Meet the Musicians: Merlin and Other Birding Apps

Imagine wandering through the woods, or simply relaxing in your backyard, your ears attuned to the symphony around you. Birding apps transform your phone into a powerful tool, allowing you to quickly identify the musicians behind the melodies. A swift recording of a warbling song, or even a quick snapshot, can reveal the species in moments, letting you focus on the sheer joy of discovery. We always want to know who’s singing, and these apps are like introducing you to the artists themselves, face to face. As the saying goes, “The earth has music for those who listen,” and now, we can finally put names to the beautiful voices we hear. This article explores the user-friendly Merlin app for bird identification, while also mentioning other free options like eBird and Audubon, and highlighting the advanced features found in paid apps such as Sibley and iBird.

Merlin: Your Free Birding Companion

Isn’t it amazing how much technology has changed birding? Take Merlin, for instance. The top-rated app for identifying birds by sound is the Merlin Bird App and it’s completely free. It’s developed by Cornell Lab or Ornithology and designed to help identify birds you see or hear. It covers a substantial 612 species in the United States and Canada. To use it without an internet connection, download bird packs for the regions you plan to visit and store locations ahead of time.

Here’s how sound identification generally works. Tap the microphone to enable Merlin to listen. It generates a small photo and names of possible bird matches, prioritizing those likely found in your specific location. Remember that it relies on your confirmation. The app presents possibilities, but you’re the final arbiter, matching the suggestions to what you’re actually observing.

Now, Merlin isn’t perfect. Sometimes, it struggles with those avian mimics, like mockingbirds that can imitate a whole chorus of other birds. However, if you hear a clear, repeated call and Merlin consistently points to a specific bird, chances are, it’s right on the money. Think of it as a learning tool. Using it regularly can actually sharpen your own ability to recognize bird calls independently.

Merlin is pretty user-friendly too, running on iPhones and iPads with iOS 16 or newer, and Android devices running Android 6 or later. Beyond sound identification, Merlin can also analyze photos you’ve taken to suggest bird species. And, you can even add confirmed identifications to a Life List, keeping track of your birding journey.

It’s worth keeping in mind that Merlin is primarily geared towards beginners and novice birders.

Exploring Other Free Options

Merlin is the app that I use and I’m extremely happy with it. There are other free birding apps available that you may wish to explore.

eBird allows users to record and share bird sightings, contributing to a vast database used for scientific research and conservation. It transforms individual observations into valuable data, helping researchers track bird populations and distribution patterns.

The Audubon Bird app provides a comprehensive field guide with detailed species descriptions, range maps, and bird song recordings for North American birds. It also offers features like bird identification tools and sighting logs, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced birders.

For those seeking more advanced features and comprehensive data, apps like Audubon, Sibley, or iBird might be a better fit.

Premium Birding Apps

While numerous free birding apps offer excellent resources, paid applications often provide more comprehensive features and specialized tools for serious birders. These apps typically boast larger databases, advanced search functionalities, higher-quality images and recordings, and offline capabilities, catering to those seeking a more in-depth and reliable birding experience. From detailed field guides to sophisticated identification aids, paid bird apps can significantly enhance the birding adventure.

BirdsEye (North America) is a comprehensive birding app that provides detailed information on bird species, including range maps, identification tips, and recent sightings, with a focus on helping users find specific target birds. It also offers offline functionality, allowing access to data even in areas without internet connectivity. There is a free version and a paid subscription-based version with additional features.

The Peterson Birds app brings the classic Peterson Field Guide system to your smartphone, offering detailed illustrations, range maps, and bird song recordings for North American species. It utilizes the iconic Peterson Identification System, focusing on key field marks to aid in accurate bird identification.  

The Sibley eGuide to Birds is a digital version of the renowned Sibley guides, offering comprehensive illustrations, detailed descriptions, and range maps for North American birds. It provides a powerful search function and allows users to compare species side-by-side, making it an invaluable tool for accurate identification.

iBird Pro is a powerful birding app offering comprehensive identification tools, detailed illustrations, and extensive information on North American and worldwide bird species. It features advanced search capabilities, including filtering by location, shape, color, and behavior, making it a valuable resource for advanced birders

Ultimately, the choice of birding app depends on individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re a casual observer drawn to the simplicity of Merlin, a dedicated citizen scientist contributing to eBird, or a seasoned birder seeking the comprehensive details of a paid app like Sibley or iBird, these digital tools have undeniably transformed the way we connect with the avian world. They empower us to learn, explore, and appreciate the incredible diversity of birds, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for our natural environment.

If you want to get the scoop on some bird apps I mentioned, these two reviews are pretty up-to-date. Best Field Guide and Listing Apps for Birders was the most helpful. My Seven Favorite Birding Apps is written in a deliberately archaic style and may hinder readability for some. However, the content itself provides helpful information about bird apps. When searching for other reviews, be aware of the date they were written. Technology moves forward very quickly!

On a Personal Note

Merlin has opened my ears to the amazing music of the birds in our local woods, There is complex musicality hidden within their trills and warbles. Combining my passions, I find immense joy in photographing birds alongside musical instruments. There’s a visual harmony between human artistry and nature’s own melodies. George Santayana said it so well, “The earth has music for those who listen.”

The “Fiddle’s Feathered Friend” (above) is a real image taken in our backyard. I know it’s hard to believe, so be sure to watch video of the birds perching and pirouetting on the bow. If you’re fascinated by the harmony of birds and musical instruments, don’t miss “The Earth has Music” and “Music Gives Wings”. Find them all at AzarElGreetings.com.

Resources

Audubon
What bird Guide is Best for You?

Cornell Lab: All About Birds
What’s the Best Book or Field Guide for Bird Identification

Flocking Around
My Seven Favorite Birding Apps – What are the Best Bird Watching Apps?
Favorite apps in order of preference: Merlin, Sibley Guide, iBird Pro.
Notable Mentions: Raptor id, eBird, Audubon