Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab 4.2: what changed
The latest build focuses on identifying a bird from a photo: add the location and submit the picture without cropping it first. It also includes bug fixes and behind-the-scenes improvements.
What changed
- 01Submit photos without cropping first
Merlin’s 4.2 notes describe a simpler photo-identification process. Choose a picture, add its location, and submit the full image; there is no need to crop it beforehand. That can make the process easier when the bird is already in a photo and you want Merlin to help identify it.
- 02Add a location with your picture
The photo workflow pairs your picture with a location before Merlin handles the identification. Location gives useful context when you are trying to work out which bird appears in an image. The app also offers other ways to identify birds, including answering questions or recording a bird’s song.
- 03Bug fixes and improvements
The release notes list bug fixes and behind-the-scenes improvements as part of this build. Those general maintenance changes accompany the more visible photo workflow adjustment: submit a picture without cropping, add its location, and let Merlin handle the rest of the identification process.
- Version
- 4.2
- On Google Play
- Oct 13, 2026
- Rollout
- Rolling out via Google Play
- Developer
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Should you update now?
It is worth installing this build now: photo identification accepts a whole picture with a location, so you can skip cropping before asking Merlin for help. The release also includes bug fixes and behind-the-scenes improvements. Google Play lists no changes here involving permissions, accounts, payments, or data.
Get the update
Open Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab in Google PlayOfficial listing by Cornell Lab of Ornithology
On the listing, Update means this build is waiting for your phone; Open means you already have it or a newer one.
Worth knowing
Photo identification in this build lets you submit a whole picture and add its location, rather than cropping the image first. Merlin also offers question-based identification, song recording, and regional bird exploration; its bird packs include photos, songs, calls, and identification help for many regions. The app is free, and Google Play notes that installing an app update keeps your mail or data and settings.
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