According to a new Cornell study, the BirdNET application, a free machine learning tool that can detect more than 3,000 birds by sound alone, generates reliable scientific data and makes it easier for humans to add civic data about birds simply by recording sounds. .
“The most exciting part of this work is how easy it is for humans to participate in the study and conservation of birds,” said Connor Wood, a researcher and lead author at the K. Lisa Yang Center for Nature Conservation Bioacoustics at Cornell Ornithological Laboratory. “The machine-based BirdNET application reduces barriers to global bird research by enabling citizens to participate in science,” published June 28 in PLOS Biology.
“You don’t have to know anything about birds, you just need a smartphone, and the BirdNET app can give you and the research team a prediction of what kind of birds you’ve heard,” Wood said. “It has led to a huge share of the world, which means an incredible amount of data. It is really a testament to the enthusiasm for birds that connects people from all walks of life.
The study shows that BirdNET lowers the barrier to civics because it does not require bird identification skills. Users simply listen to the birds and touch the app to record. BirdNET uses artificial intelligence to automatically detect species by sound and capture the recording for research use.
“Our guiding principles were that we needed a precise algorithm and a simple user interface,” said Stefan Kahl, co-author of the study who led the technical development, at the Yang Center in Cornell’s ornithology laboratory. “Otherwise, users will not return to the application.”
The results exceeded expectations: more than 2.2 million people have submitted data since its launch in 2018.
To test whether the application can generate reliable scientific data, the authors selected four experimental cases in the United States and Europe for which conventional studies had already provided definitive answers. Their study shows, for example, that data from the BirdNET application successfully replicated the known distribution of song types among white-throated sparrows and the seasonal and migratory ranges of the brown eagle.
Confirming the reliability of the application’s data for research purposes was the first step in what the authors hope to be long-term global research – not just for birds, but ultimately for wildlife and even whole soundscapes. The app is available for both iOS and Android platforms.
BirdNET is part of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology toolkit, including the Merlin Bird ID educational application and the civic applications eBird, NestWatch, and Project FeederWatch, which together have created more than a billion birdwatches, sounds, and photos from participants. worldwide for use in science and nature conservation.
The project was supported by Jake Holshuh, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, the European Union, the German European Social Fund and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Pat Leonard is a member of the Cornell Ornithological Laboratory.
Jeff Gerbracht. Jeff is the technical director of the Cornell Laboratory Information Science program. He leads software development and system architecture teams responsible for eBird, Birds of North America, Neotropical Birds and many other projects.
What is the best bird song identification app?
What is the best bird song ID app? We tested them all and got a winner.
- Leading the industry is a free application called BirdNET, which has just launched a version of IOS that is compatible with the popular Android version, which has over a million users.
- A worthy candidate is a European application called ChirpOMatic.
Is there an app that can identify birds by song? Is there an app that can detect bird sounds? Yes, a new bird call identifier called Merlin Bird ID, created by Cornell University researchers, can detect more than 400 voices in a North American bird species. It’s completely free and works in real time.
What is the best free bird song identification app?
BirdGenieâ & # x20AC; & # x2122; s BirdGenieâ & # x20AC; & # x2122; s a groundbreaking Apple® or Android® application that helps anyone accurately identify birds at home with a touch of an Apple® or Android® smartphone or tablet in a home garden, local park or nature trail. !
What taxonomy does eBird use?
The eBird Taxonomy (v2018) is up-to-date with Clements v2018, which itself is updated with Appendix 60 of the AOS-NACC Checklist and the AOS-SACC Checklist until June 6, 2019 (NACC will update annually in August, while the SACC will update its taxonomy constantly.)
How is eBird data used? eBird data is a powerful resource for solving many scientific questions. By creating tools that engage the global birdwatching community, eBird gathers an unprecedented amount of information about where and when birds occur with high spatial and temporal resolution.
What is birds taxonomy?
Birds are classified in the Linnae taxonomy as a biological class in Aves. Phylogenetic taxonomy places Aves in the class Theropoda.
What does SP mean on eBird?
What do “slashes” and â € œsp.â € mean? These are entry points for birds whose species cannot be identified. We encourage eBirds to use them when needed; they help us to know about unidentified birds compared to birds that were not present. See the eBird Taxonomy article for more information.
Is smart bird ID free?
This spring, I was ready: a Smart Bird ID (free, $ 7.99 upgrade package) app was loaded on my iPhone that records and recognizes bird calls.
How much does a BirdNET application cost? Leading the industry is a free application called BirdNET, which has just launched a version of IOS that is compatible with the popular Android version, which has over a million users.
How much does the Merlin Bird ID app cost?
The free Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology can now detect bird sounds. Merlin recognizes the sounds of more than 400 species from the US and Canada, and that number will grow rapidly with future innovations.
Is the Merlin Bird ID app Free?
Today we launch the free Merlin Bird ID app to help beginners identify birds. As we designed it, what if the app could quickly tell you which birds are most likely based on your location, date, and brief description?
How do I identify bird calls?
More from Living Bird Today, the question became much easier: Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app can now detect bird sounds. During its initial launch, Merlin will recognize the sounds of more than 400 species from the U.S. and Canada, and that number will grow rapidly with future updates.
Which bird has the deepest cry? According to an article in Current Biology today, White Bellbird has the loudest bird cry ever documented. Its short, vigorous two-part speech is three times the sound pressure level – the measurement of sound intensity – from the previous record holder’s Screaming Piha speech.
What Australian bird sounds like a phone ringing?
Named after the often-heard “curra-wong,” Pied Currawongs make a variety of other sounds, including loud, growl, and whistle.
What bird has the most different calls?
1) Club Wing Manakin. The best bird sounds may be sung, but the most unusual are â € ¦
