The app, designed by Adelaide based technology company Planticle who have previously developed apps to track playgrounds and outdoor walking paths, will provide a picture of bird populations across the country.

Featuring 400 different bird species and allowing users to participate in the first-ever Aussie Backyard Bird Count, the Aussie Bird Count app will help Australians count more than 100,000 birds during the week.

For one week in October, as part of National Bird Week, thousands of people will get to know their local birds.

It only takes 20 minutes in your backyard, neighbourhood park, or favourite green patch to be a part of this exciting event.

Available for iPhone and android devices, the smart phone app includes a national sightings map to see which birds have been spotted where and key statistics to keep Aussie bird lovers up to date with the latest data collected throughout the count.

Another unique feature is the 20-minute countdown, which requires backyard counters to gather data for a set time period and find the birds they see around them.

It’s simple to use. Just sign-up with your name and email address, select your location on the map, and start counting.

If you need help identifying birds, use the handy built-in field guide which provides details on each of the species.

The field guide holds just under 400 Australian bird species. Bird lovers can continue using the app long after the bird count has finished with the field guide remaining useful year round to learn more about your feathered friends.

The app can be downloaded from www.aussiebirdcount.org.au.