# FAQ
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/faq

Answers to common questions about BirdTab.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is BirdTab free?">
    Yes. BirdTab is free to install and use. The free plan gives you the daily bird photo, bird call, facts, quiz, viewing history, and quick access panel.

    [BirdTab Pro](/pro/overview) adds video mode, high-resolution images, 200+ international regions, and the clock and timer. Every new install starts with a **14-day free trial** of Pro — no credit card required.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I buy BirdTab Pro?">
    Visit [birdtab.app/pricing](https://birdtab.app/pricing) and choose a plan — **yearly subscription** or **lifetime purchase**. After checkout you'll receive a license key by email.

    You can also start the purchase from inside BirdTab: open **Settings** (gear icon, bottom-right) and click **Upgrade to Pro**. This takes you directly to a secure payment page.

    Pro access activates immediately after purchase — no restart or reinstall required.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I activate my BirdTab Pro license?">
    After purchasing, you'll receive a license key by email. To activate it:

    1. Open a new BirdTab tab and click the **gear icon** (bottom-right) to open Settings.
    2. Click **Enter license key**.
    3. Paste the key from your purchase confirmation email and confirm.

    Pro features turn on immediately. If you're reinstalling or switching devices, follow the same steps — your license can be used on multiple devices.

    Still not working? Open **Settings → Pro** and click **Refresh status**, or email [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens when my free trial ends?">
    After 14 days your account moves to the free plan automatically. You keep access to all the core features. Pro features (video mode, high-res images, international regions, clock and timer) are paused until you subscribe.

    You'll see an in-extension prompt when the trial is close to ending.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How often does the bird change?">
    Once a day, at midnight in your local timezone. Every new tab you open that day shows the same bird. You can browse past birds any time from the [Viewing History](/features/history) panel.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where does the bird data come from?">
    Photos and audio come from the **Macaulay Library** at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology — one of the largest natural sound and wildlife media archives in the world. Species and observation data is sourced from **eBird**, also run by the Cornell Lab.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does BirdTab work in Firefox?">
    Not currently. BirdTab is built for **Chrome** and **Microsoft Edge**. Firefox support is not planned at this time.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does BirdTab track me or collect personal data?">
    BirdTab collects minimal, anonymous usage data to improve the extension (such as which features are used). It does **not** read your browsing history, collect search queries, or sell data to third parties. See the [Privacy Policy](https://birdtab.app/privacy) for full details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I see birds from a specific country or region?">
    Yes — with [BirdTab Pro](/pro/regions). The free plan shows birds from the US. Pro unlocks 200+ regions across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania. Switch regions any time from **Settings → Region**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use BirdTab's timer for the Pomodoro Technique?">
    Yes. The timer has a built-in **25-minute preset** — the classic Pomodoro work-session length — plus 5-minute and 1-minute presets for short breaks. See [Clock & Timer → Pomodoro Technique](/pro/clock-timer#pomodoro-technique) for a step-by-step guide.

    The timer is a [Pro feature](/pro/overview).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I open BirdTab in multiple tabs?">
    Timer state syncs across all open BirdTab tabs in real time. Pausing in one tab pauses everywhere, so your countdown stays consistent no matter how many tabs you have open.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I cancel my Pro subscription?">
    Go to **Settings → Manage Subscription** inside BirdTab, or visit the customer portal directly. From there you can cancel, update payment details, or view invoices. Cancelling stops the next renewal — you keep Pro access until the end of the current billing period.

    See [Manage Subscription](/pro/manage-subscription) for details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I activated a license key but my Pro features aren't showing.">
    Try these steps:

    1. Open a new BirdTab tab and wait 10–15 seconds for the license to verify.
    2. If features still aren't active, open **Settings → Pro** and click **Refresh status**.
    3. If that doesn't help, email [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app) with your license key and we'll sort it out.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where can I report a bug or request a feature?">
    Email [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app) or use the [contact form](https://birdtab.app/contact). You can also reach out on [X (Twitter)](https://x.com/birdtabapp). Bug reports with steps to reproduce are always appreciated.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How can I contact BirdTab support?">
    You can reach us directly at [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app). Please include your browser, BirdTab version, and a short description of the issue so we can help faster.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why do I see a banner at the bottom of the page?">
    That's Chrome's own New Tab footer, not a BirdTab element.

    To hide it, right-click the footer banner and choose **Hide Footer on New Tab Page**.

    For a screenshot and steps, see [Footer Banner (Chrome)](/footer-banner).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does BirdTab need the 'storage' permission?">
    BirdTab uses `storage` to remember your preferences — things like volume level, selected region, quiet hours, auto-play setting, and clock/timer configuration. Everything is stored **locally in your browser**. None of your settings are uploaded to our servers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does BirdTab need the 'search' permission?">
    The `search` permission lets BirdTab read which search engine you've set as the default in Chrome. When you choose "Browser Default" in **Settings → Search Engine**, BirdTab uses this to route your queries to the right place — exactly as Chrome would from the address bar. BirdTab never reads, logs, or transmits your search queries.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does BirdTab request access to my top sites?">
    The `topSites` permission is **optional** and only used if you enable the Top Sites panel in Quick Access. It reads the list of your most-visited URLs from Chrome so BirdTab can show those shortcuts on your new tab page. This data stays in your browser — BirdTab never sends your browsing history or visited URLs to any server.

