Best Cornell Ornithology Apps

201+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.3 avg rating
18 free apps
Updated May 2026

Every iPhone needs a few good cornell ornithology apps. We benchmark 201+ of them on App Store rating, freshness, and pricing, then surface the standouts so you don't have to scroll the App Store yourself.

Top Picks for Cornell Ornithology

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab#1

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab by Cornell University

Identify Birds You See & Hear
Editor's Choice
๐Ÿ” Reference
4.9๐Ÿ˜Š(108K ratings)
FreeAds
#2in Reference
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 1
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 2
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 3
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 4
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 5
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab screenshot 6

A bird identification app that allows users to identify bird species by capturing and uploading photos. Experience the convenience of instantly recognizing birds with just a snapshot.

What We Love

  • ๐Ÿš€ Helpful for bird identification
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Accurate bird identification
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Easy to use
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Useful for beginners and experts

Room to Improve

  • ๐Ÿ› Sound ID not always accurate
  • ๐Ÿ› Occasional crashes or bugs
  • ๐Ÿ› Difficulty adding birds to life list
eBird#2

eBird by Cornell University

Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Strong Contender
๐Ÿ” Reference
3.8๐Ÿ˜(727 ratings)
Free
#61in Reference
eBird screenshot 1
eBird screenshot 2
eBird screenshot 3
eBird screenshot 4
eBird screenshot 5

Record bird observations globally with eBird Mobile, linking seamlessly to a worldwide database. Easily track and share sightings for research, education, and conservation. Download now for iOS devices to contribute to birding science!

What We Love

  • ๐Ÿš€ Excellent for citizen science
  • ๐Ÿ” Helpful for finding birds at hotspots
  • ๐Ÿ“š Useful for tracking life lists
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Easy to use and submit checklists

Room to Improve

  • ๐Ÿ› Frequent crashes and bugs
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ High battery consumption
  • ๐Ÿ“ Issues with location tracking and mapping
Audubon Bird Guide#3

Audubon Bird Guide by National Audubon Society, Inc.

Identify over 800 bird species
Worth Considering
๐Ÿ” Reference
4.3๐Ÿ˜Š(4.5K ratings)
FreeAds
Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 1
Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 2
Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 3
Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 4
Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 5
Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 6

Identify and learn about over 800 North American bird species with this comprehensive field guide app. Features include bird identification, tracking sightings, exploring nearby birds, sharing photos, and getting involved in bird conservation efforts. Download now to start your birdwatching adventure!

What We Love

  • ๐Ÿš€ Great app
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Easy to use
  • ๐Ÿ” Helpful for identifying birds
  • ๐ŸŽถ Useful bird calls and sounds

Room to Improve

  • ๐Ÿ› Buggy and crashes
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Confusing interface changes
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Requires account creation

More Cornell Ornithology apps to explore

4
Project FeederWatch
Project FeederWatch
Project FeederWatch
by Cornell University
Free

Contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts by reporting the birds you see at your winter feeder site in North America with the FeederWatch Mobile App. Track your sightings, access past counts, and help build a database on feeder birds. Sync seamlessly with the web version to support research, education, and conservation.

๐Ÿ“š Education
(68)
5
Picture Bird: Bird identifier
Picture Bird: Bird identifier
Picture Bird: Bird identifier
Identify Sound & Call, Birding
Free

Use Picture Bird to instantly identify bird species by their sounds. Simply record a bird call and let the app provide you with accurate bird species information. Start exploring the world of avian sounds today!

๐Ÿ” Reference
(35K)
6
NestWatch by the Cornell Lab
NestWatch by the Cornell Lab
NestWatch by the Cornell Lab
by Cornell University
Free

This citizen-science project allows users to track and report nesting birds in North America, contributing to the largest database on avian nesting success. By using the application, users can record and track nest locations, species, and other details, with the data being openly available for scientific research, education, and conservation.

๐Ÿ“š Education
(16)
7
Identify Birds โ€“ Smart Bird ID
Identify Birds โ€“ Smart Bird ID
Identify Birds โ€“ Smart Bird ID
From photo or sound. Instantly
Free

Easily identify birds you encounter with a simple click using advanced image recognition technology. Say goodbye to birdwatching guesswork โ€“ start identifying birds with just a snap!

๐Ÿ“š Education
(17K)
8
Bird Sounds Identifier Call ID
Bird Sounds Identifier Call ID
Bird Sounds Identifier Call ID
Bird Identifier By Sound, Song
Free

Identify birds effortlessly with Bird Sounds Identifier Call ID! This app uses image recognition and bird song identification to help you learn about over 10,000 bird species. Easily discover bird information and join a community of bird enthusiasts. Download now!

