When looking for a mobile field guide to the birds of North America, two popular options that often come up are the Merlin and Audubon apps. While both apps serve the purpose of bird identification, there are distinct differences between them that cater to different user preferences and needs.
Merlin App Features
The Merlin Bird ID app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is known for its user-friendly interface and simple bird identification process. It utilizes artificial intelligence to help users identify birds based on photos uploaded to the app. Merlin also offers a variety of bird calls and songs for users to listen to, aiding in auditory bird identification.
Merlin App Limitations
One of the limitations of the Merlin app is its focus primarily on bird identification. While it provides basic information about each bird species, it may not offer as much in-depth detail about the birds’ life history, habitat preferences, or behaviors.
Audubon App Features
On the other hand, the Audubon Bird Guide App offers a more comprehensive approach to birding. With information on over 800 bird species, the app provides in-depth details about each bird’s life history, habitat, conservation status, feeding behaviors, diet, nesting habits, and more. This wealth of information can be valuable for bird enthusiasts seeking to delve deeper into the world of birds.
Audubon App Interface
The Audubon app features a sleek interface that allows users to easily navigate through the extensive database of bird species. Users can search for birds by various traits such as size, color, region, and more, making it convenient for bird identification in the field.
Merlin vs. Audubon: Focus
While Merlin focuses on quick and efficient bird identification, Audubon caters to users interested in not just identifying birds but also learning about their behaviors, conservation status, and more. Depending on your birding goals, you may prefer one app over the other.
Cost and Additional Features
Both the Merlin and Audubon apps offer free versions with basic features, but they also have premium versions available for purchase. The premium versions often unlock additional features such as advanced bird identification tools, birding hotspots, and personalized birding experiences.
Community Engagement
Another notable difference between the two apps is community engagement. The Merlin Bird ID app encourages users to contribute to bird identification through photo submissions, helping improve the app’s AI capabilities. The Audubon app, on the other hand, fosters a sense of community through birding events, citizen science projects, and conservation efforts.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Merlin and Audubon apps both offer valuable resources for bird enthusiasts, but they cater to different aspects of birding. If you prioritize quick and accurate bird identification, Merlin may be the app for you. However, if you are interested in delving deeper into the world of birds and learning about their ecology and behaviors, the Audubon app may be more suited to your needs.
