Develop your skills, feed your curiosity

Learn with the Cornell Lab Course Catalog 
Tufted Coquette © Luke Seitz | Macaulay Library

Find the Courses Right for You

Self-paced online courses for all levels. Browse our top categories:

Bird Identification Bird Biology and Behavior Art and Technical Skills Nature Appreciation

Why Choose Bird Academy

Dickcissel flying with wings open to the side
Dickcissel © Ryan Sanderson | Macaulay Library

Pursue Passion

For yourself or as a gift for someone who cares about birds as much as you do, join the 218,000 people pursuing their passion with Bird Academy. All courses are backed by our satisfaction guarantee.

King Eider with wings spread and chest puffed out
King Eider © August Davidson-Onsgard | Macaulay Library

Gain Confidence

Self-paced courses help you to train at home, before you travel or go out into the field. With no time limit, you can take as long as you need and revisit as often as you want.

Mother and daughter holding binoculars and looking at nature
© Darcy Rose

Start Learning

Media-rich content for all learning styles. Courses include videos, articles, quizzes, custom practice tools, discussions, and more–all created by our team of expert birders, ornithologists, and instructional designers.

Here to Help You Learn

Get to know the instructors from some of our most recent courses

From the Bird Academy Community

Join the 218,000+ people already enrolled in Bird Academy

I found many more warblers this spring thanks to this class. I knew they were there and how to look and listen for them. I also trusted my observations more, the course gave me confidence." Bird Academy Student
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to take a course like this. This is now my third course of yours that I have taken online at my own pace and I really love the format!" Bird Academy Student
I am recently retired and have found this one of my best new projects so far! It also makes my daily walks in a nearby park more interesting as I notice the birds more and try to identify them. It makes me appreciate birds and nature even more! Thank you!" Bird Academy Student
Great course. As a beginning birder, the soundscape picture really helped me visualize the parts of the bird songs and the little quizzes helped me remember what I learned. Was afraid it was going to be too daunting, but it was fun. Thanks so much." Bird Academy Student
I have absolutely loved the courses. As a newer birder but an avid fan of birds, I have learned so much. Your classes are really well put together—excellent instructional design." Margaret, Bird Academy Student
I wanted to let you know your techniques are working! … Waterfowl migration is happening now… I was able to identify three ducks that were firsts for me. The American Wigeon was distinctive with white flank and forehead even though very far away." Susan, Bird Academy Student