r/whatbirdisthis Subreddit Stats and Best Posting Times

What to Post and How to Rank on r/whatbirdisthis

Best Topics & Content Types

Photo-based bird identification requests dominate successful posts in bird identification communities like r/WhatsThisBird, which operates similarly to what you'd find in r/whatbirdisthis. Clear images showing key features like beak shape, wing patterns, and distinctive markings perform best, especially when accompanied by location and time details. The most effective content follows structured identification approaches that highlight size relative to familiar birds, plumage colors, and behavioral observations rather than vague descriptions. Posts that include multiple angles of the same bird or show the bird in its habitat context receive more engagement. While text-only identification requests occasionally succeed, they must meticulously describe field marks, vocalizations, and specific behaviors to be helpful. Link posts to authoritative bird databases like eBird or Macaulay Library get traction when they directly relate to ongoing identification discussions, but standalone links without context rarely succeed.

Writing Style & Tone

The community responds best to concise, descriptive language that balances technical accuracy with accessibility. Successful posters use precise ornithological terms like "supercilium" or "rectrices" but immediately clarify them with plain language descriptions. The tone should be curious and collaborative rather than demanding - phrases like "Could this be a..." work better than "What bird is this?" without context. Humor rarely enhances identification requests but modest self-awareness about identification challenges ("First time seeing something with this wing pattern!") builds rapport. Avoid both overly casual phrasing that lacks necessary detail and academic jargon that excludes beginners. The most upvoted comments follow the structured seven-step identification method observed in birding communities, methodically working through size, shape, field marks, and habitat rather than jumping to conclusions.

What Gets Upvoted

Highly upvoted posts demonstrate clear effort in the identification process before seeking help, showing users have already considered key factors like geographic range and seasonal plumage variations. Posts that include specific comparative details ("Size of a robin but with cardinal-like red coloring on the head") outperform generic descriptions. Community members reward contributors who follow the analyzable comment syntax system where suggestions include taxonomy codes or properly formatted references to eBird species pages. Identification requests that acknowledge lighting conditions, potential age factors (juvenile vs adult), and behavioral observations receive more thoughtful responses. Posts demonstrating awareness of regional birding patterns - noting whether a sighting aligns with expected migration timing or local habitat preferences - consistently gain more upvotes than those treating all locations identically.

What to Avoid

Avoid posting low-quality images where critical features are obscured, as these routinely get downvoted regardless of other context. Never omit location information since geographic range is fundamental to accurate identification - posts asking "What bird is this?" without location rarely succeed. Steer clear of insisting on identifications that contradict established patterns ("I know it's not in the range map but...") without providing extraordinary evidence. Avoid using vague terms like "small brown bird" without further distinguishing characteristics, as experienced community members will recognize this as insufficient for proper identification. Don't repost the same query multiple times when frustrated by lack of answers, and never accuse identifiers of being wrong without providing counter-evidence from authoritative sources.

Posting Tips

Craft titles that immediately convey essential information in under 100 characters, such as "Red bird with black wings - Portland, OR - 8/15 morning" rather than generic "Help identify this bird." Post during weekday mornings when professional ornithologists and serious hobbyists are most active in the community. Always include precise location (city and state at minimum), date, time of day, and habitat context. Structure your post to methodically address each identification element: start with size comparison, then move through shape, color patterns, distinctive markings, and behavior. When including photos, rotate them properly and crop to highlight the bird rather than distant landscapes. After receiving identification suggestions, engage thoughtfully with follow-up questions about distinguishing features rather than simply thanking and leaving, as this demonstrates genuine interest in learning proper identification techniques.