Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab

Name: Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab
Rating: 4.9 (111461 reviews)
Author: Cornell University

by Cornell University

iPhone

Active Last checked 30 Aug 2026

App Store ↗

Quick verdict

What it is: Store information collected; independent summary not yet available.
At a glance: Free to download

Categories and search queries

Official categories

Reference
Lifestyle

AppCorpus categories

Key functions

Function	Availability	Access	Scope	Evidence
Free app	Yes	Free	—	Store published

Screens

App Store

8 store screenshots

Pricing & paywalls

App Store

Free

Last verified 30 Aug 2026

Ratings & reviews

App Store

4.9 111461 ratings · App Store

5/5Loads of fun
Let me begin by stating I never use the original function of describing the bird I see. If I can see it that we’ll, chances are I can identify it without Merlin. The same goes with the photo ID feature—if I can get close enough and get a good enough look , I can ID the bird as well as Merlin can. I have tested out the photo ID, and I believe it would be a useful tool for beginners. Be aware that it’s not perfect: it has just as hard a time distinguishing between sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks as I do. Where the app really shines is in the sound ID. At first I was a little skeptical. One of the first times I used it it thought that one bird was both a common raven and an American crow. Same thing with some gulls. It thought there was both a California and Herring gull. I eventually found one I could call a California, the Herring gull never materialized. It also thought there was a tundra swan, but upon reviewing the recording, there was nothing there, and definitely no swan within my sight. The more I have used it, however, the more confident I become in its ID power. Generally, if Merlin disagrees with what I thought the sound was, I’ll try to track it down and find it. And more often than not, I find what Merlin told me was there. But the most fun I have had with this app was watching a northern mockingbird singing while Merlin picked out thirteen different bird songs that one mockingbird had learned and incorporated into its repertoire.

Tory Mathis · 30 Aug 2026
5/5Great for a beginner like me
I love birds and want to learn more about them. I have been hesitant to join birdwatchers as I’ve heard via birder email lists the experienced birders can be impatient and critical of newbies and also make it hard for newbies to join any groups. It’s like breaking into a click. That said, I felt I needed to learn before I even got started so I tried Merlin ID. I have used all 3 tools and find each one useful. I’m most excited about the sound ID though. This app is not perfect and you should question a match that seems questionable, like if it gives you a “rare” match. Do some research by listening to the call options to see if the match is authentic. This app also doesn’t recognize every bird. But, when there isn’t a match just submit the recording to Merlin so they can further improve the app. It is constantly improving and can only do that if we all help out. One day, I heard a bird but couldn’t see it. The sound tool identified the bird so then I knew what to look for and sure enough, I was able to visually identify said bird! I was super excited and encouraged. I also enjoy reading about each bird, the various photos and learning the different calls and songs. I’ve begun to share this with my daughter and grandkids when we take walks. My grandson lights up when he is able to see photos of the birds he is hearing and he’s only 2.5. Fun for the whole family!

Scuba Nonna · 30 Aug 2026
5/5Changed my life. Seriously.
This app opened my eyes to the world around me. I was never into birds before. I started using it after moving to a more wooded neighborhood in Nashville because I’d never heard so many birds and just wanted to see what was making all these sounds. I was shocked at the numbers of birds around me that I’d never taken the time to see or hear. Thanks to Merlin, I can now identify at least 20 birds by their songs and calls alone and I never knew how happy that would make me. More importantly, and totally unexpectedly, it helped me develop a daily mindfulness routine that was missing in my life before. I have a high stress job in healthcare. Merlin taught me to completely quiet my mind before and after work by being still, listening, and watching. I’d gotten so bogged down by life and stress that many of the little joys and wonders around me had become invisible. That’s no longer the case. Merlin has enriched my life and contributed to my well being and health in a way that sounds incredibly corny and fluffy to describe but it’s absolutely true. Now I’m proudly that weirdo who stops in the parking lot, looks up, and says “there’s a red shouldered hawk somewhere around here.” And it makes me smile before I keep walking to do whatever I need to do that day, a little more amazed by something beautiful in the world. Thank you Cornell and everyone who made this possible.

