A smartphone app that can identify birds by their song or appearance has been downloaded 12 million times in 2026 alone, as a new generation of birders flocks to the hobby.
Merlin Bird ID, developed by Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, has racked up 42 million downloads overall, according to director Jessie Barry. The app’s growth reflects a broader surge in birdwatching among young people, with reports of Gen Z birders flocking to nature reserves.
“Merlin Bird ID app downloaded 12 million times in 2026, as birdwatching surges among younger generations.”
Megan Szostak, 26, has been a “bird kid” since childhood, when she was given her grandfather’s binoculars after he died. Armed with a field guide in her home of San Francisco, she identified birds from an early age. But in recent years, she added a modern tool to her kit: Merlin. “I had friends who probably wouldn’t describe themselves as birders, but more just curious about nature and the world around them, recommend it to me,” she said. “I think that it’s been a really great tool that I’ve integrated into my birding routine.”
Merlin first launched in the US in 2014, identifying 285 common bird species from photos. Since then, machine learning and a community of global birdwatchers submitting recordings have expanded its database to 11,000 species – nearly all known birds. “An amazing community of global bird watchers who are able to submit their recordings,” Barry said, has helped train the AI.
The Sound ID tool alone has been used for 4.4 billion identifications, though experienced birders caution against relying too heavily on it for official sightings. Nonetheless, the app’s popularity is soaring. Market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reports that rival Birda has seen 31% more downloads this year.
Barry noted a clear demographic shift. “We have minimal demographic information, but we can definitely see the shift to younger audiences,” she said. “The folks who are sharing their experiences with Merlin, talking how they’re just getting started birding for the first time, might be …” The trend suggests birdwatching is no longer just a pastime for retirees, but a growing hobby among Gen Z, who are turning to apps to identify the birds around them.