The eBirdr field guide

Bird Advisor

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

Question 9 4 possible birds

WHERE was the bird seen ?

Choose the answer that comes closest to what you observed.

Northeastern Canada or United States Southeastern United States Southwestern United States Northwestern Canada or United States

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 ? Duck or Goose-like
    Change
  2. 2
    What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    Change
  3. 3
    What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    Change
  4. 4
    What colour was the SIDE ? Gray, or blue-gray
    Change
  5. 5
    What colour was the BILL ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    Change
  6. 6
    What FACIAL or HEAD features were noted if any ? Ear "tufts" or horns
    Change
  7. 7
    What colour was the BELLY ? Gray, or blue-gray
    Change
  8. 8
    What type of environment was the bird seen in? Open ocean; beyond sight of land
    Change

Leading possibilities

4 possibilities remain

2 rules inferred
  1. 1

    Hooded Merganser

    Why this matches 6 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Duck or Goose-like
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    • What colour was the SIDE ? Gray, or blue-gray
    • What colour was the BILL ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What FACIAL or HEAD features were noted if any ? Ear "tufts" or horns
    View profile
  2. 2

    Double-crested Cormorant

    Why this matches 5 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Duck or Goose-like
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    • What colour was the BELLY ? Gray, or blue-gray
    • What type of environment was the bird seen in? Open ocean; beyond sight of land
    View profile
  3. 3

    Brandt's Cormorant

    Why this matches 5 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Duck or Goose-like
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    • What colour was the BELLY ? Gray, or blue-gray
    • What type of environment was the bird seen in? Open ocean; beyond sight of land
    View profile
  4. 4

    Great Cormorant

    Why this matches 5 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Duck or Goose-like
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    • What colour was the BELLY ? Gray, or blue-gray
    • What type of environment was the bird seen in? Open ocean; beyond sight of land
    View profile

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

Comparing your observations with 658 species in the Advisor knowledge base.

Start over