Papaboy the Birder · 30 Aug 2026
4/5Very good app and room to continue to improve
I love so many functionalities in Merlin Bird ID from the Sound (record and automatic sound identification), to the Photo (identify from photos), to the Explore options. The incremental improvements over time have been much appreciated. Unfortunately, with the new version that had a major redesign of the home screen, I ran into a few problems, so I rate this as a solid 4 Stars. Honestly, I preferred the layout of the prior version by far and not just because I was used to it. Anyway, I ran into two problems with the new version that was automatically installed. First, the Explore function wasn't loading, and I tried closing it and reopening with no success. So, I deleted the app from my iPhone. It didn't provide me a notice that all my sound recordings would not be reloaded when I re-installed the app, so it appears that I no longer have access to them. Unlike other apps that reload files, it appears that Merlin does not offer that which is very disappointing. Second, I wish users had the option to choose the placement of the Sound (start recording) and Cancel (stop recording) buttons. I don't like the new location of the Cancel button especially being next to the Sound farther away from its prior location. I don't save most recordings, and I would prefer to not accidentally save the recordings. One problem with each version is recordings failed to be saved properly. For some unknown reason, they fail to save the birds identified and the recording itself. Overall, I still love this tool though!

NickRobert · 30 Aug 2026
5/5Amazing tool, but a few minuscule issues
This app is amazing. I use it every time I go bird watching, and it is far more efficient than most of the manuals I own. However, it is not without its minor faults. The first and most blaring is the fact that Isee many birds with many more than only 3 colors, and when I see birds with only 3 or less colors they might be different colors than I have the options I have to pick from! I understand that there are limitations that make it difficult, but the app would be that closer to perfect if you added more colors and the option to pick more than three colors. The other issue is that on a very slim chance I cant find the bird im looking for! This is for the most part my fault, but I think that sometimes it is because the bird isn’t on the list of birds registered on the app. It could also be because of the pictures of the birds do not include all or most variations of the bird I see, so I cannot confirm my sighting. If the roster of birds was filled up more, and there was more pictures, then all of those problems would be solved! It is such a great app with such great features and it almost never fails me. The only issues it has are so minor, or could be fixed in an update soon, that it makes them nearly irrelevant. Because of all of this the app is virtually perfect, and i recommend all bird watchers newbies and veterans alike to download this app.

Jimmyjummy69 · 30 Aug 2026

Privacy & accessibility

App Store

Privacy

Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Identifiers — User ID Developer declared
Data Linked to You — Identifiers Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — Analytics — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — Analytics — Usage Data — Product Interaction Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — App Functionality — Contact Info — Email Address Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Contact Info — Email Address Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — Product Personalization — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — Contact Info Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — Location Developer declared
Data Not Linked to You — Usage Data Developer declared

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Accessibility

No accessibility labels collected yet.

