Bird Songs of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Following on from the renowned CD collection and the two-disc MP3, this reference work is now available as an app. It is essentially the same material as before but as apps go, and the convenience and functionality that they offer, then this really is a cut above other sound recordings that are currently out there in terms of the species featured and the songs and variety of calls covered.

All 801 European species can be browsed by either taxonomic order (with thumbnail photos), alphabetical order, or by selecting large photos in family order. There is also a quick search box facility too. All sounds display a spectrogram and track information - which really helps to visualise vocalisations. Another nice feature is that other tracks of song or calls are also listed as subtracks under the main spectrogram and can be played instantly by tapping the title bar. Extra functionality includes a summary and description of the species, Wikipedia links, and sighting facility to log your birds, complete with Google mapping if your device is location enabled but these are a bit surplus to requirement!

The big issue with this app, wonderful though it is, has to be the price tag. At £54.99 it has to be one of the most extensive apps on the market! Will it sell? Only time will tell.

Book reviewed by Jeff Baker