by Cornell University
Merlin Bird ID is the leading app for bird identification, using AI to identify birds by sight and sound. Powered by eBird, it offers expert tips, customized lists, and keeps track of your sightings, anywhere in the world.
""I love this app and it’s been accurate... Great App" (5/5) – 100 chars"
Perfect for: Perfect for bird watchers of all levels, from curious beginners to experienced birders.
Track Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab's performance in Reference over the last 30 days
Current Rank
#11
Best Rank
#8
All-time high
Average Rank
#11
30-day average
I first got Merlin somewhere between winter and spring, and it has been incredible throughout the year. For context, I really like photography, specifically of birds. This app has allowed me to identify the birds I take photos of thanks to the large amount of sample images they showcase of each type of bird. Not only this, but it has also taught me the differences between several of the female birds in my area (house sparrows and house finches. They look fairly similar until you know what patterns to look for.) this app has also helped me find birds I never would have even imagined I could find, thanks to the fact it can take audio recordings and identify what birds are singing in them. I found a lazuli bunting thanks to this app, a male at that, and was able to get photos of him. If I hadn’t had Merlin, I never would have known a bright blue bird was singing just across the road. I have learned so much about the birds in my neighborhood, and thanks to Merlin I’m able to get excited knowing what each type of bird is. Amazing + Accurate I first got Merlin somewhere between winter and spring, and it has been incredible throughout the year. For context, I really like photography, specifically of birds. This app has allowed me to identify the birds I take photos of thanks to the large amount of sample images they showcase of each type of bird. Not only this, but it has also taught me the differences between several of the female birds in my area (house sparrows and house finches. They look fairly similar until you know what patterns to look for.) this app has also helped me find birds I never would have even imagined I could find, thanks to the fact it can take audio recordings and identify what birds are singing in them. I found a lazuli bunting thanks to this app, a male at that, and was able to get photos of him. If I hadn’t had Merlin, I never would have known a bright blue bird was singing just across the road. I have learned so much about the birds in my neighborhood, and thanks to Merlin I’m able to get excited knowing what each type of bird is.
Identifies birds by call/song, or picture. It doesn’t always get it right, but 90% of the time it does. And it seems to be getting better. Amazing Identifies birds by call/song, or picture.It doesn’t always get it right, but 90% of the time it does. And it seems to be getting better.
Merlin is one of my favorite apps! So helpful in identifying birds, which is actually a fun activity! And it is exciting when you discover a “new” bird in your yard! Merlin Merlin is one of my favorite apps! So helpful in identifying birds, which is actually a fun activity! And it is exciting when you discover a “new” bird in your yard!
As a new bird watcher/photographer this has been an incredible help! I love everything about it. The only thing missing is an average size, or size range, to help in finding an unknown bird. Excellent As a new bird watcher/photographer this has been an incredible help! I love everything about it. The only thing missing is an average size, or size range, to help in finding an unknown bird.
This amazing app has helped me to further identify local birds. Found out I had red shouldered hawks and hairy woodpeckers! Incredible This amazing app has helped me to further identify local birds. Found out I had red shouldered hawks and hairy woodpeckers!
Cornell University
8/7/2025