Comparison

Bird Data Database Browser vs ABA/AOU Bird Codes

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Bird Data Database Browser

Features
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Bird Data is a reference source for over 10,000 species of birds, including extinct species. It combines information from the IOC 14.2 taxonomy, IUCN Red List, and other databases for all of the world bird species. Data includes bird names in seven languages, subspecies, ranges, alternate names, IUCN status, countries, and taxonomic hierarchy. The app has links to thousands of bird songs, bird calls and images (over 7,000 species) that can be downloaded to the device. With these features, the app could be used as a field guide, and it is quite complete especially for countries in the Americas. An interactive map connects to eBird hotspots and eBird bird sightings in the last 30 days. The app is free but a small donation through an in-app purchase is appreciated.

About

ABA/AOU Bird Codes

This app provides a quick reference for ornithological bird codes, used in data collection and field notes. It allows users to search and sort by common name, scientific name, or code, and toggle between ABA and AOU bird lists. Includes USGS species numbers and banding sizes.

Highlights
  • Quick bird code lookup
  • Sort by common/scientific name or code
  • Toggle ABA/AOU bird lists
  • USGS Species Numbers
  • Banding Sizes
Features
Read full description

In the world of ornithology and bird watching, alpha codes are a shorthand for describing a specific bird. These codes are an abbreviation of a bird’s common(4 letters) or scientific(6 letters) name and are used in banding data, field notes, and other data collection projects. Schechter Natural History’s Bird Codes is a simple tool to look up bird reporting codes for the ABA and AOU.* Features include * Quick search and bird lookup * Sort by common name, scientific name, or code * Toggle between viewing a list of birds included in the AOU or the ABA * USGS Species Numbers and Banding Sizes We hope you find the Schechter Natural History’s Bird Codes to be a helpful tool for your outdoor adventures and a fun and informative reference for home use. *The American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) includes birds recorded in North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean region. Whereas the American Birding Association (ABA) only contains birds in North America.

Screenshots

Bird Data Database Browser4 screens
ABA/AOU Bird Codes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Bird Data Database Browser at Free against ABA/AOU Bird Codes's $0.99. ABA/AOU Bird Codes's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Bird Data Database Browser is free to download; ABA/AOU Bird Codes costs $0.99 up front. Bird Data Database Browser sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. ABA/AOU Bird Codes asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on May 15, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Bird Data Database Browser versus ABA/AOU Bird Codes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBird Data Database BrowserABA/AOU Bird Codes
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTom FriedelSchechter Natural History LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Bird Data Database Browser

One-time2
  • $7.99 (USD) Donation$7.99
  • $19.99 (USD) Donation$19.99
None

ABA/AOU Bird Codes

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Bird Data Database Browser free?
Bird Data Database Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ABA/AOU Bird Codes free?
ABA/AOU Bird Codes costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Bird Data Database Browser or ABA/AOU Bird Codes have ads?
Neither Bird Data Database Browser nor ABA/AOU Bird Codes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Bird Data Database Browser or ABA/AOU Bird Codes?
Bird Data Database Browser ships an update every 3 months, and ABA/AOU Bird Codes every 3 months. Most recently, Bird Data Database Browser was updated on May 15, 2026 and ABA/AOU Bird Codes on September 25, 2026.

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