Bird call apps have become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for identifying birds by their songs and calls. In New Zealand, there are a number of bird call apps available to help users identify the wide range of native bird species found around the country.
Introduction to bird call apps
A bird call app is a software application designed to help users identify birds by species based on their vocalizations. The apps typically contain audio recordings of bird songs and calls that users can listen to and compare with birds they hear outdoors. By matching the sounds, users can then learn which species they are hearing.
Most bird call apps also provide additional information about each species, such as physical descriptions, habitat, diet, and conservation status. Some apps have photos, range maps, and other resources to aid with identification.
Bird call apps are available as smartphone and tablet apps that can be downloaded from app stores. Some versions are also available for laptop and desktop computers. This allows users to access the apps from a variety of devices while out in the field.
Benefits of bird call apps
Bird call apps provide a number of useful benefits for birdwatchers, naturalists, and anyone interested in learning bird species:
- Make bird identification much easier by matching unknown calls with recordings
- Provide access to an extensive library of bird vocalizations for reference
- Offer detailed species information like physical features and habitat
- Present multimedia resources like photos, recordings, and range maps
- Can be used conveniently in the field on mobile devices
- Help users learn bird vocalizations over time
- Are inexpensive (or free) compared with traditional field guides
With their ease of use and extensive resources, bird call apps have become a staple tool for bird enthusiasts around the world.
Popular bird call apps used in New Zealand
Some of the most popular and useful bird call apps used by birders in New Zealand include:
New Zealand Bird Calls
One of the most comprehensive bird call apps developed specifically for New Zealand birds. Developed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, it features high quality recordings of songs and calls for over 200 species found in NZ. Includes useful species descriptions and identification tips tailored to NZ birds.
New Zealand Birds Online
A free app by Birds New Zealand (formerly OSNZ) with photos and information on over 350 species. While not focused solely on calls, it does include call recordings for many species. A good overall reference app for NZ birders.
Merlin Bird ID
A popular international app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. While not exclusive to New Zealand, it does include many NZ species and their calls. The ID feature helps suggest possible matches when users enter details like location, date, and call descriptions.
iBird New Zealand
Part of the iBird app series, this version focuses on New Zealand’s endemic and native birds. Provides range maps, detailed species information, photos, and some call recordings. Available for iOS and Android.
New Zealand Birding App
Developed by the New Zealand Audubon Society, this free app includes a basic catalogue of NZ bird species with photos and brief descriptions. A good starter app for learning NZ birds.
Key features of effective bird call apps
When selecting a bird call app for identifying birds in New Zealand, some key features that make an app effective include:
- Audio quality – Clear, high quality recordings are essential for effectively matching unknown calls to reference sounds.
- Extensive species library – Apps with a wide range of NZ’s native bird species will be most useful for full coverage.
- Useful species information – Details like physical features, habitat, and range help confirm identifications.
- Filters and sorting – Ways to filter and reorder the species list aids in narrowing down possibilities.
- Ease of use – An intuitive, user-friendly interface allows for quick reference while in the field.
- Off-line accessibility – Downloading data for off-line use ensures access even without cell/internet.
- Recording feature – Built-in recording allows users to capture and compare unknown calls.
How to use a bird call app effectively
To get the most out of a bird call app for identifying species, consider these tips:
- Use headphones for better audio quality.
- Learn bird songs systematically rather than randomly.
- Focus on common local species first before more exotic ones.
- Listen to recordings carefully and repeatedly to train your ear.
- Use filters to narrow down possibilities by location, habitat, season, etc.
- Pay attention to distinct phrases and patterns in bird vocalizations.
- Make note of any mnemonic tricks to help remember a bird’s song.
- Quiz yourself by trying to ID songs without looking at the app.
- Use the app’s recording feature to capture an unknown call and compare it.
- Pair the app with field guide photos to confirm a match.
With regular, thoughtful practice, bird call apps can quickly improve a person’s ability to identify birds by ear in the field.
Limitations of bird call apps
While very useful, bird call apps do have some limitations to be aware of:
- Audio quality varies, sometimes not the highest fidelity.
- Recordings can sound different than birds in real life.
- Can’t cover all vocalizations of each species.
- Using apps takes practice and doesn’t replace field experience.
- May not help with similar-sounding species.
- Requires extra time and effort to master identification skills.
- Without internet access, apps lack updated content and features.
To a certain extent, there is still no replacement for old-fashioned birding experience in the field. Apps provide a useful supplement but don’t automate the learning process. Birders should be patient, use apps judiciously, and allow their ears and minds time to adapt.
The future of bird call apps
Some exciting developments on the horizon may improve bird call apps even further:
- Expanded species libraries – Adding more and rarer species from New Zealand and overseas.
- Enhanced audio – Higher quality recordings, as well as noting regional dialects.
- Automatic ID by AI – Using machine learning to analyze and ID unknown recordings.
- Integrated sensors – Built-in microphones, weather sensors, and other tools for better data.
- AR/VR integration – Adding augmented or virtual reality to create interactive, simulated experiences.
- Gamification – Making the learning process fun through games, quizzes, rewards, etc.
Bird call apps have already come a long way in revolutionizing birdwatching. But there are always new innovations on the horizon to enhance the experience further. The future looks bright for turning more people into avid, knowledgeable birders with help from technology.
Conclusion
Bird call apps have become a hugely valuable tool for New Zealand birders to identify the wide array of native species in the country. With informative audio recordings and detailed species profiles all accessible from a smartphone, bird call apps allow users to quickly recognize birds by song, even those that can be difficult to visually spot in the wild.
Leading apps like New Zealand Bird Calls, Merlin Bird ID, and New Zealand Birds Online offer extensive libraries tailored specifically to NZ species. Key features like high-quality audio, off-line access, and recording capabilities make these apps practical and effective for field use. While limitations exist, bird call apps provide an unparalleled supplemental resource to traditional birding knowledge.
As the technology develops further, bird call apps promise to open up the world of birdwatching to more and more nature enthusiasts. With patience and regular practice, birders at every skill level can hone their identification abilities using these powerful tools as a guide to New Zealand’s remarkable native avifauna.