Table of Contents
eBird is a mobile app that makes it easier to keep track of bird sightings when you are out in the field. It connects these observations easily to eBird, a huge online database of bird records that is used by a big group of birdwatchers around the world. The education and reference category includes eBird, which lets users add to a pool of information about birds. This makes it a useful resource for birders all over the world.
But if you want to try something else, there are three good choices for iPad, iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire users. Among these, Merlin Bird ID stands out as the best choice because it is free and has the same features as eBird. Also, Audubon Bird Guide and Collins Bird Guide are both well-known options that offer birdwatchers great features and useful information.
Why Look for Alternatives?
Even though eBird has a lot of features and a large community of users, some birdwatchers may want to find an option because of personal preferences or specific needs. Some people might want a more user-friendly interface, while others might want extra tools that eBird doesn’t have. If you look at other options, you might find a site that fits your style of birdwatching better, which will make the whole experience better.
Factors to Consider When Choosing eBird Alternatives
Before diving into the choices, it’s important to think about a few things when evaluating them:
- User layout: An easy-to-use layout makes it easy and fun to watch birds and enter data.
- Size of the database: A large database makes sure that exact information and identification of birds can be found.
- Mobile tool: Birdwatchers can keep track of their observations on the go with a good mobile tool.
Best eBird Alternatives
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology developed eBird, a popular online platform for birdwatchers and enthusiasts to record, save, and share their bird observations. Birders worldwide use it for identification, conservation, and research. Like any software, it may not meet everyone’s demands. This post will compare the greatest eBird alternatives to assist birdwatchers discover the best fit.
Merlin Bird ID
Features:
A great option to eBird is Merlin Bird ID, which was made by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It has an easy-to-use interface and works well for both new and expert birders. The most impressive thing about Merlin Bird ID is its strong AI-based tool for identifying birds. Just share a picture, and the app will help you figure out what kind of bird it is. It can also recognize the sounds that birds make, which makes it easier to find them.
The Good
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Powerful AI-driven bird identification.
- Audio recognition for bird calls.
- In-depth species profiles.
The Bad
- Limited data recording and sharing capabilities compared to eBird.
iNaturalist
Features:
iNaturalist is a flexible tool that lets people not only keep track of bird sightings but also help with a larger citizen science project. It has a large number of users, which helps identify species like birds, insects, plants, and more. The social networking part of iNaturalist makes it a fun, community-driven site where users can ask experts for help to identify species and learn more about them.
The Good
- Large community for species identification.
- Opportunity to contribute to broader scientific research.
- User-friendly mobile app.
- Supports various taxonomic groups, including birds.
The Bad
- Not exclusively focused on birds; may have fewer bird-specific features.
BirdLog
Features:
The Good
- Integration with eBird for data management.
- Real-time bird sightings map.
- User-friendly and suitable for both beginners and experienced birders.
- Ability to enter data offline and sync later.
The Bad
- Limited to birdwatching features; may lack additional ecological information.
Sibley eGuide
Features:
The Sibley eGuide is a digital field guide that is made by David Allen Sibley, who is a well-known bird. It has thorough illustrations, maps, and descriptions of all the different kinds of birds. The app is a great companion for birdwatchers who prefer detailed field guides to sites that are run by the community. It has a lot of search tools that help birders find species quickly.
The Good
- Detailed and accurate bird illustrations.
- Easy-to-use search functionality for quick identification.
- Does not require constant internet access.
- Offers a wealth of information for each species.
The Bad
- Lacks community interaction and social features.
- Not as suitable for recording and sharing sightings like eBird.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Features:
Even though it’s not a straight replacement for eBird, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website and resources are worth mentioning. It has a lot of information about birds, like how to identify them, their calls and songs, live webcams of their nests, and teaching materials. Birders have access to a huge amount of information and teaching content that can help them learn more about birds and how they act.
The Good
- Wealth of bird-related educational content.
- Access to live bird webcams for real-time observation.
- Diverse bird identification resources.
The Bad
- Lacks the features for comprehensive data entry and sharing.
Questions and Answers
Yes, you can use more than one option to eBird at the same time. Some birdwatchers like to use different platforms to get to different groups and features.
Most of the options listed, like Merlin Bird ID and iNaturalist, can be used anywhere in the world. But some traits may be more common in certain places.
All of the apps listed above have free versions, but some may have in-app purchases for extra, paid benefits.