A new bird call identifier app from Cornell University identifies the sounds of 400 bird species.

For free, and in real time.

Is there a Shazam for bird songs?

Yes.

The free Merlin Bird ID app, made by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, makes a quantum leap in bird identification.

By just holding up your phone towards the sound, Merlin listens with you and uses AI to identify the species.

Even if multiple species are singing at once.

Merlin can now help you identify more than 400 bird species by sound throughout the United States and Canada; with more species and regions are being added soon.

A previous version of the app was able to identify 7,500 species based on photos or descriptions.

And now the app has added audio. 

A bird call identifier powered by thousands of volunteers

Merlin’s pioneering approach to sound identification uses AI technology powered by tens of thousands of citizen scientists who have contributed their bird observations and sound recordings.

“Thousands of sound recordings train Merlin to recognize each bird species, and more than a billion bird observations in eBird tell Merlin which birds are likely to be present at a particular place and time,” said Merlin’s project coordinator Drew Weber.

“Having this incredibly robust bird dataset — and feeding that into faster and more powerful machine-learning tools — enables Merlin to identify birds by sound now,” he said.

This would have seemed like a daunting challenge only a few years ago. 

Birdsong identification via spectrograms

Instead of cracking the problem by teaching computers to identify the actual sounds, researchers at the Cornell Lab trained Merlin to recognize the visual patterns of each bird song based on spectrograms .

Those are images that capture the amplitude, frequency, and duration of the sound.

The massively popular song-identification app Shazam uses a similar technique.

“The sound recordings that each user makes get quickly turned into spectrograms.

And in the same way that Merlin can identify a bird by what it looks like, it can now also now make an ID by what the bird’s sound looks like,” said Merlin’s lead researcher Grant Van Horn.

This bird call identifier IDs multiple species at once, at the touch of a button

Merlin can help identify individual bird sounds even when multiple birds are singing at the same time.

With one-touch access, you can also go deeper and learn more about each bird.

The app offers ID tips, maps, and more than 80,000 photos and sounds from the Cornell Lab’s Macaulay Library.

“The Merlin app really unlocks a whole new world of sound,” said the Cornell Lab’s Jessie Barry, whose team led the project.

“It helps everyone solve the mystery birds they’re hearing around them,” she said.

Even better, the technology that powers Merlin’s sound identification can also be used for research and bird conservation.

This opens up new possibilities for the way scientists can monitor, study, and protect birds.

The Merlin Bird ID app with this new “Sound ID” feature is available now, for free, on both iOS and Android devices. 

Merlin Bird ID Features:   

• Intelligent results: Merlin shows the birds near you that match your description, photo, or sound recording. No more scanning through hundreds of possibilities!  
• Extra features: bird identification tips, range maps, photos, and sounds that help you learn even more about the birds you spot.  
• Save your heard birds! Merlin lets save a list of birds you’ve identified to keep track of the birds you’ve seen and heard.

14 Other Bird Call Identifier Apps

Bird watching is a fun hobby that lets you connect with nature.

It can be hard to tell which birds are around just by looking.

That’s where bird call identifier apps come in handy.

These apps use your phone to listen to bird sounds and tell you what birds are nearby. The best bird call identifier apps can recognize hundreds of bird species by their songs and calls. They make it easy for both new and expert bird watchers to learn about the birds in their area.

2) BirdNET

BirdNET is a powerful tool for bird enthusiasts.

This app uses artificial intelligence to identify bird sounds quickly and accurately.

You can use BirdNET to recognize birds by their calls and songs.

It’s easy to use – just open the app and start recording.

The app will analyze the sound and tell you which bird it is.

BirdNET is powered by a large database of bird sounds.

This helps it identify many different species.

You can use it anywhere in the world.

The app is free and available for both iOS and Android devices.

It’s a great choice if you want to improve your bird identification skills.

BirdNET can pick out bird sounds even in noisy environments.

This makes it useful for both city and countryside bird watching.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology developed BirdNET.

They are experts in bird research and conservation.

This gives the app a strong scientific backing.

You can use BirdNET to contribute to citizen science projects.

The data you collect can help researchers study bird populations and migration patterns.

The app is constantly improving.

Regular updates add new features and expand the number of bird species it can identify.

3) Song Sleuth

Song Sleuth is a top-notch bird call identifier app you’ll want to check out.

It combines cutting-edge sound recognition with beautiful illustrations by David Sibley, a renowned bird expert.

The app boasts a large library of over 450 UK bird species.

This means you’ll have a great chance of identifying most birds you encounter in the wild.

One of Song Sleuth’s standout features is its automatic recording capability.

You can easily capture bird calls without fumbling with your phone’s controls.

The app’s sophisticated editing interface lets you fine-tune your recordings.

This can help improve accuracy when identifying tricky bird calls.

You’ll appreciate the comprehensive bird database included in Song Sleuth.

It provides detailed information about each species, helping you learn more about the birds you identify.

The app is available on the iTunes store for $9.99.

An Android version is also in the works, so you can look forward to using it on your preferred device.

While Song Sleuth is highly regarded, it’s worth noting that some users have found its accuracy can vary.

Like all bird call identifier apps, it may sometimes struggle with background noise or similar-sounding species.

4) ChirpOMatic

ChirpOMatic is a popular bird call identifier app that can help you recognize North American bird species.

It’s easy to use and accurate, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced birders.

To use ChirpOMatic, you simply record a bird’s song or call using your smartphone.

The app then analyzes the recording and compares it to its library of bird vocalizations.

It provides you with a match, along with a photo of the bird and a description of the sound.

ChirpOMatic is available for both iOS and Android devices.

The app costs a small fee, which is comparable to the price of a coffee.

This one-time purchase gives you access to a wide range of bird identification features.

One of ChirpOMatic’s strengths is its frequent updates.

You can be confident that the app will always run on the latest operating systems.

The developers also offer excellent customer support, typically responding to emails within 48 hours.

ChirpOMatic’s database includes a variety of North American birds, from warblers to wild turkeys.

This makes it a versatile tool for identifying birds across different regions and habitats.

The app also allows you to store your recordings.

You can listen to them again later or share them with friends through various platforms like AirDrop, WhatsApp, or email.

5) Larkwire

Larkwire is a game-based learning system that helps you master bird sounds.

It’s designed for both beginners and advanced birders.

The app uses proven cognitive techniques to make learning bird calls efficient and fun.

You can customize your experience by choosing which bird sounds you want to learn.

Larkwire offers identification tips from Michael O’Brien, one of North America’s top ear birders.

This expert guidance can help you improve your skills quickly.

The app’s game-like structure keeps you engaged as you practice.

It’s not just about memorizing sounds, but understanding the nuances of different bird calls.

You can use Larkwire to learn bird sounds from specific regions or focus on particular species.

This flexibility makes it useful for birders at any level.

Larkwire is available as a web-based application, making it accessible on various devices.

You don’t need to worry about compatibility issues or app store downloads.

The app’s structured approach helps you build your bird sound identification skills step by step.

You’ll find yourself recognizing more bird calls in the field as you practice.

Remember, consistent practice with Larkwire can greatly improve your birding skills.

The more you use it, the better you’ll become at identifying birds by their sounds.

6) iBird Pro Guide

iBird Pro Guide is a popular bird identification app for iOS and Android.

It offers a comprehensive database of over 900 bird species.

You can search for birds by name or use the app’s photo recognition feature.

Just snap a picture, and the app will try to identify the bird for you.

The app includes detailed information about each species.

You’ll find descriptions, range maps, and high-quality illustrations.

One of iBird Pro’s standout features is its extensive collection of bird calls and songs.

You can listen to over 2,800 recordings to help you identify birds by sound.

iBird Pro also offers a compare species function.

This tool is helpful when you’re trying to distinguish between similar-looking birds.

The app’s smart search tool lets you filter birds by various characteristics.

This makes it easier to narrow down your options when identifying an unknown bird.

While iBird Pro is pricier than some other birding apps, many users find its features worth the cost.

The app is regularly updated with new information and improvements.

If you’ve used an older version of iBird Pro, you might be eligible for a free one-year subscription to the new subscription-based app.

Check the app store for details on this offer.

7) Warblr

Warblr is a helpful app for bird enthusiasts in the UK.

