website to learn more.