Versions

App Store

3.0.3
We periodically release fixes and tweaks to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds.
3.0.4
Updated support for connected devices. We periodically release fixes and tweaks to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds. Your feedback and support drive our ongoing efforts to create a better birding experience for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, improvements, and exciting features!
3.0.5
Two minor bug fixes: - Bluetooth access will now only be requested when enabling Swarovski devices - Bird names are now available in Simplified Chinese again We periodically release fixes and tweaks to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds. Your feedback and support drive our ongoing efforts to create a better birding experience for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, improvements, and exciting features!
3.1
Merlin has a new look! The layout of Merlin has been updated to make the app more intuitive, faster to use, and easier to learn about the birds around you. Introducing Your Bird of the Day Get ready to discover a new bird every day with a personalized Bird of the Day picked just for you. Explore Species While You Listen Hear a new bird with Sound ID? Now you can read more about the species without stopping recording, so you don’t miss out on other IDs. Accessibility Improvements Merlin’s new layout is more compatible with accessibility features, including more dynamic text sizes. We periodically release fixes and updates to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds. Your feedback and support drive our ongoing efforts to create a better birding experience for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, improvements, and exciting features!
3.1.1
This update includes a few improvements and bug fixes, including: - New Ukrainian translations now available - Fixed a bug that didn’t allow saving sightings from Sound ID or Explore - Formatting updates on the Bird Packs screens - Fixed translations for range maps
3.2
Location, Location, Location! Approximate Location Magic: Merlin now works its wonders with just an approximate location. Easier to start, smoother to use! No Location? No Worries! Even without location data, you can set your spot on the map and let Merlin do its thing, providing top-notch answers every time. Smoother Messaging Sound ID Enhancements: We’ve polished our messaging for areas where Sound ID isn’t supported, giving you clearer info and a better user experience. Upgrade to 3.2 now and dive into a more flexible, privacy-friendly, and user-centric Merlin!
3.3
-Bird of the Day challenge: a new bird each day to learn about and find nearby. Head outside and see if you can find the featured bird in your area! -Updated Translations: Merlin is now available in Zulu! -Bug Fixes: We’ve also squashed some bugs and made performance improvements to keep Merlin running smoothly. Happy birding!
3.3.1
Bird of the Day challenge: a new bird each day to learn about and find nearby. Head outside and see if you can find the featured bird in your area! Updated Translations: Merlin is now available in Zulu! Bug Fixes: We’ve also squashed some bugs and made performance improvements to keep Merlin running smoothly. Happy birding!
3.4
Share Your Birding Finds! We’ve made sharing your birding discoveries easier and more fun. Here’s what’s new: Share That Bird!: Send bird sightings straight to friends, social media, or birding groups. Life Bird Alert: Share new sightings with a tap and celebrate new finds. Bird of the Day: Show off your daily bird, and brag to your friends when you've found yours! Improvements: Bug fixes and performance tweaks for smoother birding. Happy birding!
3.5
Life List Suggestions: Wondering what new bird to find next? Merlin now suggests birds you’re likely to discover or identify nearby. Photo ID Update: Merlin can help you identify bird photos with more confidence with a new update to Photo ID. Picture-Perfect Bird Lists: Merlin now comes with a small image for each bird. Download a bird pack to get more images, songs, and calls!
3.6
Get ready for bird migration with better ID tools and flexible downloads! - Sound ID update: Merlin is now more responsive, so you’ll see more IDs as Merlin listens to the birds around you. - Photo ID update: Trained in bird ID with over 6 million practice photos, Merlin can identify your photos better now than ever before. - Smaller and more flexible downloads: Download bird info as you go, or download information for a whole region at once for offline use!
3.6.1
Get ready for bird migration with better ID tools and flexible downloads! - Sound ID update: Merlin is now more responsive, so you’ll see more IDs as Merlin listens to the birds around you. - Photo ID update: Trained in bird ID with over 6 million practice photos, Merlin can identify your photos better now than ever before. - Smaller and more flexible downloads: Download bird info as you go, or download information for a whole region at once for offline use!
3.7
What's new in 3.7: ID Tips: Enjoy bite-sized bits of birding joy as you listen! While running Sound ID, keep an eye out for short videos and photos that will help you identify and learn more about the birds you are hearing. Improved Search on Explore Species: Discover bird species near you, at different times of the year, and in any other location in the world with a new, expanded search feature! Sound ID now includes hundreds of new species in Central and South America, India, Taiwan, and Australia!
3.7.1
