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, receive customized lists of birds based on location, and track their sightings by building a personal list of found birds.

Features

Merlin Bird ID stands out due to its integration of machine learning technology. Using Visipedia, Merlin Sound ID and Photo ID utilize machine learning to identify birds in photos and sounds. The app learns to recognize bird species based on millions of photos and sounds collected by birders at eBird.org, stored in the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This ensures highly accurate results, curated and annotated by experienced birders who contribute their knowledge and observations.

In addition to its technological prowess, Merlin offers rich content through downloadable bird packs. These packs contain photos, songs, calls, and identification help for regions worldwide, 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 the depth and breadth of a well-stocked e-book library. With millions of photos, sounds, and sighting records from around the world, it provides users with a rich repository of avian knowledge.

The app's vast database is sourced from eBird, the largest online database of bird observations, ensuring that all content is authentic and backed by credible sources. This guarantees that every piece of information you access is not only vast in quantity but also reliable and accurate.

Users benefit from this wealth of resources as they can explore birds from various regions globally, including Mexico, Costa Rica, South America, Europe, Africa, and more. The availability of localized bird packs means that wherever you are or plan to travel, Merlin Bird ID has tailored content for that area.

This comprehensive digital library empowers bird enthusiasts to learn about different species through expert ID tips, range maps, and sound recordings. It's like having an ever-growing ornithological reference at your fingertips, which supports both casual curiosity and serious study.

Format compatibility

One of Merlin Bird ID's strengths lies in its exceptional format compatibility, allowing it to seamlessly integrate various types of media for bird identification. Whether it's photos, audio recordings of bird calls, or textual descriptions, the app handles these formats with ease.

The machine learning algorithms developed by Visipedia enable Merlin to process uploaded images and recorded sounds effectively. This ensures that regardless of whether you're snapping a picture or capturing a distant bird song, the app will analyze and provide accurate identifications.

For users, this means unparalleled flexibility in how they interact with the app. You can document sightings visually or audibly without worrying about file formats or conversion issues. The focus remains on observing and learning about birds rather than technical limitations.

By supporting multiple input methods and data formats, Merlin Bird ID enhances user engagement and makes birdwatching more accessible to everyone. Its ability to handle diverse content formats sets it apart as a versatile tool in the Books & Reference category.

Pros

User-friendly interface

Accurate bird identification

Personalized bird lists

Global bird packs available

Free to use

Cons

Limited offline functionality

Requires internet connection

Occasional misidentification

Heavy reliance on database

Regional data may vary

Rating :
4.90
4.00
Rank :
39
1
Fee :
Free
$ 1.99

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 Merlin Bird ID from Google Play Store on your Android device.

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

Start by answering questions or uploading bird photos for identification.

What are the main features and capabilities of this app?

Main features include photo ID, sound ID, and bird sighting tracking.

How can I customize my experience and adjust preferences?

Customize experience by selecting regional bird packs and preferences.

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

Save favorite bird species by adding them to your personal bird list.

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

Share identified bird species with friends via social media links.

How do I access detailed information and explore more content?

Access detailed bird info through range maps and expert ID tips.

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

App needs camera and microphone access for photo and sound ID.

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

Check for updates in the app store to ensure smooth performance.
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