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Backyard Bird ID in the US #1 Trivia Quiz

As a military family, we've lived in lots of different states in the US, and we birdwatch everywhere. Here are questions about some of our favorites, and ones you can see in your backyard, depending on where you live. Enjoy!

A multiple-choice quiz by djsgal. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
djsgal

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
243,358

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
4883

Awards
Top 5% quiz!

Last 3 plays: Guest 136 (10/10), Guest 104 (10/10), Denge (8/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Growing up in Indiana, I often spotted this member of the plover family in our large back field. It often protects its nest by feigning injury to distract predators. Hint

killdeer

red-winged blackbird

mockingbird

robin

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. Living in Texas, it was a thrill to see this amazing bird dipping and swooping for insects with its gray head and extremely long tail. Hint

scissor-tailed flycatcher

great crested flycatcher

western kingbird

eastern phoebe

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Over the wheat fields of Oklahoma, I often saw this bird perched on a telephone line, searching for prey. With its tell-tale rusty back and bluish wings, it is the smallest US falcon. Hint

red-tailed hawk

prairie falcon

kestrel

merlin

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. Next was a move to Alaska, where this predatory bird is quite common to see, usually in the company of ravens. Large and regal, the white head and tail and dark body make it unmistakable. Hint

trumpeter swan

golden eagle

bald eagle

willow ptarmigan

5. Another Alaskan bird. A large flock of about 50 of these ate every berry off my mountain ash tree. Slightly larger than its southern cousin, this brown bird is identified by the crest on its head, yellow, white and black wing markings, and cinnamon undertail. Hint

golden-crowned kinglet

Steller's jay

common redpoll

Bohemian waxwing

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. Next it's off to the Mojave Desert, in Southern California. I spotted this large orange and black bird drinking from my hummingbird feeder one day. The solid black tail and solid golden orange crown distinguish it from its more famous eastern cousin. Hint

MacGillivray's warbler

hooded oriole

western kingbird

evening grosbeak

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Next we moved to the panhandle of Florida, where I hoped to see this bird during its migration. The male is very brightly colored, with red underside, blue head and greenish-yellow back. Which bunting am I talking about? Hint

varied bunting

indigo bunting

painted bunting

lazuli bunting

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. This Florida black-headed bird was easy to see (and hear), when visiting the beach. The largest of the dark-headed gulls, it's easy to tell it by its hilarious call. Hint

herring gull

ring-billed gull

laughing gull

common blackbird

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. During a brief stop in Georgia, this gorgeous red bird with black wings and black tail sang his heart out at the top of a pine tree. Hint

summer tanager

red-winged blackbird

northern cardinal

scarlet tanager

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Back in the Mojave Desert for the second time, we spotted this little owl by the side of the road. His underground home, sandy color, and long legs helped us identify him right away. Hint

barn owl

elf owl

burrowing owl

spotted owl

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 21 2024 : Guest 136: 10/10
Dec 07 2024 : Guest 104: 10/10
Nov 23 2024 : Denge: 8/10
Oct 29 2024 : Philip_Eno: 1/10
Oct 28 2024 : Guest 173: 6/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Growing up in Indiana, I often spotted this member of the plover family in our large back field. It often protects its nest by feigning injury to distract predators.

Answer: killdeer

Though a member of the plover family, the killdeer is often found far from water. Found all over the US, the name "killdeer" cames from the sound of its call.

2. Living in Texas, it was a thrill to see this amazing bird dipping and swooping for insects with its gray head and extremely long tail.

Answer: scissor-tailed flycatcher

The scissor-tailed flycatcher's tail is about 7-8 inches long! And yes, it's scissors-shaped. Found all over Texas and the southern plain states.

3. Over the wheat fields of Oklahoma, I often saw this bird perched on a telephone line, searching for prey. With its tell-tale rusty back and bluish wings, it is the smallest US falcon.

Answer: kestrel

The kestrel can be found all over the US, but prefers open country for hunting.

4. Next was a move to Alaska, where this predatory bird is quite common to see, usually in the company of ravens. Large and regal, the white head and tail and dark body make it unmistakable.

Answer: bald eagle

Immature bald eagles are brown, and do not develop the tell-tale coloring until 4-5 years of age. Once threatened, the bald eagle is making a comeback and can now be found over most of the US.

Answer: Bohemian waxwing

The cedar waxwing is the smaller, southern cousin of the Bohemian waxwing. The Bohemian waxwing can be found in the Northwest US and western Canada, up through eastern Alaska.

Answer: hooded oriole

The hooded oriole has a curved beak, allowing it to drink nectar from flowers, like a hummingbird. Its range includes the southwest US and Mexico.

Answer: painted bunting

Still haven't seen this beautiful bird...but not giving up! It can be found in the southeast and middle south US.

8. This Florida black-headed bird was easy to see (and hear), when visiting the beach. The largest of the dark-headed gulls, it's easy to tell it by its hilarious call.

Answer: laughing gull

The laughing gull's dark head lightens considerably in the winter.

9. During a brief stop in Georgia, this gorgeous red bird with black wings and black tail sang his heart out at the top of a pine tree.

Answer: scarlet tanager

The scarlet tanager is the only North American with a solid red body, black wings and black tail. It's only found east of the Rockies.

10. Back in the Mojave Desert for the second time, we spotted this little owl by the side of the road. His underground home, sandy color, and long legs helped us identify him right away.

Answer: burrowing owl

The burrowing owl, found in the western US and southern Florida, often nests alongside prairie dogs.

Source: Author djsgal

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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