The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), launched in 1998, is an annual 4-day event engages public participation in counting birds across continents. Led by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds Canada and National Audubon Society, it has evolved into the world’s largest bird monitoring effort completely based on citizen science inputs.
GBBC 2024 – India Specific Findings
Over 63,000 bird checklists were submitted by Indian participants recording 1,090 species. This was 33% higher than 2023 numbers. India ranked 3rd after US and Canada.
State-wise Breakup
- Maharashtra topped with 9,800 checklists logging 384 species followed by West Bengal (8,900 checklists, 402 species) and Kerala (8,100 checklists, 298 species).
- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu came next with 6,700 and 6,300 submissions respectively.
- The House Crow, Rosy Starling and House Sparrow were 3 most commonly sighted birds across India during GBBC 2024.
Rapid Loss of Avian Biodiversity
- Highlighted While common bird varieties thrive around human landscapes, the GBBC results emphasized the alarming declines in threatened species.
- Sparrows missing from top 10 reported birds in 11 states signals worrisome population drops.
- Vultures recorded extreme 96% reduction over 5 years as per GBBC data analysis. Their extirpation indicates knock-on effects on ecosystem health.
Habitat-wise Species Breakup Reveals Insights
Urban areas averaged only 22 bird species per checklist due to loss of fruit trees and green spaces. Coastal wetlands came on top with 64 species per checklist showcasing heightened diversity. Agricultural landscapes saw 35 species per submission indicating their ecological role.
Key Habitat Findings
- Evergreen forests reported 52 species per checklist
- Desert, semi-arid locations averaged 19 bird species per submission
- Mangrove ecosystems saw 48 species on average basis GBBC data
India’s Top 10 most commonly reported bird species in GBBC 2024
| Species | No. of Checklists Reported | % change from 2023 | Conservation Status |
| House Crow | 18,200 | +12% | Least Concern |
| Rosy Starling | 17,800 | +5% | Least Concern |
| House Sparrow | 17,500 | -2% | Vulnerable |
| Common Myna | 16,900 | +20% | Least Concern |
| Spotted Dove | 12,100 | +8% | Least Concern |
| Paddyfield Pipit | 11,800 | +14% | Least Concern |
| Indian Robin | 10,900 | +16% | Least Concern |
| Oriental Magpie Robin | 10,500 | +7% | Least Concern |
| Red-vented Bulbul | 9,000 | +11% | Least Concern |
| Rock Pigeon | 8,900 | +3% | Least Concern |
Public Data Essential For Ornithology Discoveries
As field surveys are limited, ornithologists now rely heavily on public sightings data to reveal larger ecological changes. GBBC datasets have enabled unique research – from creating bird migration maps, modeling climate change impacts to identifying threatening processes behind declining species.
Launch of Mobile App and AI Tools
- To make bird watching and reporting easier, the GBBC app was launched in 2013 along with visualization tools.
- Latest 2024 edition introduced artificial intelligence for automated species recognition from photos to increase participation.
The Way Ahead
- With over 5 million observations yearly, the GBBC has enabled monitoring of over two-thirds of world’s bird species through public enthusiasm alone.
- Its success has silhouetted the potential & reliability of citizen science for conservation planning to save endangered birdlife.
Global Participation Trends
- Over 50% increase in global checklists – from 230,000 in 2018 to 350,000 in 2024
- India now contributes 20% of worldwide checklists reflecting growing amateur interest
Democratization Through Technology
- 225+ species identified in 2024 using AI-powered bird recognizing apps
- Computer vision models scalability enables mass public participation unlike manual surveying
Women as Change Agents
- Over 60% participation by women in GBBC urban birdwatching walks since 2020
- Crucial for sustainability as women steward local biodiversity conservation solutions
Science for Students
- India: Over 1,50,000 school children participated since GBBC 2021 through “Birds Near Schools” initiative
- Highlights twin agenda of research data and environmental education
New Species Discoveries
- Previously unreported Javan pond heron sighted for the first time in eastern India wetlands during GBBC 2023
- Confirms importance of public bird counts for new finds missed in formal methods
Impact on Policy
- National Andhra Pradesh Sparrow Conservation Strategy drafted based on GBBC findings in 2021
- Demonstrates role of evidence-based conservation approaches