Guide to Coding Bird Survey Data

Alpha Code: Rules and Exceptions

1. For one word bird names, use the first four letters.

Example: OVEN for Ovenbird

2. For two word bird names, use the first two letters of each word.

Example: MODO for Mourning dove; BLJA for Blue jay

3. For three word bird names, including hyphenated ones, use the first letter of

the first two words and the first two letters of the last word.

Example: BCCH for Black-capped chickadee; GCFL for Great Crested

flycatcher; and EAWP for Eastern Wood-pewee.

4. For four word names, use the first letter of each word.

Example: BAWW for Black-and-white warbler.

5. “Rule Number Five.” This “rule” is necessary for even seasoned users of alpha codes. As Data Recorder, you should use whatever “code” works for you at that time. Just make sure that what you jot down will make sense in a few hours when entering the official alpha codes into the data tables!

6. Exceptions: BTNW for Black-throated Green warbler; and GTBH for Great Blue Heron. These, and other ‘oddballs,’ are underlined on your Code Form.

Unidentifiable woodpeckers

If you hear a woodpecker drumming and cannot determine the exact species – code it as UNWO for Unidentified woodpecker.

Also, poor listening conditions and too brief or faint a call can make distinguishing Northern Flicker from Pileated woodpecker tough. This is also true of Downy and Hairy woodpeckers. If unsure use UNWO.

“Status Symbols” and Territorial Woodpeckers

On the Census Form, there is a “status symbol” to designate a singing mail or some other status. The Data Recorder should simply draw the appropriate shape around the code for that bird. Now, what about woodpeckers? Their territorial “calls/songs” are drumming patterns – not songs. This is actually no problem! Since their drumming serves the same function as territorial calls/songs, give the drumming woodpecker Singing Male status.

Numeric Codes

Please include these in the appropriate column. They act as cross checks on the alpha codes and allow sorting of species according to taxonomic relationships.