O Seek by iNaturalist It's an app that helps you recognize birds from images, as well as identify plants, insects, and other animals. With it, you can use your phone's camera to discover more about a bird found in your garden, park, or during a trip. Available for Android and iPhone, it's a free alternative for those who want to explore nature. You can download the following application. and begin to identify their first species.
Seek, from iNaturalist
What is Seek by iNaturalist?
Seek is an image recognition tool developed by the iNaturalist team. Its technology is based on observations of living beings identified by the platform's community.
When analyzing an image of a bird, the application attempts to recognize the animal and provide an identification. Depending on the visible details, it may arrive at the species name or indicate only a broader group.
This means that not every photograph will have an exact answer. Still, the app offers a starting point for discovering a bird's name and learning about the surrounding biodiversity.
Main features of the application
The highlight of Seek is the Real-time camera identification. You point your phone at the animal and follow the recognition on the screen. It's also possible to analyze a photograph from the gallery, which is useful when the bird appears briefly and you prefer to investigate later.
The app offers information about recognized organisms, personal records of discoveries, and suggestions of species found in the region.
Another distinguishing feature is the virtual challenges and medals. These resources encourage the observation of different living beings and make the experience interesting for families, students, and people who are beginning to learn about nature. Creating an account is not required to use the application in its basic experience.
How to recognize birds from a photo
To begin, install Seek and choose an image where the bird is clearly visible. Then, follow these steps:
- Open the app: Follow the initial instructions and authorize access to the camera when requested.
- Access the Seek camera: Use this area to observe a bird or look for the option to select a photograph.
- Choose the image: Allow access to the necessary photos and select the record you wish to analyze.
- Observe the framing: Choose a photograph that features only one bird, highlighting its characteristics.
- Please wait for the analysis: Check to what extent the app was able to identify the animal.
- Compare the result: Check if the identification details match the bird in the photograph.
The names and positions of the controls may vary between versions. If the analysis is limited to a generic group, try a different photograph with better lighting or angle.
Is it available for Android and iPhone?
Yes. The Seek by iNaturalist is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.. To find the correct app, check the full name and developer: iNaturalist.
The download is free. Before installing, check the system requirements listed in your device's app store, as compatibility may change with updates.
Seek, from iNaturalist
Advantages and disadvantages
One advantage is bringing together different types of identification in a single app. Besides birds, you can explore plants and other animals found on the same walk. The educational aspect and challenges also help maintain interest.
The main limitation is that recognition doesn't always pinpoint the species. Small birds in the image, partially hidden or with a similar appearance, can hinder the result. Therefore, automatic identification should be used as a support, without assuming that every answer is correct.
Tips for achieving better results
Take photos in good lighting and keep your phone steady. Try to capture details such as the shape of the beak, the colors of the feathers, the head, and the tail.
Avoid filters that alter colors and excessive digital enlargements. If possible, take several shots and choose the sharpest one. Moderate cropping can help highlight the bird, as long as it preserves important details.
Maintain a respectful distance and do not approach nests to take a photograph.
Overall assessment: Is it worth using?
Seek is worth trying for anyone looking for a free and educational tool. Store reviews praise the discovery of species, but also report difficulties in obtaining specific identifications. This shows that the experience varies depending on the image and organism being analyzed.
To identify birds from photos, it works best as a first step: it suggests an identification and sparks curiosity to continue researching.