iNaturalist
Birds Identification App For Android & iOSA massive citizen-science social network for recording all biodiversity (not just birds), using AI and community consensus to identify species.
About iNaturalist
A massive citizen-science social network for recording all biodiversity (not just birds), using AI and community consensus to identify species.
What is iNaturalist
iNaturalist is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. It is a general nature app that covers everything from birds and insects to fungi and plants. It is a powerful tool for contributing to biodiversity science through 'Research Grade' observations.
How does iNaturalist work
Users upload a photo of any living organism. The app's computer vision suggests a species. Once uploaded, the community (other users and experts) votes on the identification. When enough people agree, the observation becomes 'Research Grade' and is shared with scientific data repositories like GBIF.
Benefits of iNaturalist
It is the best 'all-in-one' tool. If you see a bird and a cool flower, you only need this one app. It connects you with experts who can teach you about what you found. It is excellent for documenting biodiversity in a specific area.
Pros and Cons of iNaturalist
Pros
- Versatile: Identifies plants, bugs, and animals, not just birds.
- Scientific Value: Data is heavily used in research.
- Community Verification: Mistakes are corrected by experts.
- Free: Completely open and non-profit.
Cons
- Slower Confirmation: Waiting for community consensus can take time.
- Generalist: Lacks specific birding features like detailed migration maps or songs.
Core Features of iNaturalist
Computer Vision Suggests visually similar species instantly.
Community Consensus A voting system to ensure data accuracy.
Projects Users can create projects to map biodiversity in local parks.
Use Cases of iNaturalist
- Nature Lovers: People interested in the whole ecosystem, not just birds.
- Citizen Scientists: documenting rare species for research.
FAQs of iNaturalist
Is it good for fast bird ID? Merlin is better for instant bird ID; iNaturalist is better for documenting the sighting permanently.
How to use iNaturalist
- Observe: Take a photo of a bird (or any nature).
- Upload: Share it to iNaturalist.
- View Suggestions: Click 'What did I see?' to view AI suggestions.
- Wait for Community: Let other users confirm your ID.
Alternatives to iNaturalist
Bird Finder
birdfinder.app - identify bird species using AI
Merlin Bird ID
A revolutionary free application from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that identifies birds through photos and sound, acting as a global digital field guide.
eBird
The world's largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, allowing users to record bird sightings, create checklists, and contribute to global conservation data.
Go Bird (All About Birds)
The central portal for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, offering a gateway to world-class research, education, bird cams, and conservation initiatives.
All About Birds
A comprehensive online bird guide for North American species, featuring ID tips, life history, sound recordings, and video.
Raptor ID
A specialized resource from HawkWatch International dedicated to the difficult challenge of identifying hawks, eagles, and falcons in flight.
Picture Bird
A commercial AI-powered application designed for instant bird identification from photos, often featuring a freemium model.