Bird Study Merit Badge
Bird identification and observation — typically requires a multi-hour field outing.
Good fit if you like
Official Requirements
We keep this page focused on tips and what to expect, not a copy of the requirement text — requirements get revised periodically, and scouts are generally held to whichever version was current when they started the badge (the same reason Scoutbook lets you filter by pamphlet version). For the exact, current wording, check your Scoutbook record for this badge or the official page below.
Bird Study on scouting.org ↗Finding a Counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for the council's merit badge counselor list. For popular badges, a parent in your troop may already be registered as a counselor. If your troop doesn't have one, your council's advancement chair can help connect you.
Tip: for this badge, look for counselors who work professionally in the field — a local vet, engineer, or IT professional makes an ideal counselor and often brings real-world context the pamphlet alone can't provide.
Similar Badges You Might Like
First Aid
EagleCore first aid skills — wound care, CPR awareness, and emergency response basics every scout should know.
Health & SafetyCooking
EagleMeal planning and cooking on a campout, plus basic nutrition and food safety.
Outdoor SkillsEmergency Preparedness
EagleDisaster readiness — family emergency plans, first aid, and response to common emergencies.
Health & SafetyEnvironmental Science
EagleEcology, pollution, and conservation through hands-on field study and experiments.
STEMSustainability
EagleResource use, climate, and sustainable practices — an alternative path to the Environmental Science requirement.
STEMHiking
EagleA series of hikes building toward a 20-mile hike — a land-based alternative to Swimming.
Sports & Fitness