This MCP server provides access to the eBird API 2.0, letting you query recent observations, hotspots, taxonomy, and other birding data through a structured MCP interface. It’s designed for you to run locally and connect via an MCP client, so you can build custom birding workflows and tools around the eBird data.

How to use

You use this server with an MCP client by selecting the ebird server from your MCP configuration and sending requests for bird observations, hotspots, checklists, and related data. The server exposes a set of tools that cover common birding tasks, such as getting recent observations in a region, finding notable sightings, retrieving observations for a species, and exploring nearby hotspots.

How to install

Prerequisites: you need Node.js and npm installed on your machine.

# 1) Install dependencies
npm install

# 2) Build the project
npm run build

Additional setup and configuration

Configure the MCP server for use with your Claude Code setup by providing the API key and the runtime command that starts the server.

# Add the ebird MCP server to Claude Code with your API key
claude mcp add ebird -e EBIRD_API_KEY=your_api_key_here -- node /Users/youruser/ebird-mcp/dist/index.js

Or manually edit Claude Code settings

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ebird": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/Users/youruser/ebird-mcp/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "EBIRD_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Security and keys

Keep your API key secret and only load it into your runtime environment through trusted configuration methods. Do not expose the key in public scripts or version control.

Troubleshooting and tips

If the server does not start, verify that the path to the built index file is correct and that the EBIRD_API_KEY is set in the runtime environment. Check that dependencies were installed and that the build completed without errors.

Notes

The server exposes a comprehensive set of tools for accessing eBird data, including recent observations, notable observations, general species observations, regional statistics, and taxonomy information. Use the available tools to tailor queries to your workflow.

Configuration and tools overview

The following tools are available to query eBird data: get_recent_observations, get_notable_observations, get_species_observations, get_nearby_observations, get_nearby_species_observations, get_nearest_species_observations, get_nearby_notable_observations, get_historic_observations, get_top_100, get_recent_checklists, get_checklists_on_date, get_regional_statistics, get_species_list, get_checklist, get_adjacent_regions, get_hotspots_in_region, get_nearby_hotspots, get_hotspot_info, get_taxonomy, get_taxonomic_forms, get_taxa_locales, get_taxonomy_versions, get_taxonomic_groups, get_region_info, get_sub_regions.

Region and species codes

Region Codes: Country (2-letter), State/Province (Country-State), County (Country-State-County), Location (L-code). Species codes use 6-letter codes and can be found via the taxonomy tool.

Available tools

get_recent_observations

Get recent bird observations in a region by specifying region codes or bounding locations.

get_notable_observations

Retrieve recent notable or rare observations within a region or area.

get_species_observations

Fetch observations for a specific species over a defined area or date range.

get_nearby_observations

Get observations near a given latitude/longitude.

get_nearby_species_observations

Get observations of a species near a location.

get_nearest_species_observations

Find the nearest locations where a species has been observed.

get_nearby_notable_observations

Get notable observations near a location.

get_historic_observations

Retrieve observations from a specific date.

get_top_100

Get top 100 contributors on a given date.

get_recent_checklists

Fetch recently submitted checklists.

get_checklists_on_date

Get checklists from a specific date.

get_regional_statistics

Obtain statistics for a region on a given date.

get_species_list

Get all species recorded in a region.

get_checklist

Get details of a specific checklist.

get_adjacent_regions

Get neighboring regions.

get_hotspots_in_region

Get birding hotspots in a region.

get_nearby_hotspots

Get hotspots near a location.

get_hotspot_info

Get information about a specific hotspot.

get_taxonomy

Fetch the eBird taxonomy.

get_taxonomic_forms

Get subspecies for a species.

get_taxa_locales

Get available language codes for taxa.

get_taxonomy_versions

List taxonomy versions.

get_taxonomic_groups

Get species groups.

get_region_info

Get information about a region.

get_sub_regions

Get sub-regions within a region.