Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab
Education
4.9
Information
Category
Education
Publish
25/06/2014
Rating
4.9
Developer
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Price
free
Launched by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 2014, Merlin Bird ID is a mobile app designed to make bird identification easy for everyone. Leveraging more than a century of bird observations from bird watchers around the world, Merlin uses artificial intelligence to identify bird species based on simple user inputs and photo ID.
Since its launch, the app has expanded to include thousands of bird species across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, making it an invaluable tool for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. A significant milestone in Merlin Bird ID's history was the addition of the Photo ID feature in 2015, which uses computer vision technology to identify birds in photos.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Merlin Bird ID had an average rating of 4.7 on the Google Play Store. For the most recent and accurate ratings, I suggest checking the Google Play Store directly.
Operation&Promotion Points
Merlin Bird ID operates by asking users five simple questions about the bird they saw: where and when they saw it, its size, the colors they noticed, and what it was doing. The app then presents a list of bird species that match the description, complete with photos, sounds, and identification tips.
Merlin also offers a Photo ID feature that identifies birds in photos. Users can either take a photo using the app or upload an existing one, and the app will identify the bird species in the image.
In terms of promotion, Merlin Bird ID emphasizes its ability to make bird identification accessible to everyone, whether they're a seasoned bird watcher or a casual nature lover. It also promotes its use of AI technology and the wealth of information it provides about each bird species, including photos, bird calls, and range maps.
User Tips
Here are some tips to get the most out of Merlin Bird ID:
Use the Photo ID feature: If you have a photo of the bird you want to identify, use Merlin's Photo ID feature. It's a fast and easy way to identify birds.
Explore bird packs: Merlin offers downloadable bird packs for different regions. Make sure to download the bird pack for your area to access the most relevant bird species.
Listen to bird calls: The app includes recordings of bird calls for each species. Listening to these can help you identify birds by sound, not just by sight.
Use Merlin on your birdwatching outings: Merlin works best when you use it in the field. When you spot a bird, use the app to log where and when you saw it, along with any notable behaviors. This will help you make the most accurate identification.
