Exploring Taxonomy and Identification Apps

Picture Bird

Screenshot from App Store, Picture Bird, Version 2.12.24, Accessed July 12, 2024.

Picture Bird is an advanced bird identification app that employs deep learning technology to accurately identify over 10,000 bird species from photos or sounds. It provides extensive details such as diet, nesting behaviors, range maps, and beyond. The app includes a user-friendly birding camera for effortless bird photography, offers feeding tips tailored to specific bird types to attract them, and allows users to save and share observations.

Looking ahead, potential updates may introduce features like video identification and the capability to upload multiple pictures simultaneously, enhancing the app's ability to identify birds with precision and convenience. Whether you're a bird enthusiast, nature lover, or educator, Picture Bird offers a comprehensive toolset for exploring and learning about avian species.

Picture Nature

Screenshot from App Store, Picture Nature, Version 2.2.1, Accessed July 12, 2024.

Picture Nature is an app that provides identification and in-depth information on over 40,000 species, ranging from reptiles and mammals to fish, rock, and more. Similar to Picture Bird but encompassing a broader spectrum of species, Picture Nature allows you to snap a photo or describe what you see to instantly access comprehensive details about each species.

While it may not be entirely reliable for all species and also when uploading low quality pictures or from certain angles, you can still explore species habitats, behaviors, conservation status, and beyond, and participate as a citizen scientist by documenting wildlife encounters and contributing to research and conservation efforts. Additionally, it offers opportunities to discover biodiversity in your local environment, along with engaging insights, fun facts, and anecdotes about the natural world around us.

PlantIn

Screenshot from App Store, PlantIn, Version 4.32.0, Accessed July 12, 2024.

PlantIn is a plant and mushroom identification app tailored for both individuals caring for trees and plants and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers detailed care plans to help users identify plants, manage watering schedules for trees, and troubleshoot common issues such as leaf browning on flowers. It also offers instructions for a variety of plant species, encompassing, fertilization, lighting, and more. Additionally, users can seek personalized gardening advice and tips. I've personally found it provides accurate information and recognition, making it a reliable source for plant enthusiasts and nature explorers.

Personal Experience: Having recently moved to Blacksburg, I've been exploring the area by taking long walks, and enjoying capturing photos of the beautiful species, especially birds here. Using these apps has been invaluable for me to learn more about the local wildlife and record the species I encounter along the way. Before sharing my observations in iNaturalist, I always cross-reference the species identification to ensure precision and reliability.

You can see my observations on iNaturalist here, and I would be happy to see yours as well.

Note: These apps are also available for Android users, and you can find them in Picture Bird, Picture Nature, and PlantIn.