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

African Black Duck

Anas sparsa

A large, secretive river duck characterized by its dark plumage and prominent white barring on its back. It is uniquely adapted to fast-flowing, wooded watercourses throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

What it sounds like

A loud, harsh 'quack' from the female, similar to a Mallard but more rapid; the male produces a soft, thin whistle.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Nature sounds by Simply Birding · South AfricaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Unlike many waterfowl, this species is highly territorial and typically remains in pairs, aggressively defending specific stretches of river.
The distinctive white patches on its back provide effective camouflage by mimicking dappled sunlight on moving water.
It is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, often spending the brightest parts of the day hiding under overhanging riverbank vegetation.
It is one of the few duck species specifically adapted to fast-moving, rocky mountain streams rather than stagnant wetlands.
Despite being a 'dabbling duck,' it is a powerful swimmer capable of navigating heavy currents and small rapids.

Habitat

Fast-flowing perennial rivers and wooded streams, especially in montane or hilly terrain.

Range

Sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Ethiopia and Sudan southwards to the Western Cape of South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

American Black DuckAnas rubripes Andaman TealAnas albogularis Andean TealAnas andium Auckland Islands TealAnas aucklandica Bernier's TealAnas bernieri Brown TealAnas chlorotis Campbell Islands TealAnas nesiotis Cape TealAnas capensis

Heard a African Black Duck?

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