# Bird Journal

> Record, explore and share your bird & wildlife observations on phone and tablet.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.bluebird.birdjournal](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.bluebird.birdjournal)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.bluebird.birdjournal`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Bluebird Technology
- **Category:** LIFESTYLE
- **Downloads:** 21,170
- **Rating:** 3.81 / 5 (156 ratings)
- **Version:** 5.59.51
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-07
- **First published:** 2014-10-17
- **Publisher country:** GB
- **Size:** 20 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bluebird.birdjournal)
- **Website:** [https://www.birdjournal.com](https://www.birdjournal.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.birdjournal.com/privacy-policy](https://www.birdjournal.com/privacy-policy)

## Description

**Bird Journal** is a native Android app for recording, exploring, and sharing bird and wildlife observations on phones and tablets. Log species, photos, habitats, locations, and more using customizable data entry, extensive checklists, and taxonomies covering over 100,000 species and subspecies.

Search and review observations with species lists, reports, graphs, maps, and a photo gallery. Import and export records, create custom checklists, share observations, and contribute through eBird and BirdTrack integrations. Cloud storage keeps your records available across supported devices, while direct imports help you get started quickly. Some advanced features require Bird Journal Premium.

## Rankings

- #424,833 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.bluebird.birdjournal.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

Bird Journal is valued for its extensive species coverage, cross-device synchronization, and detailed recording capabilities, making it popular among birdwatchers. However, users frequently complain about app instability with crashes, a difficult and manual location entry process, and a non-intuitive interface that lacks helpful guidance. While versatile and comprehensive, the login requirement and premium costs also detract from the experience. Overall, users appreciate its depth once accustomed but desire better usability and stability improvements.

### Pros

- Supports recording a wide range of species including birds, reptiles, insects, plants, and mammals.
- Synchs data across devices, including desktop and mobile platforms.
- Offers comprehensive global species lists and taxonomies, making it versatile worldwide.
- Has flexible and intuitive interface once learned, suitable for detailed record keeping and birdwatching columns.
- The desktop app complements the mobile app with additional powerful features.

### Cons

- App instability and frequent crashes reported on various devices.
- Location input is cumbersome and non-intuitive; users cannot easily search or select locations and must scroll through long lists.
- Account creation and login requirements are seen as inconvenient; some users are concerned about data tracking.
- The user interface has a learning curve and lacks helpful instructions or a clear help section for new users.
- Premium version is expensive and not justifiable for users who rarely use desktops.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Bird List: Birding Journal](https://chrome-stats.com/d/net.simioni.bird_list) — 64 users
- [BirdTrack](https://chrome-stats.com/d/org.bto.btapp) — 41,495 users, 2.75 / 5
- [Wildlog: Bird & Wildlife Log](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.saltyseagullsoft.wildlog) — 384 users
- [eBird by Cornell Lab](https://chrome-stats.com/d/edu.cornell.birds.ebird) — 1,463,722 users, 3.85 / 5
- [SmartBirds Pro](https://chrome-stats.com/d/org.bspb.smartbirds.pro) — 5,854 users
- [Bird Song Diary](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.birdsongdiary.aviannotes) — 1 users
- [Birder's Diary](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.birdersdiary.mobile) — 3,632 users, 4.33 / 5
- [Birdero: Birdwatching, Bird ID](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.apex.community.birdbrain.birdbrain) — 157 users
- [Birdwatching Logs lite](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.toverman.android.birdobs.lite) — 56 users
- [MiBird](https://chrome-stats.com/d/za.co.birdingsouthafrica.birdz) — 755 users
- [Birdwatching Observation Logs](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.toverman.android.birdobs.full) — 33 users
- [BirdLog](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ngoctd.bird_log) — 25 users

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.bluebird.birdjournal)