# Source and Image Policy
Fly Aviary uses written references, bird images, and educational visuals to help readers learn about birds and bird identification. This policy explains how sources and images should be handled on the site.
## Source policy
Bird information should be checked against credible references where possible, especially for identification, range, habitat, behavior, conservation status, and scientific names.
Preferred source types include:
– Ornithology organizations
– Bird-conservation groups
– University, museum, and government wildlife resources
– Recognized bird databases
– Field-guide publishers and expert birding references
– Official conservation-status resources
Examples of commonly useful references include Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, eBird, Birds of the World, IUCN, state or national wildlife agencies, and similar reputable sources.
## How sources should be used
Sources should be used to support factual claims such as:
– Scientific names
– Bird range and distribution
– Habitat preferences
– Diet and feeding behavior
– Nesting and breeding behavior
– Migration patterns
– Conservation status
– Key identification features
Not every sentence needs a citation, but important factual claims should be checked before publishing or major updating.
## Image policy
Images on Fly Aviary should help readers understand birds more clearly. Images may include:
– Licensed bird photography
– Public-domain or properly attributed images
– Original graphics or diagrams
– Educational illustrations
– Clearly labeled AI-generated visuals where appropriate
## Species-identification images
For articles that identify exact bird species, real or properly licensed bird photos are preferred. Identification images should be chosen carefully because inaccurate images can mislead readers.
When possible, species images should match the bird being discussed and avoid confusion with similar species.
## AI-generated visuals
AI-generated images can be useful for:
– Homepage or topic-hub illustrations
– Educational diagrams
– Comparison graphics
– Habitat illustrations
– Infographics
– General bird-watching visuals
AI-generated images should not be used as the main proof of what an exact species looks like unless they are clearly reviewed and appropriate. If there is any risk of confusion, real or licensed photography should be used instead.
## Attribution and licensing
When an image requires credit, the credit should be included in a reasonable place, such as near the image, in the caption, or in a source/credits section.
Images should not be copied from other websites unless the license clearly allows that use.
## Corrections
If an image is misidentified, improperly credited, or unsuitable for an article, it should be replaced or corrected as soon as practical.
Readers can report image or source concerns through the Contact page.