What is a bird checklist?

A bird checklist is a list of all the different bird species which occur within a specific area. It’s called a checklist because it has evolved into a standardized format in which the order of bird species on the list follows an industry standard and each species can be checked off as you see them.

How many birds are on the ABA checklist?

We may count any of the 976 species on the ABA Checklist provided the sighting does not break any of the five rules listed in the RRIs.

What is a Code 5 in birding?

Code-5: Accidental. Species that are recorded five or fewer times in the ABA Area, or fewer than three records in the past 30 years.

How do you start a bird’s life list?

To properly add a bird to your life list, the bird must be:

Positively Identified: The individual keeping the life list must be able to identify the bird in question through field markings or sounds.
Ethically Observed: All proper birding ethics must be followed for a bird to count on an official life list.

How many birds are on the life list?

Sibley Birder’s Life List and Field Diary. If you prefer taking handwritten notes, Sibley Birder’s Field Diary is a great choice for you. It has ready-made entries for 923 species found in North America and Canada arranged by group. All you have to do is fill in the date, location, and notes you have on a sighting.

What is a lifer bird?

(noun) The term lifer refers to a bird species when it is first seen and positively identified by an individual birder. Lifer is a designation for a species that individual birder has never seen previously, not a returning migrant, new sighting for the year, or other repeat sighting.

What is ABA area on eBird?

ABA Area (listing region): The area encompassed by the 50 United States (including Hawaii and Midway Island), Canada, and the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon (France). Does not include Greenland or Bermuda.