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 Desert Warbler

Curruca deserti

The African Desert Warbler is a small, pale passerine perfectly adapted for camouflage in the arid landscapes of North Africa.

What it sounds like

A dry, rattling 'trrrr' or 'churr' call, and a short, high-pitched warbling song with clear, liquid notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Azens · MoroccoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Formerly considered conspecific with the Asian Desert Warbler, it is now recognized as a distinct species based on genetic and vocal differences.
Exhibits a striking bright yellow iris that contrasts sharply with its uniform sandy-buff plumage.
Unlike many arboreal warblers, it frequently forages on the ground, running between sparse vegetation like a small rodent.
It is primarily a sedentary species or a short-distance migrant, remaining within the Saharan region year-round.
Its pale coloration is a classic example of Gloger's Rule, where populations in arid environments evolve lighter pigmentation for thermoregulation and camouflage.

Habitat

Stony or sandy deserts with sparse low scrub, perennial grasses, and isolated bushes.

Range

North Africa, from Western Sahara and Morocco eastward through Algeria to western Libya.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Arabian WarblerCurruca leucomelaena Asian Desert WarblerCurruca nana Balearic WarblerCurruca balearica Banded ParisomaCurruca boehmi Barred WarblerCurruca nisoria Brown ParisomaCurruca lugens Chestnut-vented WarblerCurruca subcoerulea Cyprus WarblerCurruca melanothorax

Heard a African Desert Warbler?

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