Go places · iPhone review
Merlin Bird ID
Find out which bird you heard.
Record nearby birds and compare suggested matches with reference calls.
Also available on
Availability sources & dates
- iPhone source · checked 12 Oct 2026
- Android source · checked 12 Oct 2026
Before you download
The catch. Sound coverage varies, and suggestions need checking. Requires iOS 18 or later and email confirmation after the initial grace period. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Latest checked plans
iPhone · US · checked 12 Oct 2026 [1, 2]- Free
- $0
No in-app purchase label or list was displayed in the checked US App Store listing. Cornell also states that the app is free.
Pricing notes
Free; no in-app purchases were listed in the checked US App Store page.
Prices and availability can change. Your App Store shows the final price.
Editorial score
For the iPhone version.
Why we gave it 8.5/10
Source-based editorial judgment · 12 Oct 2026. Based on documented features, price and access.
- Usefulness 3.5/4
- Sound/photo identification and reference material support a specific outdoor learning task; suggestions require checking.
- Value 3/3
- Identification and regional information are free, with no paid upgrade listed.
- Access 2/3
- Email verification, iOS 18, offline preparation and uneven sound coverage add barriers.
Not hands-on tested. Our editorial score is based on documented features, price and access.
Facts, limitations & testing
Record nearby birds and compare suggested matches with reference calls. Treat a match as a suggestion to verify, not a confirmed identification; sound coverage varies by species and region.
Requires iOS 18 or later. Cornell’s guidance requires email confirmation after a five-day grace period; saving a personal sighting list uses a Cornell account.
Sound identification can work offline. Download regional information beforehand for offline photos and details.
Before you try. Sound coverage varies, and suggestions need checking. Email confirmation is required after the initial grace period; iOS 18 or later is needed. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Price in the original notes. Free; no in-app purchases were listed in the checked US App Store page. Cornell also confirms free use. [1, 2]
Our view
A reason to use your phone for a closer look at a familiar walk. This is an established rediscovery, not a new-release claim.
See Merlin Bird ID in the weekly picks ↗Sources and checks
- Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab — App Store (US) · checked
- Cornell Lab: Merlin Bird ID FAQs · checked
- Cornell Lab: Sound ID · checked
- Merlin: Sound ID coverage · checked
- Merlin: regional bird packs · checked