Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Identify any bird you encounter with Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology—the world's leading bird identification app powered by eBird, the largest global database of bird sightings, sounds, and photos. Whether you spot an unfamiliar species or hear an unknown call, Merlin solves the mystery in seconds.

You don't need to be an expert birder to use Merlin. The app offers four intuitive identification methods tailored to how you encounter birds. Answer a few simple questions about size, color, and behavior. Upload a clear photo and let machine learning analyze it instantly. Record a bird's song or call and watch Merlin match it to species in your region. Or browse birds known to live in your location or any destination worldwide. Each method works independently, so you can choose what suits the moment.

Machine learning powers Merlin's most impressive feature—Photo ID and Sound ID. These tools use advanced computer vision trained on millions of images and recordings from the Macaulay Library at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. But technology alone isn't the magic; experienced birders curate every entry, annotate sightings, and verify results to ensure accuracy that matters. This human expertise transforms raw data into reliable identification.

Building birding skills becomes natural with Merlin's rich learning tools. View expert identification tips, range maps showing where each species lives, high-quality photos from multiple angles, and authentic songs and calls. Discover something new every day with your personalized Bird of the Day feature. Track your personal sightings and build a life list of every species you've identified—a record you'll treasure as your birding knowledge grows.

Merlin works anywhere on Earth. Choose bird packs for your region—from North America to Central and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia, East Asia, and beyond. Get customized bird lists for where you live or travel, ensuring you're always prepared to identify local species.

This free app reflects the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's mission: to interpret and conserve Earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science. Every identification you make contributes to real scientific understanding. Download Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology today and transform casual bird watching into confident, skilled identification.