What's new in 3.7: ID Tips: Enjoy bite-sized bits of birding joy as you listen! While running Sound ID, keep an eye out for short videos and photos that will help you identify and learn more about the birds you are hearing. Improved Search on Explore Species: Discover bird species near you, at different times of the year, and in any other location in the world with a new, expanded search feature! Sound ID now includes hundreds of new species in Central and South America, India, Taiwan, and Australia!
3.7.2
What's new in 3.7.2: Bird Content Updates: Improvements to the way Merlin updates content, so you always have the latest bird info at your fingertips Listening Now: On the home page, now you can see how many Merlin users are currently listening to birds across the globe.
3.7.3
What's new in 3.7.3: Updated bird content - help us welcome the hottest new species of 2025! Performance fixes for Explore
3.7.4
What’s new in 3.7.4: New Species in Sound ID! This version adds 342 new species to Sound ID across South America, India, Taiwan, Australia, and more! Bug fixes: Fixes for taxonomy update process Also included from 3.7.3 Updated bird content - help us welcome the hottest new species of 2025! Performance fixes for Explore
3.7.5
What’s new in 3.7.5: New Species in Sound ID! This version adds 342 new species to Sound ID across South America, India, Taiwan, Australia, and more! Bug fixes: Fixes for taxonomy update process Also included from 3.7.3 and 3.7.4: Updated bird content - help us welcome the hottest new species of 2025! Performance fixes for Explore
3.8
What’s new in 3.8: General bug fixes and performance improvements to improve your daily birding!
3.8.1
What’s new in 3.8.1: New Species in Sound ID. Merlin can identify over 2000 species in Sound ID, with new species across South America, India, Taiwan, Australia, and more! New Languages: Merlin is now available in Dutch, Polish, and Swedish!
3.8.2
What’s new in 3.8.2: NEW - Streamlined Sound ID: No more surprise piles of random recordings filling up your phone! Now, you choose which recordings are worthy of a spot in your audio aviary. Hear it, love it, save it – simple as that. NEW - Bar Charts: More information about the birds around you. Your likely birds now have bar charts, giving a quick summary of when you are most likely to see these birds. Expanded Common Name Languages: We’re proud to introduce common bird names in Tajik! Happy birding!
3.8.3
What’s new in 3.8.3: NEW - Nearby Places: Get ready to explore! Get seasonal suggestions for nearby places where you can find your Bird of the Day, and other birds you want to see. NEW - Streamlined Sound ID: No more surprise piles of random recordings filling up your phone! Now, you choose which recordings are worthy of a spot in your audio aviary. Hear it, love it, save it – simple as that. NEW - Bar Charts: More information about the birds around you. Your likely birds now have bar charts, giving a quick summary of when you are most likely to see these birds. Expanded Common Name Languages: We’re proud to introduce common bird names in Tajik! Happy birding!
3.8.4
What’s new in 3.8.4: Sound ID is better at listening for birds, and now includes hundreds of new species in Central and South America, Australia, Hawai’i, the Caribbean, Taiwan, and India! A smarter Explore experience. As you travel to new locations, Merlin will keep you updated on birds found in that new spot Improvements and new species added to Photo ID Nearby Places: Get ready to explore! Get seasonal suggestions for nearby places where you can find your Bird of the Day, and other birds you want to see
3.9
What’s new in 3.9: Observation Deck: Your Merlin home screen now features a swipeable daily feed showcasing Bird of the Day, stunning featured photos, and bite-sized bird tips! Each contains a full-screen view for photos and videos, plus a "Learn more" button to dive deeper into species accounts or related content. Habitat Photos: Discover where birds live with our new carousel of habitat photos curated for a subset of species, making it easier than ever to find the birds near you or further afield! New language support for Kyrgyz and Welsh. Improvements and new species added to Photo ID. Bug fixes and improvements.
4.0 · 13 Jul 2026
What's new in 4.0: Enhanced account authentication - Added a more secure method for logging in. Improved flow for saving birds - Streamlined the process for saving birds to your life list. Added support for iOS 26. Bug fixes and improvements. Important Update Notice: You'll be automatically logged out when this version launches due to the new authentication system. Simply log back in using any login screen. Forgot your password? Use the reset option to get back in quickly.
4.1
Birds have different sounds throughout the year. Merlin now highlights seasonally relevant recordings, so you can learn how birds sound during breeding season, migration, and beyond. Sound ID continues to improve and expand, and now includes hundreds of new species across Central and South America, Australia, Asia, and Africa. Nearby places now include photo thumbnails, making it easier to browse and recognize birding hotspots near you.
4.1.1 · 24 Aug 2026
Birds have different sounds throughout the year. Merlin now highlights seasonally relevant recordings, so you can learn how birds sound during breeding season, migration, and beyond. Sound ID continues to improve and expand, and now includes hundreds of new species across Central and South America, Australia, Asia, and Africa. Nearby places now include photo thumbnails, making it easier to browse and recognize birding hotspots near you.

