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 Longclaw

Macronyx flavicollis

The Abyssinian Longclaw is a striking ground-dwelling bird endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, noted for its bright yellow throat and bold black collar.

What it sounds like

A series of clear, high-pitched whistles and a sharp, metallic 'chup' or 'tweee' note.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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

Field notes

It is a classic example of convergent evolution, closely resembling the unrelated North American meadowlarks in both plumage and behavior.
The 'longclaw' name refers to its unusually elongated hind claw, an adaptation for walking on uneven, tufted grassland.
It is endemic to Ethiopia, making it one of the country's most sought-after avian species for birdwatchers.
The species is currently classified as Near Threatened due to the increasing conversion of its native grassland habitat into agricultural land.
Unlike many other longclaw species, it thrives at high altitudes, ranging from 1,200 up to 3,000 meters above sea level.

Habitat

High-altitude montane grasslands, afro-alpine moorlands, and occasionally agricultural fringes.

Range

Ethiopian Highlands

Similar & commonly confused birds

Fülleborn's LongclawMacronyx fuelleborni Grimwood's LongclawMacronyx grimwoodi Orange-throated LongclawMacronyx capensis Pangani LongclawMacronyx aurantiigula Rosy-throated LongclawMacronyx ameliae Rosy-throated LongclawMacronyx ameliae Sharpe's LongclawMacronyx sharpei Yellow-throated LongclawMacronyx croceus

Heard a Abyssinian Longclaw?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

Identify a bird by its song