Which sightings to record?

For ornithological observations to be versatile, they must meet minimal requirements. Therefore, please follow the guidelines below. A more detailed version can be found in the leaflet "Reporting bird observations" (available in German, French or Italian).

The most valuable records: complete daily forms

On ornitho.ch and the app NaturaList you have the choice between entering your observations on daily forms or as single records. Complete daily forms are of special value for scientifc analyses. However the following criteria should be fulfilled - otherwise single records are more appropriate:

Which species should be reported?

Each bird species belongs to one of 3 categories: A, B or C. If the question arises whether you should report a species or not when reporting individual observations, let yourself be guided by these categories. A-species should always be reported, B-species if they have an atlas code 7 or higher (increased likelyhood of breeding) and C-species when you feel it's interesting. For A-species, however, the principle "everything or nothing" applies. As soon as you report a species of this category for a certain area, you should also report all other A-species found on the day in the area! A list of all species including the categories can be found here. On complete daily forms you should always report all species.

Important additional information: count, atlas code, colonial species form & chick size

For B-species with an atlas code of 7 or higher and all A-species always give an indication of the number of observed individuals. This holds true for single records as well as for observations on daily forms. The principle applies: "rather an estimate than no information".

During the breeding season ornitho.ch and NaturaList automatically ask for an atlas code. Always enter the highest applicable atlas code when asked for it by the system (applies to all species). For probable or certain breeding (atlas code 7 or higher) of A and B species, an atlas code should be specified even if it is not explicitly requested.

If the colonial species form appears when entering an observation, please fill it in or pay attention to this colony during the next visit and then count the active nests. This is especially desirable if the corresponding colony has not already been counted by others.

Report duck families (except mallards) including the number and size of young (in eighths of the size of adult birds). This makes it easier to distinguish families and estimate the breeding population.