Raptor ID

HawkWatch International

About this app

The first raptor identification app designed for mobile devices, "HawkWatch International's Identification Guide to Raptors" puts expert hawk identification content in the palm of your hand. In this guide to North America's 34 species of diurnal raptors, you'll find nearly 1000 annotated photos, and cutting edge identification video for each species, geared toward helping you identify raptors in flight. If you're just getting started with birding, this app covers the basics; if you're already an expert hawk watcher, this app covers all the variation that can lead to identification confusion, even among the most seasoned birders.

• Developed by HawkWatch International in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Comprehensive identification content created by Jerry Liguori and Brian Sullivan
• ~1000 annotated photos covering plumage, age/sex, and geographic variation

• Cutting edge ID-focused video showing each species in flight, from multiple angles, and behaviors,
including voice-over ID tips from Jerry Liguori

• Range maps with links to interactive seasonal eBird maps
• Vocalizations for each species
• 'Ask the authors' raptor ID question forum

Ratings and reviews

Its free and worth checking out. If you use the Merlin app, this has a similar feel but is focused on a list of hawks. One thing very useful is that the app shows different morphs of hawk species as they can look a bit different by region. There is also distinctions made between the appearance of different life stages of hawks with photos. (1st yr, adult, etc.). Range maps provided and some info.

I cannot compare a bird in flight with my photo of the raptor perched on a tree branch and its location and region.

Functions, contains detailed information and media on NA raptors, free. Couldn't ask for more.

What’s new

Featuring an updated and optimized design for newer operating systems and devices.