Top 3 RSPB Bird Song Identifier Apps in 2024

Each bird has its unique song, a melodious sound that we enjoy listening to but not always understand. Birds communicate through these songs and share messages about their presence, feelings, and even warnings. Birds are as beautiful as they sound. Now, imagine how wonderful it would be to know about each bird when they are singing near your house or in the woods? 

This is what bird song identifier apps do! They help us understand and recognize the different bird songs around us. Anyone who enjoys nature and watching birds is a fan of these apps. These apps make our walks in the park or moments in our backyard even more special. In this blog, we will talk about the best 3 RSPB bird song identifier apps in 2024.

How Do the Bird Song Identifier Apps Work?

Ever wondered how your phone can recognize bird songs? These apps use smart technology and algorithms. When a bird sings, the app listens closely and breaks down the song into special patterns. A musical code that helps the app figure out which bird is serenading.

Scientists and tech experts work together to study the unique tunes and rhythms of each bird and set it to the app. The app learns to recognize these patterns and helps you identify the feathered singer in your garden.

In 2024, these apps are getting even smarter. The technology has improved, and the apps now know more about different birds. This means they can tell you with more certainty which bird is chirping nearby. 

How to Use the Bird Song Identifier Apps?

All you need to do is to record the bird songs and make sure your recordings are free from background noise. This helps the app identify the bird more accurately. These apps also come with features like bird libraries, recordings, and settings. 

To learn, you can start by identifying common birds in your area. This helps you get used to how the app works and builds confidence.

What is RSPB?

The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is a leading wildlife conservation charity based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1889, the RSPB works to safeguard and protect bird species and their habitats. 

The organization is highly dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of birds, advocating for policies that support conservation, and actively engaging in conservation projects to ensure the well-being of bird populations and biodiversity. 

The RSPB also plays an important role in educating the public about birds and their conservation. The organization encourages people to connect with nature and contribute to the protection of the environment.

App 1: RSPB Merlin Bird ID App

What is the Merlin Bird ID App?

The Merlin Bird ID App, an innovation powered by eBird, the world's most extensive database of bird sightings, sounds, and images, stands apart from other bird applications. It provides users with 4 methods to identify birds: answering questions, uploading a photo, recording bird songs, or exploring birds in a specific region.

The App's Features and Bird Identification

Merlin offers a Bird ID Wizard that guides users through a step-by-step process to identify birds based on size, colour, and behaviour. This feature is designed for bird watchers of all levels, helping them learn about birds globally. Additionally, Sound ID listens to bird songs in real-time, offering suggestions and confirming identifications, even offline. Photo ID allows users to identify birds from photos taken on the spot, further enhancing the user experience.

User Experience and Convenience

Merlin ensures a user-friendly experience by making bird identification accessible through various means. Whether answering questions, capturing bird sounds, or taking photos, the app caters to different preferences. Sound ID and Photo ID work offline, allowing users to identify birds anytime, anywhere. The app's versatility and convenience are particularly advantageous for bird enthusiasts exploring diverse locations.

The app now covers birds in the US, Canada, Europe, and includes some common birds from Central and South America and India, with promises of more species and regions in the future. The incorporation of Sound ID and Photo ID, both functioning offline, showcases the app's commitment to providing a comprehensive and accessible bird identification experience.

The Merlin Bird ID App, backed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a versatile and powerful tool with a wealth of data to offer an enriching birdwatching experience in 2024 and beyond.

App 2: Collins Bird Guide App

What is the Collins Bird Guide App?

The Collins Bird Guide App comes with top-notch illustrations and detailed information in a user-friendly design. Developed for both avid birders and casual birdwatchers, this app is an adaptation of the renowned book by Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney, and Dan Zetterström, recognized as the standard European field guide. Perfect for iPad and iPhone users, the app reimagines this definitive work, providing a valuable tool for bird enthusiasts.

It offers users an immersive experience through visuals, maps, calls, and concise text. The incorporation of over 750 carefully selected songs and calls, along with expertly edited video clips for all 794 species (available through in-app purchases), enhances the birdwatching experience.

How the App Enhances Birdwatching

The Collins Bird Guide App lets users learn about each species thoroughly. With features like a powerful search filter, curated lists of confusable species, and a listing tool for recording sightings, location, and date, the app becomes an indispensable companion for birdwatchers. The incorporation of mapping data from the British Trust for Ornithology/BirdWatch Ireland/Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Bird Atlas 2007–11 as an in-app purchase further enriches the app's capability to provide comprehensive location mapping.

Publisher’s and Fatbirder's Views

In the publisher's view, the app offers an extensive range of features, including illustrations, detailed text, and an intuitive layout. The app is available in multiple languages, adding to its accessibility.

The Fatbirder's view emphasizes the app's continuous improvement, highlighted in the latest update with faster search capabilities, new languages, additional songs and calls, and enhanced list handling. The reviewer commends its simplicity, praising its functionality in categorizing bird families and allowing easy browsing and selection.

App 3: RSPB Birdsong Radio

Users can discover the enchanting world of bird songs through the RSPB Birdsong Radio. As each bird's song is distinctive, enthusiasts can become familiar with the different melodies and calls of various birds.

Listening to the live stream or utilizing the sleep timer function, users can experience the calming and therapeutic effects of bird songs. Whether it's for relaxation, falling asleep, waking up to a gentle chorus, or enhancing productivity, Birdsong Radio allows individuals to connect with nature's symphony.

Users can explore and download curated tracks like "Let Nature Sing" and the distinctive alarm call of the Cuckoo. This not only adds to the immersive experience but also provides users with valuable audio references for recognizing specific bird species.

Stay connected, listen, and let the melodies of Birdsong Radio bring the beauty of nature to your ears.

Conclusion

Whether you're a pro at spotting birds or just starting, these 3 apps will make it easy to connect with the fascinating birds around us. It's a chance to pause, listen, and be amazed by the beautiful melodies that fill our natural surroundings.

So, grab your digital bird guide and set out on this adventure. May your birdwatching be filled with happiness, discovery, and a special bond with the nature symphony. Happy birdwatching!