Bird Apps: Field Guide App Recommendations

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Birding Tools Podcast.

In this episode, I list out the top bird apps (or applications) for bird identification that other birders have said they regularly use when they go out birding. Plus, I make sure to detail the pros and cons of having a field guide app on your phone as opposed to keeping a physical book with you.

If there’s a particular birding app you use that’s been especially helpful while you’re in the field and trying to ID a bird, I’d love to hear about it!

Oh, and I’d love to see you over at our Birding Tools Facebook Community! Connect with other birders and post your birding photos, wins, and questions – can’t wait to see you there.

Here’s how the episode goes

[3:13] It’s important to understand the pros and cons of having a field guide app rather than a physical field guide book. Why not level the pros and cons and have both at your disposal to determine what works well for you!

[5:36] The Merlin Bird ID app, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a free bird app with packs around the world. It’s my recommendation for beginner birders because of the ease of using the interface and the fact that it’s free to test the waters of birding.

[5:52] Sibley’s field guide to birds of North America is my favorite physical guide, so needless to say that I also love the app he has with all his illustrations and sounds to accompany a proper identification.

[10:20] The Audubon Society’s free bird identification app is a good rival to the Merlin Bird ID app, and it has an extensive list of great features for the birds it covers. However, for beginner birders, some of the features for walking through the bird ID wizard may be a little more advanced.

[14:30] BirdsEye is unique in that its free base app tells you where to find the birds you wish to see. Then, you purchase a monthly or annual membership for parts of the world to add the bird identification factor. The features offered in the base version are really useful and worth a look!

[14:30] iBird Pro has the word “pro” in it for a reason. While it’s not free, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck, with really sophisticated identification characteristics featured and explained while identifying birds. If you’re looking to become an advanced birder and skip the physical book, check out iBird Pro. Just make sure you have a lot of free space on your phone!

Click here to listen!

You can also read more about getting started on your birding endeavors on our Get Started page!

P.S., If you need a hand with bird ID, head over to download our free downloadable guide here!

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