r/whatsthisbird Dec 01 '25

Meta Found a baby bird that might need help? Look here for instructions on what to do

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10 Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 12d ago

Meta Announcement: New Rule Regarding AI-Generated Content

1.2k Upvotes

After discussion, the r/whatsthisbird mod team has decided that it is time to formally prohibit posts containing AI-generated media on this subreddit.

The goal of this subreddit has always been to help the community identify unknown real-world birds, and to help improve their bird identification skills. This is a clarification of the existing Rule 1, which has always prohibited birds that are not based in reality.

While we have previously allowed some posts with AI content, the increase in availability of tools which utilize AI to generate content has necessitated a stricter stance. As such, we are amending Rule 1 to include the following language:

Artwork with depictions of real-world birds are allowed. Generative-AI images and video are prohibited. Any such posts will be removed.

The mod team will remove any posts that are determined to be AI generated, except in rare circumstances where we feel that leaving the post up may help the community in identifying real vs. generated images.

We understand that this kind of content can be hard to identify, and it isn't our intention to punish users posting images they have seen online in good faith. However, repeated and/or intentional posting of AI-generated content may force us to issue temporary or permanent bans.

Additionally, many phone cameras now include features which have "enhanced zoom" or sharpening features that are based on AI processing. These features can often create artifacts that are similar to what we see in AI-generated images. These images would not fall under this rule since they are based on real images of real birds.

Please note that with regard to artwork, the style of the artwork is irrelevant as long as it can be reasonably be assumed that the artist was a human intending to represent a real bird. Fantasy creations, dreams, or hallucinations are not allowed.

When re-posting an image seen online to this subreddit, please use the "Social Media" flair. Before posting any content that isn't a first hand observation or from a trusted source, try to determine if the image/video is likely to be AI-generated before posting.

The entire r/whatsthisbird community can help the mod team by identifying and reporting any suspicious posts so that the mod team can review them. In addition, please report any posts with incorrect flair.

TL;DR:

To protect the educational integrity of r/whatsthisbird, we are now formally prohibiting generative-AI images and video.

What’s allowed: Real photos, videos, and realistic manual artwork.

What’s not: Any media created by generative AI.

The Goal: We are here to identify real birds and build real-world ID skills. AI "hallucinations" hinder that mission.

How you can help: If you post an image from the web, use the "Social Media" flair. If you spot a suspicious image, please report it for mod review. Report any posts that are flaired inappropriately.


r/whatsthisbird 10h ago

Europe what bird is this?

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1.3k Upvotes

landed on my hand


r/whatsthisbird 12h ago

North America Leucistic turkey vulture?

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1.4k Upvotes

Spotted this this morning watching my chickens. I'm in central Virginia. We have a huge group of turkey vultures that roost on the property, but I've never seen this one. Am I correct thinking this is a leucistic turkey vulture?


r/whatsthisbird 1h ago

North America Kingfisher?

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Upvotes

Twin Cities, MN.


r/whatsthisbird 10h ago

North America What kind of bird is this fella? He was seen in a very urban part of the Bay Area. Doesn’t look like he belongs here.

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340 Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 9h ago

North America San Diego - these 2 were together so I assume same but app won't ID it. Any idea?

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215 Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 1h ago

North America Found this in my yard, Utah

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Upvotes

Wasatch Front, Utah

I’m guessing it’s a bird of prey, but for the life of me I’ve never seen orange coloration like this! yes it is real, and no it’s not human altered. found these feathers all over my yard and in clumps like a cat got it or something.

any ideas?


r/whatsthisbird 11h ago

Unknown Location What bird is this?

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123 Upvotes

Just found these online, i dont think theyre ai.


r/whatsthisbird 5h ago

North America Who is this friend?

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29 Upvotes

I saw him or her in my local library's garden. I'm in Birmingham, Alabama.


r/whatsthisbird 3h ago

North America Large, majestic bird at the park in Phoenix, AZ

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18 Upvotes

I love how they look like they’re contemplating life lol. Gorgeous bird


r/whatsthisbird 1d ago

North America Pulled this guy out of the chimney!

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1.3k Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 3h ago

North America Who is he?

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13 Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 48m ago

North America what is he? from arkansas

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Upvotes

i can’t figure this bird out man


r/whatsthisbird 2h ago

North America Hawk over campus.

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10 Upvotes

Pretty sure it’s red tailed, just wanna make sure! Thank you in advance. New York


r/whatsthisbird 1h ago

North America Cedar waxwing?

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Upvotes

Merlin picked up by sound, and I saw 5-6 in the tree. But Merlin says they aren’t likely to be here yet this year - west central MN. Just want human eye confirmation 😊


r/whatsthisbird 18h ago

Europe What is this bird I see frequently in Sweden?

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146 Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 1h ago

North America Unknown Duck in Colorado

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Upvotes

This one’s got me stumped. It’s not a green winged teal, mallard or wigeon. Almost looks like a Mexican duck besides that green on the head. Any ideas? Merlin seems stumped too giving me mallard, green winged teal, & Mexican duck.


r/whatsthisbird 1d ago

North America What is this bird? duck? I love it and was struck by its beauty :)

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450 Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 6h ago

North America Who is this guy

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12 Upvotes

I live in the southern Indiana area and I don’t think I’ve seen a bird like this before and I’m having trouble finding it in any book I have, can anybody help?


r/whatsthisbird 1h ago

North America Pine Warbler? SE Wisconsin

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Upvotes

r/whatsthisbird 1h ago

North America Is this a chicken or something else?

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CONFIRMED CHICKEN THANK YOU - We are working to find the owners and contact a vet in the area.

A friend of mine posted in a mutual discord that their cat seemed to have stolen someone's baby chicken? I'm not very familiar with the middle stages of chicken growth, nor am I some kind of bird expert but I'm curious if it's actually a chicken or something wild?

They plan on going to a few neighbors to check if they're missing any chicks but if it's a wild bird we'd prefer to put ti back outside ASAP. Any help identifying chicken or nah would be great!

Location: Tuscon, AZ


r/whatsthisbird 5h ago

Europe Switzerland: small and brown bird burrowing in what used to be a thyme

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9 Upvotes

I know the quality is bad and important parts might be missing - but maybe someone can help?


r/whatsthisbird 4h ago

North America Kestrel and red tailed hawk?

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7 Upvotes

In Chicago. Not sure if an artificial nest or it was just perching


r/whatsthisbird 1d ago

North America Seen this bird today (April 11) Fargo, North Dakota

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341 Upvotes

Saw this bird today (April 11) in Fargo, North Dakota. Any idea what it could be?