What is "big year"

n. 1 an informal competition among birdwatchers to see who can see or hear the largest number of species of birds within a single calendar year and within a specific geographical area. 2 (&lit big year English)

A big year is an informal competition among birders to see who can identify by sight or sound the largest number of species of birds within a single calendar year and within a specific geographical area. Popularized in North America, big years are commonly done within single US states and Canadian provinces, as well as within larger areas such as the entire world, the lower 48 continental U.S. states, or within the official American Birding Association Area. The ABA big year record is held by John Weigel of Australia with 758 species; the world big year record is held by Noah Strycker of the United States, with 6,042 species.