# eBird — Cornell Lab of Ornithology

> Mobile bird observation recording and data submission for global citizen science. (iPhone/iPad app by Cornell University.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ebird/id988799279 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Cornell University](https://appshunter.io/developer/382072985)
- Category: Reference, Lifestyle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.80/5 from 797 App Store ratings · 355 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 73 MB
- Languages: Russian, Akan, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Basque, Bulgarian, Khmer, Galician, Persian, Serbian and 27 more
- Released: 2015-06-15
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ebird/id988799279/reviews.md

## What is eBird?

eBird Mobile makes it easy to record the birds you see in the field, and seamlessly link these observations with eBird--a global online database of bird records used by hundreds of thousands of birders around the world. This free resource makes it easy to keep track of what you see, while making your data openly available for scientific research, education, and conservation. eBird Mobile is the only app that passes information directly from the iOS device to your eBird account on the web.

Features

- Enter bird observations from any location around the world.
- Full global taxonomy based on The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World.
- Common names available in local languages (e.g., Portuguese names in Brazil or in Portugal).
- Checklists customized for your location and time of year, showing most likely species based on eBird data. 
- Rare species flagged during data entry and on the checklist. 
- "Record as you go" functionality for incremental list keeping and counting while birding.
- GPS enabled location plotting to ensure accuracy.
- Map tools that enable selecting from hundreds of thousands of eBird "Hotspots."
- Full offline functionality, enabling use in places with limited or no Internet connection.
- Trip and Day list functionality that makes it easy to keep track of your species list on a particular outing.
- Support for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
- Entire app translated to German, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Turkish, and Dutch.

## Key features

- Record bird observations globally
- Global taxonomy and local common names
- Location and time-based checklists
- Rare species flagging
- Offline functionality
- GPS location plotting
- Trip and day list tracking

## Chart rankings

- #109 in Top Free · Reference (US App Store)

## What do users think of eBird?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 🚀 Excellent for citizen science
- 🔍 Helpful for finding birds at hotspots
- 📚 Useful for tracking life lists
- 👍 Easy to use and submit checklists
- 🤝 Integrates well with Merlin Bird ID

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📍 Issues with location tracking and mapping
- 🤔 Unintuitive user interface
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with location data

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to start a new checklist
- Inability to log in or access account
- Inconsistent behavior with bird pack downloads
- Checklist data not syncing across devices
- Explore feature not working as expected

**Most requested features**

- Add ability to upload photos and audio directly in the app
- Implement alphabetical sorting for checklists
- Improve syncing between app and website
- Add more advanced filtering and search options
- Provide offline access to bird information

## Recent user reviews (10 of 355)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ebird/id988799279/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Faulty app doesn’t install fully

*2026-08-10, version 3.6.2*

Tried to install this but fails to progress/allow installation of bird packs. It doesn’t list any.  
Tried reporting to the developer and got no response. 
I’d give this a hard pass.

### 4/5 — Interesting app

*2026-08-02, version 3.6.2*

Separate app from Merlin which I have been using for years. Will see how this plays. Always interested in being a citizen scientist observer of nature!

### 2/5 — Omg what did you do?

*2026-07-29, version 3.6.2*

Latest “greatest” version wiped out my recordings from years and more. Forced to create a username and login, I had to begin downloading packs again. Downloading is slow. 

What happened to what packages I had that existed before? I had some for other regions in the world. Recordings of those birds lost. Unbelievably sad. 

I have zero of my history. Nada. 

I am hugely disappointed in this.  It was one of my favorite apps. Definitely a bad decision on Cornell’s part to leave users behind.

### 3/5 — Was great, but now stopped working

*2026-07-29, version 3.6.2*

It was good until it stopped. I can’t submit my checklist. Can’t get support. Looks like we’re finished with this app.

### 5/5 — Excellent For Data Collection & Research

*2026-07-10*

1) Good for Observed Bird Data storage 
2) Very helpful in Searching species
3) Good tool for Data Analysis & Research 
Note : Review and Clearance of Unconfirmed List Processes is too slow!