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Alternatives

Bird Sounds Identifier Call ID — Same category + similar ratings
Audubon Bird Guide — Same category + similar ratings
Picture Bird: Bird identifier — Same category + similar ratings
Birda - Bird Watching, Birding — Same category + similar ratings
Identify Birds – Smart Bird ID — Same category + similar ratings
iNaturalist — Same category + similar ratings

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Data quality & evidence

Page completeness: Live store listing
Last verified: 30 Aug 2026
Sources: App Store

Independent summary has not been published yet.

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      "reviews": [
        {
          "rating": 5,
          "title": "Loads of fun",
          "body": "Let me begin by stating I never use the original function of describing the bird I see. If I can see it that we’ll, chances are I can identify it without Merlin. The same goes with the photo ID feature—if I can get close enough and get a good enough look , I can ID the bird as well as Merlin can. I have tested out the photo ID, and I believe it would be a useful tool for beginners. Be aware that it’s not perfect: it has just as hard a time distinguishing between sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks as I do. Where the app really shines is in the sound ID. At first I was a little skeptical. One of the first times I used it it thought that one bird was both a common raven and an American crow. Same thing with some gulls. It thought there was both a California and Herring gull. I eventually found one I could call a California, the Herring gull never materialized. It also thought there was a tundra swan, but upon reviewing the recording, there was nothing there, and definitely no swan within my sight. The more I have used it, however, the more confident I become in its ID power. Generally, if Merlin disagrees with what I thought the sound was, I’ll try to track it down and find it. And more often than not, I find what Merlin told me was there. But the most fun I have had with this app was watching a northern mockingbird singing while Merlin picked out thirteen different bird songs that one mockingbird had learned and incorporated into its repertoire.",
          "author": "Tory Mathis",
          "date": "30 Aug 2026"
        },
        {
          "rating": 5,
          "title": "Great for a beginner like me",
          "body": "I love birds and want to learn more about them. I have been hesitant to join birdwatchers as I’ve heard via birder email lists the experienced birders can be impatient and critical of newbies and also make it hard for newbies to join any groups. It’s like breaking into a click. That said, I felt I needed to learn before I even got started so I tried Merlin ID. I have used all 3 tools and find each one useful. I’m most excited about the sound ID though. This app is not perfect and you should question a match that seems questionable, like if it gives you a “rare” match. Do some research by listening to the call options to see if the match is authentic. This app also doesn’t recognize every bird. But, when there isn’t a match just submit the recording to Merlin so they can further improve the app. It is constantly improving and can only do that if we all help out. One day, I heard a bird but couldn’t see it. The sound tool identified the bird so then I knew what to look for and sure enough, I was able to visually identify said bird! I was super excited and encouraged. I also enjoy reading about each bird, the various photos and learning the different calls and songs. I’ve begun to share this with my daughter and grandkids when we take walks. My grandson lights up when he is able to see photos of the birds he is hearing and he’s only 2.5. Fun for the whole family!",
          "author": "Scuba Nonna",
          "date": "30 Aug 2026"
        },
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          "rating": 5,
          "title": "Changed my life. Seriously.",
          "body": "This app opened my eyes to the world around me. I was never into birds before. I started using it after moving to a more wooded neighborhood in Nashville because I’d never heard so many birds and just wanted to see what was making all these sounds. I was shocked at the numbers of birds around me that I’d never taken the time to see or hear. Thanks to Merlin, I can now identify at least 20 birds by their songs and calls alone and I never knew how happy that would make me. More importantly, and totally unexpectedly, it helped me develop a daily mindfulness routine that was missing in my life before. I have a high stress job in healthcare. Merlin taught me to completely quiet my mind before and after work by being still, listening, and watching. I’d gotten so bogged down by life and stress that many of the little joys and wonders around me had become invisible. That’s no longer the case. Merlin has enriched my life and contributed to my well being and health in a way that sounds incredibly corny and fluffy to describe but it’s absolutely true. Now I’m proudly that weirdo who stops in the parking lot, looks up, and says “there’s a red shouldered hawk somewhere around here.” And it makes me smile before I keep walking to do whatever I need to do that day, a little more amazed by something beautiful in the world. Thank you Cornell and everyone who made this possible.",
