Birdwatching Apps for Advanced Birders Identifying Species by Song and Call

The Best Apps for Birding and Field Identification

Technology has been a part of birding for as long as people have been observing birds, with each new leap revolutionizing the hobby several times over.Opera glasses and notepads, for example, replaced shotgunsthe favored technology of early ornithologistson the first Christmas Bird Counts in the early 1900s. And by the middle of the 20th century, birders were equipped with the first field guides and better, lighter, more affordable binoculars. Fast forward to the early aughts, and birders were heading out with 50 megapixel image-stabilized super-telephoto zoom cameras and precision-honed, multi-coated, ultra-light-weight binoculars. Since then, the glass has only gotten better, and nowadays, though paper field guides still have their place, a slew of smartphone apps have become key tools for most birders.

Below we've included a rundown of the top birding apps, including each application's price, key features, and the platforms they are available on. Take a look, and consider downloading a few if you're new to birding to understand the differences. As with paper field guides, many birders often use multiple apps for various purposes. Luckily, they aren't nearly as heavy to carry around.

Finding, Identifying, and Listing Birds

These apps are the most direct competitors with the classic paper field guides but also include features like photo ID, sound ID, nearby bird alerts, and more.

Price: FreePlatforms: iOS, AndroidSummary: Covers 810 species using photos instead of drawings, includes range maps that also cover Central and South America, has a good selection of audio recordings including alternate calls and regional variations, and slightly more descriptive text including habitat, range, and nesting information. Similar species and browse by family or shape tools are useful for identifying unknown birds, and includes a find birds with eBird function to find nearby reports of specific species.

Price: $19.99Platforms: iOS and AndroidSummary: Covers more than 930 species and features all of the drawings, range maps, and explanatory text found in the Sibley Guide to Birds. It includes more than 2,800 recordings of songs and calls, a compare species function, and a smart search tool that allows you to filter species by color, shape, your current location, behavior, or time of year. You can also build your own searchable, shareable species lists. This app replaces Sibleys previous eGuide (no longer updating) and requires a new purchase.

Price: FreePlatforms: iOS and AndroidSummary: Widely used app that allows you to submit to a community science program that collects bird observations from around the world and shares them with birders and conservationists. You can select your location using GPS, automatically download checklists for your area, and submit checklists directly from the field.

Price: FreePlatforms: iOS and AndroidSummary: Amazing app for beginning and intermediate birders that asks you five questions to help identify more than 10,000 birds around the world: Where were you? When did you see it? About how big was it (relative to other birds)? What were the main colors? And what was it doing? Provides photos and descriptions of matching bird species based on this information. The Photo ID feature will also suggest possible species from a photo taken on your smartphone and is surprisingly accurate. In 2021 Merlin launched, arguably, its most exciting feature: Sound ID. Turn it on (it works offline!) when you hear an unknown bird call, and the app suggests real-time species identification, powered by artificial intelligence. While its not infallible, and birders should avoid solely relying on the feature for IDs, Sound ID is a great learning tool and a delight to use.

Price: Free download; subscriptions for North American users are $2.50 a month or $29.99 each year (limited features with free version)Platforms: iOS and AndroidSummary: A great tool for finding new and interesting birds at home or in a new location based on real-time community science data. You can immediately start viewing reports of nearby birds, but the real power comes after you sign into your eBird account and can view nearby birds that are missing from your life or year lists for a specific location. Filters allow you to adjust for the timeframe and distance of reports shown, and the app includes an abbreviated species guide with links to Flickr and Wikipedia pages for more photos and information.

Song Learning

These apps are designed specifically to help you learn bird songs and calls and can be helpful for even the most tone-deaf of birders.

Price: $3.99Platforms: iOSSummary: Features over 300 high-quality recordings of songs and calls of North American birds. There are several ways to experience them, including listen and slideshow modes and an interactive quiz. You can select specific species to practice identifying or select from more than a dozen different regions to focus on the most common species you are most likely to hear near you.

Price: Free download, $9.99-44.99 in-app purchasesPlatforms: iOS and onlineSummary: Purchase songpacks, covering songs and calls from up to 344 North American land birds and 135 water birds, and explore them in a game-like quiz. Offers the ability to sort by Eastern and Western birds, as well as song types, including clear, rough, complex, and simple.

Specialized Field Guides

These apps focus on helping birders distinguish hard-to-identify birds in the field.

Price: $12.99Platforms: iOS and AndroidSummary: Far more than a digital translation of Princeton University Presss printed field guide, this app earns its keep during warbler migration season with features like rotatable 3-D models, recorded calls, and smart comparison tools, covering 48 species (and 75 plumages!).

Price: FreePlatforms: iOS and AndroidSummary: Especially designed to help identify birds of prey in flight, this guide includes annotated photographs, video, and detailed fact sheets for 34 diurnal raptors. If youre still stumped, the Ask an Expert feature lets you submit a photo or video and receive guidance from a seasoned authority.

