Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology for iOS

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a free educational app designed for bird identification, featuring a user-friendly interface that aids users in identifying over 1,500 bird species. The app prompts users with questions about the bird's size, color, and habitat, providing a streamlined experience for both novice and experienced bird watchers. This tool enhances birding knowledge by offering a variety of identification methods, including visual and auditory cues, making it an engaging resource for nature enthusiasts.

The app leverages the extensive eBird database, which includes bird sightings, sounds, and images, to assist users in their identification efforts. Users can choose between options such as Start Bird ID, Get Photo ID, and Explore Birds to find their desired species. Each method presents detailed descriptions, photos, and audio clips of bird songs. Although the app's functionality is impressive, it occasionally experiences crashes during use, which may hinder the overall experience.