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Description
Been using Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab for a couple months now. It’s basically a free app that helps you figure out what kind of birds you’re seeing. Pretty solid if you’re into bird watching or just curious about the feathered friends around your neighborhood.
Here’s what you do: you can answer some simple questions about the bird, upload a photo, or even record the bird’s song. Merlin’s got a huge database and it’ll give you info on the species, like what it looks like, where it lives, and what kind of sounds it makes. There’s also an option to explore birds in your local area – that’s been really handy for me.
Look, if you’re into birds or just want to learn more about the wildlife around you, you’ll probably like this app. It’s not perfect – the UI can be a bit clunky at times – but overall it does a great job and it’s free, so it’s worth checking out.
Editor Opinion
So here's my honest take on Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab. I've tested a bunch of bird ID apps and this one's pretty much the gold standard. The database is massive, the features are super useful, and the accuracy is top-notch. I'd say it's a must-have if you're even remotely interested in birds. The only real downside is that the interface feels a little dated, but it gets the job done. Overall, Merlin is a really solid app that makes identifying birds way easier.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge database with tons of bird species
- Multiple identification methods (questions, photos, recordings)
- Detailed info on each bird (sounds, habits, range maps)
- Completely free to use
- Backed by the respected Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cons
- Interface looks a bit outdated
- Can be tricky to navigate at first
- Occasional bugs or crashes
- Limited customization options
Specifications
| Updated | 02.10.2025 |
| Age Rating | Everyone |
| Developer | Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
| Android | Android 7.0++ |
| Package Name |
com.labs.merlinbirdid.app |
Ratings
User Reviews
Best Bird app ever! For a free app, this one has some really amazing features. Recording, naming and organizing birdsong sessions are only a few of the tools available. There...
Cool program, but the app should have the option to not have location tracking (and work - not a Samsung permissions workaround). I can't add birds while recording, and have...
This app is wonderful! Searching for bird information is easy. Identifying and "collecting birds for your "life list" is fun for the whole family. The app is very user friendly,...
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App Permissions
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Frequently Asked Questions
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