There are several free apps available for identifying bird songs. These apps use audio recognition technology to help users identify species by their songs and calls. Free bird song identifier apps can be useful for beginning birders or anyone looking to learn more about the birds around them without having to purchase expensive field guides or audio kits.
Top Free Bird Song Apps
Some of the most popular free apps for identifying bird vocalizations include:
- Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab)
- Shazam for Birds
- ChirpOMatic (Columbia University)
- Larkwire
- Song Sleuth (Wildlife Acoustics)
These apps tap into catalogs of bird sounds collected by ornithologists and conservation groups. Users can record a bird call or song they hear using their phone’s microphone and upload it to one of these apps to get an identification.
Merlin Bird ID
Merlin Bird ID was created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a leading authority on birds. This free app has an extensive library of bird sounds from over 400 North American species. Users answer a few simple questions about location, date, bird size and colors to get a list of possible matches. The app allows you to record a bird call or song and get instant identification results. Merlin also works offline once the sound library has been downloaded.
Shazam for Birds
Shazam is best known for identifying songs, but the platform also offers a free bird call identification app. The app uses Spectrogram image matching and time-frequency landmarks to match recorded calls and songs with a database of over 1,000 North American species. It provides instant results along with photos, maps and audio clips to confirm the identification.
ChirpOMatic
Created by Columbia University and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, ChirpOMatic analyses audio recordings of bird vocalizations to provide identifications. This free app matches recordings against a growing database of AI-validated bird sounds. Users can also help expand the app’s catalog by uploading their own recordings of identified species.
Larkwire
Larkwire is both a paid and free bird sound recognition app created by birding experts and AI developers. The free version provides access to over 200 species and gives users unlimited recordings and identifications. Premium content like expanded species libraries and quizzes are available for a subscription fee. The app also teaches bird songs like musical notes to help build memory and skills.
Song Sleuth
Song Sleuth is a free app from Wildlife Acoustics that identifies birds using image recognition technology. Users can record bird sounds or upload existing audio files to search against a growing library of bird vocalizations. The app provides instant identification results and also lets you share your findings with the birding community.
Benefits of Bird Song ID Apps
There are many advantages to using a free bird song identification app:
- Helps users instantly identify unfamiliar bird species
- Serves as an auditory field guide
- Assists with learning bird vocalizations for new birders
- Can identify distant or difficult to see birds
- Provides recording and sharing capabilities
- Fun to use for bird enthusiasts of all skill levels
Key Features of Bird Song Apps
Some key features found in the best free bird vocalization ID apps include:
- Audio recognition technology – Uses AI and machine learning to analyze recordings
- Large bird vocalization libraries – Hundreds or even thousands of species
- Fast and accurate identification – Provides results in just a few seconds
- Offline access – For identifying birds without an internet connection
- Recordings and sharing – Lets users record birds and share findings
- Detailed species profiles – Photos, audio clips, facts and more
- User contributions – Uploading new recordings expands the app
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bird Song ID App
Here are some things to consider when selecting a free bird vocalization identification app:
- Number of species included – More is generally better
- Accuracy of identifications – Verify correct IDs on test recordings
- Audio quality – Clear recordings are important
- Ease of use – Simple interfaces for recording and uploads
- Detailed species information – Photos, audio clips, facts etc.
- Active development – Frequent updates with new features/content
- Reviews from birding community – Preferred apps of experts
- Offline use capability – For areas with no cell/data service
Also consider your specific needs as a birder. Do you want an app for your specific geographical area? Are you interested in learning bird songs or just identifying occasional calls? Selecting the right free app comes down to individual preferences and planned use case.
Tips for Identifying Bird Songs Using Apps
Here are some useful tips for getting the most out of free bird song identification apps:
- Get as close as possible – Apps work best with clear, loud recordings
- Avoid background noise – Find a quiet spot away from wind, traffic etc.
- Record calls for 10-15 seconds – Captures identifiable elements of the vocalization
- Pay attention to season – Bird songs change throughout the year
- Note bird behavior – Activity can aid identification
- Photograph the bird – Helps confirm ID if possible
- Learn the common songs – Start with familiar vocalizations
- Use multiple apps – Comparing results from different platforms
With practice, birders can become adept at using phones and apps to identify a high percentage of bird species by sound. Taking the time to get quality recordings and noting details like behavior and habitat will improve your identification success rate when using free song ID apps.
Conclusion
Free apps that identify bird songs represent an exciting technology that puts an interactive field guide in any bird enthusiast’s pocket. Leading apps like Merlin Bird ID, Shazam for Birds, Larkwire and others allow users to easily record bird vocalizations and get instant sound matches along with informative species profiles. These apps tap into expansive libraries of bird sounds to quickly return accurate identification results. While paid apps offer some advanced features, free song identifier apps provide tremendous value for casual birders and experts alike. As the technology improves and the audio databases grow through user contributions, bird song identification apps will become even more useful naturalist tools.