How to Identify Birds Using Cornell’s Merlin App

Cornell’s Merlin Bird ID app offers a streamlined way for birdwatchers to identify birds quickly, whether you’re a novice or an experienced birder. This app, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, leverages a combination of artificial intelligence and user input to assist in identifying species based on your location and observations.

To get started, download the app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 16 or later, and Android devices with Android 6 or newer. Once installed, it offers a user-friendly interface that prompts you through a series of steps to help narrow down your bird identification.

One of the app’s most powerful features is the photo ID function. If you’re unsure about the species you’ve spotted, you can take a picture using the app’s camera tool. Merlin then analyzes the image and suggests potential bird species, showing you a variety of likely matches based on the bird’s size, color patterns, and location. You can fine-tune the results by providing more details about the bird’s behavior or the environment where it was found.

Merlin also allows users to build a birding checklist by logging their sightings. This feature is particularly useful for tracking observations over time or documenting a birdwatching trip. In addition, the app offers species-specific information such as habitat, migration patterns, and calls, helping users better understand the birds they encounter.

For those interested in further expanding their birdwatching knowledge, Merlin’s “Sound ID” feature is a game-changer. This tool listens to bird calls and helps identify birds based on their sounds. While it’s not perfect, this feature adds another layer of convenience and accessibility for birdwatchers, especially in areas where visual sightings are difficult.