Native app
Merlin Bird ID
Merlin Bird ID is a free app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps identify birds you see or hear. It uses machine learning and the eBird database to provide identification for birders of all levels.
- Platform
- Native app
- Categories
- —
- Indexed
- 2024-02-19
About Merlin Bird ID
What is Merlin Bird ID
Merlin Bird ID is a free iPhone app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It helps users identify birds they see or hear using four methods: answering simple questions, uploading a photo, recording a bird's song, or exploring birds in a region. The app is powered by eBird, the world's largest database of bird sightings, sounds, and photos, and uses machine learning via Visipedia for accurate identification. It is designed for both beginners and experienced birders, offering expert ID tips, range maps, photos, and sounds to help users learn about birds and build their birding skills.
Key features
Merlin offers four ways to identify birds: step-by-step questions, photo ID, sound ID, and regional exploration. It provides personalized Bird of the Day, customized lists of birds for any location worldwide, and the ability to track sightings and build a personal list. The app uses machine learning trained on millions of photos and sounds from eBird and the Macaulay Library, with curation by experienced birders. Content includes bird photos, songs, calls, and identification help for regions across the globe, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Use cases
Merlin is useful for birdwatchers of all levels. Beginners can use the step-by-step identification and photo ID to learn common birds, while experienced birders can rely on sound ID to identify birds by their calls, even when they are hidden. The app is also valuable for travelers who want to discover local birds, and for educators or citizen scientists who want to contribute to bird research. Users can keep track of their sightings and build a personal life list, making it a great tool for both casual observation and serious birding.
Pricing
Merlin Bird ID is free to download and use. The app is available for iPhone and is also offered in the Mac App Store. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is able to provide Merlin for free thanks to the generosity of its members, supporters, and citizen-science contributors.
Questions
Merlin Bird ID FAQ
- What is Merlin Bird ID?
- Merlin Bird ID is an AI tool available as a native app. Merlin Bird ID is a free app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps identify birds you see or hear. It uses machine learning and the eBird database to provide identification for birders of all levels.
- Is Merlin Bird ID a web app, an extension or a native app?
- Merlin Bird ID is a native app.
Listed in the AITOOLIST index since 2024-02-19.