Birds of Europe – Field Guide is a mobile application designed to help birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, students, and professionals identify and learn about the rich diversity of bird species found across Europe. Available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, this app combines detailed information, audio recordings, and powerful search tools to make bird identification engaging and accessible.
What the App Offers
The app serves as a digital field guide to over 515 bird species that inhabit Europe — from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean and from the Atlantic to the Ural Mountains. It includes illustrations, photos, voices, behaviors, and distribution maps for each species, making it a valuable companion for both casual birdwatchers and serious ornithologists.
Intelligent Bird Identification
One of the app’s standout features is its polytomic Bird Identifier, a sophisticated filter that helps users identify unknown birds by selecting from 24 different characteristics. These include size, feather coloration and patterns, beak and feet shape, behavior, habitat, nest features, and even bird song and calls. By narrowing down choices across these criteria, the tool helps pinpoint potential species matches quickly and efficiently.
Rich Multimedia Content
Each bird profile in the app includes:
- Multiple photos showing different plumages and behaviors.
- Distribution maps to indicate where the species is typically found.
- Text descriptions covering appearance, feeding habits, reproduction, migration, and general behavior.
- High-quality bird calls and songs, with playback options including looped play with intervals, allowing users to learn and recognize vocalizations in the field.
Personal Birdwatching Journal
The app lets birdwatchers record their sightings — noting time, location, and species — creating a personalized journal of their experiences. This feature is ideal for documenting birdwatching trips and tracking personal progress over time.
Languages and Accessibility
The Birds of Europe app supports multiple European languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Greek, and others — in total, 20 languages are available. This makes the app usable by a wide audience across different regions of the continent.
Accessibility features such as larger text, dark mode, and high contrast further enhance usability for a broader range of users.
Free and Paid Features
While many core functions of the app are available for free — including viewing images and descriptions of all species and adding favorites — additional features require purchase. Paid options unlock:
- Unlimited use of the Bird Identifier.
- Access to extra color images.
- Offline playback of bird calls.
- Quiz mode to test your birding knowledge.
Subscriptions begin with a free trial, and users can choose plans that fit their needs, whether that’s a monthly access or a one-time purchase for full features.
Who It’s For
This app is useful for a wide range of people, such as:
- Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers
- Professional and amateur ornithologists
- Students and educators
- Nature guides and park staff
- Tourists, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Parents and families exploring nature together
With its rich content, user-friendly tools, and extensive species coverage, Birds of Europe – Field Guide is an excellent digital resource for anyone interested in the avian life of Europe.