๐Ÿ” Reference
(12K)
9
Bird Identifier: BirdScope
Bird Identifier: BirdScope
Bird Identifier: BirdScope
Bird Sound ID & Chicken Breed
Free
๐ŸŒŸ Lifestyle
(1.4K)
10
Seek by iNaturalist
Seek by iNaturalist
Seek by iNaturalist
Identify plants & animals
Free

Seek by iNaturalist is a plant identification app that helps users identify plants and animals using image recognition technology. Simply take a picture, and the app will provide information about the species. Explore nature with Seek today!

๐Ÿ“š Education
(31K)
11
Birda - Bird Watching, Birding
Birda - Bird Watching, Birding
Birda - Bird Watching, Birding
eBird Import & Free Identifier
Free

Discover and identify birds with ease using a powerful app that offers detailed information and images. Experience the joy of bird watching like never before โ€“ download now!

๐Ÿ” Reference
(1.8K)
12
Sibley Birds 2nd Edition
Sibley Birds 2nd Edition
Sibley Birds 2nd Edition
Birds of North America
$19.99

Discover over 930 North American bird species with detailed artwork, descriptions, and distribution maps in this comprehensive birdwatching app. Benefit from regular updates, bird calls, and user-friendly features like Smart Search and My Location settings to easily identify and learn about birds. Try it now and start exploring the birds of USA and Canada!

๐Ÿ” Reference
(2.4K)
13
Bird QR
Bird QR
Bird QR
by CELLC
Free

This companion app brings books to life by providing instant access to high-definition bird songs, additional information, and streaming content from a renowned digital resource. It also offers tools to identify bird species, stay updated on new titles, and access a vast online database, enhancing the reader experience for bird enthusiasts.

๐Ÿ” Reference
(64)
14
Learn Bird Watchingโ€”Larkwire
Learn Bird Watchingโ€”Larkwire
Learn Bird Watchingโ€”Larkwire
Smart Birding & Identification
Free

Discover an intelligent bird watching application that enhances your birding experience with audiovisual training and interactive challenges. Start exploring the world of birds today!

๐Ÿ“š Education
(1.2K)
15
BirdNET
BirdNET
BirdNET
Bird sound identification
Free

An AI-powered bird sound identification app enables users to record bird sounds via their iOS device and receive automatic species identification. Help contribute to bird observation research by submitting your recordings.

๐Ÿ“š Education
(194)
16
Bird Identifier, Bird Id
Bird Identifier, Bird Id
Bird Identifier, Bird Id
Bird Identification, Birding
Free

Explore a comprehensive bird identification app designed for all bird watchers, whether amateur or seasoned. Identify birds, bird calls, and species from pictures with detailed information included. Perfect for bird enthusiasts looking to learn more about the fascinating world of birds!

๐Ÿ” Reference
(1.8K)
17
iBird Pro Guide to Birds
iBird Pro Guide to Birds
iBird Pro Guide to Birds
Field Guide to North America
Free

Transform your iPhone into a field guide to birds with a self-contained app offering offline access to bird species across North America, the UK, and Hawaii. Features include advanced search, stunning illustrations, vivid photos, bird songs, and photo recognition capabilities. Embark on a captivating birdwatching adventure with this ultimate birding companion and unlock a year of subscription for previous users. Explore more at the app's website for a comprehensive birding experience.

๐Ÿ” Reference
(7.1K)
18
Birdbuddy: ID & Collect Birds
Birdbuddy: ID & Collect Birds
Birdbuddy: ID & Collect Birds
Identify by photo & sound
Free

Discover, photograph, and learn about birds with Bird Buddy. Use the app to connect with a global community of bird feeders, pair with your Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder for up-close images, and contribute to bird conservation efforts. Join now to tap into nature!

๐Ÿ“š Education
(1.4K)
19
Birdfy
Birdfy
Birdfy
The Bird Side of Life
Free

Experience real-time bird visits, automatic highlights, and AI species identification with our app. Join the Birdfy community to share and explore captivating bird moments. Start organizing your bird sightings effortlessly today!

๐Ÿ”ง Utilities
(1.2K)
20
iBird Ultimate Guide to Birds
iBird Ultimate Guide to Birds
iBird Ultimate Guide to Birds
North America, UK Hawaii Palau
$9.99

Discover the ultimate birding app with a vast database of bird species and an AI-powered Photo Sleuth feature for easy identification. No internet connection needed, with additional country-specific databases available for exploration. Elevate your birding experience with unique features like Birds Around Me and Owls of Mexico. Explore a whole new world of birds today!

๐Ÿ” Reference
(551)