    You'll be asked to grant this permission the first time you turn Top Sites on. You can also revoke it at any time from Chrome's extension settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does BirdTab connect to api.birdtab.app?">
    `api.birdtab.app` is BirdTab's own backend. Every time you open a new tab, BirdTab fetches that day's bird — its photo, audio recording, species info, and fun facts — from this endpoint. Your account status and Pro licence are also verified here. No personal browsing data is ever sent; the request only includes your region preference and licence key (if applicable).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does BirdTab connect to the Macaulay Library?">
    BirdTab streams bird-call audio directly from [search.macaulaylibrary.org](https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/) — the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's media archive — rather than hosting copies of the recordings. This keeps the audio authentic and up to date. The request contains only the identifier of the bird's recording; no user data is sent.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does BirdTab connect to Sentry?">
    BirdTab uses [Sentry](https://sentry.io) for anonymous crash reporting. If an unexpected error occurs, a brief technical report (stack trace, browser version, extension version) is sent to help us diagnose and fix bugs quickly. No personal information, search queries, or browsing history is included in these reports.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


# Bird Audio
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/audio

Listen to authentic bird calls and songs from the Macaulay Library.

Each bird in BirdTab comes with a recording of its call or song, sourced from the [Macaulay Library](https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/) at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

<Note>
  Audio is available in **photo mode only**. When video mode is active, the video's own audio plays instead.
</Note>

## Controls

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Play / Pause" icon="play">
    Click the play button in the toolbar to start or stop playback.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Volume" icon="volume-high">
    Drag the slider to adjust from 0–100%. Defaults to **30%** on first install. Your level is remembered.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mute" icon="volume-xmark">
    Click the speaker icon to mute or unmute. Mute state persists between sessions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Auto-play

When **Auto-play Media** is enabled in Settings, the bird's call starts playing automatically each time you open a new tab. Disabled by default.

<Tip>
  Auto-play is automatically suppressed during Quiet Hours — no need to manually disable it at night.
</Tip>

## Quiet Hours

Quiet Hours prevent audio from auto-playing during a set window so BirdTab doesn't make noise when you don't want it to.

| Setting         | Value                                     |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Window          | 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM (fixed)                 |
| Indicator       | Moon icon appears in the toolbar          |
| Auto-play       | Suppressed during the window              |
| Manual playback | Always available, even during Quiet Hours |

Enable Quiet Hours in **Settings → Quiet Hours**.

## Keyboard shortcuts

With the new tab page focused:

| Key        | Action                 |
| ---------- | ---------------------- |
| `+` or `=` | Increase volume by 10% |
| `-` or `_` | Decrease volume by 10% |

## Recordist credit

Each audio clip is credited to the original recordist with a link to the Macaulay Library asset.

<Info>
  Not all birds have an audio recording. If no recording is available for the current bird, the audio controls are hidden.
</Info>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I stop bird audio from playing automatically?">
    Open **Settings → Auto-play Media** and toggle it **off**. Once disabled, audio will never start on its own — you can still play it manually at any time by clicking the play button in the toolbar.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I turn on Quiet Hours?">
    Go to **Settings → Quiet Hours** and enable it. Quiet Hours automatically suppress audio auto-play between **8:00 PM and 8:00 AM**. When Quiet Hours are active, a **moon icon** appears in the toolbar as a reminder. You can still trigger playback manually during this window.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I make bird audio play automatically when I open a new tab?">
    Open **Settings → Auto-play Media** and toggle it **on**. BirdTab will then start playing the current bird's call each time you open a new tab.

    <Tip>
      If audio doesn't auto-play even with this enabled, check whether Quiet Hours is active (look for the moon icon). Quiet Hours overrides Auto-play during the 8 PM – 8 AM window.
    </Tip>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


# Bird of the Day
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/bird-of-the-day

A new bird species every day with photography, facts, and a link to eBird.

Every time you open a new tab, BirdTab displays a different bird species. The bird changes once per day — multiple tabs on the same day all show the same bird.

<img alt="BirdTab new tab showing a bird with info panel" />

## What's shown

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Name" icon="tag">
    Common name prominently displayed, scientific name in italics beneath it.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Photo" icon="image">
    Full-screen landscape photography from the Macaulay Library at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Facts" icon="circle-info">
    A short description of the species, its habitat, and behaviour.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Location" icon="location-dot">
    Where the specific photo was taken in the field.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Credit" icon="camera">
    Photographer name, linked back to the original Macaulay Library asset.
  </Card>

  <Card title="eBird link" icon="arrow-up-right-from-square">
    Click the bird's name or eBird icon to open the full species page.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Refreshing the bird

Click the **refresh button** (circular arrow) in the toolbar to load a different bird immediately, without waiting for the next day. This draws a new random bird from your selected region.