It can identify British birds by their songs.

You can use it on both iPhone and Android devices.

The app works in a simple way.

You record a bird’s song using your phone.

Then Warblr figures out what kind of bird made that sound.

After it identifies the bird, Warblr gives you more info.

You’ll see pictures and descriptions of the bird.

This helps you learn about the birds you hear.

Warblr is easy to use.

Just open the app and make a recording when you hear a bird singing.

The app does the rest of the work for you.

You can use Warblr to identify multiple birds at once.

If there are several birds singing in your recording, the app will try to name them all.

Warblr is great for birdwatchers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re new to birding or have been doing it for years, this app can help you.

8) Bird Song Id USA

Bird Song Id USA is a helpful app for identifying bird calls in North America.

It’s designed to recognize bird sounds specific to the United States.

The app uses your smartphone’s microphone to listen to bird songs in your surroundings.

It then compares these sounds to its database of bird calls.

You can use Bird Song Id USA to identify birds in real-time.

It’s great for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers who want to improve their bird identification skills.

The app provides detailed information about each bird species it identifies.

You can learn about their habits, habitat, and migration patterns.

Bird Song Id USA has a user-friendly interface.

It’s easy to navigate and use, even if you’re new to birding apps.

One unique feature is its ability to work offline.

This means you can use it in remote areas without internet access.

The app is regularly updated with new bird sounds and species information.

This helps keep its identification abilities accurate and up-to-date.

You can also use Bird Song Id USA to record and save bird songs you hear.

This feature lets you build a personal library of bird calls for future reference.

9) Audubon Bird Guide

The Audubon Bird Guide app is a must-have for bird enthusiasts.

It offers a wealth of information on over 800 North American bird species.

With this app, you can access stunning photos, range maps, and audio recordings of bird calls.

These features make it easier for you to identify birds you spot in the wild.

The app includes a smart search tool that lets you filter birds by shape, size, and color.

This helps you narrow down possible matches quickly.

You can also use the app to find nearby birding hotspots and see real-time sightings from eBird.

This feature helps you plan your birdwatching trips more effectively.

The Audubon Bird Guide allows you to share your bird photos with other users.

You can post your best shots to the Photo Feed for others to see and enjoy.

The app keeps you updated with the latest news from the world of birds, science, and conservation.

This helps you stay informed about important developments in the birding community.

You can use the Audubon Bird Guide on both iOS and Android devices.

It’s a comprehensive tool that combines identification help, community features, and educational content in one package.

10) Bird Song Id Europe

Bird Song Id Europe is a popular app for identifying bird calls in European countries.

It helps you figure out which birds are singing around you.

The app has a big database of bird sounds from across Europe.

It covers many common and rare species found in different habitats.

To use it, you just record a bird’s song with your phone.

The app then tries to match it to the sounds in its library.

It gives you a list of possible birds that could have made that sound.

You can see photos and info about each bird the app suggests.

This helps you confirm if it’s the right one.

The app also shows maps of where different birds live in Europe.

Bird Song Id Europe works offline too.

This is helpful when you’re out birdwatching in areas with no cell signal.

You can still identify birds even without an internet connection.

The app gets regular updates to improve its accuracy.

New bird sounds and species are added over time.

This keeps the app current and useful for birdwatchers.

You can use Bird Song Id Europe to learn more about the birds in your area.

It’s a handy tool for both new and experienced bird watchers.

11) BirdID

BirdID is a handy app for bird enthusiasts.

It helps you identify birds by their songs and calls.

The app uses your device’s microphone to record bird sounds around you.

Once you’ve recorded a bird call, BirdID analyzes it.

It compares the sound to its database of bird vocalizations.

Then, it suggests possible matches for the bird you heard.

The app covers a wide range of bird species.

It’s particularly useful for identifying common backyard birds.

You can also use it to learn more about different bird calls and songs.

BirdID has a simple, user-friendly interface.

It’s easy to navigate, even if you’re new to bird watching.

The app also includes photos and information about each bird species.

You can use BirdID to keep track of the birds you’ve identified.

It allows you to create a personal bird list.

This feature is great for monitoring the birds in your area over time.

The app works best in quieter environments.

Background noise can sometimes interfere with the recordings.

