Bird identification can be easy visually, but recognizing bird calls is more challenging. Fortunately, Cornell University offers a free app called Merlin Bird ID, designed to help identify bird calls and images. Available on both iPhone and Android, this user-friendly app requires microphone and location access to provide real-time bird identification tailored to your area.
Merlin excels in capturing bird calls and offers instant recognition, unlike other apps that necessitate post-recording analysis. While the app is not infallible, it works best when combined with visual identifiers. For example, it successfully identified the Channel-billed Cuckoo from an early morning call. The app notes that only about 36% of local birds can be identified, with potentially higher accuracy in regions like North America and Europe. Additionally, users can download local datasets to access calls offline. Overall, Merlin serves as the Shazam for bird calls, enhancing the birdwatching experience with AI-driven technology.
