Top 5 Birdwatching Apps for Beginners: A Guide to Identifying and Tracking Your Local Feathered Friends

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us. Parts of this article were created by AI.

Birdwatching is an enriching hobby that connects individuals with nature, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our environment. However, for beginners, identifying birds and tracking their habits can be daunting without the right tools. Fortunately, technology has made bird identification more accessible and enjoyable. Several mobile apps have been created specifically for birdwatchers, ranging from novices to seasoned ornithologists, making it easier than ever to dive into the world of avian observation. Here's a roundup of the top five birdwatching apps designed to help beginners identify, record, and learn about their local feathered friends.

1. Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab

Overview: Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Merlin Bird ID is a user-friendly app designed to help beginners identify birds with ease. It asks a series of simple questions about the bird you're trying to identify (such as size, color, and location) and provides a list of possible matches.
Features:
Reading more:
- Photo ID function allows users to upload a photo of a bird for automatic identification.
- Bird packs tailored to specific regions or countries.
- Sounds and calls of over 400 species.
Why It's Great for Beginners: Its intuitive design and comprehensive database, coupled with the backing of one of the leading bird research centers, make Merlin Bird ID an invaluable tool for anyone looking to start birdwatching.

2. eBird

Overview: Also offered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird functions both as a bird guide and a citizen science project, allowing users to record and submit their bird sightings.
Features:
- A vast database of bird sightings worldwide.
- Personal checklists and location-based alerts for rare bird sightings in your area.
- The ability to contribute data used by scientists for bird conservation efforts.
Why It's Great for Beginners: eBird encourages beginners not only to identify birds but also to participate in a global community of birdwatchers, contributing valuable data for conservation while honing their birdwatching skills.

3. Audubon Bird Guide

Overview: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to over 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket.
Reading more:
Features:
- Robust search filters by shape, family, and color.
- Birding locations and hotspots near you.
- A social community of birders where you can share sightings and tips.
Why It's Great for Beginners: With its easy-to-navigate interface and detailed bird profiles complete with photos, sounds, and migration maps, this app is an excellent resource for beginners wanting to learn more about birds in their locality.

4. BirdNET

Overview: Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Chemnitz University of Technology, BirdNET uses cutting-edge AI to identify bird sounds captured through your device's microphone.
Features:
- An innovative sound recognition engine that can identify bird species by their calls.
- Information and samples of bird songs and calls for comparison.
- The ability to record and save your observations.
Why It's Great for Beginners: BirdNET opens up a new aspect of birdwatching---bird listening, making it easier for beginners to identify birds even when they can't see them.
Reading more:

5. Raptor ID

Overview: Focused specifically on birds of prey, Raptor ID offers detailed information and identification tips for raptor enthusiasts. This specialized app caters to those particularly interested in hawks, eagles, falcons, and other raptors.
Features:
- Detailed profiles for North American raptors, including photos, sounds, and range maps.
- Side-by-side comparison feature for closely related species.
- Tips on identifying raptors in flight, a challenge for many birdwatchers.
Why It's Great for Beginners: Raptor ID demystifies the complex world of raptor identification, providing novices with the tools to recognize these majestic birds confidently.

Conclusion

Each of these birdwatching apps offers unique features and benefits to help beginners delve into the fascinating world of birding. Whether you're drawn to the visual beauty of birds, intrigued by their calls and songs, or interested in contributing to scientific research, there's an app to support your journey. By leveraging these digital tools, you can quickly transform from a casual observer into an informed and passionate birdwatcher, ready to explore the rich avian diversity around you.

Similar Articles: