Rules
2026 Tournament Rules
All teams must follow the tournament rules for the Spring 2026 Birding Classic in order to have official standing in their tournament category. Please review all rules for your selected tournament(s) so that you follow the rules in place for 2026.
Pay special attention to the following definitions and rules (please review complete rules for all tournament details prior to your tournament day/s):
New Tournament Category
- Lone Star Duo Tournament (NEW):
This new category allows 2-person teams. The Lone Star Duo Tournament is designed for birders who prefer to bird with just one friend, family member, or partner. It is open to all ages, statewide, and any two-person combination anywhere in Texas is eligible. This tournament is an “Intact Flock” category (see definitions below).
Number of Team Members Allowed
- Big Sit! Tournament: 1 or more team members
- Lone Star Duo Tournament: 2 team members
- All other tournament categories: 3-5 team members
Technology & Identification
- AI-assisted binoculars and identification apps:
A new rule (Rule I.J., added in 2024) clarifies how AI tools and identification apps may be used during the tournament, including identification and what may be counted.
Team Type Definitions
- Dispersed Flock Teams:
Team members may be located anywhere in Texas (for statewide tournaments) or anywhere within their selected region (for regional tournaments). Dispersed flock teams can take advantage of digital communication opportunities and social media to communicate their sightings to each other and to their one primary checklist manager who will submit the final team list to eBird. Several tournament categories offer this option. - Intact Flock Teams:
Team members bird together in person and are must travel together in person throughout their tournament day(s).
Big Sit! Specific Rules
- Big Sit! teams select a 50-foot diameter circle from which to bird.
- Any number of birders may participate in the circle over the course of the day.
- Teams may rotate participants to accommodate schedules.
- The Big Sit! runs midnight to midnight.
- Only one team member needs to see and identify a species for it to count.
The 95% Rule — How It Applies in Counting Birds
- Does NOT apply to:
- Any Dispersed Flock tournament category
- Big Sit!
- Lone Star Duo Tournament
- Dispersed Flock categories:
Because team members are birding remotely, it is the responsibility of the team to accept or question any questionable identifications before adding them to the official team checklist. - Lone Star Duo Tournament:
Both team members must identify every bird on the official team list.
Any identification made by only one team member does not count. - Intact Flock categories (except Lone Star Duo):
- At least two team members must identify every bird for it to count.
- 95% of all birds recorded must be identified by the entire team.
- The remaining 5% may be identified by two or more team members.
- Any identification made by only one team member can never be counted (exception: Big Sit! Tournament).
Time & Tournament Length
- All tournament days occur April 15 – May 15, 2026.
- Teams choose their tournament day(s) - must email Birding Classic Tournament Coordinator with date within 24-hours of participating.
- Final eBird checklist due within 48 hours of your tournament (must share with GTBCStaff account).
Scoring & Checklists
- Submit ONE cumulative team checklist via eBird.
- Include your team name and tournament category.
- Share checklist with GTBCStaff.
- Rare or unusual birds require documentation in eBird.
- Winners are determined by total number of species.