          "author": "Papaboy the Birder",
          "date": "30 Aug 2026"
        },
        {
          "rating": 4,
          "title": "Very good app and room to continue to improve",
          "body": "I love so many functionalities in Merlin Bird ID from the Sound (record and automatic sound identification), to the Photo (identify from photos), to the Explore options. The incremental improvements over time have been much appreciated. Unfortunately, with the new version that had a major redesign of the home screen, I ran into a few problems, so I rate this as a solid 4 Stars. Honestly, I preferred the layout of the prior version by far and not just because I was used to it. Anyway, I ran into two problems with the new version that was automatically installed. First, the Explore function wasn't loading, and I tried closing it and reopening with no success. So, I deleted the app from my iPhone. It didn't provide me a notice that all my sound recordings would not be reloaded when I re-installed the app, so it appears that I no longer have access to them. Unlike other apps that reload files, it appears that Merlin does not offer that which is very disappointing. Second, I wish users had the option to choose the placement of the Sound (start recording) and Cancel (stop recording) buttons. I don't like the new location of the Cancel button especially being next to the Sound farther away from its prior location. I don't save most recordings, and I would prefer to not accidentally save the recordings. One problem with each version is recordings failed to be saved properly. For some unknown reason, they fail to save the birds identified and the recording itself. Overall, I still love this tool though!",
          "author": "NickRobert",
          "date": "30 Aug 2026"
        },
        {
          "rating": 5,
          "title": "Amazing tool, but a few minuscule issues",
          "body": "This app is amazing. I use it every time I go bird watching, and it is far more efficient than most of the manuals I own. However, it is not without its minor faults. The first and most blaring is the fact that Isee many birds with many more than only 3 colors, and when I see birds with only 3 or less colors they might be different colors than I have the options I have to pick from! I understand that there are limitations that make it difficult, but the app would be that closer to perfect if you added more colors and the option to pick more than three colors. The other issue is that on a very slim chance I cant find the bird im looking for! This is for the most part my fault, but I think that sometimes it is because the bird isn’t on the list of birds registered on the app. It could also be because of the pictures of the birds do not include all or most variations of the bird I see, so I cannot confirm my sighting. If the roster of birds was filled up more, and there was more pictures, then all of those problems would be solved! It is such a great app with such great features and it almost never fails me. The only issues it has are so minor, or could be fixed in an update soon, that it makes them nearly irrelevant. Because of all of this the app is virtually perfect, and i recommend all bird watchers newbies and veterans alike to download this app.",
          "author": "Jimmyjummy69",
          "date": "30 Aug 2026"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "privacy": [
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "declarations": [
        {
          "title": "Data Linked to You",
          "detail": "App Functionality — Identifiers — User ID",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Linked to You",
          "detail": "Identifiers",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "Analytics — Location — Coarse Location",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "Analytics — Usage Data — Product Interaction",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "App Functionality — Contact Info — Email Address",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Contact Info — Email Address",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "Product Personalization — Location — Coarse Location",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "Contact Info",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "Location",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        },
        {
          "title": "Data Not Linked to You",
          "detail": "Usage Data",
          "source": "Developer declared"
        }
      ],
      "accessibility": []
    }
  ],
  "changes": [
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.0.3",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "We periodically release fixes and tweaks to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds."
