Parents' Guide to Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free Education
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Debbie Gorrell , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Bird lovers will sing over info-packed field guide.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Merlin Bird ID App Screenshot #1
  • Merlin Bird ID App Screenshot #2
  • Merlin Bird ID App Screenshot #3

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age 2+

Based on 2 parent reviews

 

 

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Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
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What's It About?

MERLIN BIRD ID BY CORNELL LAB is both an identification tool and a rich source of information about bird species across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, India and Australia. Users begin by downloading one or more regional packs that contain beautiful photos and information about birds found in a specific region. Birds can be identified in two ways. Users can either snap a photo of the bird (or use an existing one) or they can answer a series of five questions about location, date, and traits of the bird. The app then generates a list of a few possible IDs for the bird, with a written description, songs, and photos of males, females, and juveniles. Users can save photos of the IDs on their devices. Users can also create a free account by providing an email address and share the ID data with a number of Cornell's Lab of Ornithology collaborative projects.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

This extremely comprehensive digital field guide is an engaging way for kids of all ages to immerse themselves in the world of birds. Users can feel confident that the information is quite accurate, given that it was developed by a university ornithology department. It's nice that birds can be identified using two different methods, especially since capturing a useful bird photo could be challenging. The detailed species information, ID tips, and collaborative sharing options make it a well-rounded resource for serious and not-so-serious birders alike.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the birds that kids observe and which ones they are able to identify using Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab. Which birds live nearby? Why is this their habitat?

  • Talk about planning a bird watching event, either locally or on a planned trip to a new location. Will you look for specific kinds of birds? Where might you find them?

  • Discuss the available sharing options within the app and make sure kids know which options they can use, if any. What are some benefits of collaborating with other bird watchers? What information is OK to share?

App Details

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Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab Poster Image

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