Birdwatching technology is expanding rapidly as millions of users download apps like Merlin Bird ID to identify species by sight, song, and call. According to director Jessie Barry, the app developed by Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology has reached 42 million downloads overall, adding 12 million downloads in 2026 alone.
How Merlin Bird ID Reached 11,000 Species
When the app first launched in the US in 2014, machine learning systems could identify 285 common bird species from photos, according to Jessie Barry. Over a decade later, the platform can now identify 11,000 species of birds, which encompasses around as many as exist in the world. Barry attributes this growth to advancements in artificial intelligence and contributions from an active community of global bird watchers who submit recordings to train the technology.
Despite the platform’s advanced capabilities, seasoned birdwatchers note that the app does not always get identifications correct. Some experts and charities urge users not to rely too heavily on automated tools, particularly when recording official sightings. Even with these caveats, Cornell reports that its Sound ID tool has been used for 4.4 billion identifications.
The Rise of Gen Z Birders and Gamified Apps
Market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reports that alternative bird identification apps are also seeing increased usage. Downloads for Birda, for example, rose by 31% over the year. This surge reflects a broader demographic shift toward younger participants. Jessie Barry notes that while demographic data is minimal, the shift toward younger audiences is visible as users share their experiences starting out later in life.
For 26-year-old Megan Szostak of San Francisco, who received her grandfather’s binoculars as a child, apps provide an inclusive entry point to nature. Megan shares her sightings on TikTok and Instagram, combining audio and visual tools to slow down and notice local wildlife. Similarly, 32-year-old software engineer Sam Lewis was inspired to build his own bird identification app, Lifer, after using Merlin for several years.
Gamification and Conservation in Modern Birding
Sam Lewis developed Lifer alongside his partner Emily, combining software engineering with hand-watercolored virtual cards. The app borrows mechanics from monster-collecting games, altering card designs based on image quality, audio recordings, and bird rarity. Sam notes that birding shares natural parallels with real-life collecting hobbies, encouraging users to get outside while keeping a gamified technical element.
To address conservation concerns, Lifer hides the precise locations of rare breeding birds on maps during sensitive periods. Qualifying catches are also transmitted to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an international network providing open data on global biodiversity. Meanwhile, Cornell continues to focus on keeping Merlin simple and accessible while encouraging users to explore the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species can Merlin Bird ID recognize?
According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology director Jessie Barry, Merlin can identify 11,000 species of birds, covering around as many as exist in the world.
Are bird identification apps accurate for official records?
Some experts and charities advise against relying entirely on automated apps for recording official sightings, as the technology can occasionally make identification errors.
How do apps like Lifer protect rare birds?
Lifer hides the precise locations of rare breeding birds on maps during sensitive periods to prevent disturbance by seekers.
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