Get Started Sound Recording
So you want to record bird sounds? Great! You don’t need fancy equipment to get started—your phone is perfectly capable of capturing quality recordings that contribute to science and conservation. Here’s everything you need to know.
If you have a standalone microphone & recording unit instead of a phone, check our tips for that type of sound recording here.
Before You Head Out
Download Your Recording Apps
The easiest sound recording option is Merlin Bird ID (free from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology). It’s already set up with the right technical settings, records in the correct format (.WAV), and makes it easy to share your recordings.
Download eBird Mobile so you can keep track of the birds you see, and so you can upload the sound recordings to have them count for the Big Year of African Sound.
Know Your Phone’s Microphone
Figure out which microphone your phone uses for recording and where it’s located. You’ll need to point it at the bird and keep it clear of obstructions.
In the Field: The Basics
1. Start an eBird checklist
When you start birding, start your eBird checklist, so you’ll have a place to upload the recording later to have it count as a part of the Big Year of African Sound.
2. Focus on one bird, then start recording
It’s important to focus on a single, target bird and not get distracted by the songs of other species. Determine the bird you want to record, point your microphone directly at that bird, and start recording. If there’s background noise (like traffic or wind), try to position yourself so the noise is behind you, so your body helps block it.
3. Get close to the bird
This is the single most important thing you can do. Cutting your distance in half doubles the bird’s volume compared to background noise. Move slowly and quietly so you don’t disturb your subject. If you think the bird will stop vocalizing or fly away, be sure to record it first from a distance before moving closer to get a clearer recording.
4. Stay completely still and quiet
Here’s the key thing to remember: your phone is designed to pick up loud sounds at close range—like your voice. The bird is soft and far away. If you talk, walk, or rustle your clothes while recording, the microphone will capture YOUR noise much better than the bird.
While recording:
- Don’t move
- Don’t talk
- Hold the phone gently or rest it on something stable
5. Record each sound for 30+ seconds
The longer you record, the more calls and songs you’ll capture, and the more valuable your recording becomes. Recording for 1–2 minutes or more is ideal. If you’re getting good audio, keep going!
6. Make a voice announcement
At the END of your recording, briefly describe what happened. This helps you (and others) remember the context later:
- Species name
- What the bird was doing (singing, calling, feeding, etc.)
- Where it was (perched, flying, in dense vegetation)
- Any other birds or noises in the background
- Date and location
Example: “African Paradise-Flycatcher, male, singing from exposed perch about 15 meters away, October 15th, Arusha National Park.”
Tips for Better Recordings
Record in the morning: Birds are most vocal at dawn, and there’s typically less human noise.
Be patient: If the bird moves closer or to a better position, it’s worth starting a new recording to capture better audio.
Get close to the bird: This is important enough to mention again. The closer you get, the better your recording will be.
After Recording
Submit your sounds to eBird and the Macaulay Library, and you’re a part of the Big Year of African Sound!
While optional, if you have access to a computer, you can do some basic editing before uploading, like trimming off handling noise at the ends of the recording and normalizing (boosting the volume) to -3 dB.
At present, the easiest way to upload your recordings to eBird is through an internet browser on your phone. Just open your checklist, click Add Media, then add the recordings under the correct species. Learn more about uploading over at our guidelines.