Auto-ID tools that use audio or image inputs to provide species identification are growing in popularity and accuracy. The Merlin Bird ID app is particularly popular for bird identification by sound, and can be extremely useful for learning bird songs and calls. However, the outputs of auto-ID tools are currently not accurate enough to ensure that our data are robust and high-quality. We also don’t yet understand how wider use of auto-ID tools might affect the results of our long-term schemes.
We therefore ask that volunteers taking part in any of our monitoring schemes and in BirdTrack do not rely solely on these apps in the field, and only add records to their survey data if they are confirmed by sight or hearing. Specifically, Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) and Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) participants should not rely on Merlin/auto-ID apps for identification when in the field; CBS/I-WeBS will, for the time being, remain a survey conducted by human surveyors. Use of such tools should only be used for confirmatory purposes.
We do recognise that, with sufficient improvements in accuracy and guidelines on use, the tools do have the potential to increase the quality and quantity of data collected. They may also open survey participation to a wider audience and engage more people with our work. High-quality data and inclusion are very important to us, so we will continue to monitor the development of the tools and update our statement accordingly.