## How birds are selected

Birds are drawn from a pool of species relevant to your selected region. Each day a new bird is picked randomly from that pool. The next day's bird preloads in the background so new tabs open instantly.

<Info>
  By default BirdTab shows birds from **North America**. Pro users can choose from 200+ regions worldwide. See [International Regions](/pro/regions).
</Info>

## Data source

All photography, audio, and video comes from the **[Macaulay Library](https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/)** at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology — the world's largest scientific archive of wildlife recordings. BirdTab requests landscape-oriented photos for the best full-screen display.

## If something goes wrong

<Warning>
  If BirdTab can't load bird data and has no cached backup, it shows an error with options to **Try Again** or **Send Feedback**. In most cases a cached bird from a previous session loads as a fallback automatically.
</Warning>


# Viewing History
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/history

Browse every bird you've seen since installing BirdTab.

BirdTab keeps a log of every bird displayed in your new tab. The history panel lets you browse them all, see when you last viewed each one, and jump to eBird for more information.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## Opening history

Click the **options button** and select **History** from the menu.

## What's shown

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Photo & name" icon="image">
    Thumbnail of the bird alongside its common name and scientific name.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Region" icon="earth-americas">
    The region your bird setting was set to when you saw this bird.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Relative time" icon="clock">
    When you saw it — "2 hours ago", "yesterday", "3 days ago". Updates in real time while the panel is open.
  </Card>

  <Card title="eBird link" icon="arrow-up-right-from-square">
    Opens the full species page on eBird for more information.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Clearing history

Click **Clear all** at the top of the history panel to remove the entire log.

<Warning>
  Clearing history cannot be undone.
</Warning>

## Storage

History is stored locally on your device and is **not synced across devices**. If you use BirdTab on multiple browsers or computers, each maintains its own separate history.


# Keyboard Shortcuts
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/keyboard-shortcuts

Faster ways to use BirdTab with your keyboard.

Use these shortcuts when a BirdTab new tab is focused.

## Global shortcuts

| Shortcut                     | Action                      |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| `Ctrl` + `K` (Windows/Linux) | Focus search box            |
| `Cmd` + `K` (macOS)          | Focus search box            |
| `Arrow Up`                   | Increase volume by 10%      |
| `Arrow Down`                 | Decrease volume by 10%      |
| `Escape`                     | Clear and blur search input |

## Quiz shortcuts

| Shortcut        | Action                                         |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `Q`             | Start quiz (or request exit if quiz is active) |
| `1` `2` `3` `4` | Pick answer option                             |
| `Enter`         | Next question after answering                  |

## Timer shortcuts

When timer setup is focused:

| Shortcut                     | Action                             |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| `Tab` / `Shift` + `Tab`      | Move between hours/minutes/seconds |
| `Arrow Left` / `Arrow Right` | Move between time fields           |
| `Arrow Up` / `Arrow Down`    | Increase or decrease active field  |
| Number keys                  | Enter digits for active field      |
| `Backspace`                  | Remove a digit                     |

## Notes

* Shortcuts are ignored while typing in input fields where relevant.
* If a shortcut does not work, click anywhere on the BirdTab page first, then try again.


# Quick Access
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/quick-access

Search the web, visit your top sites, and access Google apps — all from the new tab.

Quick Access adds a productivity layer to your new tab page. It's enabled by default and can be turned off in **Settings → Quick Access Features** for a fully minimal view.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## Components

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Search">
    A search bar appears in the Quick Access panel. Type a query and press **Enter** to search. Press **Escape** to clear the field.

    ### Search engines

    Choose your preferred engine in **Settings → Search Engine**:

    | Option          | Behaviour                             |
    | --------------- | ------------------------------------- |
    | Browser Default | Uses Chrome's built-in search setting |
    | Google          | Searches google.com                   |
    | DuckDuckGo      | Searches duckduckgo.com               |
    | ChatGPT         | Opens ChatGPT with your query         |
    | Perplexity AI   | Opens Perplexity with your query      |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Top Sites">
    Shortcuts to your most frequently visited sites, drawn from Chrome's top sites API. These update automatically as your browsing habits change.

    <Info>
      Top Sites require the `topSites` permission. If you haven't granted this, the section won't appear. You can also toggle Top Sites off in Settings independently of the permission.
    </Info>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Google Apps">
    An optional grid of Google app icons below the search bar. Toggle it on or off in Settings.

    Available apps include: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Photos, Maps, YouTube, and more.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Clock & Timer">
    The Quick Access panel hosts the [Clock & Timer](/pro/clock-timer) display when enabled. Shows the current time or a countdown timer.

    <Info>Clock & Timer is a [BirdTab Pro](/pro/clock-timer) feature.</Info>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Disabling Quick Access

Toggle off **Quick Access Features** in Settings to hide everything — search box, top sites, Google apps, and clock/timer — leaving only the bird and its controls visible.

