# Raptor ID — Learn from hawkwatching pros

> Mobile guide for identifying North American diurnal raptors with photos, videos, and expert content. (iPhone/iPad app by HawkWatch International.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raptor-id/id1033944000 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [HawkWatch International](https://appshunter.io/developer/1033943999)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 44 App Store ratings · 31 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 766 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-01-29
- Data updated: 2026-08-20
- Monetization: ad-supported
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raptor-id/id1033944000/reviews.md

## What is Raptor ID?

The first raptor identification app designed for mobile devices; "HawkWatch International's Identification Guide to Raptors" puts expert hawk identification content in the palm of your hand. In this guide to North America's 34 species of diurnal raptors, you'll find nearly 1000 annotated photos, and cutting edge identification video for each species, geared toward helping you identify raptors in flight. If you're just getting started with birding, this app covers the basics; if you're already an expert hawk watcher, this app covers all the variation that can lead to identification confusion, even among the most seasoned birders.

• Developed by HawkWatch International in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Comprehensive identification content created by Jerry Liguori and Brian Sullivan
• ~1000 annotated photos covering plumage, age/sex, and geographic variation
• Cutting edge ID-focused video showing each species in flight, including voice-over ID tips from Jerry Liguori
• Range maps with links to interactive seasonal eBird maps
• Vocalizations for each species
• 'Ask the authors' raptor ID question forum

## Key features

- 1000+ annotated photos
- Identification videos in flight
- Range maps with eBird links
- Species vocalizations
- Expert Q&A forum

## Recent user reviews (10 of 31)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raptor-id/id1033944000/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great videos!

*2026-07-14, version 1.0.7*

Videos with commentary are super helpful and professionally done! And free!

### 5/5 — Outstanding app!

*2024-11-10, version 1.0.7*

This app is truly one of the best resources available anywhere for learning identification of North American raptors!  The photos and in-depth descriptions alone are excellent, but the short, narrated videos are a game-changer!

### 5/5 — Mute Switch Issue

*2022-10-13, version 1.0.6*

For those that have no sounds (despite volume being at max) in the videos is because the mute switch is toggled. Took me forever to figure out. Now Jerry’s helpful field notes are back!

### 5/5 — Very Good App

*2022-08-17, version 1.0.6*

This app has so many ways to help you with Raptor Identification.  Images divided by age. Also videos and range maps. Highly recommend this app for birders. This is also a free app. Jerry is no longer with us but this app will be a lasting legacy.

### 5/5 — Best raptor ID app ever!

*2022-02-24, version 1.0.6*

It’s the best go to. Love the Jerry Liguori voiceovers. (Make sure you have your volume turned on. )

### 4/5 — Bring back the Liguori voiceovers

*2021-12-27, version 1.0.6*

Why did you get rid of the one of the kind voiceovers from Jerry Liguori? They really brought heart and a personal touch to the app. Please bring them back.

### 3/5 — Great but no longer works

*2020-12-01, version 1.0.6*

Would give five stars, however with the new iOS on my iPhone it no longer will open. Bummer. So three stars it is.

### 5/5 — Good app, technical support not so much

*2020-04-24, version 1.0.6*

UPDATE: The problem wasn’t the Captcha. It was the address fields that aren’t marked as required but have to be entered anyway. 

I’m quite impressed with the app but I have no sound. I do have sound on other apps and this app works on other devices in my house. I tried to send a question to technical support but gave up after multiple attempts to get past the firm’s Captcha field. I entered the code correctly but the app never sent my message.

### 1/5 — Why do you need my email?

*2020-02-09, version 1.0.6*

If you truly do not sell or share info with third parties, and one can “unsubscribe” to updates and messages, why do you require my email address to use this app.

I do not need any spam and do not want to be bothered by you or your “partners”.  Why do I need to sign up just to cancel? Why is there no way to skip the sign up screen?

### 5/5 — Love it

*2019-11-08, version 1.0.6*

This app is great.
Photos are superb.
Lots of Info.
Videos can be viewed offline.
Highly recommend!

## Frequently asked questions about Raptor ID

### What does the Raptor ID app do?

The Raptor ID app is a mobile guide designed for identifying North America's 34 species of diurnal raptors. It offers expert-level content, including nearly 1000 annotated photos and cutting-edge identification videos, to help users identify birds in flight.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include over 1000 annotated photos covering plumage, age, sex, and geographic variation. It also provides identification-focused videos of each species in flight with voice-over tips, range maps linked to eBird, species vocalizations, and an 'Ask the authors' forum for raptor ID questions.

### Is this app free to use?

The application is free to use and is supported by advertisements. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees mentioned in the provided data.

### Who developed this raptor identification app?

This app was developed by HawkWatch International in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The comprehensive identification content was created by renowned experts Jerry Liguori and Brian Sullivan.

### Who is the target audience for Raptor ID?

The app is designed for anyone interested in identifying diurnal raptors, from beginners just starting with birding to seasoned hawk watchers. It covers the basics and addresses the complexities that can lead to identification confusion.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.0.7 — 2023-11-17

Optimized for new operating systems and featuring new branding and refreshed design.

### 1.0.6 — 2018-09-01

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

The Raptor ID app by HawkWatch International and Cornell Lab of Ornithology is now free!  You can now download the top raptor identification app for your apple device for free. Browse all 34 species of North American diurnal birds of prey with cutting edge photo and video content produced by renowned raptor experts Jerry Liguori and Brian Sullivan. This unique app features overview text (similar to an ID book), vocalizations, distribution maps, and high-quality photos and videos with voiceovers for identification tips that aid users in understanding nuanced flight behaviors. Download the app for free today!

### 1.0.5 — 2016-09-06

- Reduced app size by over 250 MB
- Performance improvements

### 1.0.4 — 2016-02-12

Landscape bug fix for iPad

### 1.0.2 — 2016-02-03

supports iOS 8.0 and up

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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 2026-08-20.*