Past Results
By the Numbers
Every year The Great Backyard Bird Count grows. Below, our annual results reveal the impressive changes over time, from number of participants around the world, the number of birds counted, and many more inspiring statistics.
2023
Birds unite the world each February for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Collectively, we found 7,538 species of birds—2/3 of the known 10,960 species we share the planet with. More than 200 countries came together to share bird sightings, making our global submission map light up for four consecutive days. Our gratitude extends to each and every contributor around the world who shared Merlin Bird ID(s), eBird checklist(s), or photos, sounds, or videos from February 17–20, 2023. Enjoy this summary from the four-day event.
Species identified: 7,538
Estimated Participants: 555,291
eBird Checklists: 390,652
Merlin Bird IDs: 372,905
Macaulay Photos Added: 151,479
2022
Each year we stand in awe of how the world turns out to share their enjoyment of birds. People from 192 countries report approximately 3/4 of the world’s known species—this is remarkable. Our thanks extend to each and every bird enthusiast around the world who shared Merlin Bird ID(s), eBird checklist(s), or photos, sounds, or videos from February 18-21, 2022. Enjoy the half time report and the final results summary from the four-day event.
Species identified: 7,099
Estimated Participants: 384,641
eBird Checklists: 359,479
Merlin Bird IDs: 298,208
Macaulay Photos Added: 141,990
2021
In an unprecedented year, the Great Backyard Bird Counts reminds us that thousands of people around the world are united in their enjoyment of watching birds. Turnout this year was incredible, albeit with many people understandably staying closer to home. Perhaps this gave us an even deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world in and around our homes and communities? Our deepest gratitude to each and every bird enthusiast around the world. The half time report can be viewed here, or read more about our 2021 final results.
Species identified: 6,436
Estimated Participants: 300,000+
eBird Checklists: 379,726
Merlin Bird IDs: 479,842
Macaulay Photos Added: 151,393
2020
You did it again! The 2020 Great Backyard Bird Count broke more records and attracted more participants than ever before. So, the first order of business is to extend our sincere gratitude to each of you for embracing the count and sharing your bird sightings! We hope you had fun and feel good about your contributions to the global maps and the data behind them. Read more about our 2020 results.
Species: 6,942
Checklists: 249,444
Estimated Participants: 268,674
2019
As it has nearly every year, the 2019 Great Backyard Bird Count broke more records and attracted more participants than ever before. So, the first order of business is a heartfelt thank you to each of you for embracing the count and sharing your bird sightings! We hope you had fun and feel good about your contributions to the global maps and the data behind them. Read more about our 2019 results.
Species: 6,699
Checklists: 204,921
Estimated Participants: 224,781
2018
Another edition of the Great Backyard Bird Count is in the books, with a great showing for the birds and the bird watchers who joined in from around the world. As always, participants tell us they really enjoy this opportunity to do their favorite thing and contribute to science at the same time. Read more about our 2018 results.
Species: 6,310
Complete Checklists: 176,905
Estimated Participants: 192,456
2017
Another Great Backyard Bird Count is in the books, and thanks to participants from around the world, it was the biggest count in its 20-year history. Bird watchers set a new high bar for number of checklists submitted and total number of species reported. Whether longtime contributors or first-timers, many expressed their enjoyment of the experience. Read more about our 2017 results.
Species: 5,940
Complete Checklists: 173,826
Estimated Participants: 214,018
2016
Each year we wonder if the bird watchers of the world can possibly top their past performances in the Great Backyard Bird Count. And each year we’re amazed! The 2016 GBBC was epic. An estimated 163,763 bird watchers from more than 130 countries joined in. Participants submitted 162,052 bird checklists reporting 5,689 species–more than half the known bird species in the world and 599 more species than last year! Read more about our 2016 results.
Species: 5,689
Complete Checklists: 162,052
Estimated Participants: 163,763
2015
Participants from more than 100 countries submitted a record 147,265 bird checklists for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count and broke the previous count record for the number of species identified. The 5,090 species reported represents nearly half the possible bird species in the world. The four-day count was held February 13-16, the 18th year for the event which is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada. The information gathered by tens of thousands of volunteers helps track the health of bird populations at a scale made possible by using the eBird online checklist program. Read more about our 2015 results.
Species: 5,090
Complete Checklists: 147,265
Estimated Participants: 143,000