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I change my search engine?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and pick from the list. The change takes effect immediately — your next search will use the new engine.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with Google?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **Google**. Queries from the BirdTab search bar will open `google.com` with your search terms.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with DuckDuckGo?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **DuckDuckGo**. Your queries will open `duckduckgo.com` — keeping your searches private, with no tracking or ad profiling.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with ChatGPT?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **ChatGPT**. Queries will open `chatgpt.com` with your question pre-filled so you can get an AI-generated answer directly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with Perplexity AI?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **Perplexity AI**. Your query will open `perplexity.ai`, which gives you AI-sourced answers with citations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I use my browser's default search engine?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **Browser Default**. BirdTab will defer to whatever search engine you have set in Chrome's own settings (usually found at `chrome://settings/search`). This is the default option.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


# Bird Quiz
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/quiz

Test your bird identification skills with a photo-based quiz.

The Bird Quiz tests your ability to identify species from photos. Each session is 10 questions with a different bird image for each. Your score and streak are tracked across sessions.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## How to play

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the quiz">
    Click the **options button** and select **Quiz** from the menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identify the bird">
    A bird photo appears with four multiple-choice options. Select the species you think is correct.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get feedback">
    BirdTab instantly tells you whether you're right. Your score and streak update after each answer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Continue">
    Click **Next** to advance. The progress bar at the top shows your position (e.g. Question 3 of 10).
  </Step>

  <Step title="See your results">
    After 10 questions BirdTab shows your final score, accuracy, and best streak.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Scoring

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Points" icon="star">
    Each correct answer earns **1 point**. Your final score is out of 10 (one point per question). Incorrect answers and skips score 0.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Streak" icon="fire">
    Your streak counts consecutive correct answers. It resets to zero on any incorrect answer or skip.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Your **best streak** records your all-time highest — it carries over between daily sessions.

## End of quiz

After 10 questions, the results screen shows:

* Final score out of 10
* Number of correct answers
* Current streak and all-time best streak

## Good to know

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Where do quiz birds come from?">
    Quiz birds are drawn from the same region as your daily bird setting. Images come from the Macaulay Library and are cached for 24 hours. Landscape-oriented images are preferred.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does the quiz reset?">
    Yes — each day brings a fresh set of questions in sync with the bird of the day. Your cumulative score and best streak carry over between days.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I skip a question?">
    Yes. Skipped questions count as incorrect and reset your streak.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


# Settings
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/settings

All settings and options available in BirdTab.

Open the settings panel by clicking the **gear icon** in the bottom-right corner of the new tab page.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## Media & Playback

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Birding Region" icon="earth-americas">
    The geographic area from which your daily birds are drawn. Defaults to **United States**.

    Free users are limited to United States. [BirdTab Pro](/pro/regions) unlocks 200+ regions worldwide.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Auto-play Media" icon="play">
    **Default: Off**

    When enabled, BirdTab automatically plays media each time you open a new tab:

    * In **photo mode** — plays the bird's audio call
    * In **video mode** — plays the bird video

    Auto-play is suppressed during [Quiet Hours](#quiet-hours).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Quiet Hours" icon="moon">
    **Default: Off**

    Prevents audio from auto-playing between **8:00 PM and 8:00 AM**. When active, a moon icon appears in the toolbar.

    Videos can still auto-play during Quiet Hours, but they play **muted**. You can always play or pause audio manually — the restriction only applies to auto-play.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Video Mode" icon="video">
    **Default: Off** · [Pro feature](/pro/video-mode)

    Switches from static photos to short video clips of the bird in its natural habitat. Requires an active BirdTab Pro subscription or trial.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="High-Resolution Images" icon="image">
    **Default: Off** · [Pro feature](/pro/high-res-images)

    Increases the image resolution from 1200px to 2400px. Requires an active BirdTab Pro subscription or trial.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Productivity

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Quick Access Features" icon="grid-2">
    **Default: On**

    Enables the search box, most-visited sites (Top Sites), and custom shortcuts area. Disabling this hides all Quick Access elements for a fully minimal view.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Search Engine" icon="magnifying-glass">
    **Default: Browser Default**

    Controls which engine handles searches from the Quick Access search box:

    * Browser Default (uses your Chrome search engine setting)
    * Google
    * DuckDuckGo
    * ChatGPT
    * Perplexity AI
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Google Apps Shortcuts" icon="google">
    **Default: Off**

    Shows a grid of Google app icons (Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc.) in the Quick Access area.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Chrome Tab" icon="chrome">
    **Default: On**

    Shows a small icon that opens a Chrome default new tab page — useful if you ever need Chrome's built-in new tab features.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Clock / Timer Display" icon="clock">
    **Default: Clock** · [Pro feature](/pro/clock-timer)

    Controls what appears in the Quick Access area:

    * **Off** — nothing shown
    * **Clock** — current time (12-hour or 24-hour, optional seconds)
    * **Timer** — countdown timer (configurable duration, optional alarm)

    Requires an active BirdTab Pro subscription or trial.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Language

BirdTab defaults to your browser's language setting. To change it manually, select from the language dropdown in Settings.

Supported languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and more.


# Share
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/features/share

Share the bird you're looking at with friends.

