Best Field Guides Apps

170+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.4 avg rating
19 free apps
Updated June 2026

Out of 170+ field guides apps on iOS, 19 are free and the rest sit in the paid tier. This page sorts them so you can compare both sides before you commit.

Top Picks for Field Guides

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab#1

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab by Cornell University

Identify Birds You See & Hear
Editor's Choice
πŸ” Reference
4.9😊(108K ratings)
FreeAds
#1in 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

Easily identify birds by sight or sound using advanced machine learning. Explore birds in your region, track your sightings, and learn about species with photos, sounds, and range maps. This free app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology helps build your birding skills.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Helpful for bird identification
  • πŸ”’ Accurate bird identification
  • πŸ‘ Easy to use
  • πŸ‘ Useful for beginners and experts

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Sound ID not always accurate
  • πŸ› Occasional crashes or bugs
  • πŸ› Difficulty adding birds to life list
Audubon Bird Guide#2

Audubon Bird Guide by National Audubon Society, Inc.

Identify over 800 bird species
Strong Contender
πŸ” Reference
4.3😊(4.5K ratings)
FreeAds
Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 1
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Audubon Bird Guide screenshot 6

Identify North American birds with this comprehensive field guide. Features include a bird ID tool based on observations, detailed species information with photos and audio, and a personal sightings log. Discover nearby birding locations and connect with conservation efforts.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Great app
  • πŸ‘ Easy to use
  • πŸ” Helpful for identifying birds
  • 🎢 Useful bird calls and sounds

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Buggy and crashes
  • πŸ”„ Confusing interface changes
  • πŸ”’ Requires account creation
Alabama Field Guide#3

Alabama Field Guide by Shelly Hyde

Erosion & Sediment Control
Worth Considering
πŸ” Reference
4.4(7 ratings)
Free
Alabama Field Guide screenshot 1
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Alabama Field Guide screenshot 6

This reference app provides Alabama contractors and engineers with essential information on erosion and sediment control projects. It features interactive tools for calculating seeding rates and pure live seed (PLS) needs, along with direct contact information for relevant offices.

More Field Guides apps to explore

4
Field Guide to Clouds
Field Guide to Clouds
Field Guide to Clouds
by University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Free

Identify clouds with this portable guide. Learn their formation, names, and weather implications. Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Available in English and Spanish.

Cloud identificationCloud formation detailsWeather prediction insights
πŸ“š Education
(10)
free
5
Mushrooms LITE - Field Guide
Mushrooms LITE - Field Guide
Mushrooms LITE - Field Guide
Field Guide to Mushrooms
Free

Identify mushrooms found in forests and fields with a comprehensive digital guide. Access a vast library of facts, images, and identification tools to learn about species, their edibility, and habitats. Engage with a quiz game and community consultation for further learning.

Identify species by appearance and scentCheck edibility and toxicityBrowse 300 species with 2000 images
πŸ” Reference
(1.3K)
ad-supported
6
Yellowstone NP Field Guide
Yellowstone NP Field Guide
Yellowstone NP Field Guide
by ParksConnect
Free

Discover over 100 plants and animals in Yellowstone National Park with this interactive field guide. Enhance your visit by identifying species, accessing detailed profiles, and using the offline park map. Perfect for visitors and nature enthusiasts.

100+ plant and animal profilesAudio recordingsImage gallery
πŸ” Reference
(5)
free
7
NPMA Field Guide PRO
NPMA Field Guide PRO
NPMA Field Guide PRO
by National Pest Management Association
Free

This app provides pest management professionals with instant access to images, behavior, biology, and control strategies for hundreds of structural pests. It features an intuitive search and identification key for quick pest ID, with instant updates for new information.

Pest identification with imagesBehavior and biology informationControl strategies
πŸ” Reference
(5)
free with in-app purchases
8
iBird Pro Guide to Birds
iBird Pro Guide to Birds
iBird Pro Guide to Birds
Field Guide to North America
Free

This app serves as a comprehensive field guide for identifying birds across North America, the UK, Palau, and Hawaii. It offers offline access, advanced search capabilities, and detailed species information including illustrations, photos, songs, and range maps.

Offline bird databaseAdvanced parametric searchHigh-resolution illustrations
πŸ” Reference
(7.1K)
free with in-app purchases
9
CMC Field Guide
CMC Field Guide
CMC Field Guide
by CMC Rescue, Inc.
Free

Access rope rescue and access diagrams, reference charts, and how-to information instantly in the field. This free app provides essential rescue references, allows for note-taking, and supports offline access to downloaded content.

Rope rescue and access diagramsReference chartsHow-to information
πŸ”§ Utilities
(24)
free
10
Rocky Mountain NP Field Guide
Rocky Mountain NP Field Guide
Rocky Mountain NP Field Guide
by ParksConnect
Free

This interactive field guide helps visitors and enthusiasts explore and identify over 100 plants and animals found in a popular national park, featuring species profiles, distribution charts, audio recordings, and a detailed map. Download the app to enhance your trip and see how many species you can discover.