11 of the Best Birdwatching Apps in the UK

John White

With over 30 years of birdwatching experience, John White, CEO, and Co-founder of Birda, merges his passion for nature and technology with expertise gained from companies like Coca-Cola and Deutsche Bank. With a passion for writing content that helps people connect with nature and an MBA from the University of Cape Town, he's known for his ability to simplify complex concepts.As Birdas CEO, Johns been featured on Fox News, ABC News, and BBC Radio, as one of the leading voices in birdwatching today. With a flair for bird photography and a love for all things avian, he's not just a CEO but also a dedicated field tester for Birda. Off-duty, he enjoys swimming, running, windsurfing, skiing, and family time. Follow his adventures on

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10 Best Birding Apps: Must-Use for Birdwatching in 2023!

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Whether youre a seasoned ornithologist or a curious beginner, birding apps are indispensable for any nature enthusiast.

With the power of technology at our fingertips, we can now identify birds, track migration patterns, and learn fascinating facts about avian species like never before.

In this blog post, well explore the top 10 birding apps that will elevate your birding experience to new heights.

Lets get into it!

What are the Best Birding Apps?

The best birding apps are powerful tools that allow you to identify different species and track them in real-time.

From beginner to expert, each of these apps comes with a variety of features tailored for any bird enthusiast.

Here are some great birding apps you can explore:

1. Cornell Lab Merlin Bird ID

Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) is an absolute gem for bird watchers of all levels.

Developed by the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app uses artificial intelligence to identify bird observations based on photos or descriptions.

Its like having a bird expert in your pocket!

Key Features

• Smart Bird Identifier: Using advanced AI, the app can identify over 6,000 species from photos or descriptive inputs.
• Bird Packs: Users can download bird packs based on their location, making it easier to spot and identify local species.
• Birdsong Identification: The app features an extensive library of bird calls and songs for more comprehensive identification.

Cons

• Internet Dependency: The app requires an internet connection for bird identification, which might be a challenge in remote birding locations.
• Limited Species in Certain Regions: While the app covers a vast number of species, it might have limited information on some less common species in certain regions.

Bottom Line

Merlin Bird ID is a high-powered, user-friendly app that makes bird identification simple and enjoyable.

With its AI-powered identification tool and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology backing, its an excellent choice for birders of all experience levels.

2. eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

As one of the largest citizen science projects in the world, eBird allows you to contribute to avian research while logging and ID birds.

With its intuitive interface and powerful database, eBird helps you keep track of your sightings, explore hotspots near you, and connect with a community of fellow birders.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Species Database: eBird has a global database of over 10,000 bird species with detailed descriptions and photos.
• Real-Time Alerts: Users can set up custom alerts to get notifications whenever there are rare sightings in their area.
• Birding Hotspots: The app allows you to explore hotspots near you and record your sightings on the go.

Cons

• Internet Dependency: Like Merlin Bird ID, this app requires an internet connection to function properly.
• Occasional Glitches: There have been reports of occasional software glitches that can hamper the user experience.

Bottom Line

eBird is an excellent choice for serious birders looking to track their sightings and take part in a larger research effort.

With its comprehensive species database and real-time alerts, its an invaluable tool for any avid birder.

3. Audubon Bird Guide

The Audubon Bird Guide app is a comprehensive resource that offers detailed information on over 800 North American bird species.

Featuring stunning photos, range maps, and audio recordings of bird calls, this app is a must-have for anyone interested in bird identification and conservation.

Key Features

• Detailed Descriptions: The app boasts comprehensive descriptions and photos for over 800 North American species.
• Range Maps: Users can track the seasonal movements of various species using the intuitive range maps.
• Audio Recordings & More: It features audio recordings of bird calls, plus interesting facts about bird habits and behavior.

Cons

• Limited Species Database: The app covers only North American birds, so you might need additional resources for other regions of the world.
• Occasional Buggy Updates: Some users have reported glitches in the latest updates that impede the user experience.

Bottom Line

The Audubon Bird Guide is an excellent resource for learning more about North American species.

With its comprehensive descriptions and stunning visuals, Audubon birds is a must-have for any bird enthusiast.

4. BirdNET

With its advanced audio recognition technology, BirdNET takes bird identification to the next level with its free app.

Simply record nearby birds bird sounds, bird song, or call; the app will analyze them to provide a list of possible bird species. Its like Shazam for birds!

5. BirdsEye Bird Finding Guide

If youre looking to discover new birding hotspots or find rare species in your area, BirdsEye is the right bird watching app for you.

With up-to-date bird sightings, maps, and alerts from local birding communities, this app ensures that you never miss an exciting birding opportunity.

Key Features

• each species behavior, habitat, and conservation status The app shows you local bird sightings and hotspots, making it easier to find rare species.
• Real-Time Alerts: Users can set up custom alerts for their area to get notifications when a rare species appears.
• Cloud Sync: Your sightings are synced across devices in real time, so you can access your information anytime, anywhere.

