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 Wood-Owl

Strix woodfordii

A medium-sized, nocturnal owl lacking ear tufts, characterized by its rounded head, dark eyes, and bold white barring on its underparts.

What it sounds like

A rhythmic series of clear, fluty hoots often phrased as 'WHOO-hu, hu-hu-hu-hu', resembling the question 'Who are you?'

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Bernard BOUSQUET · UgandaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the only member of the genus Strix found in sub-Saharan Africa.
The species occurs in multiple color morphs, ranging from pale rufous to deep chocolate brown.
Pairs are highly territorial and monogamous, frequently engaging in synchronized vocal duets.
Its diet is generalist, encompassing large insects, small mammals, reptiles, and occasionally other birds.
Unlike many owls, it has a strictly nocturnal lifestyle and spends daylight hours hidden in dense canopy foliage.

Habitat

Primary and secondary forests, dense woodlands, riverine thickets, and mature suburban gardens.

Range

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Barred OwlStrix varia Black-and-white OwlStrix nigrolineata Black-banded OwlStrix huhula Brown Wood-OwlStrix leptogrammica Chaco OwlStrix chacoensis Cinereous OwlStrix sartorii Desert OwlStrix hadorami Fulvous OwlStrix fulvescens

Heard a African Wood-Owl?

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