πŸ” Reference
(11)
11
onX Hunt: GPS Hunting Maps
onX Hunt: GPS Hunting Maps
onX Hunt: GPS Hunting Maps
Compass, Wind & Property Info
Free

Plan and execute hunts with advanced GPS navigation, detailed land boundary information, and species data. Access offline maps, weather forecasts, and integrate with compatible hunting tools for a more organized and efficient experience.

GPS navigationNationwide land boundariesOffline maps
πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigation
(274K)
free with in-app purchases
12
Birda - Bird Watching, Birding
Birda - Bird Watching, Birding
Birda - Bird Watching, Birding
eBird Import & Free Identifier
Free

This app helps you identify birds using AI, track your sightings, and build life lists. Connect with a global community, discover new species, and contribute to conservation efforts. It also allows for easy import of your existing birding data.

AI bird identification from photosManual bird identification with AI textDetailed species guide with calls and maps
πŸ” Reference
(1.9K)
free with in-app purchases
13
Grand Canyon NP Field Guide
Grand Canyon NP Field Guide
Grand Canyon NP Field Guide
by ParksConnect
Free

Discover over 100 plants and animals in Grand Canyon National Park with this interactive field guide. Enhance your visit by identifying species, accessing detailed profiles, and exploring an offline park map. Perfect for visitors and nature enthusiasts.

100+ plants and animalsSpecies profilesAudio recordings
πŸ” Reference
(8)
free
14
Decon Field Guide
Decon Field Guide
Decon Field Guide
by First Line Technology, LLC
Free

This reference app provides quick and efficient decontamination methods for hundreds of threats. It features a classic Threat Index, pictorial instructions, and an in-app dwell timer to guide users through mission execution. Designed for approved users, it aims to make anyone an instant decontamination expert.

Threat Index for decontamination methodsPictorial instructionsIn-app dwell timer
πŸ” Reference
(8)
ad-supported
15
Geology Toolkit: Field Guide
Geology Toolkit: Field Guide
Geology Toolkit: Field Guide
Identify rocks & study geology
Free

Identify rocks with AI and gain a deep understanding of their composition and formation. This app is designed for students and enthusiasts to learn geology beyond simple identification, offering clear explanations and visual tools for study and fieldwork.

AI-powered rock identificationDetailed mineral composition insightsStudent-friendly explanations
πŸ“š Education
(18)
free with in-app purchases
16
Pingree Park Field Guide
Pingree Park Field Guide
Pingree Park Field Guide
by Colorado State University
Free

Access offline reference materials for the CSU Mountain Campus, specifically developed for the NR220 course. This application provides essential information without requiring an internet connection.

Offline accessReference materialsCSU Mountain Campus
πŸ” Reference
(1)
free
17
GO Field Guide
GO Field Guide
GO Field Guide
Events, Raid Guides, Checklist
Free

Enhance your augmented reality monster-catching game experience with up-to-date event information, raid guides, and research task details. Track your progress with checklists and stay informed about PokΓ©mon evolutions and egg hatches.

Event countdown timersComplete Pokedex with searchRaid Boss and Shadow Counter guides
πŸ” Reference
(456)
free with in-app purchases
18
Field Guide Wilderness Med. 4E
Field Guide Wilderness Med. 4E
Field Guide Wilderness Med. 4E
+ smart search suggestions
$39.99

This medical guide provides fast-access solutions for wilderness emergencies, drawing from a renowned text. It offers detailed clinical information, identification aids for flora and fauna, and an intuitive interface with powerful search capabilities. All content is available offline.

Wilderness emergency solutionsIdentification of plants, animals, and insectsFast-access format with signs/symptoms and treatment
πŸ₯ Medical
(2)
paid
19
Field Guide to Victorian Fauna
Field Guide to Victorian Fauna
Field Guide to Victorian Fauna
by Museums Board of Victoria
Free

Explore the diverse wildlife of Victoria, Australia with this comprehensive field guide. Discover detailed information on over 950 species, including their endangered status, accompanied by high-quality images and sounds. Perfect for identifying animals in urban, bush, and coastal settings.

Detailed species descriptionsEndangered species statusHigh-quality imagery
πŸ“š Education
(4)
free
20
Field Trip: Psychedelic guide
Field Trip: Psychedelic guide
Field Trip: Psychedelic guide
Reflect and grow from trips
Free

This app provides a comprehensive guide for exploring psychedelic experiences. It offers tools for preparation, immersion, connection with a community, and integration of insights. Access guided programs, educational content, and curated music to deepen your journey.

Guided psychedelic programsOffline mode for immersionPsychedelic music and meditations
πŸ’ͺ Health & Fitness
(661)
free with in-app purchases