I’ve compiled a list of sites with a literal plethora of information relevant to the modern birder. Be it raw data, book reviews, or checklists for remote destinations, the links below have it all. This list is by no means complete, and many are specific to the North American birder, but I know I’ve found them all tremendously useful and feel that they should appeal to a global audience. Please leave a comment if you think there is a website I’ve missed that should be on this list. It goes without saying, but click the image to be directed to the site.
eBird is a massive database of global bird sightings, sponsored by Cornell University and the National Audubon Society. See my review of eBird here.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s homepage. There isn’t enough room here to highlight all the amazing work this Lab has done for preserving biodiversity and educating the public.
Xeno-canto is a thorough collection of bird song recordings for species across the globe. You can also upload your own recordings to the site.
10,000 Birds is a blog dedicated to birding, conservation, and all things wild. A great source for reviews of equipment, ideas for birding trips, and much more.
Bird Forum is one of the premier online birding communities. There is a European bias to the site, but nowhere is it easier for birders from around the world to meet and discuss topics of interest. The site also includes very thorough reviews of birding equipment, field guides, and books.
Avibase is your one-stop shopping for bird checklists for any country on Earth. Lists are arranged according to multiple taxonomic profiles, and every list contains detailed descriptions of individual species, range information, and subspecies distribution. Don’t plan an international birding trip without reviewing Avibase’s checklists first.
Nest Watch is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and is part of the Citizen Scientist Network. Similar to eBird, you can upload data on bird nests that you discover. Become a certified nest monitor and take part in the citizen science movement. At present this site is mainly concerned with North America, but the option to upload international nest data is available.
Found a banded bird, or located a swan with a neck collar? Report your banded or tagged birds to the USGS’s Bird Banding Lab. Help scientists track banded birds, and receive a certificate of appreciation for every report.
On the Wing 