BirdNET vs. Merlin Sound ID: A comprehensive comparison for bird enthusiasts
- Apr 28
- 10 min read
As birding continues to grow in popularity, technology has stepped in to offer tools that enhance our ability to identify and enjoy the diverse world of avian species. Among the most innovative advancements are mobile apps designed for bird identification, particularly those that focus on recognizing birds by their songs and calls. Two of the most popular apps in this category are BirdNET and Merlin Sound ID.
Both apps are invaluable to birders, whether you're a seasoned expert or a beginner just starting out. However, they offer different features, strengths, and weaknesses. This article provides an in-depth comparison between BirdNET and Merlin Sound ID, examining various aspects such as accuracy, ease of use, features, user interface, and more. Whether you're trying to choose between the two or looking to get the best out of both, this detailed guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Introduction to BirdNET and Merlin Sound ID
Before diving into the comparison, it’s essential to understand what each app offers and the background behind their development.
BirdNET: An Overview
BirdNET is a bird sound identification app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany. The app uses machine learning algorithms to analyze recorded bird songs and calls, identifying species based on a vast database of bird vocalisations. BirdNET was initially a research project, but its popularity among birders led to its development into a full-fledged app.
Key Features:
Identifies birds by their songs and calls.
Provides detailed information about identified species.
Supports a wide range of bird species across different regions.
Offers a simple, user-friendly interface.
Merlin Sound ID: An Overview
Merlin Sound ID is part of the Merlin Bird ID app, also developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. While Merlin initially focused on visual identification through photos and descriptive inputs, the Sound ID feature was introduced to help users identify birds by their songs and calls. The project started in 2020, concentrating on the bird species present in the United States and Canada. Since then they have added birds of the Western Palearctic, the Neotropics and India. The app is designed to cater to birders of all levels, providing an extensive database of bird sounds, as well as educational resources.
Key Features:
Continuously updated with new data from eBird, a citizen science project.
Includes field guides and bird behaviour information.
Has the option of identifying birds through visual input.
Provides range maps for the identified species.
2. Installation and Setup
BirdNET Installation and Setup
Installing BirdNET is straightforward. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and can be downloaded for free from the respective app stores. Once installed, the app requires minimal setup. Users are prompted to allow access to their device’s microphone, which is essential for recording bird sounds.
The setup process involves selecting your region to optimize the species database for your area. This is a crucial step as it helps the app narrow down possible species based on geographic location.
Merlin Sound ID Installation and Setup
Merlin Sound ID is also available on Android and iOS platforms and can be downloaded for free. The initial setup is slightly more involved compared to BirdNET, as Merlin asks users to download a bird pack specific to their region. These packs contain data on bird species, including sounds, images, and identification tips, ensuring the app works efficiently even offline.
Merlin also requires microphone access and asks users to create a free account, which syncs with other Cornell Lab tools such as eBird. The setup process also includes choosing your preferred language and region, similar to BirdNET.
3. User Interface and User Experience (UI and UX)
BirdNET UI/UX
BirdNET’s interface is minimalistic and designed for ease of use. Upon launching, the app starts recording straight away. Stopping the recording is as easy as pressing the large record button. After recording, you can select a range in the spectrum that you want the app to analyse. It will process the sound and provide a list of possible species matches.
The interface is intuitive, with straightforward navigation and minimal clutter. Users can easily access their past recordings, view identified species, and explore additional information about each bird via a link to Wikipedia. The focus is clearly on simplicity, making it accessible for users of all tech skill levels.
Merlin Sound ID UI/UX
Merlin Sound ID offers a more feature-rich interface, which might feel slightly more complex than BirdNET, especially for beginners. The home screen provides access to various features, including Sound ID, Photo ID, and Explore Birds. The Sound ID feature has a dedicated tab where users can start a new recording or browse through previous ones.
The app’s interface is polished, with a more modern look compared to BirdNET. The ability to explore bird species visually, makes the app more versatile. However, the added functionality can be overwhelming for new users who might prefer a more straightforward approach.
4. Sound Identification Accuracy
BirdNET Accuracy
BirdNET’s primary strength lies in its advanced machine learning algorithms, which have been trained on millions of bird sound recordings. The app’s accuracy is generally high, especially in regions well-covered by its database. It performs exceptionally well in environments with minimal background noise and when the bird’s call is clear and distinct.
