The eBirdr field guide

Bird Advisor

Describe what you saw. We’ll narrow the field together.

Question 9 2 possible birds

What SHAPE was the TAIL ?

Choose the answer that comes closest to what you observed.

Not completely sure? Choose Unknown when it is available—a careful “I don’t know” is more useful than a guess.

Your observation 8 answers recorded · open to review or change
  1. 1
    What TYPE of bird was seen ? Songbird (ground or perching bird)
    Change
  2. 2
    What colour was the BREAST ? Gray, or blue-gray
    Change
  3. 3
    What FACIAL or HEAD features were noted if any ? Crest of feathers on top of the head
    Change
  4. 4
    How BIG was the bird ? Sparrow-sized
    Change
  5. 5
    What colour was the BELLY ? Unknown
    Change
  6. 6
    What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    Change
  7. 7
    What type of environment was the bird seen in? Open body of freshwater
    Change
  8. 8
    What colour was the TOP of HEAD ? Black, purple, or dark
    Change

Leading possibilities

2 possibilities remain

  1. 1

    Lesser Nighthawk

    Why this matches 5 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Songbird (ground or perching bird)
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Gray, or blue-gray
    • How BIG was the bird ? Sparrow-sized
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    • What colour was the TOP of HEAD ? Black, purple, or dark
    View profile
  2. 2

    Common Poorwill

    Why this matches 4 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Songbird (ground or perching bird)
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Gray, or blue-gray
    • How BIG was the bird ? Sparrow-sized
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    View profile

Showing the strongest matches so far. Keep answering—the order may change.