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Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab
This App
Picture Bird: Bird identifier
Nemesis
Seek by iNaturalist
Contender
Audubon Bird Guide
Contender
BirdNET
Peer
Learn Bird Watching—Larkwire
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperCornell UniversityNext Vision LimitediNaturalistNational Audubon SocietyStefan KahlLarkwire
CategoryReferenceReferenceEducationReferenceEducationEducation
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.9 / 54.7 / 54.8 / 54.3 / 54.1 / 54.8 / 5
Ratings Count107,64535,73830,7714,4742051,242
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateDec 11, 2013Aug 11, 2019Mar 9, 2018Oct 12, 2009Dec 3, 2020Jul 26, 2012
Last UpdatedApr 7, 2026Mar 6, 2026Apr 10, 2026Apr 6, 2026Jul 10, 2025Mar 18, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentpositive-negative---
Score75/100-35/100---
Praises
  • Audio identification technology provides accurate and educational birding experiences for users of all skill levels
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  • Gamified nature exploration challenges provide a compelling incentive for users to get outdoors
  • Live camera identification provides immediate educational value for users exploring local natural environments
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Complaints
  • Removal of automatic recording saves following the latest update causes significant data loss for field users
-
  • Camera performance regressions following the latest update cause frequent freezing and application crashes
  • Inaccurate species identification model frequently misclassifies common organisms as unrelated species or broad categories
  • Loss of historical observation data following reinstallation or update cycles frustrates long-term users
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Requests
  • Restoration of automatic recording save functionality as a configurable setting for power users
-
  • Cloud synchronization for observation data to prevent permanent loss during app reinstallation
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • eBird database integration provides unmatched scientific credibility
  • Non-profit status builds high user trust
  • Offline regional packs ensure utility in remote field conditions
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  • Proprietary identification model derived from global community observations
  • Privacy-first architecture lowers initial friction for families
  • Non-profit status builds high institutional trust
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Weaknesses
  • Removal of automatic recording saves creates data-loss risk
  • Inconsistent account sign-in
  • Technical instability post-update
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  • Local-only data storage causes permanent loss for users
  • Camera stability regressions in the latest update
  • Identification model frequently defaults to broad categories
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Pricingfreefreefreefreefreefreemium
MomentumActiveActiveMaintenanceIntenseActiveActive
Update Cadence4 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~7d avg5 versions5 versions, ~8d avg5 versions5 versions5 versions

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