Cons

• Limited Availability: The app is only available for iOS users in the US and Canada.
• Occasional Glitches: Some users have reported software glitches that cause app functionality problems.

Bottom Line

BirdsEye is an excellent choice for birders looking to discover more species and explore exciting hotspots in their area.

Its comprehensive database and real-time alerts make it a great tool for any serious birder.

Whether youre just starting or a seasoned expert, these birding apps will help take your hobby to the next level. No matter which one

6. iBird Pro Guide to Birds

iBird Pro Guide to Birds is a comprehensive field guide with extensive information on over 900 bird species.

From detailed illustrations and professional photographs to in-depth descriptions of behavior and habitat, this app is a treasure trove of avian knowledge.

Key Features

• Real-time Usage: The app features stunning illustrations and high-resolution photographs of bird species.
• In-Depth Descriptions: Users can access detailed descriptions of each species behavior, habitat, and conservation status.
• Range Maps & More: The app also offers range maps to track the seasonal movements of various

7. Song Sleuth

Do you ever wonder whos singing that beautiful melody in your backyard?

Song Sleuth can help you solve the mystery.

Using advanced audio recognition, this app identifies bird songs and provides information on the species behind the melody.

Key Features

• Advanced Audio Recognition: The app uses advanced audio recognition technology to identify the species behind a birds song.
• Species Descriptions & Range Maps: It provides detailed descriptions and range maps for each species.
• Occasional Glitches: There have been reports of occasional software glitches that can hamper the user experience.

Bottom Line

Song Sleuth is a great tool for any birder looking to identify birds by their songs.

Its advanced audio recognition technology and detailed descriptions make it an invaluable asset for anyone interested in bird identification.

If you love birding by ear, this app is a great choice that I recommend

8. Bird Watching Magazine

The Bird Watching Magazine app is a fantastic choice for avid birders seeking inspiration and expert advice.

With articles, stunning photography, and tips from renowned birdwatchers, this app keeps you informed and entertained.

Key Features

• Articles & Photographs: The app features a wide selection of articles, stunning photography, and advice from birders all around the world.
• Birding Tips: Users can access expert tips about equipment, techniques, and destinations to enhance their bird watching experience.
• Identification Features: It also offers identification tools such as range maps, audio recordings, and photos of birds.

Cons

• Limited Content Outside the US & Canada: Unfortunately, some content is only available for those living in the United States and Canada.

Bottom Line

The Bird Watching Magazine app is an excellent tool for any serious birder.

It provides a wealth of interesting content and advice that can help you deepen your knowledge and appreciate the beauty of birds even more.

If youre looking for inspiring content to feed your birding passion, this app is definitely worth checking out!

9. Bird Academy (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Embark on a journey of learning with the Bird Academy app.

From interactive courses and quizzes to virtual birding tours and field guides, this app offers a wealth of educational resources that will deepen your understanding of the avian world.

Key Features

• Interactive Courses & Quizzes: The app provides interactive courses and quizzes that help you hone your identification skills.
• Virtual Birding Tours & Field Guides: You can explore a variety of virtual birding tours and field guides to broaden your horizons.
• Identification Tools: It also offers a range of identification tools such as audio recordings, photos, and range maps.

Cons

• Occasional Glitches: Some users have reported software glitches that cause app functionality problems.

Bottom Line

Bird Academy is an excellent tool for birders of all levels looking to take their knowledge to the next level.

Its comprehensive educational content and interactive features make it a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of birds.

If youre ready to take your birding skills to the next level, this app is the perfect choice!

10. Sibley Birds 2nd Edition

The Sibley Birds app brings the acclaimed Sibley Guide to Birds directly to your mobile device.

With detailed illustrations, comprehensive species accounts, and a powerful search feature, this app is an invaluable tool for bird identification.

Key Features

• Detailed Illustrations: The app features stunning illustrations and comprehensive species accounts.
• Powerful Search Feature: You can use the powerful search function to quickly find information on a particular species.
• Range Maps & More: It also offers range maps, audio recordings, and photos of birds.

Cons

• Limited Content Outside North America: Unfortunately, some content is only available for those living in North America.

Bottom Line

The Sibley Birds app is a must-have tool for any serious birder wanting to identify birds quickly and accurately.

Its detailed illustrations, comprehensive species accounts, and powerful search feature make it a super-portable and reliable app when youre birding.

Conclusion

Ready to embark on your birding adventure armed with the best birding apps?

From identification to exploration and learning, a birding app can offer a range of features and resources that will enhance your birding experience.

So grab your binoculars, download these apps, and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of birds like never before!

Note: The apps mentioned in this blog post are accurate as of the time of writing. Prices and availability may vary. Make sure to check the official app stores for the latest updates.