Requirements
1. Explain the need for bird study and why birds are useful indicators of the
quality of the environment. Describe how birds are part of the ecosystem.
2. Show that you are familiar with the terms used to describe birds by sketching
or tracing a perched bird and then labeling 15 different parts of the bird.
Sketch or trace an extended wing and label six types of wing feathers.
3. Demonstrate that you know how to properly use and care for binoculars, a
spotting scope, or a monocular.
(a) Explain what the specification numbers mean on binoculars, a spotting
scope, or a monocular.
(b) Show how to adjust the eyepiece and how to focus for proper viewing.
(c) Show how to properly care for and clean the lenses.
(d) Describe when and where each type of viewing device would be
most effective.
4. Demonstrate that you know how to use a bird field guide. Show your counselor
that you are able to understand a range map by locating in the book and
pointing out the wintering range, the breeding range, and/or the year-round
range of one species of each of the following types of birds:
(a) Seabird
(b) Plover
(c) Falcon or hawk
(d) Warbler or vireo
(e) Heron or egret
(f) Sparrow
(g) Nonnative bird (introduced to North America from a foreign country
since 1800)
5. Observe and be able to identify at least 20 species of wild birds. Prepare a
field notebook, making a separate entry for each species, and record the
following information from your field observations and other references.
(a) Note the date and time.
(b) Note the location and habitat.
(c) Describe the bird’s main feeding habitat and list two types of food that the
bird is likely to eat.
(d) Note whether the bird is a migrant or a summer, winter, or year-round
resident of your area.
6. Describe to your counselor how certain orders of birds are uniquely adapted
to a specific habitat. In your description, include characteristics such as the
size and shape of the following:
(a) Beak
(b) Body
(c) Leg and foot
(d) Feathers/plumage
7. Explain the function of a bird’s song. Be able to identify five of the 20 species
in your field notebook by song or call alone. For each of these five species, enter
a description of the song or call, and note the behavior of the bird making the
sound. Note why you think the bird was making the call or song that you heard.
8. Do ONE of the following:
(a) Go on a field trip with a local club or with others who are knowledgeable
about birds in your area.
(1) Keep a list or fill out a checklist of all the birds your group observed
during the field trip.
(2) Tell your counselor which birds your group saw and why some species
were common and some were present in small numbers.
(3) Tell your counselor what makes the area you visited good for
finding birds.
(b) By using a public library, the internet, or contacting the National Audubon
Society, find the name and location of the Christmas Bird Count nearest your
home and obtain the results of a recent count.
(1) Explain what kinds of information are collected during the annual event.
(2) Tell your counselor which species are most common, and explain why
these birds are abundant.
(3) Tell your counselor which species are uncommon, and explain why
these were present in small numbers. If the number of birds of these
species is decreasing, explain why, and what, if anything, could be done
to reverse their decline.
9. Do ONE of the following. For the option you choose, describe what birds you
hope to attract, and why.
(a) Build a bird feeder and put it in an appropriate place in your yard or
another location.
(b) Build a birdbath and put it in an appropriate place.
(c) Build a backyard sanctuary for birds by planting trees and shrubs for food
and cover.
10. Do the following:
(a) Explain the differences between extinct, endangered, and threatened.
(b) Identify a bird species that is on the endangered or threatened list. Explain
what caused their decline. Discuss with your counselor what can be done to
reverse this trend and what can be done to help remove the species from the
endangered or threatened list.
11. Identify three career opportunities connected to the study of birds. Pick one
and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession.
Discuss with your counselor if this profession might interest you.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges