The Ultimate Birding App Guide [2025]

Birding apps have changed the way people watch birds. Instead of carrying bulky field guides or relying on memory, birders can now identify species, log sightings, and even track migration patterns with just a phone. Whether you're a beginner looking for help with bird identification or an experienced birder wanting to contribute data to citizen science, there’s an app for just about everything.

Some apps focus on bird identification, using photos, sound recognition, or detailed descriptions to help match a species. Others are designed for logging sightings, making it easy to track birds over time and see trends in migration and local populations. Apps that recognize bird songs and calls allow users to identify species by sound, while migration tracking apps provide real-time updates on bird movements.

For those who prefer a lightweight approach to birding, apps offer a convenient way to access information and keep records without carrying extra gear. With so many options available, finding the right birding app depends on what features matter most.

Table of Contents

• Best Apps for Bird Identification

  • Merlin Bird ID

  • Audubon Bird Guide

  • iBird Pro

• Best Apps for Recording Sightings

  • eBird

  • Bird Journal

  • Birda

• Apps for Bird Calls and Songs

  • Song Sleuth

  • ChirpOMatic

  • BirdNET

• Apps for Learning More About Birds

  • Larkwire

  • Sibley Birds

  • BirdsEye Bird Finding Guide

• Apps for Birding with Accessibility Features

  • Aves Vox

  • Birdsong ID USA Automatic Recognition

• Choosing the Right Birding App for You

  • Matching Features to Your Needs

  • Trying Free Versions Before Upgrading

  • Using Multiple Apps Together

Best Apps for Bird Identification

Bird identification apps make it easier to figure out what you're seeing in the field. Whether you have a clear photo, a sound recording, or just a rough description, these apps help match your observations to the right species.

Merlin Bird ID

Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Merlin Bird ID is one of the most user-friendly identification apps available.

• Photo ID – Upload a picture, and the app suggests possible matches.

• Sound ID – Record a bird call, and the app analyzes it in real-time.

• Guided questions – If you don’t have a photo or sound, answer a few quick questions to narrow down possibilities.

• Free and offline access – Downloadable bird packs allow you to use it without an internet connection.

Audubon Bird Guide

The Audubon Bird Guide is a well-rounded app with detailed profiles on over 800 North American bird species.

• Extensive species database – Each entry includes multiple photos, range maps, and detailed descriptions.

• Bird call library – High-quality audio recordings help with song and call identification.

• Seasonal range maps – Shows where birds can be found throughout the year.

• Personal sighting log – Allows users to keep track of past identifications.

iBird Pro

iBird Pro is a feature-rich app with a deep database of North American bird species.

• Illustrations and photos – High-quality images and hand-drawn illustrations for each species.

• Range maps and habitat details – Helps understand where and when to find birds.

• Advanced search – Filters by color, size, location, and other traits to refine results.

• Extensive bird call library – Includes multiple vocalizations for many species.

Best Apps for Recording Sightings

Logging bird sightings helps track patterns over time and contributes to valuable research on bird populations. These apps make it easy to record observations, review past sightings, and connect with other birders.

eBird

Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird is the most widely used bird sighting app, allowing users to log observations while contributing to global bird research.

• Simple checklist logging – Enter species, number of birds, and location in just a few taps.

• GPS-based tracking – Automatically records exact locations for accurate data collection.

• Historical records – Stores all sightings, making it easy to track seasonal trends.

• Citizen science contribution – Data helps researchers study bird populations and migration.

Bird Journal

Bird Journal is designed for personal record-keeping, offering a customizable way to document birdwatching experiences.

• Detailed note-taking – Add descriptions, behavior notes, and habitat details.

• Photo and audio support – Attach images and recordings to each entry.

• Sync across devices – Access your sightings from a phone, tablet, or computer.

• Flexible entry system – Works for casual backyard birding or detailed field notes.

Birda

Birda combines sighting tracking with social features, making it a good option for birders who enjoy sharing their experiences.

• Sightings log with species identification – Keep track of birds seen and share them with the community.

• Challenges and leaderboards – Encourages friendly competition and engagement.

• Community interaction – Connect with other birders and see what they’re spotting.

• Privacy controls – Choose whether to keep logs private or share them publicly.

Apps for Bird Calls and Songs

Birdsong identification apps help recognize birds by sound, making them useful for birders who rely on their ears as much as their eyes. These apps analyze recordings and match them to likely species, making it easier to identify birds even when they stay out of sight.

Song Sleuth

Song Sleuth uses AI-powered analysis to identify bird songs and calls in real time.

• Instant sound recognition – Records and suggests possible species based on vocalizations.

