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-headed Oriole

Oriolus larvatus

A striking arboreal songbird characterized by its brilliant yellow plumage, jet-black head, and contrasting coral-pink bill.

What it sounds like

A series of rich, liquid, flute-like whistles often transcribed as 'fee-yee-ooo' or 'whiouu'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 2:33

Rec. Marna Buys · South AfricaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is primarily insectivorous, often specializing in consuming hairy caterpillars that other birds avoid.
The nest is a sophisticated, deep cup made of lichen and bark, suspended like a hammock between horizontal twigs.
Unlike the solid black hood of adults, juveniles feature a duller, streaked olive-yellow head.
It is highly territorial during the breeding season and will aggressively drive away much larger raptors.
While mostly solitary or found in pairs, it frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in woodland canopies.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodlands, acacia savannas, riverine forests, and mature suburban gardens.

Range

Widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa north to Ethiopia and west to Angola.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Golden OrioleOriolus auratus Black OrioleOriolus hosii Black-and-crimson OrioleOriolus consanguineus Black-hooded OrioleOriolus xanthornus Black-naped OrioleOriolus chinensis Black-tailed OrioleOriolus percivali Black-winged OrioleOriolus nigripennis Brown OrioleOriolus szalayi

Heard a African Black-headed Oriole?

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