Search

Simple Summary: Citizen science refers to the participation of citizens in scientific research, and such participation has been increasing the knowledge about aspects of birds around the world. Citizen science projects receive the contribution of dozens, hundreds or thousands of citizens that gather records to be compiled and evaluated by scientists. This approach leads to the obtention of large amounts of data over large spatiotemporal scales. This is true for Brazil, especially through the WikiAves database, which currently harbors more than four million digital photographic records of birds. Due to the importance of this database for the knowledge of the national avifauna, this study aims to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of its photographic records. Geopolitical regions and states with high and low record productions were identified. Record production varies along the year, and this seasonality is specific to each biome. The discussion dealt with factors that might contribute to differences in record production. These explanatory factors are related to birds, humans and the environment. This article discusses how record availability might influence ornithological research and encourage scientists to make intense use of WikiAves records to study Brazilian birds. About four million photographic records of Brazilian birds are deposited in the WikiAves database. The objective of this study was to examine the spatiotemporal distribution of photographic records available in this database. Searches were performed in the database in 2022. Record numbers produced by citizens were obtained by selecting states and municipalities in different periods. The annual record production in Brazil has increased substantially since 2009, reaching about 400,000 records per year in 2020–2021. Most records were obtained in the Sudeste and Sul geopolitical regions. Seasonal variations in record production in the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest are comparable, with more records obtained in July–October. In Amazonia, a more substantial decrease in record production occurred between November and April. The monthly record production was more uniform in the Caatinga. When municipalities were compared, similar seasonal variation in record production was observed for four ecosystems (Amazonia, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Pampa). However, substantial differences were observed for municipalities in the Pantanal and the Caatinga. The results indicate that high human density, high individual income and the breeding season of birds are potential factors leading to high record production. On the other hand, heavy rainfall, flooding, remoteness and environmental harshness are pointed out as factors potentially leading to relatively fewer records. Further, this article discusses the implications of record availability for ornithological studies that use photographic records deposited in the WikiAves database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]