However, BirdNET can sometimes struggle with overlapping sounds, such as when multiple bird species are calling simultaneously or when there is significant ambient noise. In such cases, the app might provide a list of possible matches rather than a single identification, leaving the final judgment to the user.
Merlin Sound ID Accuracy
Merlin Sound ID also boasts high accuracy, benefiting from the extensive data provided by eBird contributors. The app performs well across various environments and can often identify multiple species within a single recording, which is particularly useful in bird-rich habitats.
One of Merlin’s strengths is its ability to provide real-time identification, displaying possible matches as the recording is being made. This feature allows users to stop the recording once the bird is identified, saving time and effort. Like BirdNET, Merlin can struggle with overlapping sounds, but it generally does an excellent job of sorting through complex audio environments.
5. Database and Regional Coverage
BirdNET Database and Coverage
BirdNET’s database is extensive, covering thousands of bird species from around the world. The app’s strength lies in its global reach, making it a reliable tool for birders in various regions. BirdNET’s database is continuously updated, although it might not be as dynamic as Merlin’s due to the reliance on more static data sets rather than real-time contributions.
The app is particularly strong in North America and Europe, where its development was initially focused. Birders in other regions might find the app less reliable, especially in areas with highly localised or less-studied species.
Merlin Sound ID Database and Coverage
Merlin Sound ID leverages the eBird database, one of the most comprehensive bird data repositories globally. This connection ensures that the app is continuously updated with new information and covers an impressive range of species. The regional packs offered during setup ensure that users have access to data tailored to their specific area.
Merlin’s global coverage is impressive, with detailed information on species from virtually every corner of the world. This makes it an excellent choice for birders who travel frequently or who live in regions with a high diversity of bird species.
6. Additional Features
BirdNET Additional Features
BirdNET is primarily focused on sound identification, but it does offer a few additional features that enhance the user experience. These include:
Species information: after identifying a bird, BirdNET provides extra information about the species through a link to Wikipedia.
Recording history: users can access their past recordings, allowing them to track and review their birding experiences.
Offline functionality: BirdNET allows users to record bird sounds offline, though identification requires an internet connection.
Merlin Sound ID Additional Features
Merlin Sound ID is part of the larger Merlin Bird ID app, which offers a wealth of additional features, including:
Photo ID: allows users to identify birds from photographs by analyzing the bird’s physical characteristics.
Field guides: comprehensive guides for each species, including photos, range maps, and behavior descriptions.
Explore birds: a feature that lets users browse through species in their region, helping them learn about local birds.
Life list: a tool for tracking the species a user has identified over time, effectively creating a personal birding journal.
Range maps: detailed maps showing where each species is commonly found throughout the year.
7. Ease of Use for Beginners
BirdNET for Beginners
BirdNET’s simplicity makes it an excellent choice for beginners. The straightforward interface, minimal setup, and focus on sound identification without extra features mean new birders can start identifying species with minimal learning curve. The app’s ability to provide a list of possible species, even when it isn’t entirely sure, can be a helpful learning tool for novices.
Merlin Sound ID for Beginners
Merlin Sound ID, while slightly more complex, is still highly accessible for beginners. The app’s additional features provide educational resources that can help new birders quickly improve their skills. The real-time identification feature can also be less intimidating for beginners, as it gives immediate feedback during the recording process.
However, the extra features might be overwhelming for those completely new to birding. For these users, focusing solely on the Sound ID feature and gradually exploring the rest of the app might be the best approach.
8. Advanced Features and Customization
BirdNET Advanced Features
BirdNET’s focus on sound identification means it lacks some of the advanced features found in Merlin. However, the app does allow for some customization, such as adjusting the sensitivity of the microphone and fine-tuning the recording duration. These features can be useful for more experienced users who want to optimize their birding sessions.
Merlin Sound ID Advanced Features
Merlin Sound ID shines when it comes to advanced features and customization. The app’s integration with eBird allows users to contribute their sightings and recordings directly to the global database, participating in citizen science. This feature is particularly appealing to experienced birders who want to contribute to ornithological research.
Additionally, Merlin allows users to customize their bird packs, choosing which regions and species they want to focus on. This level of customization is particularly useful for birders who travel frequently or who are interested in specific bird families or regions. However, it is not possible to adjust the microphone's sensitivity.
