eBird FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Ebird.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is eBird?
eBird is an online platform and mobile application developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that allows birders and researchers to record and share bird sightings.
How do I report an error or problem with eBird?
You can report errors or problems with eBird by clicking on the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the eBird website and submitting a support request.
Why can't I find a specific bird species in eBird?
It is possible that the species you are looking for is not present in the region or time of year you are searching for. You can also check the species taxonomy in eBird to ensure you are using the correct name.
How do I sign up for an eBird account?
You can sign up for an eBird account by clicking on the "Sign Up" button on the eBird homepage and following the prompts.
Why am I having trouble logging in to my eBird account?
If you are having trouble logging in, make sure you are using the correct email and password. You can also try resetting your password or contacting eBird support.
How do I add a new bird species to my eBird checklist?
You can add a new species to your checklist by clicking on the "Add Species" button and typing in the name of the bird. You can also use the "Find It" feature to search for specific birds.
Why is my eBird checklist not saving?
There could be a few reasons why your checklist is not saving, such as a poor internet connection or a technical issue. Try refreshing the page or logging out and back in to see if that solves the problem.
How do I edit or delete a species from my eBird checklist?
You can edit or delete a species from your checklist by clicking on the "Manage your checklist" button and selecting the specific species you want to edit or delete.
Can I edit my eBird checklist after I have submitted it?
Yes, you can make edits to your checklist after it has been submitted. Simply go to your "My Checklists" page and click on the specific checklist you want to edit.
How do I export my eBird data?
You can export your eBird data by going to the "My eBird" section and clicking on the "Export Data" button. You can choose which data you want to export and in what format.
Why is my eBird checklist not showing up on the regional checklist?
It may take some time for your checklist to show up on the regional checklist as it goes through a review process. If it still does not show up after a few days, contact eBird support for further assistance.
How do I search for a specific checklist or species in eBird?
You can use the "Search" feature on the eBird homepage to search for a specific checklist or species. You can also use the "Explore Data" feature to search for specific birds in a certain location.
Why am I getting an error message when trying to upload photos to my eBird checklist?
This could be due to a technical issue or incompatible file type. Make sure your photos are in a supported format and try again. If the problem persists, contact eBird support.
How do I add a location to my eBird checklist?
You can add a location by clicking on the "Select or Create Location" button on the checklist entry page. You can either choose an existing location or create a new one by clicking "Add Location."
Why am I not receiving any emails or notifications from eBird?
Make sure your email address is up-to-date in your account settings and check your spam or junk folder. You can also contact eBird support for further assistance.
How do I join or leave an eBird birding hotspot group?
You can join or leave a birding hotspot group by going to the "My eBird" section and clicking on "Manage My Hotspots" under the "Hotspots" tab.
Why is my eBird checklist showing up as "unreviewed"?
This is a temporary status that indicates your checklist is still going through the review process. It will eventually be changed to "accepted" or "rejected."
How do I import data from other birding platforms to eBird?
You can import data from other birding platforms by going to the "My eBird" section and clicking on "Import Data" under the "Manage My Observations" tab.
Can I change the language settings in eBird?
Yes, you can change the language settings by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the language dropdown menu. Currently, eBird is available in 27 languages.
Why am I getting an "invalid latitude/longitude" error when submitting my checklist?
This error means that the coordinates you have entered are not within the range of valid coordinates for the location you have selected. Make sure your coordinates are accurate and try again.
How do I add a personal note to my eBird checklist?
You can add a personal note by clicking on the "Add Note" button on the checklist entry page. You can also upload photos and audio recordings as notes.
How do I contribute my bird sightings to citizen science projects on eBird?
You can contribute your sightings to citizen science projects by selecting the project you want to contribute to in the "Submit Observations to Science Projects" section on the checklist entry page.
Why is my eBird checklist showing up as "unconfirmed"?
This means that your checklist has not yet been reviewed by a regional eBird reviewer. Once it has been reviewed, it will be changed to "accepted" or "rejected."
How do I change the date of my eBird checklist?
You can change the date by clicking on the calendar icon next to the date on the checklist entry page and selecting the correct date. You can also change the time by clicking on the clock icon.
How do I import data from a spreadsheet to eBird?
You can import data from a spreadsheet by going to the "My eBird" section and clicking on "Import Data" under the "Manage My Observations" tab. You can then select your spreadsheet file and follow the prompts to map the columns correctly.
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