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!

Written by Jory
Jory's first field guide-identified bird was a Northern Cardinal. This turned out to be his gateway drug into birding. In 2007 Jory became the least accomplished birder to see 300 birds in New York State in one year. He has birded the world over but maintains his birding "beginner mind", of which he is inordinately proud. Just ask him. Jory is the 10,000 Birds Avian Quizmaster, coming up with ever more diabolical ways to stump his legion of devoted fans. He lives with his wife and the possessions of his children just outside of Albany NY.