The short answer
Want to know quickly which apps to get? For most beginners, two free apps are enough.
Our pick: Merlin + ObsIdentify
Download Merlin Bird ID for real-time sound identification in the field, and ObsIdentify for photo identification and strong coverage across Europe via Observation.org. Both are free and both work offline. Together they cover almost everything a beginner needs.
The three best bird identification apps
Here's how the leading identification apps stack up: what they do, whether they're free, whether they identify by photo or sound, and whether they work offline.
Pros
- Real-time sound identification, unusual for a free app
- Three ways to identify: photo, sound and questionnaire
- Works offline once you've downloaded the Europe bird pack
- Completely free, no hidden costs
Cons
- Some features ask for a free eBird account
- Sound ID coverage is strongest in well-recorded regions
Pros
- Particularly strong coverage of European species
- Also identifies plants, insects and other wildlife
- Contributes to citizen-science recording via Observation.org
- Free and available offline
Cons
- No sound identification
- Needs a clear photo for an accurate result
Pros
- Scientifically trained model, strong accuracy
- Good complement to Merlin on tricky calls
- Free and regularly updated
Cons
- No real-time mode, a recording is required
- No photo identification
- Interface only in English
Comparison at a glance
An overview of all three apps side by side, so you can see the differences at a glance.
| App | Free | Photo ID | Sound ID | Language | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merlin Bird ID | Yes | Yes | Yes (live) | English | All-round beginners |
| ObsIdentify | Yes | Yes | No | Multi-language | European coverage, broader nature |
| BirdNET | Yes | No | Yes (recording) | English | Sound enthusiasts |
Which combination suits you?
There isn't one single best app. The smartest approach for beginners is a combination of two free apps.
- You want the strongest European coverage: start with ObsIdentify for photos, then add Merlin for sound identification. Together they give you the most.
- You want to know what's singing: Merlin is essential. Hold up your phone in the garden or a wood and watch live which birds are singing.
- You want to go deeper into bird calls: add BirdNET alongside Merlin. Together they give a fuller picture of what you're hearing, and BirdNET sometimes picks up a species Merlin misses.
- You're birding with children: Merlin's photo and questionnaire modes are simple enough for kids to use directly, no separate setup needed.
Our recommendation for beginners
Download Merlin (sound in the field) and ObsIdentify (photo, strong European data, contributes to Observation.org). Both are free and available offline. BirdNET is an optional addition if you want to go deeper into sound identification.
Tips for better identification
A good app only helps if you've captured the bird well. A few simple habits make a big difference.
- Keep your hands steady for photos. Use both hands, lean against something, or take a burst of photos in quick succession. A sharp photo gives a much more accurate result.
- Get a clean recording for sound. Move closer if you can, choose a quiet spot, and keep wind and traffic noise to a minimum. Merlin's live mode works with reasonable background noise, but BirdNET needs a cleaner recording.
- Note size, colour and behaviour. How big was the bird (smaller than a tit, blackbird-sized, crow-sized)? What colours did you see? How did it move? Making that observation helps you judge the app's suggestion and helps you learn faster.
- Think about habitat. Apps can suggest all sorts of species, but context helps you sanity-check the result. A wetland bird in dry heathland is unlikely.
- A printed guide alongside helps. Apps identify fast, but a good field guide explains why a bird looks the way it does and how it lives. That sticks better than a screenshot. See our field guide buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free bird identification app?
Which app identifies birds by their song?
Does Merlin Bird ID work offline in Europe?
Which is better: photo or sound identification?
How we make these picks
Our recommendations are based on the specifications and features of the apps, on general consensus among European birding and nature communities, and on how approachable each app is for beginners. We have no commercial relationship with the developers of these apps and earn nothing from these recommendations. Any prices mentioned are indicative and can change; we update this guide regularly.
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