Birdwatching apps have changed how we spot and record birds. They put a lot of bird knowledge in your pocket. Now, you can identify birds instantly and recognize their sounds.
Apps like Merlin Bird ID, eBird, and Audubon Birds have everything you need. The Merlin app is top-rated at 4 in the App Store. Sibley is even higher at 4.9. These apps help you find birds by their looks, sounds, or where they are.
Some apps do more than just identify birds. eBird, with a 3.8 rating, helps with conservation research. The Audubon app, rated 4.2, has info on 810 species. Birda, launched in 2022, is already Apple’s “App of the Day” in 148 countries.
Want to get better at birdwatching? Grab your binoculars and download an app. Start exploring the amazing world of birds. With these apps, you’ll be spotting rare birds and helping science in no time!
The Rise of Digital Birding: Why You Need a Birdwatching App
Birdwatching has grown a lot in the digital world. Now, 47 million Americans enjoy this hobby. Old bird watching guides are being replaced by new apps, changing how we see birds.
Having bird watching apps is super convenient. Apps like iBird have info on 944 North American bird species. They offer 3,300 song recordings and 4,500 photos. This makes bird watching better, whether you’re new or experienced.
But digital birding does more than just help you identify birds. eBird is a big online service for birders. It lets you log sightings, meet other birders, and help science. This makes bird watching fun and team-based.
- Real-time species sightings data
- Digital field guides with extensive databases
- Interactive maps for locating birding hotspots
- Bird call recognition and playback features
The effect of these digital tools is huge. The Cornell University’s 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count had 44% more people than in 2022. Bird watching apps are more than tools. They connect us to nature and a big community.
Top Features to Look for in Birdwatching Apps
Choosing the right birdwatching app is key. Look for features that make your birdwatching better. We’ll cover the must-haves for both new and seasoned birders.
Bird Identification Capabilities
The top bird apps have great ID tools. Merlin Bird ID uses AI to identify birds from photos. It’s free and works on iOS and Android, making ID quick and easy.
Comprehensive Species Database
A good app needs a big species database. The Audubon Bird Guide App is free for iOS and Android. It has over 800 North American bird species, with lots of info and maps.
Sound Recognition and Playback
Larkwire is great for bird sounds. It costs $18 for iOS and desktop. It helps you learn bird calls with fun exercises. Xeno-Canto is free and has bird sounds from all over the world.
Offline Functionality
Being able to use the app offline is important. The Sibley Birds app costs $20 but is worth it. It has lots of illustrations and info you can use without internet.
| App Name | Price | Platform | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merlin Bird ID | Free | iOS, Android | AI-based photo identification |
| Audubon Bird Guide | Free | iOS, Android | 800+ North American species |
| Larkwire | $18 | iOS, Desktop | Interactive sound recognition |
| Sibley Birds | $20 | iOS, Android | Offline access to illustrations |
Merlin Bird ID: The Game-Changer in Bird Identification
Merlin Bird ID was launched in 2014 by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It has changed the game for bird identification apps. This free tool is loved by birdwatchers, covering over 7,500 bird species.
It’s great for identifying birds, whether you see a Northern Mockingbird in North Carolina or a Eurasian Magpie elsewhere. Merlin has you covered.
What makes Merlin special? Its easy-to-use interface lets you find birds by how they look or sound. Just tell Merlin the bird’s size, color, and where you are. Then, let Merlin do its magic.
The app’s sound recognition is amazing. It records your surroundings to find birds by their calls.
Merlin now lets you save birds you’ve identified. You can keep a life list of your sightings across different places. This feature makes birdwatching even better, letting you look back at your finds anytime.
The app’s impact on birding is huge. Users say they find 25% to 50% more bird species when they go for walks. With its web version for the U.S. and Canada, Merlin is making bird identification easier than ever.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Sound Recognition | Identifies birds by their calls |
| Life List Creation | Tracks personal bird sightings |
| 7,500+ Species Coverage | Comprehensive bird identification |
| Free to Use | Accessible to all bird enthusiasts |
Merlin Bird ID is more than just an app. It’s a game-changer in bird identification. Its accuracy, ease of use, and huge database make it a must-have for all birders.
eBird: Citizen Science and Global Bird Tracking
eBird is a top bird tracking app for citizen science. It turns birdwatching into scientific data. With over 100 million bird sightings each year, it’s key for bird research and conservation.
