Merlin Bird ID
Merlin Bird ID helps you identify birds by answering questions, uploading photos, or recording sounds.
At a glance
Starts at
Free
No paid plan found on the App Store, September 2026.
Free tier
Yes
Platforms
iOS
Best for
Birdwatchers who want to learn more about bird species.
Not for
Birdwatchers Who Rely Solely On Sight
3.9 out of 5
Scored by a Toolio reviewer after real useOur verdict
Best for beginners and casual users. Avoid if you can easily identify birds without help.
✓What it does well
Expert TipsOffers expert ID tips and range maps to enhance birding skills.
Photo & Sound IDUses machine learning for photo and sound identification, improving accuracy over time.
Personalized ListsProvides customized lists of birds based on your location or travels.
✕Where it falls short
Limited Offline AccessDoes not offer extensive offline bird databases, requiring internet for full functionality.
Region RestrictionsContent is limited to certain regions and may exclude rare or local species from your area.
Not Suitable For Sight Identification OnlyThe app struggles with bird identification based solely on visual sightings without additional context.
Key features
Free AppAvailable for free, funded by donations and citizen-science contributions.
Multiple Identification MethodsOffers four methods: questions, photos, sounds, or regional exploration.
Bird of the DayGives users a new bird species to learn about each day.
Offline ModeAllows use without internet connection.