Birds & Birdwatching

About Birds & Birdwatching

Give your memory a workout with Birds & Birdwatching: 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 6 easy, 5 medium, 4 hard questions, free to play right in your browser. Identify common backyard birds, learn fascinating migration facts, and test your knowledge of bird species from around the world! Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.

A few sample questions

1. 1. What is the only bird that can fly backward?

   Answer: Hummingbird

   Hummingbirds are the only birds that can sustain backward flight. Their unique ball-and-socket shoulder joint allows their wings to rotate 180 degrees, enabling them to hover and fly in any direction.

2. 2. What color is a male Northern Cardinal?

   Answer: Bright red

   Male Northern Cardinals are a brilliant bright red from crest to tail. Females are a warm brown with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest. Cardinals are one of the most recognized backyard birds in North America.

3. 3. Which bird is known as the symbol of the United States?

   Answer: Bald Eagle

   The Bald Eagle was chosen as the national emblem of the United States in 1782. Despite its name, the Bald Eagle is not actually bald — its white-feathered head contrasts with its dark brown body.

4. 4. What type of food is best to put in a backyard bird feeder to attract the widest variety of birds?

   Answer: Black oil sunflower seeds

   Black oil sunflower seeds are considered the single best food for bird feeders because they attract the greatest variety of birds. Their thin shells are easy for small birds to crack, and they have a high fat content that provides excellent energy.

5. 5. Which common backyard bird is known for its bright blue feathers and loud, jay-like call?

   Answer: Blue Jay

   The Blue Jay is one of the most recognizable backyard birds in eastern North America, known for its striking blue, white, and black plumage and its loud, distinctive calls. Blue Jays are intelligent birds that can mimic hawk calls.

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Migration is the seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering areas. The Arctic Tern holds the record for the longest migration, traveling roughly 44,000 miles round trip from Arctic to Antarctic each year.
• ✓American Robins are famous for pulling earthworms from lawns. They also eat insects and berries. Robins tilt their heads to the side when hunting on the ground — they are actually using their keen eyesight (not hearing) to spot worms.
• ✓Bald Eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird. They add to the same nest year after year, and some nests have been measured at over 9 feet across, 20 feet deep, and weighing more than 2 tons.