How to Identify Bird Sounds with Merlin Bird ID

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for how we choose what we recommend.

Merlin Bird ID is a free app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps you spot birds by ear. It uses AI to turn recordings into spectrograms and matches them to known sounds. The app identifies more than 400 species across the U.S. and Canada, though updated pages note the count can reach 560 including occasional visitors. Expect the list to grow as coverage expands globally. Testing shows about 90% accuracy. The Sound ID feature identifies multiple birds at once, which is a solid help when calls overlap. People who use the app say it transforms birding for those with hearing disabilities and makes spotting hidden birds worth the effort. The database draws on over 750,000 sound recordings from citizen scientists, so the tool keeps improving.

What you need

• Smartphone with microphone
• Merlin Bird ID app

Steps

1. Get the free Merlin Bird ID app from the App Store or Google Play and install it on your phone.
2. Open the app and select a Bird Pack that matches your location to ensure the AI focuses on species found nearby.
3. Allow the app to access your location so it can use data based on your region, time of year, and species prevalence for better matches.
4. Tap the Sound ID button to start recording; the app analyzes audio in real-time and converts recordings into spectrograms to detect birds simultaneously.
5. Check the list of identified birds for photos, sound samples, ID tips, and range maps, or use the guided identification feature to narrow down sightings based on visual traits.

Notes

The app supports research and conservation efforts by leveraging eBird's global database. It's great for understanding wildlife habitats and aids users who struggle to see birds due to dense foliage.

Why it works

AI and Citizen Science

Merlin relies on powerful image classification algorithms similar to those used for photo ID. Over 750,000 sound recordings from citizen scientists train the system, allowing continuous updates and improvements based on new data and user contributions.

Related on Birdwatching Bible: How to Join the Christmas Bird Count, How to Set Up and Use eBird for Logging Bird Observations, How to Identify Fall Warblers and Little Brown Sparrows, How to Plan a Beginner Birding Field Trip.

If it goes wrong

Accuracy and Background Noise

Sound ID has around 90% accuracy based on tests. Results can be affected by microphone quality and background noise. While the app handles multiple calls, identification depends on clear audio input and current database coverage for your area.