Bird recognition is a fun and helpful feature that lets your camera automatically identify different types of birds. If it's not working as expected, don't worry—this guide will walk you through a few simple tips to help improve accuracy and get the most out of this feature.
Requirements for Bird Recognition to Work
Before troubleshooting, please make sure all of the following conditions are met, as each one is required for bird recognition to work properly:
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Your camera supports bird recognition
Please ensure you're using a camera model equipped with bird identification functionality. -
You've subscribed to the Awareness service
The feature requires an active subscription. To check your subscription status, open the app, tap "User" > "Awareness." There, you'll see the validity period and which cameras are covered. -
Motion detection is turned on, and bird activity is captured
Go to "Home" > "Camera Settings" > "Notification Settings" to check if motion detection is turned on. The camera needs to capture clear videos with visible bird activity for bird recognition to work properly. -
The "Bird Fans" notification option is turned on in the app
This setting is enabled by default, but if it has been turned off, please switch it back on to ensure bird recognition functions correctly. Simply tap "Home" > "Camera Settings" > "Notification Settings" to check.
If all the above conditions are met and bird recognition is still not working as expected, please refer to the troubleshooting steps below.
What Should I Do to Improve Bird Recognition
1. Ensure Clear and Unobstructed Images
Bird recognition relies on high-quality, detailed images. When the view is obstructed or the image is unclear, recognition may fail or produce inaccurate results. Below are some common causes and their solutions:
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Dirty Camera Lens
Cause: A smudged or dusty lens can blur details.
Solution: Clean the lens regularly with a soft, dry cloth. -
Obstructed View
Cause: Birds are hidden by leaves, branches, or other nearby objects.
Solution: Adjust the camera angle for an unobstructed line of sight. -
Poor Lighting Conditions
Cause: Low light, harsh shadows, or backlighting can affect image quality.
Solution: Place the camera in a well-lit area, avoiding direct backlight. -
Fast-Moving Birds
Cause: Quick movements may prevent the AI from capturing key features.
Solution: Modify device placement to encourage birds to perch longer. -
Weather Effects
Cause: Rain, fog, or mist can blur images.
Solution: Use a weatherproof cover to protect the camera. -
Distracting Backgrounds
Cause: Bright colors or clutter behind the bird can confuse the AI.
Solution: Choose a background with simple, neutral colors for better contrast.
2. Recognizing Similar-Looking Bird Species
Cause: Some birds look extremely similar, even to human observers. Minor differences in feather color or shape can confuse the algorithm.
Solution: Use the app's feedback feature to report misidentified birds. This will help improve AI accuracy over time.
3. Keep Your Camera and App Up-to-Date
Cause: Outdated firmware or app versions may lack the latest AI improvements, leading to missed or inaccurate bird recognition.
Solution: Check regularly for firmware or app updates to ensure you're using the latest version.
4. Help Improve the Bird Recognition Database
Cause: Bird identification relies on a growing database of bird species. If a bird isn't recognized, it may not yet be included.
Solution: Submit feedback via the app whenever a bird is misidentified or unrecognized. Your input helps us continuously improve the recognition system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will bird recognition still work without a subscription?
A: No. The bird recognition feature requires an active subscription. You can check your subscription status in the app under "User" > "Awareness."
Q2: Why can't I see the bird details when I tap "A bird detected"?
A: If there's a "" symbol next to "A bird detected," tap it to see the suggested species and learn more in the Bird Wiki. If not, the AI couldn't identify a match. Tap "Send Feedback" to help improve future accuracy.
Q3: What should I do if I see the "Bird Fans Plan" page?
A: If this page appears in the app, tap "Get For Free" to activate the service. We also recommend updating your app to the latest version, as this page may show up due to an older app version.