The header image shows a participant photographing wildflowers in a field – a typical scene from a modern Citizen Science App project. Such applications by Sunbird Images empower people to contribute valuable biodiversity data and support real conservation work. A leading example is the NABU Vogelwelt App – Germany’s most popular birdwatching app, developed by Sunbird Images.
Category
Citizen Science
Sunbird Images has longstanding experience in developing and managing Citizen Science Apps through commissioned iOS and Android projects. In collaboration with NABU (Naturschutzbund), the German BirdLife partner, Sunbird Images supports annual nationwide biodiversity campaigns such as the “Garden Bird Count” and the “Insect Count”, both powered by our customized Citizen Science Apps. A combined total of more than 200,000 participants contribute each year to improving the understanding of species abundance and distribution of the most common garden birds and insects.
Both apps have been continuously marketed since 2018 and have now exceeded one million downloads. Get in touch with us if you plan to launch your own Citizen Science project supported by robust mobile applications. Benefit from our expertise in creating tailor-made apps that perfectly match your needs — including outstanding UI & UX (User Interface & User Experience) design — and from our extensive experience in achieving top App Store rankings through ASO (App Store Optimization).
Read more about our NABU Vogelwelt App example, which continues to support NABU’s Citizen Science bird count and remains one of Germany’s most successful nature observation apps.
The “NABU Vogelwelt” App – Germany’s No. 1 Bird Identification App and a Flagship for Citizen Science
Twice a year, a nationwide Citizen Science project on bird counting takes place across Germany.
NABU, together with the Nature Conservation Youth (NAJU), invites people to spend one hour observing, counting,
and reporting birds during the nationwide campaigns “Stunde der Wintervögel” (Hour of Winter Birds)
and “Stunde der Gartenvögel” (Hour of Garden Birds).
With the NABU Vogelwelt App, everyone can easily learn about and identify all bird species that regularly occur in Germany.
This intuitive and beautifully designed mobile application turns every user into an active participant in nature conservation.
As one of Sunbird Images’ most successful Citizen Science Apps, NABU Vogelwelt helps transform everyday birdwatching
into valuable biodiversity data that supports real scientific understanding.
The app has been downloaded more than one million times and continues to inspire thousands of people to engage
with local wildlife and contribute to nature protection efforts.
It stands as a prime example of how Citizen Science Apps can unite technology, education, and conservation in one seamless experience.
NABU – Partner in Nature Conservation and Citizen Science
The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) is the oldest and, with more than 770,000 members and supporters, the largest environmental association in Germany.
NABU’s main objectives are the preservation of habitats and biodiversity, the promotion of sustainability in agriculture, forestry, and water management, as well as raising public awareness for the importance of nature conservation.
NABU volunteers actively protect species and habitats on-site and are sought-after advisors for all questions related to nature and environmental protection.
Project
Building Germany’s Best Bird App
for NABU Deutschland
NABU already had a bird identification app, but it was outdated both in terms of technology and content — and it did not support active bird counting.
To reach a broader audience, especially younger users, NABU envisioned a complete redesign: a modern, intuitive app that would engage more people in birdwatching and Citizen Science.
The goal was clear — to create Germany’s best bird app that meets the needs of both amateurs and professionals alike.
The new NABU Vogelwelt App replaces the former version, adding over 80 additional bird species and a wealth of innovative new features.
Meeting the Needs of Different Users
The NABU Vogelwelt App was released as a freemium model. The fully functional free version already includes detailed information on all 308 bird species, featuring over 1,400 high-quality images arranged in beautifully designed identification tables, as well as a beginner mode that focuses on the 100 most common species.
Each species has its own dedicated profile with unique “destination boards” — these are the app’s visual highlight, showing cut-out photos that rival the best bird illustrations while revealing even more detail.
Key identification marks are highlighted directly on the boards, and each profile includes European distribution maps, an advanced search, and a powerful identification feature.
A practical comparison mode and similar-species suggestions ensure reliable and intuitive bird identification for both beginners and professionals.
Contributing to NABU’s Bird Count Campaigns
Users can create individual observation lists and export them both for their own use and for participation in NABU’s nationwide bird-counting campaigns “Stunde der Wintervögel” and “Stunde der Gartenvögel.”
These annual events in January and May invite all nature enthusiasts to take part, helping identify population trends of common bird species and support future conservation measures.
Unlocking Even More with Premium Features
The free basic version of the NABU Vogelwelt App already includes detailed information on 315 bird species, featuring over 1,400 high-quality photos, comprehensive species profiles, European distribution maps, and various display modes such as taxonomic, alphabetical, and beginner views.
Users can also create and export observation lists, search by species, and compare up to eight birds directly on their smartphone or up to sixteen on a tablet.
Additional premium content is available through optional subscriptions. These include a bird-song package with more than 1,000 calls and drumming sounds, as well as the All-in-One subscription that offers full access to advanced features such as 3D and AR elements, egg photos, distribution maps for Germany, videos, and automatic sound and image recognition.
There is also an optional “Rarities Package” covering rare visitor species in Germany.
A portion of the subscription proceeds supports NABU’s ongoing work in nature and bird conservation.
The Free Basic Version Includes:
- Detailed information on 315 bird species
- 1,400 high-quality photos across beautifully designed identification tables
- Comprehensive species profiles including appearance, identification tips, potential confusion species, ecology, song, eggs, behavior, frequency, and population trends
- European distribution maps for each species
- Option to display only the 100 most common birds — perfect for beginners
- Gallery view grouping similar bird species visually
- Taxonomic group view following the official IOC family classification
- A–Z list view displaying all birds alphabetically
- Option to show species names in 20 different languages
- Fast search function for quick identification
- Intuitive identification tool with similar species suggestions
- Comparison mode for directly viewing images, distribution maps, eggs, and bird calls — up to 8 species on iPhone and 16 on iPad
- Automatic location detection and GPS-based observation logging
- Ability to create personal observation lists
- Export function for sharing or submitting bird lists
PREMIUM
Subscriptions Include:
Birdcalls with 1000 songs, calls or the drumming of woodpeckers from all 308 bird species
Egg photos for all species, supporting advanced identification
High-quality videos showing typical bird behavior in their natural habitats
3D and Augmented Reality (AR) features for an interactive learning experience
Distribution maps specifically for Germany with detailed occurrence data
Automatic sound and image recognition for quick and accurate species identification
Access to the “Rarities Package,” featuring rare visitor species in Germany
Regular updates and additional content releases
Every subscription helps NABU protect Germany’s native birdlife and preserve vital habitats for future generations.
Try the NABU Vogelwelt App Yourself
Experience Germany’s most popular Citizen Science App for bird identification and join thousands of users contributing to nature conservation.
Download the NABU Vogelwelt App now and take part in NABU’s nationwide “Stunde der Gartenvögel” bird count to help monitor and protect native bird species across the country.
Available for free on both iOS and Android:
