Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab

4.90

Information

Category:

Books & Reference

Price:

Free

Rank:

39

Rating:

4.90

Overview

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is a premier bird identification app that helps users identify birds they see and hear. Powered by eBird, the world's largest database of bird sightings, sounds, and photos, Merlin offers four engaging ways to identify birds: answering simple questions, uploading a photo, recording a singing bird, or exploring birds in a region. Whether you're curious about a single bird or aiming to identify every bird you encounter, this free app from the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides the answers.

With features like expert ID tips, range maps, photos, and sounds, Merlin not only aids in identifying birds but also helps users build their birding skills. Users can discover a new bird species daily with a personalized Bird of the Day and receive customized lists of birds they can find where they live or travel. The app also allows users to keep track of their sightings by building a personal list of the birds they find.

Features

Merlin Bird ID stands out due to its innovative use of machine learning technology. Powered by Visipedia, Merlin Sound ID and Photo ID utilize machine learning to identify birds in photos and sounds. It learns to recognize bird species based on millions of photos and sounds collected by birders at eBird.org, archived in the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This ensures the most accurate results, thanks to experienced birders who curate and annotate sightings, photos, and sounds.

In addition to its technological prowess, Merlin offers amazing content. Users can choose bird packs containing photos, songs, and calls, as well as identification help for anywhere in the world, including Mexico, Costa Rica, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia, Korea, Japan, China, and more. This extensive coverage makes Merlin an invaluable tool for bird enthusiasts everywhere.

E-book library size & copyright authenticity

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab offers an extensive collection of bird-related content that rivals a comprehensive e-book library. With millions of photos, sounds, and sighting records from around the world, it provides users with a vast resource for bird identification and education.

The app's content is deeply rooted in the eBird database, which is the largest repository of bird sightings globally. This ensures not only a wide breadth of material but also the highest standards of copyright authenticity. Every piece of data is contributed by experienced birders and curated by experts at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Users benefit from this wealth of information as they can access accurate details about bird species from all corners of the globe. Whether you're looking to identify a bird through its song or seeking expert ID tips, Merlin Bird ID has you covered.

This dedication to genuine and authoritative content means that users can trust the information they receive, making each interaction with the app both reliable and educational.

Format compatibility

Merlin Bird ID excels in format compatibility, ensuring that users can engage with its content across various media types. The app supports multiple formats including photos, audio recordings of bird calls, and textual descriptions, providing a rich multimedia experience.

With machine learning capabilities, Merlin can process uploaded images and recorded sounds to help identify bird species. This flexibility allows users to utilize their smartphone's camera and microphone effectively, without worrying about specific file formats or conversions.

Moreover, the app's integration with eBird means that it handles professional-grade media submitted by ornithologists worldwide. Users can explore high-quality bird songs and detailed range maps seamlessly within the app.

This commitment to broad format support enhances user accessibility and convenience, allowing bird enthusiasts to focus on discovery rather than technical limitations.

Pros

User-friendly interface

Accurate bird identification

Comprehensive global coverage

Personalized birding experience

Free to use

Cons

Limited offline functionality

Requires internet connection

Occasional misidentification

Heavy reliance on database

Learning curve for beginners

FAQs

What is this app and what can I use it for?

Merlin Bird ID helps identify birds through photos and sounds

How do I download and install this app on my device?

Visit Google Play Store, search Merlin Bird ID, and tap install

How do I get started after opening the app for the first time?

Follow the setup wizard and grant necessary permissions

What are the main features and capabilities of this app?

Photo ID, Sound ID, and bird sighting tracking features

How can I customize my experience and adjust preferences?

Adjust settings via the preferences menu for customization

How do I save or bookmark my favorite content for later access?

Save favorite birds by adding them to your personal list

How can I share content with friends or on social media?

Share bird info directly through the app's share option

How do I access detailed information and explore more content?

Access detailed bird info by tapping on specific entries

What permissions does this app need and how do I manage them?

App needs camera and microphone access for full functionality

How do I check for updates and keep the app running smoothly?

Enable auto-updates in Google Play Store for latest version
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