Subscription FAQs

Below are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”). They represent, in part, the “plain English” version of our Terms of Sale. To the extent that any provision of the Terms of Sale and these FAQs are in conflict, the Terms of Sale shall control.

What subscription plans are available?

We offer a choice between three individual subscription plans: a monthly renewing plan, an annually renewing plan, and a gift plan. The first two plans are sold on a recurring basis, meaning your saved payment method on file will be charged, either monthly or annually, to ensure you receive continual access to Birds of the World. Your subscription renewal can be cancelled any time prior to the next billing date. We also offer institutional subscription plans for groups; learn more here.

What is a recurring subscription? When do I get billed?

A recurring subscription automatically renews at the end of its term, thus simplifying the annual or monthly renewal process. By placing an order for a subscription, you authorize us to charge you the subscription fee then in effect at the beginning of each Billing Period, plus applicable taxes, to your Payment Method unless and until you cancel your subscription or we terminate it. You can view the date of your next scheduled payment by signing in and visiting the subscription management page.

Your credit card information is stored by a leading third-party credit card processor called Authorize.net (The Cornell Lab does not store nor have access to your credit account information). You can cancel at any time.

Why do I have to create a Cornell Lab account before buying my subscription?

By first creating or signing into an existing Cornell Lab account, we are able to give you access to Birds of the World as soon as you purchase your subscription. This allows us to attach your subscription plan to the correct user account (many people have inadvertently created multiple usernames, but logging in first minimizes that action).

How do I manage my subscription?

You can manage your subscription from the Your Subscription section of our website. Log into your account from the Birds of the World home page, click on your name in the top right corner of the screen and select “Manage My Subscription” from the drop-down menu. You will be directed to a page that shows your Subscription Plan, Start Date, and Next Billing Date. This is also where you can upgrade your plan, buy a gift subscription for a friend, or cancel your subscription. If you ever need to update your contact or billing information, this is the place. Be sure to have a current payment method on file at all times if you wish to have continuous access to Birds of the World.

How do I renew my subscription? Will I be notified?

Five days before your subscription is due to renew, you will receive an automated email reminder that your subscription renewal is about to be processed and your payment method charged. This email will be sent to the email address shown on the Your Subscription section of our website, under “Subscription contact”. Be sure that this email address is up-to-date so you do not miss out on important updates related to billing. As long as we have a current payment method on file, no action is needed on your part. Please note that you will only receive a single email reminder, so if you intend to cancel your subscription, cancel prior to the renewal date.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription at any time by signing into Birds of the World, clicking on your name/username in the top right corner of the screen and selecting “Manage My Subscription” from the drop-down menu. Click “Cancel Subscription” under your current subscription plan.

Important: If you do not see the “Cancel Subscription” option under your plan, then it is already cancelled or in a non-renewable state. You won’t be charged again. You should cancel your subscription before it renews each Billing Period to avoid billing of the next Billing Period’s subscription fees to your Payment Method. Accordingly, when you cancel, you cancel only future charges associated with your subscription, and you will not receive a refund for the current Billing Period. Your cancellation will become effective at the end of your current Billing Period, and you will continue to have access to your subscription for the balance of the Billing Period.

How do I redeem a coupon/promotional code?

From the checkout window, you can redeem your coupon code by clicking the text “Apply Coupon”. This will open a box where you can enter your coupon code. Type in your coupon code exactly as it appears, ensuring there are no typos or spaces entered. Be sure to click on the arrow that appears next to your text to apply the discount to your cart. You should confirm the discount has been applied to your cart before finishing your purchase.

The Cornell Lab may offer a number of types of promotions and coupon opportunities each with its own unique terms, such as the number of times it can be used or when it expires. We reserve the right to change or terminate any offered subscriptions or promotions at any time.

How do I redeem a subscription activation code?

First, create a Cornell Lab account (or sign in to your existing account). Navigate to the Birds of the World home page to sign in. Click on your name/username in the top right corner of the screen and select “Manage My Subscription” from the drop-down menu (or click here). Once you are at the “Your subscription” screen, look for the text that says “Have a Subscription Activation Code?” below the “Your Cornell Lab Account” box on the left part of the screen (desktop). On mobile, look for it at the bottom of the screen. Click on the Redeem code link, then enter your code exactly as it was provided to you. Click the “Activate Subscription” button to finish the process.

Why was I charged Sales Tax?

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is bound by state law to charge all applicable sales taxes for customers in the United States. Digital products are taxable in some states and provinces, and at varying rates in each county or district. By placing an order for a subscription, you authorize us to charge you the subscription fee then in effect at the beginning of each Billing Period, plus applicable taxes, to your Payment Method.

What is your refund policy?

We do not offer full or partial refunds on digital content for partially used Billing Periods. Refer to our Terms of Sale.

How do I update my payment information?

Be sure to have a current Payment Method (e.g., credit card or PayPal account) on file at all times if you wish to have continuous access to Birds of the World. Simply login to Birds of the World and navigate to the Your Subscription section of our website to manage your account and enter your new payment details under the Payment Method section.

How do I update my email or physical address?

See “How do I manage my subscription?” above, for details on how to manage and update your personal profile and billing information.