Twitching and birding refer to the pastime of observing wild birds. While the terms were once used interchangeably, in recent years there has been a shift towards using “birder” rather than “twitcher”. This change in terminology reflects an evolution in the birdwatching community.
The origins of twitching
The hobby of twitching originated in the United Kingdom in the 1950s and 1960s. Twitchers aimed to spot as many bird species as possible, often traveling long distances to see a rare bird.
The term “twitcher” comes from the nervous excitement these enthusiasts felt when chasing a rare bird sighting. Twitchers would “twitch” with anticipation at the prospect of adding another species to their life list (their tally of unique birds seen).
In the early days of twitching, observers focused on rapidly reaching the location of a rare bird. They paid little attention to studying the bird’s behavior or photographing it. For twitchers, it was all about quantity – the number of species sighted – rather than quality.
The rise of birding
From the 1970s onwards, twitching evolved into the more immersive pastime of birding or birdwatching. Birders aim to observe birds in their natural habitats and learn more about their behaviors. Seeing a rare species remains thrilling for birders, but it is no longer the sole purpose of their hobby.
As the birding community expanded, veterans sought to distance themselves from the hyper-competitive perception of twitching. The term “birder” was increasingly used to refer to those who enjoy watching birds without the frenzied chasing of species associated with twitching.
Key differences between twitchers and birders include:
Twitchers | Birders |
---|---|
Focus on maximizing species count | Interested in observing behavior and ecology |
Will travel long distances rapidly to see a rare bird | Will travel to see species but less hastily |
Spend little time observing individual birds | Careful study and photography of birds |
The priorities of twitchers and birders are reflected in their approach. Twitchers often use modes of transport like cars or planes to reach sightings as quickly as possible. Birders will spend hours watching a nest or staking out a favorite spot, often hiking or bicycling between locations.
Why the shift in terminology?
There are several factors behind the move from “twitcher” to “birder” in common usage:
Growth of birding as a hobby
As interest in birdwatching grew from the 1970s onwards, the pace and style of twitching fell out of fashion. New enthusiasts were drawn to studying birds, photographing them, and learning about conservation. Veterans began using “birder” to distinguish themselves from narrowly fixated twitchers.
Greater access to information
The Internet, smartphones, and digital photography have all made pursuing birds easier. Rare sightings and birding hotspots are instantly shared online. For many new birders, chasing rarities holds less appeal than exploring the joy of observing common birds.
Environmental awareness
There is greater awareness today around conservation and reducing one’s environmental footprint from travel. Rapid-fire twitching fueled by aviation and driving long distances does not align with eco-conscious values. Birders are typically more thoughtful in balancing their desire to see birds against sustainability.
Reduced social stigma
As birding shed some of the competitive reputation of twitching, it became a more mainstream hobby. The term “birder” appeals to a broad group who enjoy nature, photography, travel, and collecting experiences. Being called a “birder” carries less social stigma today than the original “twitcher” label.
Occasional use of “twitcher”
“Twitcher” is still used in some contexts, but increasingly infrequently. Some longtime birding enthusiasts proudly retain their twitcher identity. “Twitcher” also remains in use where discussing activities around chasing rare birds sightings.
Regional differences
In the UK, where twitching originated, the term is still used more commonly, often interchangeably with birder. Birdwatchers in North America are far more likely to exclusively use “birder”.
Competitive twitching
Those who focus on rapidly ticking species off their life list or competing in “Big Year” challenges may be referred to as twitchers. For example, the movie “The Big Year” follows three men competing in a Big Year to see the most species.
Conclusion
While once interchangeable terms, “twitcher” and “birder” now reflect subtly different approaches to observing wild birds. The shift towards using “birder” demonstrates the evolution from frenzied twitching to more immersive, eco-conscious birding.
For today’s birders, the joy of discovering nature takes priority over racking up species counts. Nonetheless, whether called twitchers or birders, enthusiasts worldwide share a delight in watching birds wherever they may be spotted.