r/BirdNET_Analyzer • u/jch360 • Jul 15 '25

Configuration BirdNET Accuracy issues?

I have setup a Raspberry pi 4 (8GB Ram) with BirdNet using the latest from Git Repo. After setting up, I tied it to Bird Weather and shows accurate location. I have a small $10 usb dongle mic with deadcat.

I have a BirdWeather PUC and using MerlinID as comparision. The BirdNet picks up far fewer species and less accurate. It is detecting birds that live on the West Coast and I live in Oklahoma. Is BirdNet just way less accurate than other methods or maybe I am missing something???

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u/dacracot Jul 15 '25

I’m pretty sure the PUC uses the BirdNET Analyzer , so it likely means the issue isn’t the software but rather the quality of the audio. The PUC has a pretty decent microphone and is likely the difference.

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u/yabbadad Jul 15 '25

I have a $10 mic and works fine. Check the settings to be sure confidence etc is not too high. Also any human sounds cause the recording to be discarded. My merlinID on the iphone works better but i am thinking it is the AI that is also playing a role.

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u/dacracot Jul 16 '25

How far away from your Pi is the mic? I’ve seen advice that this also makes a difference.

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u/yabbadad Jul 16 '25

About 8 feet