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 Marsh Harrier

Circus ranivorus

The African Marsh Harrier is a medium-sized, wetland-specialist raptor and the only non-migratory harrier species found in sub-Saharan Africa.

What it sounds like

A high-pitched, whistled 'peee-peee-peee' during displays and a sharp 'kek-kek-kek' alarm call.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Lynette Rudman · South AfricaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Unlike many other harriers, this species lacks a conspicuous white rump patch.
It is primarily sedentary or locally nomadic, whereas most harriers are long-distance migrants.
Pairs perform elaborate 'sky-dancing' courtship displays involving steep dives and aerial somersaults.
It has an unusually varied diet for a harrier, including frogs, small mammals, birds, and even fish.
The species is highly dependent on permanent wetlands and is a key bioindicator for habitat health.

Habitat

Freshwater marshes, reedbeds, floodplains, and tall riparian grasslands.

Range

Eastern and Southern Africa, ranging from South Sudan and Ethiopia to South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black HarrierCircus maurus Cinereous HarrierCircus cinereus Eastern Marsh HarrierCircus spilonotus Hen HarrierCircus cyaneus Long-winged HarrierCircus buffoni Malagasy HarrierCircus macrosceles Montagu's HarrierCircus pygargus Northern HarrierCircus hudsonius

Heard a African Marsh Harrier?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

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