For best results, try to use it in areas with less human-made noise.

BirdID can be a valuable tool for both beginner and experienced birders.

It makes bird identification more accessible and fun.

With practice, you can improve your bird recognition skills using this app.

12) VocalEyes

VocalEyes is a lesser-known bird call identifier app that offers a unique approach to bird sound recognition.

It uses advanced audio processing technology to analyze bird songs and calls.

When you’re out birdwatching, you can use VocalEyes to record the sounds you hear.

The app then compares these recordings to its database of bird vocalizations.

VocalEyes provides you with a list of possible matches, along with confidence scores for each.

This helps you narrow down the species you’ve heard.

The app includes a library of bird sounds that you can listen to for comparison.

You can also see images and read information about each bird species.

VocalEyes works offline, which is useful when you’re in areas with poor cell service.

You can download bird data for specific regions before your trip.

The app’s interface is simple and easy to use.

It focuses on sound identification rather than offering many extra features.

VocalEyes is not as widely used as some other bird identification apps, but it can be a helpful tool for both beginners and experienced birders.

It’s particularly useful if you’re more interested in identifying birds by sound than by sight.

13) Collins Bird Guide

The Collins Bird Guide app brings the popular field guide to your phone or tablet.

It covers over 700 European bird species.

You’ll find detailed illustrations of birds in various plumages.

The app includes more than 3,500 images by renowned wildlife artists.

Text descriptions help you identify birds.

They cover key features like habitat, range, and vocalizations.

The app lets you record sightings with location and date.

This helps you keep track of the birds you’ve spotted.

Many birders consider Collins a top field guide.

The app version puts that expertise in your pocket.

You can use the app offline.

This comes in handy when birding in remote areas without cell service.

The Collins Bird Guide app works on both iOS and Android devices.

You can find it in your device’s app store.

While not free, many users find the app worth the cost.

It provides a wealth of information to help with bird identification.

14) Bird Song Opus

Bird Song Opus is a user-friendly app that helps you identify bird calls.

It uses advanced sound recognition technology to match the songs you hear to its database of bird vocalizations.

You can record bird sounds directly in the app or upload existing audio files.

Bird Song Opus then analyzes the recording and provides potential matches.

The app includes a large library of bird species from various regions.

You can browse through high-quality photos and listen to sample recordings for each bird.

Bird Song Opus offers both visual and audio learning tools.

You can study bird appearances and practice recognizing their calls to improve your identification skills.

The app works offline, so you can use it even when you don’t have an internet connection.

This is handy for birdwatching in remote areas.

You can keep a personal log of your bird sightings and audio recordings within the app.

This feature helps you track your birdwatching experiences over time.

Bird Song Opus is designed for both beginners and experienced birders.

It provides detailed information about each species, including habitat preferences and behavioral traits.

The app gets regular updates to expand its bird database and improve its recognition accuracy.

You can contribute your own recordings to help enhance the app’s performance.

15) British Birds

British Birds is a popular bird identification app for UK birdwatchers.

It focuses on species found in Britain and Ireland, making it ideal for local birding enthusiasts.

The app features detailed information on over 300 bird species.

You’ll find high-quality photos, descriptions, and range maps for each bird.

One of the app’s strengths is its bird song recognition feature.

It can help you identify birds by their calls, which is very useful when you can’t see the bird clearly.

British Birds also includes a personal bird log.

You can record your sightings and keep track of the species you’ve spotted.

The app works offline, so you can use it even in remote areas without cell service.

This is handy for birdwatching trips to rural locations.

Regular updates ensure that the app stays current with the latest bird data and sightings.

You’ll always have access to the most up-to-date information.

While it’s not free, many users find the app worth the cost for its comprehensive UK-specific bird information.

It’s a valuable tool for both beginner and experienced birdwatchers in Britain.

Why Identify Bird Calls?

Bird call identification opens up a world of nature appreciation and scientific discovery.

It helps you connect with the natural world around you and contribute to important research.

Benefits of Bird Call Identification

Learning to identify bird calls can enrich your outdoor experiences.

You’ll be able to recognize birds without seeing them, expanding your awareness of local wildlife.

This skill can make walks and hikes more engaging.

