The eBirdr field guide

Bird Advisor

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

Question 6 3 possible birds

Where was the white seen in flight ?

Choose the answer that comes closest to what you observed.

On the wings and underbody Mainly on the wings On the undertail coverts On the head, neck, and/or tail On the rump or lower back Over the entire bird None Unknown

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

Your observation 5 answers recorded · open to review or change

1
What TYPE of bird was seen ? Hawk-like
Change
2
How BIG was the bird ? Robin-sized
Change
3
What SHAPE was the TAIL ? Square or slightly notched at the end
Change
4
WHERE was the bird seen ? Northwestern Canada or United States
Change
5
What colour was the BACK ? Black, purple, or dark
Change

Leading possibilities

3 possibilities remain

1 rule inferred

1
Merlin

Matching variants: Male, Merlin
Why this matches 4 supporting observations
- What TYPE of bird was seen ? Hawk-like
- How BIG was the bird ? Robin-sized
- What SHAPE was the TAIL ? Square or slightly notched at the end
- What colour was the BACK ? Black, purple, or dark
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2
Common Nighthawk
Why this matches 3 supporting observations
- What TYPE of bird was seen ? Hawk-like
- How BIG was the bird ? Robin-sized
- What SHAPE was the TAIL ? Square or slightly notched at the end
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3
Sharp-shinned Hawk

Matching variants: Immature, Sharp-shinned Hawk
Why this matches 3 supporting observations
- What TYPE of bird was seen ? Hawk-like
- How BIG was the bird ? Robin-sized
- What SHAPE was the TAIL ? Square or slightly notched at the end
View profile

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