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 Dwarf Kingfisher

Ispidina lecontei

The African Dwarf Kingfisher is the world's smallest kingfisher, a shy inhabitant of dense equatorial rainforests known for its vibrant rufous and blue plumage.

What it sounds like

A very high-pitched, thin, and insect-like 'tsip' or 'seet' note, frequently uttered during its rapid flight.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Jonathan Onongo · UgandaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the smallest kingfisher species globally, typically measuring only 10 centimeters in length and weighing approximately 9 grams.
Despite being a kingfisher, it rarely consumes fish, instead specializing in terrestrial insects, larvae, and small frogs.
The species is distinguished from the similar African Pygmy Kingfisher by its deep rufous face and the absence of lilac or blue ear-coverts.
It is often considered crepuscular, exhibiting its highest levels of activity during the low-light periods of dawn and dusk.
Nesting pairs excavate tunnels roughly 20-30 centimeters long into earth banks or the root balls of fallen trees.

Habitat

Moist lowland primary rainforest and dense gallery forest, often near small streams or swampy depressions.

Range

West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone and Guinea eastward to western Uganda and south to northern Angola.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Pygmy KingfisherIspidina picta

Heard a African Dwarf Kingfisher?

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