Profiles

Species profiles for North American birds.

Identification, behavior, range, diet, and conservation for every bird in the KTP profile system. Start with a name, a state, a family, or a likely lookalike.

Popular Northern Cardinal State birds Families
Yellow-and-black songbird perched on a leafy branch.
10,000+ Species profiles
100% Source-backed
5,000+ Songs and calls
9,000+ Range maps

Built on real data

Sourced facts, updated on a cycle. Not opinions.

Every profile pulls measurements, timing, and conservation status from named databases, then refreshes on a set schedule so the numbers stay current.

3,200+ Species profiles
eBird Frequency and timing
IUCN Status and trend
Xeno-canto Audio library
Weekly Data refresh

Species Profiles

Find the bird before you choose the article.

Search by common name when you have it, or use the route cards below when the stronger clue is place, family, season, or a confusing lookalike.

3,200+species eBirdfrequency data Xeno-cantoaudio context

Profiles

Most-searched profiles

Use these rows as the profile gateway pattern: identity first, then family, field clue, and a next decision.

Bald Eagle portrait.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
CommonYear-round Northern Cardinal perched on a branch.
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
CommonYear-round Blue Jay perched on a branch.
Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
CommonYear-round American Goldfinch perched on a branch.
American Goldfinch Spinus tristis
CommonSummer Great Blue Heron portrait near water.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
CommonYear-round

Profile Routes

Use the strongest route for the clue you have.

State-bird model Use the production profile rhythm Open state-bird pages when you want the cleanest live example of structured facts, story order, and onward links. Family clue Start from shape and behavior Move through families when bill shape, posture, flight, or feeding style is clearer than the species name. Place-first browsing Narrow the list by location Use state and seasonal context when the reader knows where they saw the bird before they know what it was. Close-call comparisons Resolve likely lookalikes Compare routes help when the real question is which similar bird fits the field marks best. Birding guides Use broader field context Guides carry migration timing, backyard setup, conservation framing, and beginner decisions back into profiles.
Page purpose

Use this hub when the reader has a bird clue but needs the right route.

What Species-first gateway

A starting point for names, field marks, profile examples, and the live state-bird article rhythm.

Why Confidence before depth

Profiles are the backbone of KTP, but the gateway has to prevent readers from choosing the wrong article type.

How Search, then route

Start with search when the name is known; use families, locations, or compare paths when the clue is broader.

Our method

Data first, then field-guide prose.

Measurements, range boundaries, and conservation status come from the data pipeline and are never written from memory. Prose explains what the data already says - it adds field context, not numbers.

Sources

  • eBird
  • IUCN Red List
  • Xeno-canto
  • Editorial review
Read the full methodology

Questions birders ask

How many species profiles does KnowThePerch cover?
The profile system tracks over 3,200 North American species. Each profile pulls identification, range, and behavioral data from eBird and pairs it with editorial field-guide prose.
Are measurements sourced from a database or written by editors?
Measurements, frequency data, and range information come directly from eBird and IUCN databases. Editorial prose explains the data but never invents figures.
How do I find a bird if I only remember its general shape?
Start with the Families hub to narrow by order and silhouette, then move into species profiles from there.

Found an error? Help us fix it.

Your observations help keep our guides accurate for all birders.
Report an error