If you're someone who loves bird watching or wants to learn about different species of birds, then Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is the perfect app for you. This engaging app has a user-friendly interface that enables users to identify any bird species within seconds. The app is incredibly accurate and comes loaded with numerous features that are worth being explored by bird lovers.
Features
Bird Identification Tool
The bird identification tool on Merlin Bird ID is remarkable. It requires a simple photo or audio recording of the bird's sound and returns an accurate identification result in seconds. The app can even distinguish between variations in male and female calls of certain species, making it easier for users to identify specific bird genders.
Bird Pack Collection
The app also provides the user with a wide collection of bird packs that contain detailed information about various species of birds. These packs are easy to download and have an excellent layout that includes photos, videos, range maps, and much more. You can access this information even when offline, which is an added advantage while hiking or camping.
Bird Feeder and Occurance Feed
This app has two features that stand out: the bird feeder and occurance feed. The bird feeder function is especially interesting as it enables one to attract birds to their yard by playing different bird sounds. The occurance feed feature provides users with real-time data on the migration patterns of specific species, allowing you to determine the best time of year to spot a particular bird species in your area.
Pros
User-Friendly Interface
The interface for Merlin Bird ID is well-designed and straightforward, with a clean layout that makes navigating the app easier for users of all ages.
Range Maps and Occurance Feed
The occurance feed feature is a unique feature not found in other similar apps. The range maps, included in every bird pack, is also an added advantage, providing users with insight into specific species' ranges and migration patterns.
Bird Feeder Function
The app's bird feeder feature is perfect for those who love to attract birds to their backyards, and the collection of various sounds ensures that you'll have a plethora of choices to select from.
Cons
Paid Content
Most of the excellent and well-designed content on Merlin Bird ID requires payment or a subscription, which can be discouraging for those who feel they shouldn't have to pay for educational resources.
Inaccurate Identification at Times
While Merlin Bird ID is very accurate, there were some instances where the app couldn't identify the bird species correctly. This could make one miss out on seeing a particular bird species as the app may misdirect you in its identification results.
Comparison to Similar Apps
Compared to other bird identification apps like eBird, Birdsnap, or Birdwatcher's Diary, Merlin Bird ID stands out for its user-friendliness, wide range of bird packs and its occurance feature, real-time data on bird migration based on location.
Tips for Using the App
If you're using Merlin Bird ID for the first time, ensure you connect your phone to the internet to download any necessary updates. You should also download all bird packs within the app to make it easier to identify bird species while offline. Additionally, be sure to adjust the distance radius parameter when you search for birds, so you get the most detailed and accurate results.
Conclusion
All things considered, Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is an incredible bird identification tool for Android users. With its massive collection of bird packs, bird feeder feature and occurance feed, this app is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about different species of birds, be it an experienced bird watcher or beginner. Although the paid content might be a downside, Merlin Bird ID offers all features that a birdwatcher would need in one place making it worth trying out. I recommend this app to anyone who enjoys birdwatching and wants a handy field guide while out on walks or traveling.
Updated 04-21-2023
Overview
If you're someone who loves bird watching or wants to learn about different species of birds, then Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is the perfect app for you. This engaging app has a user-friendly interface that enables users to identify any bird species within seconds. The app is incredibly accurate and comes loaded with numerous features that are worth being explored by bird lovers.
Features
Bird Identification Tool
The bird identification tool on Merlin Bird ID is remarkable. It requires a simple photo or audio recording of the bird's sound and returns an accurate identification result in seconds. The app can even distinguish between variations in male and female calls of certain species, making it easier for users to identify specific bird genders.
Bird Pack Collection
The app also provides the user with a wide collection of bird packs that contain detailed information about various species of birds. These packs are easy to download and have an excellent layout that includes photos, videos, range maps, and much more. You can access this information even when offline, which is an added advantage while hiking or camping.
Bird Feeder and Occurance Feed
This app has two features that stand out: the bird feeder and occurance feed. The bird feeder function is especially interesting as it enables one to attract birds to their yard by playing different bird sounds. The occurance feed feature provides users with real-time data on the migration patterns of specific species, allowing you to determine the best time of year to spot a particular bird species in your area.
Pros
User-Friendly Interface
The interface for Merlin Bird ID is well-designed and straightforward, with a clean layout that makes navigating the app easier for users of all ages.
Range Maps and Occurance Feed
The occurance feed feature is a unique feature not found in other similar apps. The range maps, included in every bird pack, is also an added advantage, providing users with insight into specific species' ranges and migration patterns.
Bird Feeder Function
The app's bird feeder feature is perfect for those who love to attract birds to their backyards, and the collection of various sounds ensures that you'll have a plethora of choices to select from.
Cons
Paid Content
Most of the excellent and well-designed content on Merlin Bird ID requires payment or a subscription, which can be discouraging for those who feel they shouldn't have to pay for educational resources.
Inaccurate Identification at Times
While Merlin Bird ID is very accurate, there were some instances where the app couldn't identify the bird species correctly. This could make one miss out on seeing a particular bird species as the app may misdirect you in its identification results.
Comparison to Similar Apps
Compared to other bird identification apps like eBird, Birdsnap, or Birdwatcher's Diary, Merlin Bird ID stands out for its user-friendliness, wide range of bird packs and its occurance feature, real-time data on bird migration based on location.
Tips for Using the App
If you're using Merlin Bird ID for the first time, ensure you connect your phone to the internet to download any necessary updates. You should also download all bird packs within the app to make it easier to identify bird species while offline. Additionally, be sure to adjust the distance radius parameter when you search for birds, so you get the most detailed and accurate results.
Conclusion
All things considered, Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is an incredible bird identification tool for Android users. With its massive collection of bird packs, bird feeder feature and occurance feed, this app is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about different species of birds, be it an experienced bird watcher or beginner. Although the paid content might be a downside, Merlin Bird ID offers all features that a birdwatcher would need in one place making it worth trying out. I recommend this app to anyone who enjoys birdwatching and wants a handy field guide while out on walks or traveling.