# `bird whatsapp agents skills create`

## Usage

```bash
bird whatsapp agents skills create <number-id> [flags]
```

## Description

Add a skill to an agent

Give the agent on this WhatsApp number a skill: when a situation applies, and what to do then. It reaches WhatsApp before this returns and is used from the next conversation turn.

Build the request from flags, a JSON WhatsAppAgentSkillCreate body via --body-file ("-" reads
stdin), or both — a flag overrides the matching body field. Run --example to
print a ready-to-edit body, or --dry-run to print the resolved request without
sending it.

## Examples

```bash
# print the body shape (no credentials needed)
bird whatsapp agents skills create --example

# the body it prints:
```

```json
{
  "description": "A contact asks to cancel, change or return an order they have already placed.",
  "skill": "Ask for the order number. Tell the contact the cancellation window is 24 hours from ordering. If it has passed, offer a return instead and explain the 30-day return policy.",
  "title": "cancel-order"
}
```

## Options

#### Request

| Name                | Description                                                  |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `--body-file`       | Read the JSON request body from this file; "-" reads stdin   |
| `--example`         | Print a complete example request body, then exit             |
| `--dry-run`         | Print the resolved request without sending it, then exit     |
| `--idempotency-key` | Deduplication key; a retry with the same key won't act twice |

#### Options

| Name                | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `--title`           | A short handle for the skill, in lowercase letters, digits and hyphens. It is for you to tell skills apart; the agent reads description and skill. (required; or in --body-file)                                    |
| `--description`     | When the agent should use this skill. Keep it to the trigger; what to do goes in skill. (required; or in --body-file)                                                                                               |
| `--skill`           | What the agent does when the skill applies, as an instruction to the agent rather than a fact about the business, which is what business\_info and the questions and answers are for. (required; or in --body-file) |
| `--response-schema` | Print the fields this command returns, then exit                                                                                                                                                                    |

## Related

| Name                                                                                      | Description                     |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| [`bird whatsapp agents skills delete`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-agents-skills-delete) | Remove one of an agent's skills |
| [`bird whatsapp agents skills get`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-agents-skills-get)       | Get one of an agent's skills    |
| [`bird whatsapp agents skills list`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-agents-skills-list)     | List an agent's skills          |
| [`bird whatsapp agents skills update`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-agents-skills-update) | Update one of an agent's skills |

## Related resources

- [Should I use a Bird SDK or call the API directly?](/explained/platform/should-i-use-an-sdk-or-call-the-api-directly) (answer)
- [Build your first integration](/learn/paths/integration) (course)
- [Send your first email](/docs/get-started/send-your-first-email) (docs)

[Get an implementation brief](/learn/workspace?topic=api-basics)