• Offline functionality – Works without an internet connection once installed.

• Built-in field guide – Provides species descriptions, images, and maps to confirm IDs.

• Playback comparison – Lets users match their recording with database samples for accuracy.

ChirpOMatic

ChirpOMatic is a beginner-friendly app designed for quick and easy bird song identification.

• Simple interface – Requires just one tap to record and analyze bird calls.

• Fast processing – Identifies bird sounds in seconds.

• No internet required – Works in remote locations without cell service.

• European and North American versions – Tailored for different regions.

BirdNET

Developed by researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Chemnitz University of Technology, BirdNET is a powerful tool for analyzing bird vocalizations.

• Machine-learning-based identification – Continuously improves accuracy with more user data.

• Global species database – Covers birds from around the world.

• Save and share recordings – Logs sound files for future reference.

• Scientific focus – Designed as both a tool for birders and a research project on bioacoustics.

These apps make it easier to recognize birds by sound, even when they remain hidden in dense foliage or sing from a distance.

Apps for Learning More About Birds

Some birding apps go beyond identification and tracking by offering deeper insights into bird behavior, sounds, and habitats. These apps help birders expand their knowledge and improve their skills.

Larkwire

Larkwire turns bird song learning into a game, making it easier to recognize species by ear.

• Audio-based training – Uses a quiz-style approach to improve bird song recognition.

• Multiple difficulty levels – Works for beginners and advanced birders.

• High-quality sound recordings – Features calls and songs of hundreds of species.

• Customizable learning paths – Focus on specific bird families or regions.

Sibley Birds

Based on the popular Sibley Guide to Birds, this app provides detailed information for North American species.

• Hand-drawn illustrations – Offers detailed views of birds in different plumages.

• Range maps – Shows seasonal distribution for each species.

• Multiple song recordings – Includes variations of calls and songs.

• Side-by-side comparisons – Helps with distinguishing similar species.

BirdsEye Bird Finding Guide

BirdsEye is designed to help birders find and learn about birds based on real-time observations.

• Recent sightings data – Pulls from eBird reports to show what’s nearby.

• Species profiles – Includes photos, range maps, and behavior descriptions.

• Location-based recommendations – Suggests birding hotspots in any region.

• Offline functionality – Download species info for use in remote areas.

Apps for Birding with Accessibility Features

Some birding apps are designed or adapted for birders with visual impairments or other accessibility needs. These apps help identify birds by sound, provide easy navigation, or offer hands-free functionality.

Aves Vox

Aves Vox is a global collection of bird sound recordings, useful for visually impaired birders and those who prefer audio-based identification.

• Extensive bird call database – Features recordings from around the world.

• Searchable by species – Quickly find vocalizations for specific birds.

• Offline functionality – Download and play calls without an internet connection.

• Loop and slow playback – Helps users analyze sounds in detail.

Birdsong ID USA Automatic Recognition

This app automatically recognizes bird songs, making it useful for blind or low-vision birders who rely on audio identification.

• Real-time sound analysis – Matches bird calls with species in seconds.

• Simple, hands-free operation – Designed for ease of use in the field.

• Built-in learning mode – Helps users memorize bird songs over time.

• Works offline – Identifies birds without needing internet access.

Check out Birdsong ID for iPhone
Check out Birdsong ID for Android

Choosing the Right Birding App for You

The best birding app depends on what you want it to do. Some apps focus on quick identification, while others are designed for tracking sightings, learning bird songs, or following migrations. A combination of apps often works best, since no single app does everything.

Matching Features to Your Needs

• For fast bird identification – Apps like Merlin Bird ID and iBird Pro use photos, descriptions, and sound analysis to help confirm a species.

• For tracking sightings – eBird and Birda store past observations and show what others are reporting nearby.

• For learning bird songs – Larkwire and Birdsong ID USA help train your ear for bird calls.

• For migration tracking – HawkWatch and BirdsEye Bird Finding Guide provide real-time movement data.

Trying Free Versions Before Upgrading

Many apps offer free versions with basic features and charge for premium upgrades. Merlin Bird ID, eBird, and BirdNET provide full functionality at no cost. Apps like iBird Pro and Sibley Birds require a purchase but offer detailed species profiles and advanced search tools. Free trials or limited-use versions can help decide if an app is worth paying for.

Using Multiple Apps Together

A single app rarely covers everything. Merlin Bird ID is great for quick identification, but pairing it with eBird allows for logging and contributing to citizen science. A birder using Larkwire to study bird songs might also use Birdsong ID USA for real-time audio recognition. Apps with different strengths can work together to improve identification skills, track sightings, and make birdwatching more engaging.