Badges!

Badges are a mystery. They just showed up one day and refuse to go away. In any case, biologists and archeologists have been attempting to create a taxonomy of the badges spotted in the wild. Here's an incomplete and frequently outdated annotated list.

Streak badges

	The Egg — 13,616 people The egg is how we all start. Where did we come from? Nobody knows. But it's up to you to determine what you will grow up to be.
	The Turkey — 5,842 people You get the Turkey badge by writing 3 days in a row. Three strikes -- pow!
	The Penguin — 3,836 people The Penguin badge is all yours when you write for 5 days in a row. You can't fly yet, but at least you can swim, and look at that fancy bow tie!
	The Flamingo — 2,154 people Ah, flight. 10 days of writing your 750 words in a row, and your feathers turn pink, you think about sunshine and martinis and pools and front lawns, and the world seems to be your shrimp.
	The Albatross — 865 people What a mighty bird! 30 days in a row and you earn the respect of this largest of all flying birds. Your wingspan can sometimes exceed 11 feet! A good thing because the life of an albatross is long, and lonely. Get comfy and ready to write for another 70 days before your next transformation.
	The Phoenix — 125 people 100 days in a row! The phoenix is a mythical badge earned only by a few, the brave, the bold, the lucky.

Behavior badges

	The Cheetah — 1,032 people The cheetah is the fastest land animal. Zoom zoom. Those who earn this badge are typing what cheetahs are to chasing down gazelle. 10 days in a row of finishing their words in less than 20 minutes will earn you this badge.
	The Hamster — 1,195 people Once this meek Hamster gets on the wheel, nothing will get him to step off. Such are the owners of this badge when you start them typing. Throw distractions at them, they will not look at you, their focus is like an iron bar that cannot be broken. 10 days in a row with no distractions earns you this much coveted badge.
	The Turquoise Horse — 568 people This sheepish stallion is the reward for anyone with enough zeal to not only sign up for a monthly challenge, but to complete it as well.
	The Patron — 597 people The sturdy backbone of this site, patrons are. This Owl badge is for those wealthy merchants out there who give to the site in a monetary way. The philanthropy is much appreciated!
	The Inspired Writer — 303 people Patrons have a chance to leave testimonials, feature requests, and other kinds of inspiration for other users of the site. Those who do, earn this badge for their mighty public scribble.
	The Early Rooster — 134 people Morning pages, as they are called, were originally considered best written (surprise!) during the mornings! While there is some debate on the topic, this badge is here for you, it will listen to you morning people and keep you company with its Roostery way.
	The Night Bat — 149 people The opposite of the Early Rooster is this lovely creature of the night. You probably type with your eyes closed and rely on sonar alone to know where the keys are. Long live the night!
	The Flock — 235 people This badge is worth 100,000 words. 100,000 words of private writing. That's like 2 novels. Who knew it was possible? My hat off to folks who earn this badge.