What Merlin Does
Merlin Bird ID is an identification tool. It helps you identify birds you're looking at or listening to right now. Its three main features are Photo ID (upload a photo and Merlin suggests what species it is), Sound ID (hold your phone up and Merlin identifies birds from their calls in real time), and the Bird ID wizard (answer five questions about what you saw and Merlin gives you a shortlist of possibilities). For beginners, Sound ID is the most immediately useful — it works remarkably well and teaches you to associate calls with species over time.
What eBird Does
eBird is a recording and discovery tool. It's where you log the birds you've seen, find out what's been recorded near you, and discover the best local birding spots. Every sighting you log contributes to a global scientific database used by researchers and conservationists. eBird also generates personalised life lists, year lists, and location lists — which many birders find motivating.
How They Work Together
The typical workflow is: use Merlin in the field to identify what you're seeing and hearing, then log your sightings in eBird afterwards. Merlin can import your eBird lists to personalise its suggestions based on what's likely in your area at the time of year.
Which to Download First
Download Merlin first. It's the more immediately useful tool for a beginner — it helps you identify what you're looking at right now, which is the most pressing need when you're starting out. Add eBird once you're comfortable with identification and want to start recording your sightings systematically.
The Learning Curve
Both apps are genuinely beginner-friendly. The learning curve is not the technology — it's developing your observation skills and building familiarity with the common species in your area. That comes with time and regular practice, not with more sophisticated equipment or apps.
Read next: How to Start Birdwatching — A Beginner's Guide for 2026