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.

The app includes expert ID tips, range maps, photos, and sounds to help users learn about the birds they spot and improve their birding skills. Users can discover a new bird species daily with a personalized Bird of the Day feature and receive customized lists of birds they can find where they live or travel anywhere in the world. Additionally, users can 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 for identifying birds in photos and sounds. Powered by Visipedia, Merlin Sound ID and Photo ID utilize training sets of millions of photos and sounds collected by birders at eBird.org, archived in the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This extensive data ensures the most accurate results possible.

Experienced birders curate and annotate sightings, photos, and sounds, providing the true magic behind Merlin's accuracy. The app also offers amazing content through bird packs containing photos, songs, and calls, as well as identification help for regions worldwide, including Mexico, Costa Rica, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia, Korea, Japan, China, and more.

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 and sounds collected through eBird, the app provides users with access to a vast array of species-specific information from around the globe.

The app's database is not only large but also authentic, as it draws from verified contributions by experienced birders. This ensures that all content, including photos, songs, and calls, is both accurate and legally obtained, adhering strictly to copyright laws.

Users benefit from this vast and genuine library as they can choose specific bird packs for different regions worldwide. Whether you're interested in birds from South America, Europe, or Asia, Merlin Bird ID has tailored content that aids in identification and education.

This dedication to providing a rich and lawful content library makes Merlin Bird ID an invaluable tool for anyone looking to learn about birds while being assured of the quality and legality of the resources at their disposal.

Format compatibility

Compatibility across various formats is crucial for an enriching user experience, and Merlin Bird ID excels in this aspect. The app supports multiple types of media, including photos, audio recordings, and textual descriptions, which cater to diverse learning preferences and identification methods.

By integrating machine learning technology, Merlin Bird ID can process these different formats effectively. Users can upload images or record bird songs, and the app will identify the species using its sophisticated algorithms trained on millions of data points.

This versatility in format handling allows users to engage with the app in a way that suits them best, whether they are visual learners who prefer images or auditory learners who rely on sound. Such flexibility enhances the overall usability of the app.

Ultimately, Merlin Bird ID's broad format compatibility empowers users to explore and identify birds through a medium that resonates with them, making birdwatching more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Pros

User-friendly interface

Accurate identification

Comprehensive bird database

Personalized bird lists

Free to use

Cons

Limited offline functionality

Requires internet connection

Occasional misidentification

Heavy on storage

Region-specific content

FAQs

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

Merlin Bird ID identifies birds you see and hear using advanced tech.

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

Download it from Google Play Store and install by following prompts.

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

Start by answering questions or uploading bird photos or sounds.

What are the main features and capabilities of this app?

Key features include Photo ID, Sound ID, and expert bird info.

How can I customize my experience and adjust preferences?

Customize experience via settings and personalized bird lists.

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

Save favorite birds by adding them to your personal sighting list.

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

Share bird info via social media directly from the app.

How do I access detailed information and explore more content?

Access detailed info by exploring bird packs and species data.

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

App needs camera and mic permissions managed in settings.

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

Check updates in Play Store and enable auto-updates.
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