distribution

Distribution of Feeder Birds

Looking at Data

Distribution

Abundance
Percent example
Percent answer
Mean group example
Mean group answer

Population maps

Conservation

Distribution of feeder birds in the winter

FeederWatch distribution data show where each bird species is found at feeders across the continent every winter.

How are FeederWatch distribution data calculated?
The presence or absence of a feeder bird species is recorded for each FeederWatch site. Distribution maps have a dot at each site where a particular species is seen. For example, in looking at the distribution map for Carolina Wren, winter of 1997-98, you would see that this bird was found at feeders primarily in the eastern and southeastern sections of the U.S.

Another way to look at distributions is using the percentage of feeders visited. This is calculated by taking the number of FeederWatch sites that reported a particular species at least once during the winter, and dividing that by the total number of FeederWatch sites that sent in data (see example). This value is often calculated for specific states or FeederWatch regions, and varies from 0 to 100%. Percentage of feeders visited is also an indication of feeder bird abundance.

Top 10 Feeder Birds in my region -- A list of the ten birds most often seen by FeederWatchers in your region.

Changes in distribution -- FeederWatchers’ efforts have helped track shifts in the winter ranges of some common species. Trends are evident with only ten years of data. Articles explaining these findings are listed here with links to online versions of each article.

Irruptions -- During some winters, birds that are usually seen in the far north move in large numbers or "irrupt" into more southern areas. FeederWatchers help track these movements.