Types of Birding Software

Birding is more than just watching or listening to the birds. With the advent of technology have come several new software programs to help bird aficionados tune into the birds' calls and help to identify and keep track of them.

Birding Databases

Birding database programs are available for Mac and PC users. This software can be used to track bird sightings. In addition, birders can input lists into the program, including lists of birds that have been sighted.

Birding Journals or Diaries

A birding journal program can be used by birders to input and maintain records of bird sightings. Users of such software can make lists of sightings or checklists and sort data in several ways. In addition, information can be printed out into hard copy format for use in the field.

Bird Song Programs

Bird song programs can help birders to identify and track various bird species. The software includes audio files of the birds' songs and includes photographs of the birds, allowing the user to use both sight and sound to identify a bird. Versions of the software are available for different geographical areas, such as eastern North America and western North America.

Specific Bird Species Programs

In addition to comprehensive bird databases, software is available on several specific and popular species of birds. These include owls, black birds and swifts, and include photographs and range maps where the birds have been spotted. Migratory information is also available, if applicable.