Bird was invited to an international tournament in London at the age of 21. He also participated in tournaments held in Vienna and New Jersey. He lost to Paul Morphy at the age of 28 (1858), yet he played chess for another 50 years. Bird was also an outstanding author and accountant. He wrote a book on chess entitled Chess History and Reminiscences. He also wrote a book entitled An Analysis of Railways in the United Kingdom.
It was Bird who popularized the chess opening now called "Bird's Opening" (1. f4).