Assessing bird vocalisation identification accuracy using a computer-based quiz

摘要

Reliable information on bird population trends is required to inform management and policy decisions. The ability to accurately identify species is therefore essential, yet there have been few studies on this subject. This study investigated accuracy of bird vocalisation identification via the use of a computer-based quiz, to provide data on difficult-to-identify species which may be used to inform training requirements and data analyses. Identification accuracy was highly variable, and for several species some vocalisation types were more difficult to identify accurately than others. Analysis of incorrect responses revealed that confusion was usually between species with similar vocalisations. A comparison of participants' perceived identification ability (via self-assessment) to their actual ability, as determined from their quiz score showed that advanced participants usually assessed their ability accurately, whilst the remaining participants (intermediate, novice and no experience) generally underestimated their ability, demonstrating the need for an objective means of bird identification skill assessment.