This week’s quiz is all about what we don’t know. Or that the internet will allow anyone to post anything no matter whether it is correct or not.
While researching this quiz on the internet, I have seen many numbers claiming to be the correct number. These numbers include 234, 204, 172, 225, 212, and 221.
The snarky part of me is tempted to have judgments about all these people who post invalid numbers. Don’t they do their research? But the more sensitive and loving part of me realized that perhaps I didn’t have the right number either! And I don’t want anyone to be snarky with me.
It is my judgment that 223 is the correct number because the source of this number seems to me to come from the most qualified source and seems the most current. I welcome discussion including what you think the correct number is and your source.
This quiz is global. It is not restricted to North America.
Here is the only clue:
223
Once you have determined the significance of this number, please answer the following questions:
– how many of these 223 have you encountered in the wild?
– if you have some of these that you are targeting next in your birding adventures, which ones are they and where are you going to search?
EXTRA CREDIT: Coincidentally, what else does 223 refer to?
Good luck!
Number of species in Accipitridae?
I have no idea how many of these I’ve seen, perhaps thirty species. Here, as always I’ll be looking for Gyrfalcon, Peregrine Falcon and Rough-legged Hawk, the only ones that make their home at this latitude.
Coincidentally, 223 is the prime number between 211 and 227, and a common calibre of rifle.
@Clare – great guess, but according to my source, Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) contains 236 different species, not 223. You are on a good track though. I’d also love to see a Gyrfalcon.
Your coincidences are cool!
Quick count says 67 for me. If I were to try and add a few in North America, I see 1 off the west coast, 2 in Arizona, 1 in the Rockies, and 1 widespread plus a few that would be vagrants or introduced. Only the west coast one doesn’t require an exact species (and actually is possible off the east coast as well).
@Jason – I’m at about 95. To get a more exact number, I’ll need to resurrect informal trip lists from a few non-birding, non-North American trips of long ago.
Recently I watched a slide show on birds of the tropics. Oh my … I’m ready to go! Pick up a whole lot more there. I haven’t yet given thought to where in North America to go for more.
I just did a rough count and got 88 for me. My most desired new targets are in the tropics… I really want a certain antpitta that is no longer an antpitta and would thus increase my count, and I also want a potoo. In North America I either need to get out on a boat or hit up the west coast to see more.