An App for Bird Sound Recognition - Merlin Bird ID
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Merlin Bird app interface: left side shows the screen to start recording, right side shows the live recording view with the active bird species highlighted. The "GPS Data" section (blue text): This usually shows your current location.
A True Highlight for Nature and Wildlife Photographers
You’re out in nature, and suddenly a mysterious bird flashes across your viewfinder—wouldn’t it be great to know what species it is right away? That’s exactly what Merlin Bird ID makes possible. The app reliably identifies birds—either by photo or by their song. It’s accurate, easy to use, requires no prior knowledge, and is completely free—even usable offline.
Birdsong Detection – Quick and Effortless
An unfamiliar call comes from the bushes—and you're wondering who's singing? With Merlin, the answer is just a few taps away:
- Launch the app
- Start recording
- Activate the microphone
And just like that, the app shows you—live—which bird species are singing. Identified species are highlighted on screen so you can easily match sounds to names. This is especially helpful for nature photographers—so you know what to expect before you press the shutter.
Photo ID – Identify with Just One Picture
You’ve captured a bird in a photo but aren’t sure what species it is? No problem: upload the picture to the app. Merlin will provide:
- The species name
- A matching reference image
- A short description
Even with less-than-perfect shots, the app often delivers surprisingly accurate results—perfect for quick snapshots or tricky lighting situations.
Regional Data – Only What You Really Need
After installation, you can download specific data packs for your region, like Europe, North or South America. This saves storage and keeps the app running smoothly, even on older devices.
Pro tip: Download the appropriate region pack before your next trip—that way, species ID works even without an internet connection.
Handy Features for Outdoor Adventures
- Location-based suggestions: See which species are currently nearby
- Range maps: Great for planning observation spots
- Personal sighting list (Life List): Keep track of your discoveries
- eBird integration: For even more accurate results
- No ads, completely free
A Pocket-Sized Bird Guide for Every Outing
Merlin Bird ID is the perfect companion for your nature walks—compact, informative, and ready to go. Whether you’re out with your camera, hiking in the wild, or just curious about the birdsong outside your window—this app has the answer in seconds.
Click here to go to the Merlin Bird ID webpage or search for Merlin Bird ID in your app store.
