What's the best bird identification app for South Africans?

This article originally originally featured in our Daily Birder email. To make sure you never miss a Daily Birder article, subscribe to our mailing list here.

What is the best bird identification app for South Africans?

This is a question that gets asked on social media pages again and again. And let me be honest, sometimes I get irritated by the answers that are given. People often push certain apps, thinking that the app that suits their needs will suit everyone else. Some may even have a connection to the app or its development, so the answers can be skewed. Another bias comes down to which apps people already have on their phones - they’ll recommend what they know and love.

So what qualifies me to write this and give my opinion?

1. I am not sponsored and have no connection to any of the app developers.

2. I have all the local bird identification apps on my phone. Yes, all of them. Sasol eBirds 5th Edition, Roberts Guide 2, Roberts Birds, Newman’s Birds, Firefinch, and BirdPro South Africa.

As someone who has used and tested all these apps, the best way I can offer insight is by sharing which ones I actually use the most, and for what reasons.

Best Bird Identification Apps in South Africa

Firefinch – Best All-Round Birding App

The app I use most for identifying birds is Firefinch. This is a monthly or yearly subscription app, but it offers loads of value. It’s regularly updated, with new articles published often - many by Faansie Peacock. The plates are in Faansie’s style, so if you like his art, this app will be a winner. The photos are labelled to highlight key ID features, and the calls are excellent, with notes explaining what to listen for. Recently, detailed text on breeding biology was added, making it useful even for more advanced birders. Firefinch is a great app for both newer and experienced birders.

BirdPro South Africa – Best Bird Photography App

The app I probably open second most is BirdPro South Africa. Like Firefinch, it’s subscription-based. Where it shines is in the photos - it provides a wide range showing different plumages, morphs, and sexes. Under most of the photos, there are ID notes to guide you. The calls are excellent, and the inclusion of text from The Ultimate Companion is a big win. This is an award-winning app that I use regularly in the field, and it appeals to all levels of birders.

Sasol eBirds 5th Edition – Best Value for Money

Next is Sasol eBirds 5th Edition. This app offers the most “bang for your buck.” It’s a once-off purchase, not subscription-based, and has good plates, decent text, and easily accessible calls,  you can play them right from the main screen, which is quick and handy in the field. The photos are not as strong as Firefinch or BirdPro, but for the price, this is a fantastic all-rounder, especially for newer birders buying their first app.

Roberts Guide 2 – Best for Detailed Bird Information

For detailed information, I use Roberts Guide 2. This remains one of the most popular apps among experienced birders because of the in-depth text and high-quality plates. I also own the newer Roberts Birds app, but honestly, I find it less user-friendly and often go back to the older app. Many birders share this frustration. Roberts is subscription-based, and while it appeals more to experienced birders, most birders will eventually add it to their collection. I do feel that the new app will see improvements over time, as the team do seem committed to producing a great app.

Newman’s Birds – Best Birding App for Beginners

The Newman’s Birds app I don’t use as often, but that’s because of my current birding level. For newer birders, though, this is a great app. It uses Kenneth Newman’s simple methods to teach ID, has good-quality calls (many high qualities supplied by Doug Newman), and is straightforward to use. It’s also a once-off payment.

BirdScan – Companion App for Veld Birds of Southern Africa

Finally, the BirdScan app is a companion to Veld Birds of Southern Africa – The Complete Photographic Guide. While it has brilliant photos, I don’t think the app adds much value compared to the book, which is excellent.

There are also free apps, such as Merlin, but I’ll cover those in another article.

Summary: Best Birding Apps for South Africans

Best all-round app: Firefinch

Best photography app: BirdPro South Africa

Best “bang for your buck” app: Sasol eBirds 5th Edition

Best information app: Roberts

Best beginner app: Newman’s Birds

I’d love to hear your opinion - what’s the best birding app for you, and why?