Birding vs birdwatching vs twitching: is there a difference?

Birdwatching, birding, and twitching are all activities that involve observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences between them.

Here, we will explore the differences between birding and twitching, and how they relate to bird watching.

Key takeaways on the difference between birding and twitching

Birding is the general activity of observing and studying birds.

Twitching is a specific type of birding focused on rare or unusual bird species.

Bird watching, meanwhile, has the general sense of being more casual and less intense than either birding or twitching.

Is birding the same as twitching?

Birding, also known as ornithology, is the scientific study of birds. It involves observing and identifying birds, as well as studying their behavior, ecology, and conservation.

Birders often keep lists of the birds they have seen, recording observations in a field guide or birding app. They may also participate in citizen science projects to collect data on bird populations

Birding can be done in a variety of settings, such as parks, nature preserves, and even your own backyard. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Twitching, on the other hand, is a specific type of birding that involves searching for rare or unusual bird species. Twitchers, or twitch birders, often travel long distances to see a specific bird that has been reported in an area.

Twitching is more serious and competitive

Their goal is to see as many different bird species as possible, and to add new species to one’s life list. Twitching can be a more intense and competitive activity, as twitchers may race against each other to be the first to see a rare bird.

Bird watching is a broad term that can encompass both birding and twitching. It generally refers to the activity of observing and enjoying birds, without the emphasis on identification or competition.

When did Twitchers Become Birders?

The term “twitching” originated in the UK in the early 20th century, when birders would travel long distances to see rare or unusual bird species.

These birders became known as “twitchers”. The word is a play on the term “twitching,” which refers to the nervous or excited movements a person might make when searching for a rare bird.

In the past, twitching had a somewhat negative connotation, as it was often associated with competitive, obsessive behavior. However, over time, the activity of twitching has become more mainstream and accepted as a legitimate aspect of birding.

Twitcher vs birder

Today, the term “twitcher” is often used interchangeably with “birder,” as both refer to people who enjoy observing and studying birds.

The term “birder” is considered a more inclusive and positive term than “twitcher”. It emphasizes the enjoyment and appreciation of birds, rather than the pursuit of rarity.

Many people prefer to describe themselves as ‘birders’ because as it implies a more professional and knowledgeable person.

What is Twitching in the United Kingdom?

Twitching in the UK is a specific type of birding that involves searching for rare or unusual bird species. The UK has a rich birding history and is home to many rare and unusual bird species, making it a popular destination for twitchers.

In the UK, Twitching often involves traveling long distances to see a specific bird that has been reported in an area. Many twitchers in the UK are part of birdwatching clubs, and they organize trips and share information about rare bird sightings.

Their goal is to usually see as many different bird species as possible, and to add new species to one’s life list.

How UK twitching is different to elsewhere

Twitching in the UK differs from twitching in other countries in a few ways. Firstly, the UK has a smaller land area and a more densely populated population which leads to a lot of birders in a small area when a rare bird is spotted, this can be called a “twitchathon”.

Secondly, the UK has a unique birdlife with many seabirds, waders and waterfowl that are not found in other countries.

The UK is also a major stopover site for migratory birds, which provides twitchers with the opportunity to see a wide variety of rare and unusual species.

In summary, twitching in the UK is a specific type of birding that involves searching for rare or unusual bird species. It often involves traveling long distances and is a popular activity among birders in the UK.

Is Bird Watching Called Twitching?

Bird watching and twitching are not the same activity. While they both involve observing birds, they have distinct differences in terms of focus and approach.

Bird watching is a more casual and relaxed activity that entails observing birds in their natural habitats, with the emphasis on enjoyment and education. It is a form of nature appreciation where the goal is to learn about the birds, their behavior, and their habitat.

Bird watchers enjoy their hobby in a wide range of settings, from backyard feeders to nature reserves, where the goal is to enjoy the birds and learn more about them.

Twitching, on the other hand, is a specific form of birding that is more intense and goal-oriented. It is focused on the pursuit of rare or unusual bird species, and so is often considered a more competitive activity.

Many twitchers want to add as many new species as possible to one’s ‘life list’. With this aim, they may travel long distances to see a particular bird that has been reported in an area.

So is a Twitcher a Bird-Watcher?

The terms “twitcher” and “bird-watcher” have similar meanings but are not totally interchangeable.

A twitcher is a specific type of bird-watcher who is focused on seeing as many different bird species as possible, particularly rare or unusual ones.

A bird-watcher is a more general term that encompasses a wide range of activities, from backyard feeder watching to nature reserve visiting, with the emphasis on enjoyment and education.

Therefore, a twitcher is a type of bird-watcher, but not all bird-watchers are twitchers.

While birding and twitching are distinct, they can also intersect. Many bird watchers start as casual hobbyists. Then as they gain more knowledge and experience, they may develop an interest in twitching.

Similarly, twitchers often start as bird watchers and develop their skills to become proficient at identifying birds by their calls, plumage, and behavior.

Summary: birding vs twitching – what’s the difference?

In this article, we’ve explored the differences between birding, bird watching, and twitching, and how they relate to each other.

We’ve also examined the history of twitching and how the term has evolved over time. We’ve also discussed twitching in the UK and how it differs from twitching in other countries.

To summarize, birding is the general activity of observing and studying birds. Twitching is a specific type of birding focused on rare or unusual bird species.

The term ‘bird watching’ can encompass both birding and twitching. Twitching is a more intense and competitive activity, while birding is more casual and relaxed.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the differences between birding, twitching, and bird watching, and how they relate to each other.