Each bird in BirdTab has a dedicated species page on [birdtab.app](https://birdtab.app). The Share feature lets you copy a link or post directly to social platforms.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## Opening the share menu

Click the **share icon** in the bird info panel or toolbar. A small popup appears with sharing options. Press **Escape** or click outside to close it.

## Share options

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Copy link" icon="link">
    Copies the species URL to your clipboard (e.g. `birdtab.app/species/norfli`). The button briefly changes to "Copied!" to confirm.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Twitter / X" icon="x-twitter">
    Opens a pre-filled tweet in a popup window with the bird's name and species page URL.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Facebook" icon="facebook">
    Opens the Facebook share dialog in a popup window with the species page URL.
  </Card>

  <Card title="WhatsApp" icon="whatsapp">
    Opens a WhatsApp share with the bird name and URL pre-filled. Works on desktop and mobile.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Species pages

Each species page on birdtab.app shows the bird photo, name, and key facts — the same content you see in BirdTab. Pages are pre-rendered and load instantly, making them easy to share.


# Footer Banner (Chrome)
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/footer-banner

Why you may see a bottom banner on Chrome new tabs and how to hide it.

If you see a banner at the bottom of your new tab page, that is Chrome's own footer (not a BirdTab UI element).

<img alt="Chrome new tab footer banner with menu option to hide it" />

## How to hide it

1. Right-click the footer banner at the bottom of the page.
2. Select **Hide Footer on New Tab Page**.

## Why this appears

This footer is controlled by Chrome. Availability and wording can vary by Chrome version.

Need help? Email [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app).


# Installation
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/installation

Get BirdTab up and running in under a minute.

BirdTab is a browser extension available for Chrome and Microsoft Edge. It's free to install. Every new install starts with a **14-day free trial of BirdTab Pro**.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Chrome">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open the Chrome Web Store">
        Go to the [BirdTab listing on the Chrome Web Store](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/birdtab-discover-bird-pic/dkdnidbnjihhilbjndnnlfipmbnoaipn).
      </Step>

      <Step title="Add to Chrome">
        Click **Add to Chrome**, then confirm by clicking **Add extension** in the dialog.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Complete onboarding">
        A short onboarding flow opens. Choose your birding region and whether to auto-play bird calls. This takes about 30 seconds.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Open a new tab">
        Your first bird is waiting. Every new tab from here on shows a different species.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Microsoft Edge">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open the Edge Add-ons store">
        Go to the [BirdTab listing on the Edge Add-ons store](https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/birdtab-discover-bird-p/ciggnaneplggkgmjnmcjpmaggbbbcakg).
      </Step>

      <Step title="Get the extension">
        Click **Get**, then confirm by clicking **Add extension** in the dialog.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Complete onboarding">
        Choose your region and audio preferences in the brief onboarding flow.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Open a new tab">
        BirdTab replaces the default Edge new tab page immediately.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## After installing

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Free trial" icon="crown">
    All new installs include a **14-day free trial of BirdTab Pro**. No credit card required. You get full access to video mode, high-res images, all international regions, and the clock and timer. After the trial, BirdTab continues working with the standard free features.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Onboarding" icon="map">
    The first time you open a new tab after installing, a short onboarding flow walks you through:

    1. **Choose your birding region** — the geographic area from which your daily birds are drawn. Defaults to United States.
    2. **Auto-play audio** — whether bird calls play automatically when you open a new tab. Disabled by default.

    You can change both of these at any time in Settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Permissions" icon="shield">
    BirdTab requests the `topSites` permission to show your most-visited sites in the Quick Access panel. This permission is optional — Quick Access can be disabled in Settings if you prefer a cleaner view.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


# Introduction
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/introduction

Turn every new tab into a bird-watching experience.

BirdTab transforms your browser's new tab page with a different bird species every day — a full-screen photo or video, the bird's call, and a set of fascinating facts. It's a small moment of nature in every browsing session.

Every new install starts with a **14-day free trial of BirdTab Pro**, giving you immediate access to all premium features.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## What's included

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Bird of the Day" icon="bird" href="/features/bird-of-the-day">
    A new species daily with full-screen photography, facts, and a link to eBird.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bird Audio" icon="volume-high" href="/features/audio">
    Authentic calls and songs from the Macaulay Library at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bird Quiz" icon="circle-question" href="/features/quiz">
    Identify birds from photos. Track your score and streak across sessions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Viewing History" icon="clock-rotate-left" href="/features/history">
    Browse every bird you've seen, with relative timestamps and eBird links.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick Access" icon="grid-2" href="/features/quick-access">
    Search the web, visit top sites, and access Google apps — all from the new tab.
  </Card>

  <Card title="BirdTab Pro" icon="crown" href="/pro/overview">
    Video mode, high-res images, 200+ international regions, clock and timer.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Install BirdTab

BirdTab is free. Available for Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Chrome" icon="chrome" href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/birdtab-discover-bird-pic/dkdnidbnjihhilbjndnnlfipmbnoaipn">
    Install from the Chrome Web Store
  </Card>

  <Card title="Microsoft Edge" icon="edge" href="https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/birdtab-discover-bird-p/ciggnaneplggkgmjnmcjpmaggbbbcakg">
    Install from the Edge Add-ons store
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


# Onboarding
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/onboarding

What happens after install and how to set BirdTab up in under a minute.

