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

Andean Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium jardinii

The Andean Pygmy-Owl is a tiny, diurnal raptor of the high-altitude cloud forests, known for its compact shape and fierce hunting behavior. It is frequently seen perched in the open during the day, unlike many other owl species.

What it sounds like

A long, rhythmic series of hollow, whistled 'toot' notes, typically delivered at a rate of two to three notes per second.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:49

Rec. David Monroy Rengifo · ColombiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Possesses two prominent black 'ocelli' or false eyes on the nape to deceive predators and songbirds attacking from behind.
Despite its small size, it is a powerful predator capable of killing birds significantly larger than itself.
Exhibits color polymorphism, appearing in distinct brown and rufous plumage variations.
It is primarily diurnal and crepuscular, meaning it is most active during daylight and twilight hours.
Unlike many owls, it lacks ear tufts, giving its head a smooth, rounded appearance characteristic of the Glaucidium genus.

Habitat

Humid montane forests, cloud forests, and elfin forests near the treeline.

Range

The Andes mountains of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Barred OwletGlaucidium capense Albertine OwletGlaucidium albertinum Amazonian Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium hardyi Asian Barred OwletGlaucidium cuculoides Austral Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium nana Central American Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium griseiceps Chestnut-backed OwletGlaucidium castanotum Cloud-forest Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium nubicola

Heard a Andean Pygmy-Owl?

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

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