Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab 3.1.1

Cornell University – Freeware – Android iOS
out of 93990 votes

Unlock the Secrets of Birdwatching with Merlin Bird ID

David Fischer

04/01/2025

Merlin Bird ID is an essential app for bird enthusiasts, providing instant species identification and a wealth of knowledge on birds worldwide.

Merlin Bird ID is an exceptional app that allows bird enthusiasts to easily identify and learn about the birds they observe. Powered by eBird, the world's largest database of bird sightings, sounds, and photos, Merlin sets itself apart from other bird apps with its comprehensive and extensive resources.

With four interactive features, Merlin offers an enjoyable and educational experience for users. Whether you prefer answering questions, uploading photos, recording bird songs, or exploring birds in a specific region, Merlin has you covered. Its versatility ensures that both novice and experienced birdwatchers can benefit from this valuable tool.

What makes Merlin truly special is its connection to the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology. As a free app developed by bird experts, it provides expert ID tips, range maps, photos, and sounds. This wealth of information helps users learn about the birds they encounter and further develop their birding skills.

Customization is another key feature of Merlin Bird ID. Users can create personalized lists of birds in their local area or any region they plan to visit. This tailored approach adds convenience and allows users to focus on the specific birds that intrigue them.

The power of machine learning is harnessed by Merlin through its Sound ID and Photo ID features. By using deep learning technology, Merlin identifies birds based on millions of photos and sounds collected by birders on eBird.org. The expertise of experienced birders who curate and annotate the sightings, photos, and sounds ensures accurate and reliable results.

In addition to its exceptional content and functionality, Merlin Bird ID offers an impressive range of language options. Whether you speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Hebrew, German, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Marathi, Malayalam, Afrikaans, Arabic, Indonesian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, or Traditional Chinese, you can enjoy using Merlin in your preferred language.

By using Merlin and linking it to eBird, users can keep track of their bird sightings. This feature adds a communal aspect to the app, as the observations are linked to a global database of over 1 billion bird sightings. This not only enhances user engagement but also contributes to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's mission of improving understanding and protection of birds and nature.

Merlin Bird ID is a remarkable app that offers an extensive range of features, exceptional accuracy through machine learning, and a wealth of content for bird enthusiasts. Developed by bird experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this application is an invaluable tool for learning about birds and contributing to citizen science efforts.

Overview

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is a Freeware software in the category Education developed by Cornell University.

The latest version of Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is 3.1.1, released on 07/02/2024. It was initially added to our database on 09/10/2023.

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab runs on the following operating systems: Android/iOS.

Users of Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

Highly accurate bird identification using advanced AI technology
Ability to identify over 1,000 bird species
User-friendly interface makes it easy for bird enthusiasts of all levels
Includes detailed information about each bird species, including photos, sounds, and range maps

Cons

Limited to bird species found in North America
Some users may find the app's extensive features overwhelming
Requires an internet connection to use all features

FAQ

What is Merlin Bird ID?

Merlin Bird ID is an app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps users identify bird species based on their characteristics, location, and date.

How does the app help with bird identification?

The app uses a questionnaire format where users answer questions about the bird they saw, such as size, color, and behavior, to suggest possible matches from over 7,500 bird species.

Is Merlin Bird ID free to use?

Yes, Merlin Bird ID is free to download and use on both iOS and Android devices.

Can I use the app without internet access?

Yes, once downloaded, the app can function without an internet connection, though some features may require data.

What are the key features of Merlin Bird ID?

Key features include a user-friendly identification process, regional bird guides, photo ID tool, and access to bird songs and calls.

Does Merlin Bird ID work in all countries?

While it has a robust database primarily focused on North America, it also includes guides for several other regions, although the coverage may vary.

Can users submit their own bird sightings using the app?

Yes, users can log their sightings which contribute to citizen science projects managed by the Cornell Lab.

How often does the application update its database?

The app is periodically updated with new species data and improvements based on user feedback and ongoing research.

Is there a tutorial for beginners on how to use the app?

Yes, the app includes a tutorial that guides users through its features and functionalities.

What if I can't identify a bird using the app?

If you're unable to identify a bird, you can explore additional resources like local birding clubs or forums for assistance from experienced birders.

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

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