Definition:

(noun) The bird species that initially stimulates an interest in more serious bird watching or birding. Spark birds vary for every birder and might include a unique, endangered or rare bird sighting, a favorite and familiar backyard species or a bird seen when introduced to the hobby by an experienced birder. Even captive birds in zoos or aviaries might initiate a birding interest. For many birders, spark birds are unknown species that lead to a curiosity about identification, and after successfully identified, the beginning birder is curious to learn more about both familiar and unfamiliar species as they discover the diversity of birds.

It is not just the sight of a spark bird that may create an interest in birding. A unique song, unusual behavior or other observation might create interest in learning more about birds. For some birders, their spark bird is not the first species they are able to identify, but it is the first one they deliberately take steps to identify that isn't a familiar backyard bird. Spark birds might also be long removed from getting started birding; a familiar bird from childhood might be the spark that reminds an older birder that they once enjoyed birds, and they may begin birding long after first seeing that spark.

After identifying a spark bird, a birder may simply be interested in putting out bird feeders and being a casual backyard birder, or a lifelong interest in dedicated birding and ornithology could begin. There are many types of birders, and all of them have a spark bird.

Pronunciation:

SPARHK BURRD

Also Known As:

Gateway Bird

Photo – Blue Jay © jude