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.0.4",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Updated support for connected devices. We periodically release fixes and tweaks to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds. Your feedback and support drive our ongoing efforts to create a better birding experience for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, improvements, and exciting features!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.0.5",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Two minor bug fixes: - Bluetooth access will now only be requested when enabling Swarovski devices - Bird names are now available in Simplified Chinese again We periodically release fixes and tweaks to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds. Your feedback and support drive our ongoing efforts to create a better birding experience for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, improvements, and exciting features!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.1",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Merlin has a new look! The layout of Merlin has been updated to make the app more intuitive, faster to use, and easier to learn about the birds around you. Introducing Your Bird of the Day Get ready to discover a new bird every day with a personalized Bird of the Day picked just for you. Explore Species While You Listen Hear a new bird with Sound ID? Now you can read more about the species without stopping recording, so you don’t miss out on other IDs. Accessibility Improvements Merlin’s new layout is more compatible with accessibility features, including more dynamic text sizes. We periodically release fixes and updates to improve Merlin Bird ID and help you identify more birds. Your feedback and support drive our ongoing efforts to create a better birding experience for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, improvements, and exciting features!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.1.1",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "This update includes a few improvements and bug fixes, including: - New Ukrainian translations now available - Fixed a bug that didn’t allow saving sightings from Sound ID or Explore - Formatting updates on the Bird Packs screens - Fixed translations for range maps"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.2",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Location, Location, Location! Approximate Location Magic: Merlin now works its wonders with just an approximate location. Easier to start, smoother to use! No Location? No Worries! Even without location data, you can set your spot on the map and let Merlin do its thing, providing top-notch answers every time. Smoother Messaging Sound ID Enhancements: We’ve polished our messaging for areas where Sound ID isn’t supported, giving you clearer info and a better user experience. Upgrade to 3.2 now and dive into a more flexible, privacy-friendly, and user-centric Merlin!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.3",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "-Bird of the Day challenge: a new bird each day to learn about and find nearby. Head outside and see if you can find the featured bird in your area! -Updated Translations: Merlin is now available in Zulu! -Bug Fixes: We’ve also squashed some bugs and made performance improvements to keep Merlin running smoothly. Happy birding!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.3.1",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Bird of the Day challenge: a new bird each day to learn about and find nearby. Head outside and see if you can find the featured bird in your area! Updated Translations: Merlin is now available in Zulu! Bug Fixes: We’ve also squashed some bugs and made performance improvements to keep Merlin running smoothly. Happy birding!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.4",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Share Your Birding Finds! We’ve made sharing your birding discoveries easier and more fun. Here’s what’s new: Share That Bird!: Send bird sightings straight to friends, social media, or birding groups. Life Bird Alert: Share new sightings with a tap and celebrate new finds. Bird of the Day: Show off your daily bird, and brag to your friends when you've found yours! Improvements: Bug fixes and performance tweaks for smoother birding. Happy birding!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.5",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Life List Suggestions: Wondering what new bird to find next? Merlin now suggests birds you’re likely to discover or identify nearby. Photo ID Update: Merlin can help you identify bird photos with more confidence with a new update to Photo ID. Picture-Perfect Bird Lists: Merlin now comes with a small image for each bird. Download a bird pack to get more images, songs, and calls!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.6",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Get ready for bird migration with better ID tools and flexible downloads! - Sound ID update: Merlin is now more responsive, so you’ll see more IDs as Merlin listens to the birds around you. - Photo ID update: Trained in bird ID with over 6 million practice photos, Merlin can identify your photos better now than ever before. - Smaller and more flexible downloads: Download bird info as you go, or download information for a whole region at once for offline use!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.6.1",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "Get ready for bird migration with better ID tools and flexible downloads! - Sound ID update: Merlin is now more responsive, so you’ll see more IDs as Merlin listens to the birds around you. - Photo ID update: Trained in bird ID with over 6 million practice photos, Merlin can identify your photos better now than ever before. - Smaller and more flexible downloads: Download bird info as you go, or download information for a whole region at once for offline use!