10 Best Birding Apps: Must-Use for Birdwatching in 2023!

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Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a curious beginner, birding apps are indispensable for any nature enthusiast.

With the power of technology at our fingertips, we can now identify birds, track migration patterns, and learn fascinating facts about avian species like never before.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 birding apps that will elevate your birding experience to new heights.

Let’s get into it!

What are the Best Birding Apps?

The best birding apps are powerful tools that allow you to identify different species and track them in real-time.

From beginner to expert, each of these apps comes with a variety of features tailored for any bird enthusiast.

Here are some great birding apps you can explore:

1. Cornell Lab Merlin Bird ID

Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) is an absolute gem for bird watchers of all levels.

Developed by the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app uses artificial intelligence to identify bird observations based on photos or descriptions.

It’s like having a bird expert in your pocket!

Key Features

• Smart Bird Identifier: Using advanced AI, the app can identify over 6,000 species from photos or descriptive inputs.
• Bird Packs: Users can download bird packs based on their location, making it easier to spot and identify local species.
• Birdsong Identification: The app features an extensive library of bird calls and songs for more comprehensive identification.

Cons

• Internet Dependency: The app requires an internet connection for bird identification, which might be a challenge in remote birding locations.
• Limited Species in Certain Regions: While the app covers a vast number of species, it might have limited information on some less common species in certain regions.

Bottom Line

Merlin Bird ID is a high-powered, user-friendly app that makes bird identification simple and enjoyable.

With its AI-powered identification tool and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology backing, it’s an excellent choice for birders of all experience levels.

2. eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

As one of the largest citizen science projects in the world, eBird allows you to contribute to avian research while logging and ID birds.

With its intuitive interface and powerful database, eBird helps you keep track of your sightings, explore hotspots near you, and connect with a community of fellow birders.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Species Database: eBird has a global database of over 10,000 bird species with detailed descriptions and photos.
• Real-Time Alerts: Users can set up custom alerts to get notifications whenever there are rare sightings in their area.
• Birding Hotspots: The app allows you to explore hotspots near you and record your sightings on the go.

Cons

• Internet Dependency: Like Merlin Bird ID, this app requires an internet connection to function properly.
• Occasional Glitches: There have been reports of occasional software glitches that can hamper the user experience.

Bottom Line

eBird is an excellent choice for serious birders looking to track their sightings and take part in a larger research effort.

With its comprehensive species database and real-time alerts, it’s an invaluable tool for any avid birder.

3. Audubon Bird Guide

The Audubon Bird Guide app is a comprehensive resource that offers detailed information on over 800 North American bird species.

Featuring stunning photos, range maps, and audio recordings of bird calls, this app is a must-have for anyone interested in bird identification and conservation.

Key Features

• Detailed Descriptions: The app boasts comprehensive descriptions and photos for over 800 North American species.
• Range Maps: Users can track the seasonal movements of various species using the intuitive range maps.
• Audio Recordings & More: It features audio recordings of bird calls, plus interesting facts about bird habits and behavior.

Cons

• Limited Species Database: The app covers only North American birds, so you might need additional resources for other regions of the world.
• Occasional Buggy Updates: Some users have reported glitches in the latest updates that impede the user experience.

Bottom Line

The Audubon Bird Guide is an excellent resource for learning more about North American species.

With its comprehensive descriptions and stunning visuals, Audubon birds is a must-have for any bird enthusiast.

4. BirdNET

With its advanced audio recognition technology, BirdNET takes bird identification to the next level with its free app.

Simply record nearby birds’ bird sounds, bird song, or call; the app will analyze them to provide a list of possible bird species. It’s like Shazam for birds!

5. BirdsEye Bird Finding Guide

If you’re looking to discover new birding hotspots or find rare species in your area, BirdsEye is the right bird watching app for you.

With up-to-date bird sightings, maps, and alerts from local birding communities, this app ensures that you never miss an exciting birding opportunity.

Key Features

• each species’ behavior, habitat, and conservation status The app shows you local bird sightings and hotspots, making it easier to find rare species.
• Real-Time Alerts: Users can set up custom alerts for their area to get notifications when a rare species appears.
• Cloud Sync: Your sightings are synced across devices in real time, so you can access your information anytime, anywhere.

Cons

• Limited Availability: The app is only available for iOS users in the US and Canada.
• Occasional Glitches: Some users have reported software glitches that cause app functionality problems.

Bottom Line

BirdsEye is an excellent choice for birders looking to discover more species and explore exciting hotspots in their area.

