How accurate is Birdsong's bird identifier?

It runs Google's Perch, a research-grade acoustic model covering nearly 15,000 species. When a call is ambiguous, we say so honestly and let you record a second clip to confirm, rather than guessing.

Is my recording stored?

No. Your audio is used to identify the bird in the moment and isn't saved to our servers. The birds you confirm are kept as cards in your own field journal; the recordings themselves are not.

Is the bird identifier free?

Yes — identify birds every day for free, no account required. Birdsong Pro ($3.99/mo or $39.99/yr) unlocks unlimited IDs, full field guides, your growing collection, and shareable Field Report cards.

Do I need an account or internet to identify a bird?

You'll need a connection to identify, since the AI runs in the cloud. No account is needed to try it — sign in with Google or email to save your field journal and sync it across devices.

Birdsong field guide

Abyssinian Catbird

Sylvia galinieri

The Abyssinian Catbird is a unique, slate-grey endemic warbler of the Ethiopian Highlands known for its exceptional duetting and cat-like vocalizations.

What it sounds like

A loud, melodic, flute-like series of whistles performed in synchronization, punctuated by a characteristic cat-like 'mew' when agitated.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Hans Matheve · EthiopiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Despite its common name, genetic analysis placed it in the genus Sylvia, making it a close relative of the Eurasian Blackcap.
It is famous for complex antiphonal duetting, where the male and female alternate notes so rapidly they sound like a single bird.
The species was previously the sole member of the monotypic genus Parophasma before taxonomic revision.
Its 'catbird' name stems from its distinctive, harsh alarm call that closely resembles the mewing of a domestic cat.
It is a high-altitude specialist, rarely found below 1,900 meters and ranging up to 3,600 meters in the afro-alpine zone.

Habitat

Dense undergrowth of montane forests, specifically Juniper-Hagenia woodlands and bamboo thickets.

Range

Endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Hill BabblerSylvia abyssinica Bush BlackcapSylvia nigricapillus Dohrn's Thrush-BabblerSylvia dohrni Eurasian BlackcapSylvia atricapilla Garden WarblerSylvia borin Rwenzori Hill BabblerSylvia atriceps

Heard a Abyssinian Catbird?

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Identify a bird by its song