After installing BirdTab, a short onboarding flow opens automatically. It takes about 30 seconds and helps you set your defaults.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## Step-by-step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Welcome">
    Quick intro to BirdTab and what you can expect on each new tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your region">
    Select your birding region. This controls which birds are shown in your daily feed.

    Free users: United States only.
    Pro users (or active trial): 200+ regions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Auto-play preference">
    Choose whether bird audio should auto-play when a new tab opens.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Change onboarding choices later

You can edit onboarding choices anytime in **Settings**:

* **Birding Region**
* **Auto-play Media**

## Feature tour after onboarding

After setup, BirdTab may show a short feature tour to point out key controls.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## If onboarding does not appear

* Open a new tab and check if BirdTab is already active.
* Make sure BirdTab is enabled in your browser's extension settings.
* Disable and re-enable the BirdTab extension, then open a new tab.
* If it still fails, contact support: [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app)


# Permissions & Privacy
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/permissions-privacy

Why BirdTab requests specific browser permissions and how your data is handled.

BirdTab requests a small set of permissions to power extension features.

## Permissions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="storage">
    Used to save your local preferences: region, audio settings, quick access settings, and timer/clock configuration.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="search">
    Lets BirdTab route searches using your selected search engine, including your browser default option.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="topSites (optional)">
    Used only for the Top Sites section in Quick Access. If you do not grant it, Top Sites stays hidden.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Network connections you may see

* `api.birdtab.app` for daily bird data and license verification.
* `search.macaulaylibrary.org` / `macaulaylibrary.org` for source media references.
* Sentry for anonymous crash diagnostics.

## What BirdTab does not do

* Does not read your full browsing history.
* Does not log or sell your search queries.
* Does not sell personal data to third parties.

For legal details, see the [Privacy Policy](https://birdtab.app/privacy).

## Manage permissions

You can review or revoke permissions any time from your browser's extension settings page.

## Questions about privacy

Contact: [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app)


# Clock & Timer
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/pro/clock-timer

Display the current time or a countdown timer on your new tab page.

<Info>Clock and Timer are BirdTab Pro features. [Start your free trial](/installation) or [upgrade to Pro](/pro/overview) to enable them.</Info>

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

The Clock and Timer appear in the Quick Access panel. Switch between them — or turn both off — via **Settings → Clock / Timer Display**.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Clock">
    Shows the current time, updated every minute (or every second if seconds are enabled).

    ## Settings

    | Setting      | Options          | Default |
    | ------------ | ---------------- | ------- |
    | Format       | 12-hour, 24-hour | 12-hour |
    | Show seconds | On / Off         | Off     |

    Access these via the gear icon next to the clock display, or through **Settings → Clock / Timer Display**.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Timer">
    A countdown timer you configure and control directly from the new tab page.

    ## Setting up

    When you switch to Timer mode, input fields appear for hours, minutes, and seconds. Set your duration (default: **5 minutes**) and click **Start**.

    ## Controls

    | Control        | Action                             |
    | -------------- | ---------------------------------- |
    | Start / Resume | Begins or resumes the countdown    |
    | Pause          | Pauses the countdown               |
    | Reset          | Returns to the configured duration |

    Keyboard shortcuts work for all three controls when the new tab page is focused.

    ## Alarm

    An optional alarm sounds when the timer reaches zero. It plays for up to 30 seconds or until dismissed.

    <Note>
      The alarm is **off by default**. Enable it from the gear icon next to the timer display.
    </Note>

    ## Multi-tab sync

    Timer state syncs across all open BirdTab tabs — pausing in one tab pauses everywhere. This keeps your countdown consistent across your workspace.

    ## Pomodoro Technique

    The timer is a natural fit for the [Pomodoro Technique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_technique) — a focus method that alternates timed work sessions with short breaks. BirdTab includes presets for every phase:

    | Phase        | Preset  | What to do                                  |
    | ------------ | ------- | ------------------------------------------- |
    | Work session | **25m** | Focus on a single task, ignore distractions |
    | Short break  | **5m**  | Step away, stretch, breathe                 |
    | Quick reset  | **1m**  | A brief pause between back-to-back tasks    |

    **A typical Pomodoro cycle:**

    1. Open a new BirdTab tab and switch to **Timer** mode.
    2. Tap the **25m** preset and click **Start**. Work on one task until the timer ends.
    3. Enable the **alarm** (gear icon → Alarm) so you don't have to watch the clock.
    4. When the alarm sounds, click **Reset**, tap **5m**, and start your break.
    5. After four work sessions, take a longer break (set a custom duration like 15–30 minutes using the minute/second inputs).

    <Tip>
      Because BirdTab syncs timer state across tabs, you can open a new tab mid-session without losing your countdown. The bird in the background also gives your break a calming, nature-focused feel.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I turn the alarm on or off?">
    Click the **gear icon** next to the timer display to open timer settings. Toggle **Alarm** on or off from there. When on, a bird call plays for up to 30 seconds when the countdown reaches zero — click anywhere to dismiss it early.