Its comprehensive database and real-time alerts make it a great tool for any serious birder.

Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned expert, these birding apps will help take your hobby to the next level. No matter which one

6. iBird Pro Guide to Birds

iBird Pro Guide to Birds is a comprehensive field guide with extensive information on over 900 bird species.

From detailed illustrations and professional photographs to in-depth descriptions of behavior and habitat, this app is a treasure trove of avian knowledge.

Key Features

• Real-time Usage: The app features stunning illustrations and high-resolution photographs of bird species.
• In-Depth Descriptions: Users can access detailed descriptions of each species’ behavior, habitat, and conservation status.
• Range Maps & More: The app also offers range maps to track the seasonal movements of various

7. Song Sleuth

Do you ever wonder who’s singing that beautiful melody in your backyard?

Song Sleuth can help you solve the mystery.

Using advanced audio recognition, this app identifies bird songs and provides information on the species behind the melody.

Key Features

• Advanced Audio Recognition: The app uses advanced audio recognition technology to identify the species behind a bird’s song.
• Species Descriptions & Range Maps: It provides detailed descriptions and range maps for each species.
• Occasional Glitches: There have been reports of occasional software glitches that can hamper the user experience.

Bottom Line

Song Sleuth is a great tool for any birder looking to identify birds by their songs.

Its advanced audio recognition technology and detailed descriptions make it an invaluable asset for anyone interested in bird identification.

If you love birding by ear, this app is a great choice that I recommend

8. Bird Watching Magazine

The Bird Watching Magazine app is a fantastic choice for avid birders seeking inspiration and expert advice.

With articles, stunning photography, and tips from renowned birdwatchers, this app keeps you informed and entertained.

Key Features

• Articles & Photographs: The app features a wide selection of articles, stunning photography, and advice from birders all around the world.
• Birding Tips: Users can access expert tips about equipment, techniques, and destinations to enhance their bird watching experience.
• Identification Features: It also offers identification tools such as range maps, audio recordings, and photos of birds.

Cons

• Limited Content Outside the US & Canada: Unfortunately, some content is only available for those living in the United States and Canada.

Bottom Line

The Bird Watching Magazine app is an excellent tool for any serious birder.

It provides a wealth of interesting content and advice that can help you deepen your knowledge and appreciate the beauty of birds even more.

If you’re looking for inspiring content to feed your birding passion, this app is definitely worth checking out!

9. Bird Academy (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Embark on a journey of learning with the Bird Academy app.

From interactive courses and quizzes to virtual birding tours and field guides, this app offers a wealth of educational resources that will deepen your understanding of the avian world.

Key Features

• Interactive Courses & Quizzes: The app provides interactive courses and quizzes that help you hone your identification skills.
• Virtual Birding Tours & Field Guides: You can explore a variety of virtual birding tours and field guides to broaden your horizons.
• Identification Tools: It also offers a range of identification tools such as audio recordings, photos, and range maps.

Cons

• Occasional Glitches: Some users have reported software glitches that cause app functionality problems.

Bottom Line

Bird Academy is an excellent tool for birders of all levels looking to take their knowledge to the next level.

Its comprehensive educational content and interactive features make it a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of birds.

If you’re ready to take your birding skills to the next level, this app is the perfect choice!

10. Sibley Birds 2nd Edition

The Sibley Birds app brings the acclaimed Sibley Guide to Birds directly to your mobile device.

With detailed illustrations, comprehensive species accounts, and a powerful search feature, this app is an invaluable tool for bird identification.

Key Features

• Detailed Illustrations: The app features stunning illustrations and comprehensive species accounts.
• Powerful Search Feature: You can use the powerful search function to quickly find information on a particular species.
• Range Maps & More: It also offers range maps, audio recordings, and photos of birds.

Cons

• Limited Content Outside North America: Unfortunately, some content is only available for those living in North America.

Bottom Line

The Sibley Birds app is a must-have tool for any serious birder wanting to identify birds quickly and accurately.

Its detailed illustrations, comprehensive species accounts, and powerful search feature make it a super-portable and reliable app when you’re birding.

Conclusion

Ready to embark on your birding adventure armed with the best birding apps?

From identification to exploration and learning, a birding app can offer a range of features and resources that will enhance your birding experience.

So grab your binoculars, download these apps, and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of birds like never before!

Note: The apps mentioned in this blog post are accurate as of the time of writing. Prices and availability may vary. Make sure to check the official app stores for the latest updates.