State/Province Checklists at WildBirds.com
Last updated May 10, 2010
Courtesy of Thayer Birding Software
Most states and provinces do NOT list exotic birds unless they have been recognized by the American Birding Association (e.g. Monk Parakeet is on the Florida list, Rose-ringed Parakeet is not). Most do not include escaped cage birds or feral birds (e.g. Mandarin Duck or Muscovy Duck). Most do not include birds of uncertain natural occurrence or undetermined origin. Most do not add birds to a state checklist that were transported by man or that were ship-assisted. Some states have a "Hypothetical" list with extra birds that have not been properly documented.
The "Official Checklist" column shows the total species for checklists appearing on "official" state web sites. Where ??? appears, a list is present, but totals are not shown. Some of these are links to pdf files. Download a free PDF viewer. The date of the last update is also shown.
Please email any changes or corrections to Pete Thayer.
What Makes a Great State or Province Checklist?
1. The name of the state or province appears at the top of the page.
2. The date of the last update appears at the top of the page.
3. The number of species on the list appears at the top of the page.
4. The number of species that are regularly occurring, accidental, extirpated and extinct is also shown at the top of the page.
5. The AOU supplement used to create the checklist (and the date of its release) is referenced. New common or scientific names created by the new AOU supplement are highlighted.
6. The Order and Major Family headings are shown in bold print.
7. Rare and accidental birds are clearly marked. Notice how easy these are to see on the New Brunswick and Alberta checklists.
8. A web-based version and a pdf version (printable version) are both available.
9. Species rows are numbered 1, 2, 3... and only one species per row is shown (on the web-based version).
Very Helpful Additions:
1. A list of birds added to the official checklist within the past five years is available.
2. A separate list of "Review" birds is available - these birds need special documentation when seen.
3. The checklist links to or contains information on regional or seasonal abundance (i.e. rare away from the coast or expected only during fall migration)
4. A "Findability" code is included - very helpful for out of state visitors.
5. A link to the State Rare Bird Commitee web page is prominently displayed. The RBC page has member's email addresses and annual reports.