    The alarm is **off by default**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I change the timer duration?">
    There are two ways:

    **Quick presets** — below the timer display you'll find one-tap presets:

    * **1m** — one minute
    * **5m** — five minutes (default)
    * **25m** — classic Pomodoro work session

    Tap any preset and the timer updates immediately.

    **Custom duration** — click directly on the hours, minutes, or seconds input fields and type your own value. Press **Start** when ready.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


# High-Resolution Images
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/pro/high-res-images

See every feather at full 2400px resolution.

<Info>High-resolution images are a BirdTab Pro feature. [Start your free trial](/installation) or [upgrade to Pro](/pro/overview) to use it.</Info>

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

By default, BirdTab loads bird photos at **1200px**. Pro users can switch to **2400px** — nearly double the detail. The difference is most visible on large monitors and high-DPI displays.

## Enabling high-res images

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable High-Resolution Images">
    Toggle **High-Resolution Images** on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open a new tab">
    The higher-resolution image loads on the next tab open.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Resolution comparison

| Setting  | Resolution | Best for                              |
| -------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Standard | 1200px     | Most screens, faster loading          |
| High-res | 2400px     | Large monitors, Retina/HiDPI displays |

<Tip>
  On a metered or slow connection, leave high-res off and enable it when on Wi-Fi. BirdTab preloads the next day's bird in the background to offset load time.
</Tip>


# License & Activation
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/pro/manage-subscription

How to activate BirdTab Pro, use it on up to 3 devices, and move licenses between devices.

After buying BirdTab Pro, you'll receive a license key by email.

## Enter your license key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open BirdTab Settings">
    Open a new BirdTab tab and click the **gear icon**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Enter license key">
    In the Pro section, select **Enter license key**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste and activate">
    Paste the key from your purchase email and confirm.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Pro features unlock immediately. No reinstall required.

## Device limit (up to 3 devices)

A license can be active on up to **3 devices** at the same time.

If you reach the limit, deactivate BirdTab on an old device before activating on a new one.

## Move your license to another device

<Steps>
  <Step title="On old device: deactivate">
    Open **Settings → Manage → Deactivate**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="On new device: activate">
    Open BirdTab Settings and enter the same license key.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Reinstalling or changing browser profile

Use the same activation steps again with your original license key.

## Billing or cancellation help

For billing, invoices, or cancellation requests:

* Open **Settings** and use **Manage Subscription** (if shown in your build).
* Or email support directly: [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app)

## Can't find your license email?

Search your inbox for BirdTab purchase confirmation first.

Still can't find it? Contact support and include your purchase email:
[support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app)

## Activation not working

Try this checklist:

1. Make sure there are no extra spaces before/after the key.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds on an active internet connection.
3. Retry activation.
4. If needed, deactivate on another device and try again.

If it still fails, contact [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app).


# BirdTab Pro
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/pro/overview

Unlock the full BirdTab experience.

BirdTab is free. BirdTab Pro adds a set of premium features for birders who want more from their new tab.

<img alt="BirdTab Pro features" />

## What's included

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Video Mode" icon="video" href="/pro/video-mode">
    Watch short video clips of each bird in its natural habitat.
  </Card>

  <Card title="High-Res Images" icon="image" href="/pro/high-res-images">
    View birds at full 2400px resolution — every feather visible.
  </Card>

  <Card title="International Regions" icon="earth-americas" href="/pro/regions">
    Explore birds from 200+ regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and beyond.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Clock & Timer" icon="clock" href="/pro/clock-timer">
    Show the current time or a countdown timer on your new tab page.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Free vs Pro

| Feature                    | Free | Pro |
| -------------------------- | ---- | --- |
| Bird of the day            | ✓    | ✓   |
| Bird audio                 | ✓    | ✓   |
| Bird quiz                  | ✓    | ✓   |
| Viewing history            | ✓    | ✓   |
| Quick Access               | ✓    | ✓   |
| North America region       | ✓    | ✓   |
| Video mode                 | —    | ✓   |
| High-res images (2400px)   | —    | ✓   |
| 200+ international regions | —    | ✓   |
| Clock & Timer              | —    | ✓   |

## Free trial

<Info>
  Every new BirdTab installation includes a **14-day free trial** of Pro — no credit card required. You get immediate, full access to all Pro features from the moment you install.
</Info>

When the trial ends, BirdTab continues working with the standard free features — your settings and history are preserved. Upgrade at any point to restore Pro access.

## Upgrade to Pro

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner of the new tab page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Upgrade to Pro">
    Find the upgrade prompt at the top of the settings panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete checkout">
    You'll be taken to a secure payment page. BirdTab Pro is available as a yearly subscription or lifetime purchase.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Pro access activates immediately after purchase. No restart or reinstall required.

## Subscription states

| State      | Meaning                                                           |
| ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Trial**  | 14-day free trial; all Pro features active                        |
| **Active** | Paid subscription or lifetime license; all Pro features active    |
| **Grace**  | Subscription recently lapsed; Pro features remain for 7 more days |
| **Free**   | No active subscription; standard free features only               |

Your current state is shown at the top of the Settings panel.