Creating and Sharing Checklists
eBird lets you log your bird sightings easily. You can make checklists for different places, adding species, counts, and photos. These checklists are synced across devices, so you can access them anywhere.
Sharing your birdwatching with the world is just a tap away.
Exploring Hotspots and Rare Bird Alerts
Find the best birding spots with eBird’s hotspot feature. It shows places with interesting bird sightings. You can also get alerts for rare birds in your area, so you don’t miss out.
Contributing to Scientific Research
Your birdwatching on eBird helps scientists. Last year, 374,682 birders made over 36.1 million checklists. This data helps scientists update range maps for over 1,000 bird species and study migration patterns.
| eBird Impact | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Annual Bird Sightings | Over 100 million |
| Active Contributors | 374,682 |
| Checklists Created | 36.1 million |
| Species Range Maps Updated | Over 1,000 |
Using eBird, you help a global effort to protect birds. It’s great for both casual birdwatchers and serious birders. This app mixes fun with science.
Audubon Bird Guide: A Comprehensive Field Guide in Your Pocket
The Audubon Bird Guide app puts avian field guides in your pocket. It has over 2 million downloads. It has a huge database of 800+ North American bird species.
It comes with 3,000+ stunning bird photos and eight hours of audio clips. This makes identifying birds easy.
The app is great for both new and experienced bird watchers. It lets you identify birds by size, color, flight patterns, and habitats. You’ll get good at spotting and naming birds.
The multi-season range maps make your bird watching even better. While it doesn’t cover the whole world, it’s perfect for North American birds. You can use it offline, too.
It’s great for exploring your backyard or remote wilderness. This guide will be your best friend for birding adventures.
Source Links
- 12 of the Best Birdwatching Apps in the USA – Birda – https://birda.org/best-birdwatching-apps-in-the-usa/
- The Best Apps for Birding and Field Identification – https://www.audubon.org/news/the-best-birding-apps-and-field-guides
- 11 Best Birding Apps in 2024! (iPhone & Android) – https://birdwatchinghq.com/best-birding-apps/
- You don’t need an $11,500 camera to be a bird watcher, but it helps – https://www.cnet.com/culture/birdwatching-easier-in-digital-age-with-apps-and-cameras/
- Grab Your Binoculars—Bird-Watching Is Now a Gen Z-Approved Way To Unplug and Better Your Mental Health – https://www.wellandgood.com/benefits-bird-watching/
- Birdwatching Apps for Community Engagement – Avi Lens – https://avilens.com/bird-watching-gear/bird-watching-apps-and-resources/birdwatching-apps-for-community-engagement/
- Which Bird Apps Are Best for Kids? – https://www.audubon.org/news/which-bird-apps-are-best-kids
- The 7 Best Apps and Tools for Identifying Birds, According to Experts – https://www.marthastewart.com/bird-identifier-apps-and-tools-8422356
- Enhance your birding experience with the Merlin Bird ID app – Outdoor Writers Association of America – https://owaa.org/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell-university/
- How to Save a List of Birds You’ve Identified Using Our Merlin App – https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/save-list-of-birds-merlin-app/
- Calling All Bird Lovers: We’re Obsessed With This Identification App – https://www.pcmag.com/news/calling-all-bird-lovers
- An Introduction to eBird and Citizen Science – Chirp Nature Center – https://chirpforbirds.com/how-to/an-introduction-to-ebird-and-citizen-science/
- Citizen Science: Be Part of Something Bigger – https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/citizen-science-be-part-of-something-bigger/
- Audubon Bird Guide – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/audubon-bird-guide/id333227386
- Audubon Bird Guide – Apps on Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.audubon.mobile.android
- Audubon: A Comprehensive App Review – Birda – https://birda.org/audubon-a-comprehensive-app-review/
