Don't despair—even the most experienced birders often are! The trick to acing the basics (as well as being able to confidently throw out IDs on hearing single-note calls) is practice, repeat exposure and the right mental model
A healthy dose of fun is certainly a huge help! These quizzes are aimed to create a fun, interactive enviroment to encourage practice and emulate exposure (remember though, nothing beats getting out in the field!)
The following quiz tests bird sounds. Each list presents a random bird based on a category (for example, Western Backyard Birds).
First, scroll down and listen to a bird. If you're sure of the ID right away, click one of four choices (you'll get immediate feedback). For hints, you can either:
a. Hover your mouse over the purple and orange filter and the photo will slowly be revealed.
b. Click the
for a written hint..
Want to try again? Just refresh the page and the lists will be shuffled.
Happy Listening!
Bird recordings © 2023 Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Painted Bunting photograph © 2023 Brad Imhoff via macaulaylibrary.org.
All other photographs © 2023 Robin Roberts.
All other content © 2023 Adam Roberts.