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I buy BirdTab Pro?">
    Visit [birdtab.app/pricing](https://birdtab.app/pricing) and pick a plan — **yearly subscription** or **lifetime purchase**. After checkout a license key is sent to your email.

    You can also start from inside BirdTab: open **Settings** (gear icon, bottom-right) and click **Upgrade to Pro**.

    Pro access activates immediately — no restart required.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I activate my BirdTab Pro license?">
    After purchasing you'll receive a license key by email. To activate:

    1. Open a new BirdTab tab and click the **gear icon** (bottom-right).
    2. Click **Enter license key**.
    3. Paste the key from your confirmation email and confirm.

    Pro features turn on right away. If you switch devices or reinstall, repeat the same steps. See [Manage Subscription](/pro/manage-subscription) for more.

    Still not working? Go to **Settings → Pro** and click **Refresh status**, or [contact support](https://birdtab.app/contact).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


# International Regions
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/pro/regions

Explore birds from 200+ regions across the globe.

<Info>International regions are a BirdTab Pro feature. [Start your free trial](/installation) or [upgrade to Pro](/pro/overview) to access them.</Info>

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

By default, BirdTab shows birds from **North America**. Pro users can switch to any of 200+ regions worldwide to discover birds from completely different ecosystems and continents.

## Changing your region

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a region">
    Click the **Birding Region** dropdown and choose any region from the list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Done">
    Your preference saves immediately. The next day's bird (or next refresh) will be from your selected region.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Available regions

BirdTab supports 200+ countries and territories. Region names display in your current interface language.

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Europe" icon="earth-europe">
    United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Asia" icon="earth-asia">
    India, Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Americas" icon="earth-americas">
    Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Africa & Oceania" icon="earth-africa">
    South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Australia, New Zealand, and more.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  Free users are locked to **United States** only. The region dropdown is visible in Settings but other regions prompt a Pro upgrade when selected.
</Info>

## About bird coverage

All regions are sourced from the [Macaulay Library](https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/) at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Coverage varies by region — more populated birding regions generally have a deeper pool of photographs and recordings available.


# Video Mode
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/pro/video-mode

Watch birds in motion with short video clips from the Macaulay Library.

<Info>Video mode is a BirdTab Pro feature. [Start your free trial](/installation) or [upgrade to Pro](/pro/overview) to use it.</Info>

Video mode replaces the static bird photo with a short clip of the bird in its natural habitat — preening, singing, foraging, or in flight.

<video>
  <source type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## Enabling video mode

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Video Mode">
    Toggle **Video Mode** on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open a new tab">
    The next tab you open will show a video instead of a photo.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Playback controls

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Play / Pause" icon="play">
    Click anywhere on the video to play or pause.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Progress bar" icon="bars-progress">
    Appears on hover, auto-hides after 3 seconds. Seek by clicking.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quiet Hours" icon="moon">
    Videos auto-play muted during Quiet Hours. Unmute manually if needed.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Videos loop continuously.

## Automatic fallbacks

BirdTab silently falls back to the static photo when:

* No video is available for the current bird
* A slow connection is detected
* The video fails to load

## Memory management

<Tip>
  Videos unload automatically after **30 seconds** in the background to keep memory usage low across many open tabs. A play overlay appears when you return — click it to reload.
</Tip>

## Videographer credit

Each video is credited to the original videographer with a link to the Macaulay Library asset.


# Troubleshooting
Source: https://docs.birdtab.app/troubleshooting

Fix common BirdTab issues quickly.

## Bird is not loading

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Click **Refresh** in BirdTab.
3. Open a new tab and try again.
4. If BirdTab still does not load, disable and re-enable the extension in your browser.

If the issue continues, contact [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app).

## Audio is not playing

* Confirm the current bird has audio available.
* Check BirdTab volume and your system volume.
* If **Quiet Hours** is enabled and active, auto-play is suppressed.
* Toggle **Auto-play Media** off/on in Settings.

## Top Sites are missing

* Open **Settings → Quick Access Features** and confirm it is enabled.
* In browser extension permissions, allow BirdTab access to `topSites`.
* Re-open a new BirdTab tab.

## Pro features not showing after purchase

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Click **Enter license key**.
3. Paste your key from purchase email.
4. If needed, click **Refresh status**.

Still blocked? Email [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app).

## License says device limit reached

Your license supports up to 3 devices. To activate on a new one:

1. On an existing device, open **Settings**.
2. Open **Manage**.
3. Click **Deactivate**.
4. Return to the new device and enter the license key.

## Onboarding does not appear

1. Open a new tab and confirm BirdTab is the active new tab page.
2. Make sure BirdTab is enabled in your browser's extension settings.
3. If it still does not appear, contact [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app).

## Still need help?

Send us:

* Browser and version
* BirdTab version
* What happened
* Screenshot or screen recording (if possible)

Contact: [support@birdtab.app](mailto:support@birdtab.app)