Bird call knowledge also helps you spot rare or unusual species.

You might notice when a new bird arrives in your area.

This can be exciting for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Identifying calls can improve your birdwatching skills.

It allows you to find and observe birds more easily.

You can locate birds hidden in trees or bushes by their sounds.

Ornithology and Conservation Efforts

Your bird call identification skills can support scientific research.

Many bird monitoring programs rely on volunteer data.

By reporting the birds you hear, you help track population changes and migrations.

This information is crucial for conservation efforts.

It helps scientists understand how bird populations are doing.

They can spot declines early and take action to protect species.

You can also use your skills to participate in bird counts.

These events gather data on bird numbers and diversity.

They provide valuable insights into ecosystem health.

Features to Look for in Bird Call Identifier Apps

When choosing a bird call identifier app, it’s important to consider ease of use, accuracy, offline capabilities, and sharing options.

These features can greatly enhance your birding experience and help you identify more species.

Ease of Use

A good bird call identifier app should be simple to navigate.

Look for apps with clear menus and intuitive interfaces. Merlin Bird ID is known for its user-friendly design.

The app should let you quickly record bird sounds or upload existing recordings.

It should also provide easy ways to browse and search through bird species.

Consider apps that offer multiple identification methods.

Some let you answer questions about the bird’s appearance, while others use AI to analyze photos or recordings.

Accuracy and Database Size

The app’s accuracy depends largely on its database size.

Choose apps with extensive libraries of bird calls and songs.

Look for apps that use data from reputable sources. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird database is a gold standard in the birding world.

Check if the app covers birds in your region.

Some focus on North American species, while others have global coverage.

Regular updates are crucial.

Bird populations and distributions change over time, so the app should stay current.

Offline Capabilities

Offline access is vital for birding in remote areas.

Look for apps that let you download bird call libraries for offline use.

Check how much storage space the offline data requires.

Some apps offer regional downloads to save space.

Consider battery usage.

Offline capabilities can help conserve your device’s battery life in the field.

Recording and Sharing Options

Good recording features are essential.

Look for apps with high-quality audio recording capabilities.

The ability to trim and edit recordings can be helpful.

This lets you focus on the specific bird call you want to identify.

Sharing options enhance the birding experience.

Look for apps that let you share your recordings and identifications with other birders.

Some apps integrate with birding communities.

This can help you contribute to citizen science projects or get help with tricky identifications.

Consider apps that let you keep a personal bird log.

This can help you track your sightings and build your birding skills over time.

How to Use Bird Call Identifier Apps Effectively

Bird call identifier apps can help you recognize and learn about different bird species.

To get the most out of these tools, focus on recording quality audio, using extra features, and carefully analyzing results.

Recording High-Quality Audio

To capture clear bird calls, find a quiet spot away from noise.

Hold your phone steady and point the microphone toward the sound.

Try to get as close to the bird as possible without disturbing it.

Early morning is often the best time to record, as birds are most active and there’s less background noise. Use the app’s Sound ID feature to start listening immediately when you hear a call.

If you can’t identify a bird right away, save the recording for later analysis.

Some apps let you add notes or tags to help remember details about the location and conditions.

Utilizing Additional Features

Many bird call apps offer more than just sound identification.

Look for features like:

• Photo ID to match birds visually
• Range maps to see which species are common in your area
• Seasonal information to know when certain birds might be present
• Detailed species info, including habitat preferences and behavior

The Merlin Bird ID app uses a large database of bird sounds and sightings to improve accuracy.

It can be helpful to compare results across multiple apps for the best identification.

Some apps let you contribute your recordings to citizen science projects.

This can help researchers and improve the app’s database over time.

Analyzing Results

When you get identification results, don’t just accept the first suggestion.

Compare the app’s suggestions to your own observations.

Look at things like:

• Bird size and shape
• Colors and markings
• Behavior and movement
• Habitat type

Use the app’s built-in bird guide to learn more about each potential match.

Listen to sample calls to compare with what you heard.

If you’re unsure, many apps offer spectrograms that visually represent the sound.

These can help you see patterns in the call.

Keep a log of your identifications to track your progress.

Over time, you’ll learn to recognize common birds in your area without needing the app.