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 Roller

Coracias abyssinicus

The Abyssinian Roller is a striking, near-passerine bird known for its brilliant turquoise plumage and exceptionally long outer tail streamers. It is a common sight in the African Sahel, frequently observed perched on high vantage points to hunt for large insects.

What it sounds like

A series of harsh, grating 'gak' or 'krak' notes, often repeated rapidly during flight or when alarmed.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Romuald Mikusek · GambiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Adults possess two elongated outer rectrices that can extend up to 12 centimeters beyond the rest of the tail.
They perform a dramatic 'rolling' flight display during courtship or territorial defense, involving steep dives and fast rotations.
Unlike many other rollers, this species is frequently found near human settlements and often perches on telegraph wires.
Its diet is primarily insectivorous, but it is known to opportunistically take small rodents, lizards, and even small birds.
They are cavity nesters, typically utilizing holes in trees, termite mounds, or even old buildings to lay their eggs.

Habitat

Dry savanna, open acacia woodland, and agricultural areas with scattered trees.

Range

Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in a broad belt across the Sahel from Senegal to Ethiopia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Blue-bellied RollerCoracias cyanogaster European RollerCoracias garrulus Indian RollerCoracias benghalensis Indochinese RollerCoracias affinis Lilac-breasted RollerCoracias caudatus Purple RollerCoracias naevius Purple RollerCoracias naevius Purple-winged RollerCoracias temminckii

Heard a Abyssinian Roller?

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