Bird Egg Identification Guide
Putting All Our eggs in One Database
Find images and descriptions for more than 250 species.
Resources include color photographs of eggs, descriptions of nests and clutch size, egg measurements and breeding distribution maps. We follow the most recent Checklist of North American Birds published by the American Ornithologists' Union. Images and descriptions are available for 250 species, including species that are documented or likely to breed in Wisconsin. The database also includes the extinct passenger pigeon.
Tips to Identify Eggs
You might need more information than you think.
Appearance
Consider the size, shape, color, and sheen (glossy or matte) of the egg itself.
Habitat
Note the habitat you find the eggs in, like a park, farmland, coastland or pond.
Nest & Clutch Size
The nest and clutch size (number of eggs in the nest) can help determine the species.
How to Search
Searching our online guide to Wisconsin Bird Eggs involves a process of elimination. You can search by:
- Family
- Group (ducks, finches, etc.)
- Genus
- Species
- Common Name
Ask Our Experts
Meet Professor Daniel Meinhardt, curator of the Richter Museum. If you have questions about the museum or would like to visit for research or educational purposes, he can help!