What colour were the EYES ?

This question refers to the eye's iris. All birds have black pupils or central eye areas.

Most birds have dark eyes, black or brown. It should be obvious therefore when you view a bird with light eyes, white, yellow, red, olive or light gray.

Eye colour is helpful not only in distinguishing between species but also maturity levels of the same species. An adult Sharp-shinned Hawk, for example, has red eyes while the immature bird does not.

Be sure to distinguish between a possible light ring around the eye versus a light eye or iris. Another question asks for a possible eye ring.

You may have to get a very good look to see the eye colour especially for a small bird. Indicate the level of knowledge you have. If uncertain respond with Unknown rather than give a false answer which may disqualify your bird.

Such detail in questioning, as asking eye colour, may seem surprising for a field guide. In the past such detail could only be had by having the bird in the hand. This usually involved hunting them. Today, with present optics, it is easy for a birder to view such detail.