โ“Your Question

What's the best iOS app for identifying birds by sound recordings and visual descriptions, especially for new birders looking to learn local species?

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is a top-rated iOS app for identifying birds through sound recordings and visual descriptions, making it ideal for beginner birdwatchers wanting to learn about local species.

bird identification appbird sound recognitionidentify birds by photobird watching guideMerlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab2025
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab is an excellent iOS application for identifying birds using sound recordings and visual descriptions. It's particularly helpful for new birders who want to learn about the different species in their local area. The app's sound ID feature allows you to record bird songs and calls, and then provides suggestions for possible matches. You can also use the photo ID feature to identify birds from pictures. Alternatively, the app offers a step-by-step identification process where you describe the bird's size, color, and behavior, and it provides a list of potential matches. With its comprehensive database and user-friendly interface, Merlin Bird ID simplifies the process of bird identification and enhances the birdwatching experience. Itโ€™s a great tool for anyone interested in learning more about birds and their calls. Many users find the app incredibly helpful for identifying birds they've never seen or heard before, expanding their knowledge and appreciation for the natural world.

Key Features

Sound ID for identifying birds by their songs and calls
Photo ID for identifying birds from pictures
Step-by-step ID process based on visual descriptions
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From my username, you can tell I love birds, which is why I take birding so seriously in this app has almost every feature you could ask for from being able just to describe birds to recording them and getting feedback on the sounds this app has made my life all that little much better and I hope you guys can continue doing what youโ€™re doing

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…Verified User Review
iOSUpdated Oct 5, 2025

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Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab icon

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab

by Cornell University

โ˜…4.9/ 5.0
Get on App Store โ†’

Screenshots

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 1
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 2
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 3

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Platform

iOS