### 4/5 — Incredible app! Please add a widget feature

*2026-07-09, version 3.6.2*

I’d love to see a widget for easy accessibility

### 2/5 — Needs Work.

*2026-07-05, version 3.6.2*

App is very clunky and difficult to navigate. Need the ability to log a checklist from anywhere in the country instead of only in my close radius. Birds should be sorted by location by showing the most recent birds up top. So much scrolling to find the birds that are actually at the location. Would love the ability to see a profile or photo of the birds by clicking the species in the checklist options.

### 1/5 — Freezes on ‘Install a pack’ screen

*2026-07-03, version 3.6.2*

Mac desktop app doesn’t work

### 5/5 — I love ebird

*2026-06-27, version 3.6.2*

I love ebird

### 5/5 — THE essential birding app for pros and newbies

*2026-06-21, version 3.6.2*

While EBird’s cousin Merlin is mostly for beginners, (although it is still amazing), it is mostly for newer birders learning still. EBird is the best place for everybody of all skill levels to find birds, report birds, and keep track of the ones you’ve seen

## Frequently asked questions about eBird

### What does eBird do?

eBird Mobile allows you to easily record bird sightings while you are out in the field. It then seamlessly links these observations to the eBird global online database, which is used by birders worldwide for scientific research, education, and conservation.

### What are the key features of eBird?

Key features include recording bird observations from anywhere globally, using a full global taxonomy with local common names, receiving customized checklists based on your location and time of year, and flagging rare species. It also offers offline functionality, GPS plotting, and trip/day list tracking.

### Is eBird free to use?

Yes, eBird Mobile is a free resource. There are no costs associated with downloading or using the app, and it does not have in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What devices is eBird compatible with?

The app supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. It is also translated into multiple languages including German, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Turkish, and Dutch.

### How can I use eBird for birding trips?

eBird's "Record as you go" functionality allows for incremental list keeping and counting while birding. The trip and day list feature makes it simple to track your species list for a particular outing, ensuring accurate records for your birding adventures.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.6.2 — 2026-06-12

Bug fixes and performance improvements.

### 3.6.1 — 2026-03-18

Added support for Farsi
Minor bug fixes

### 3.6.0 — 2025-12-04

Minor bug fixes and performance improvements.

### 3.5.0 — 2025-11-12

2025 Taxonomy update. Bug fixes and performance improvements.

### 3.4.1 — 2025-09-10

Your checklists with tracks are now even better!

New for checklists with tracks turned on, eBird automatically estimates the unique distance traveled, so you no longer have to worry about adjusting for backtracking. To change distance or duration, edit the track and both will update automatically.

Bug fixes.

## Apps similar to eBird

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell-lab/id773457673) | 4.9 (111,272) | Free | Reference |
| [Audubon Bird Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audubon-bird-guide/id333227386) | 4.3 (4,511) | Free | Reference |
| [Picture Bird: Bird identifier](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picture-bird-bird-identifier/id1474586978) | 4.7 (39,822) | Free | Reference |
| [Birda - Bird Watching, Birding](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/birda-bird-watching-birding/id1564130920) | 4.7 (2,141) | Free | Reference |
| [Bird Sounds Identifier Call ID](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bird-sounds-identifier-call-id/id6449354786) | 4.7 (13,407) | Free | Reference |
| [Bird Identifier: Roostly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bird-identifier-roostly/id1578998208) | 4.5 (1,857) | Free | Reference |

## More apps by Cornell University

- [Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell-lab/id773457673)
- [AHDC Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ahdc-mobile/id897978329)
- [Work Zone NYS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/work-zone-nys/id1072192800)
- [NestWatch by the Cornell Lab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nestwatch-by-the-cornell-lab/id1207563841)
- [Cornell Vet preVet Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cornell-vet-prevet-tracker/id1272148491)

All apps by Cornell University: https://appshunter.io/developer/382072985

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*