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.7",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What's new in 3.7: ID Tips: Enjoy bite-sized bits of birding joy as you listen! While running Sound ID, keep an eye out for short videos and photos that will help you identify and learn more about the birds you are hearing. Improved Search on Explore Species: Discover bird species near you, at different times of the year, and in any other location in the world with a new, expanded search feature! Sound ID now includes hundreds of new species in Central and South America, India, Taiwan, and Australia!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.7.1",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What's new in 3.7: ID Tips: Enjoy bite-sized bits of birding joy as you listen! While running Sound ID, keep an eye out for short videos and photos that will help you identify and learn more about the birds you are hearing. Improved Search on Explore Species: Discover bird species near you, at different times of the year, and in any other location in the world with a new, expanded search feature! Sound ID now includes hundreds of new species in Central and South America, India, Taiwan, and Australia!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.7.2",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What's new in 3.7.2: Bird Content Updates: Improvements to the way Merlin updates content, so you always have the latest bird info at your fingertips Listening Now: On the home page, now you can see how many Merlin users are currently listening to birds across the globe."
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.7.3",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What's new in 3.7.3: Updated bird content - help us welcome the hottest new species of 2025! Performance fixes for Explore"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.7.4",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What’s new in 3.7.4: New Species in Sound ID! This version adds 342 new species to Sound ID across South America, India, Taiwan, Australia, and more! Bug fixes: Fixes for taxonomy update process Also included from 3.7.3 Updated bird content - help us welcome the hottest new species of 2025! Performance fixes for Explore"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.7.5",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What’s new in 3.7.5: New Species in Sound ID! This version adds 342 new species to Sound ID across South America, India, Taiwan, Australia, and more! Bug fixes: Fixes for taxonomy update process Also included from 3.7.3 and 3.7.4: Updated bird content - help us welcome the hottest new species of 2025! Performance fixes for Explore"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.8",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What’s new in 3.8: General bug fixes and performance improvements to improve your daily birding!"
    },
    {
      "store": "apple",
      "version": "3.8.1",
      "released_at": null,
      "notes": "What’s new in 3.8.1: New Species in Sound ID. Merlin can identify over 2000 species in Sound ID, with new species across South America, India, Taiwan, Australia, and more! New Languages: Merlin is now available in Dutch, Polish, and Swedish!"
    }
  ],
  "alternatives": [
    {
      "app_id": 6449354786,
      "name": "Bird Sounds Identifier Call ID",
      "url": "https://appcorpus.com/apps/bird-sounds-identifier-call-id-6449354786",
      "reason": "Same category + similar ratings"
    },
    {
      "app_id": 333227386,
      "name": "Audubon Bird Guide",
      "url": "https://appcorpus.com/apps/audubon-bird-guide-333227386",
      "reason": "Same category + similar ratings"
    },
    {
      "app_id": 1474586978,
      "name": "Picture Bird: Bird identifier",
      "url": "https://appcorpus.com/apps/picture-bird-bird-identifier-1474586978",
      "reason": "Same category + similar ratings"
    },
    {
      "app_id": 1564130920,
      "name": "Birda - Bird Watching, Birding",
      "url": "https://appcorpus.com/apps/birda-bird-watching-birding-1564130920",
      "reason": "Same category + similar ratings"
    },
    {
      "app_id": 1271449623,
      "name": "Identify Birds – Smart Bird ID",
      "url": "https://appcorpus.com/apps/identify-birds-smart-bird-id-1271449623",
      "reason": "Same category + similar ratings"
    },
    {
      "app_id": 6475737561,
      "name": "iNaturalist",
      "url": "https://appcorpus.com/apps/inaturalist-6475737561",
      "reason": "Same category + similar ratings"
    }
  ],
  "evidence_summary": {
    "index_state": "S1",
    "evidence_level": 1,
    "level_label": "Live store listing",
    "indexable": true,
    "last_verified_at": "2026-08-30",
    "unknown_fields": [
      "Independent summary has not been published yet."
    ],
    "sources": [
      "App Store"
    ]
  },
  "availability_markets": {
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    "selected": "us",
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  "feature_events": {
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    "plans": [
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        "code": "free",
        "label": "Free",
        "kind": "free",
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    "data_cutoff": "30 Aug 2026"
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}