Biodiversity Detectives Resources

Resources and links for the Biodiversity Detectives curriculum.

Lesson 1: Bird Basics: Students learn the basic anatomy and characteristics unique to birds.

• The “You Can Be a Citizen Scientist” video explains the basics of citizen science and why anyone can participate.
• “Speciation: An Illustrated Introduction” video
• All About Birds Online Field Guide is an extensive, easy-to-use guide for identifying birds found in North America.

Lesson 2: Identifying Birds By Size and Shape: Students begin identifying birds through the size and shape of common birds.

• “Inside Birding: Size and Shape” video introduces the first key on how to better identify birds.
• Bird Groups Silhouettes (blank and labeled):

Lesson 3: Amazing Bird Diversity: Birds’ diverse patterns and colorations help birders distinguish between species.

• The interactive version of the Wall of Birds mural allowed students to explore birds of all continents and their extinct ancestors.
• With the All About Bird Anatomy page, students understand bird anatomy in-depth.
• “Inside Birding: Color Pattern” video explains how you can use color and plumage as a bird ID tool.
• Mourning Dove mystery bird videos. Please note that you will need to make these full screen prior to showing your students because they are identified as Mourning Doves below the video playing.
  • Mourning Dove 1
  • Mourning Dove 2

• All About Birds Online Field Guide is an extensive, easy-to-use guide for identifying birds found in North America.
• Get to know Merlin Bird ID with this video.
• Going Further, Explore Feathers – Feathers Through Time interactive

Lesson 4: Exploring Adaptations: Adaptations allow birds to survive and reproduce in specialized environments.

• “Bird Beak Montage” video

Lesson 5: Introducing eBird: Students learn how eBird data help scientists better understand bird distribution and abundance.

• The eBird Essentials course introduces you to the eBird project and provides tips and tools for using it.
• eBird homepage
• eBird abundance maps
• eBird live submission map

Lesson 6: Birds Throughout the Seasons: Some birds are migratory while others are not.

• eBird bar charts
• eBird homepage
• All About Birds Online Field Guide
• Animated maps: American Crow and Barn Swallow
• Photos: American Crow (top) and Barn Swallow (bottom)