Bird watching, commonly known as birding, is a pastime many may recognize. Even within urban environments, observing various bird species can be quite accessible. If your attention has been captured by the commonplace pigeons and crows—or whatever species are prevalent in your area—you may find yourself interested in exploring birding further.
The foundational step in this hobby involves identifying the birds that populate your surroundings. Many individuals might not realize that birds they recognize can have varying names. For instance, in Indian cities, you can commonly encounter two varieties of crows: the Indian jungle crow and the house crow. You may have seen both of these species but might not have known their specific names.
Experienced birdwatchers often rely on field guides and personal notes, but newcomers can effectively utilize their smartphones. Conversations with avid bird enthusiasts about the applications they use led to a well-researched compilation of recommended tools. We tested various options to ensure their ease of use for beginners. Here are some essential apps to consider if you are starting your birding journey.
1. Ebird
Ebird stands out as one of the most accessible birding apps for novices. The app is free, a significant advantage in a market filled with expensive alternatives that may not cater to beginners effectively. Ebird is designed for simplicity, enabling users to quickly identify and record their bird sightings.
While spotting a vivid bird you’ve never encountered can be exciting, understanding its species is part of the learning process. To do this, it’s crucial to observe characteristics like size, head color, beak shape, and tail features. It’s also possible to mistake a male and female of the same species for different birds, as seen in documentaries like Planet Earth II.
Ebird facilitates the identification process by allowing you to discover which species have been recorded in your vicinity. If you upload a photo, the app can even categorize the bird for you. When you log a sighting, it uses GPS to mark the location, letting others know where that species was observed.
The app’s popularity means many local sightings are already logged, making it an excellent tool for identification and a personal tracking diary.
Download: Ebird for iOS and Android
2. BirdsEye
Another noteworthy app in the birding community is BirdsEye, which, like Ebird, assists in bird identification but on a global scale. Unlike many other apps that focus on specific regions, BirdsEye covers birds spotted worldwide. It’s free to download, yet offers in-app purchases for region-specific data, along with photos and bird calls to aid in identification.
Download: BirdsEye for iOS and Android
3. eGuide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent
This app serves as a field guide for bird enthusiasts in India and neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The local data it provides is substantial, yet it has not been updated since 2013 and comes with a price tag of Rs. 1,800.
Download: eGuide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent for iOS and Android
4. Merlin Bird ID
For those still learning to identify birds, Merlin Bird ID is a vital companion. The app simplifies identification by posing straightforward questions about the bird you’ve seen and generating a list of potential matches. It can even analyze photos of birds, proving useful for users. However, its primary database is limited to birds within the US and Canada, making it less applicable for most species found in India.
Download: Merlin Bird ID for iOS or Android
5. Larkwire
Larkwire features two distinct apps focused on teaching users bird songs. A fundamental principle of birding involves listening attentively to bird calls. Many experienced birders can identify species based solely on their vocalizations.
Larkwire includes separate applications that teach songs for water birds and land birds, although both primarily cater to a North American audience. Priced over Rs. 700, these apps offer valuable information worth the investment.
Download: Larkwire for Water Birds on iPhone and iPad or Larkwire for Land Birds on iPhone and iPad
The applications highlighted here represent a selection of the best resources currently available for birding enthusiasts. There are many other noteworthy apps you might already be familiar with. For a region-based overview of birding applications, consider visiting Birder’s Library, which offers an excellent starting point. Feel free to share your preferred birding app in the comments section below.