9. Performance in Different Environments
BirdNET Performance
BirdNET performs best in quiet environments where the target bird’s call is clear and unobstructed. It can struggle in environments with significant background noise, such as urban areas or forests with multiple calling species. The app’s performance is also influenced by the user’s recording technique; holding the device close to the sound source and minimizing movement can improve accuracy.
Merlin Sound ID Performance
Merlin Sound ID also performs well in various environments, and its real-time identification feature is particularly useful in dynamic settings. The app can handle more complex audio environments better than BirdNET, thanks to its ability to identify multiple species simultaneously. However, like BirdNET, it works best in quieter settings where the bird’s call is distinct.
10. Community and Support
BirdNET Community and Support
BirdNET, being a project that originated from academic research, does not have as extensive a community feature as Merlin. However, the app’s developers are responsive to user feedback, and updates are released periodically to improve performance and accuracy. The app also has an active user community online, where birders share their experiences and tips.
Merlin Sound ID Community and Support
Merlin, through its integration with eBird, benefits from a vast community of birders worldwide. Users can contribute their sightings and recordings, participate in discussions, and access a wealth of shared knowledge. The app is well-supported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with frequent updates and a dedicated support team. This makes it an excellent choice for birders who value community engagement and support.
11. Offline Capabilities
BirdNET Offline Capabilities
BirdNET allows users to record sounds offline, but identification requires an internet connection to access the database. This limitation can be a drawback for birders in remote areas without reliable internet access. However, the ability to save recordings offline for later identification is a useful feature.
Merlin Sound ID Offline Capabilities
Merlin Sound ID offers more robust offline capabilities. Once users download the regional bird packs, they can access species information, photos, and sounds without an internet connection. This makes Merlin particularly useful for birders in remote locations or those traveling to areas with limited connectivity.
12. Data Privacy and Permissions
BirdNET Data Privacy
BirdNET requires access to your device’s microphone, but the app is transparent about its data usage. The recordings are used solely for identification purposes and are not stored or shared without user consent. The app’s privacy policy is straightforward, and users can feel confident that their data is handled responsibly.
Merlin Sound ID Data Privacy
Merlin Sound ID also requires microphone access and offers a similar level of transparency regarding data usage. The app’s integration with eBird means that users who choose to contribute their data are participating in a global citizen science project. This data is used for research and conservation efforts, but users can opt out of sharing if they prefer.
13. Cost and Availability
BirdNET Cost and Availability
BirdNET is entirely free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or premium features, making it an accessible option for all birders. The app is available globally on both Android and iOS platforms, though its performance may vary depending on the region due to database coverage.
Merlin Sound ID Cost and Availability
Merlin Sound ID is also free to download and use, with no in-app purchases or premium features. The app is available worldwide on Android and iOS platforms. The regional bird packs are also free, providing users with a wealth of data without any cost.
14. Pros and Cons Summary
BirdNET Pros and Cons
Pros:
Simple and easy-to-use interface.
High accuracy in identifying bird sounds.
Completely free with no hidden costs.
Suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design.
Cons:
Limited advanced features.
Struggles with complex audio environments.
Requires internet connection for identification.
Merlin Sound ID Pros and Cons
Pros:
High accuracy, especially in complex environments.
Rich set of features, including Photo ID.
Real-time identification capability.
Strong community support and integration with eBird.
Cons:
Slightly more complex interface, which may overwhelm beginners.
Requires downloading regional packs for optimal performance.
May require more storage space due to the additional features and data packs.
15. Conclusion: Should I choose BirdNET or Merlin Sound ID?
In conclusion, while both Merlin Bird ID and BirdNET are powerful tools for identifying bird sounds, I find Merlin Bird ID more practical for most birders. Its real-time sound recognition and ability to function without an internet connection make it especially useful in the field, where connectivity is often limited. However, no app is perfect, and there have been occasions when Merlin couldn’t identify a sound—but BirdNET could. For this reason, I recommend using Merlin Bird ID as your primary tool, thanks to its speed and offline capabilities, but keeping BirdNET installed as a reliable backup. Together, they form a solid combination that increases your chances of identifying even the most elusive bird calls during your birdwatching adventures.
Bear in mind that neither of these apps are perfect. I have found myself many times listening to a well-known distant bird, while neither of both apps managed to record anything. To my great joy, sometimes it turns out that human hearing can still work better than modern technology. So consider these apps as something secondary. Over time, you will need them less, as you will become more trained. Enjoy!